Page 64 of Auctioned to the Cowboys

I stand, glancing to the back entrance and spotting Clint and Jesse strolling in just in time. I pick up my guitar case from the floor and make the short journey to the raised platform in the corner where Don is currently standing. There’s a stool and a microphone set up that we sound-checked earlier. I get myself established, trying to breathe evenly to calm my racing heart. My dad’s voice slices through my mind. You’re nothing. You’re no one. No one will want to listen to you.

I didn’t tell Taylor how his words still have a hold over me, but she knows what kind of man he was, a clone of her father in so many ways. She gets that words can wound and leave long-lasting scars that are more damaging than physical ones. I think that’s part of why she wants me to play, so that I can hear other voices when I think about my music and, one day, only care about my own.

I stare out into the audience, finding Taylor gazing at me with the softest expression. She forms her hands into a heart shape that’s so damned sweet, I just want to drop my guitar onto the ground, grab my girl and ride off into the sunset. She whoops, and Jesse claps so loudly that the rest of the bar stops talking and focuses on me.

Shit.

This is really happening.

I was going to go with a song that everyone would know first, but now I’m in the spotlight, it doesn’t feel right. I wrote something of my own, something for Taylor, that I’ve been saving. Somehow, it feels like the only thing I can get through, with my nerves buzzing like a hive.

I start strumming the intro, and Taylor leans forward with her elbows on the table, resting her face in the cradle of her hands. When I start to sing, I don’t look at anyone else. Only my girl. Only the one woman who’s ever made me feel like love is possible for me to bear without breaking. My voice carries the words strongly and resonantly.

In the dust and the heat, I rode alone,

With a heart weighing heavy as a stone

Lost in the wilderness, no direction to roam,

Till you came and turned my darkness to dawn.

You’re the light in my sky, the stars in my night,

With you by my side, everything’s right.

In your arms, I’ve found my home,

You’ve seen the scars that I carry inside,

The battles I’ve fought, the tears I’ve denied.

But you believed I was brave,

You stood by me, helped me find a way.

You’re the light in my sky, the stars in my night,

With you by my side, everything’s right.

In your arms, I’ve found my home,

You’ve made this cowboy feel like he’s never alone.

You’ve shown me a heaven I never knew,

A love that’s pure, strong, and true.

With you, I believe in dreams once lost,

Together, we’ll build our future, no matter the cost.

You’re the light in my sky, the stars in my night,

With you by my side, everything’s right.

In your arms, I’ve found my home,

You’ve made this cowboy feel like he’s never alone.

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