Page 23 of Cord

“But it can’t lead anywhere,” I tell him, frustrated that he’s not seeing that. The only thing that making out without going all the way will do is annoy both of us.

“I’m okay with that.”

“Why?”

“I want our marriage to last forever. And there will be times when, for one reason or another, we don’t have sex. Maybe illness or childbirth or any number of things, but what I hope is underneath all of that, the foundation of our relationship, is two friends that really enjoy kissing each other.”

Tears prick my eyes unexpectedly. “It’s not that I don’t trust you or believe in the future you’re painting. It’s just that at some point, I stopped trusting me.”

His fingers trace up and down my spine, soothing me and arousing me, sending sparks throughout my body. “Take your time. I’m going to be right here.”

I frown as I sniff the air. “What’s burning?”

Chapter 11

Mira

“That’s not a fire. It’s just the smell of dinner. We usually cook it over an open flame here.”

My stomach growls at the mention of food, and he grins. ““Come on. Let’s get you fed.”

He helps me down from the tractor. We walk hand in hand to the food area, and I like the way it feels to have him touching me. I want to reach for this thing between us. But what if I choose wrong again? What if there’s something hidden about Cord that I’m just not seeing?

At the fire pit, there are mainly men standing around including a silver-haired fox who’s currently flipping burgers. He’s attractive but not nearly like Cord is. Cord is the handsomest guy I’ve ever met, and it’s more than just how he looks. It’s how he cares for me.

There’s one woman sitting in a chair next to a bearded cowboy. She lights up when she sees me and waves.

I recognize her as Lauren from the website and social media videos. She’s the one who coordinated the entire fundraiser. She did it to save her aunt’s retirement home, so the seniors in Courage County would have a place to live.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Lauren says as soon as she sees me. “I got so excited when Cord said he was bringing you by.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you in person,” I tell her, meaning it. I love being in a small town where a stranger greets me with the words, I’m glad you’re here.

She gestures for me to take the camping chair next to her, and I plop in it gratefully.

I’m exhausted from being on my feet all day. While I loved being out in the sunshine and working outdoors, I don’t know how Cord manages to do it. He must have some kind of stamina that allows him to work logging all week, then come on weekends to the farm and keep up with chores here.

He explained that both are twenty-four-seven activities that require continuous monitoring because Mother Nature is unpredictable.

“Have you met the veterans?” She points to the silver-haired fox turning burgers. “That’s Ridge. He’s the oldest one here. Then beside him, there’s Bronco. He’s my man.” She points across the fire. “That’s Kane and beside him is Flint.”

They both tip their hats to me, then go back to drinking their beers and discussing something. I can’t hear what it is from this distance, but it sounds like they’re arguing about which superhero could win in a fight against a feral bear.

“Ignore them. They’re always arguing about something,” Lauren says.

I stare at Flint for a moment too long. I recognize him from the website. He’s the one that I bought for Ronnie’s birthday. He has an easygoing demeanor, and I hope that he brings some joy to Ronnie’s life. She could use something good.

“Vale isn’t here today. He’s my brother. He was missing in action and presumed dead for years. The men on the ranch mounted search and rescue missions until they were able to bring him home. I still don’t know how they did it. They put so much time and money and energy into searching, then one day against all odds, he’s coming home.” She sniffs, and I can tell it’s still a sensitive topic for her.

“How is he now?” I ask, my heart twisting. Vale’s story could so easily be Cord’s story. What if he were the one missing in action? What if I never got to meet my big, strong cowboy?

“He’s sad,” Lauren answers, oblivious to my thoughts about Cord. “I think maybe he lost someone he loved along the way.”

“I can’t imagine how difficult that must be.” I try but I can’t spend too much time thinking about what my life would look like if Cord weren’t part of it or I’ll burst into tears.

Bronco brings us burgers, and I don’t miss the casual wink he sends her way. She blushes, giggling like a young girl before turning back to me. “Sorry. I didn’t mean for the discussion to get heavy. Cord said that you guys got married.”

“Married life is the best,” I tell her thinking of our tractor ride and how it quickly turned into a makeout session The truth is, I want a thousand more days with Cord that are just like today. But will we get that chance? What if he gets tired of waiting for me to find my way back to him?