Page 123 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

“Me!”

Travis frowned. “For one thing, you’re here. And for another…” He glanced over at Shelly. “I’m hopeful.”

Trip shook his head. “Not going to happen, bud.”

Travis laughed. “I’m not buying it. I know you’ve given me all your reasons, but I still see the way that you look at her. And you have to know that she looks at you the same way.”

Trip shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve told you before – she’ll be moving on soon enough.”

“So, you should make your move before she does. If nothing else, get her up and dancing after dinner.” Travis winked at him. “You never know where dancing might lead.”

Retta turned and raised her eyebrows at him. “Are you talking about dancing?”

“I am.”

“Well then, I hope you’ll remember your own words later, when I ask you to let me out of this damn chair for a dance.”

He had to laugh. “I already told you, darlin’. That’s why you’re in the chair – I’m saving you for later.”

~ ~ ~

Retta enjoyed every moment of the evening. She loved chatting with the other women. She loved the way that Travis introduced her to the many people who stopped by the table. She hadn’t thought about it before, but it seemed that he and his whole group of friends were seen as something special in the community. It might not have occurred to her, but it shouldn’tsurprise her – they’d served their country as Navy SEALs. They were all heroes in their own right.

One of the things she enjoyed the most was feeling like she was part of the group. It wasn’t a feeling that she was used to, but she was hoping that it would become her new normal.

The band had been playing for a while now, and she was itching to get up and dance. Deacon and Candy were out there, and she was surprised at how well he danced.

Travis leaned in and spoke in her ear. “You look surprised seeing them dance.”

She chuckled. “Not so much that they’re up dancing – I know Deacon would do anything to keep Candy happy. I’m more surprised at how enthusiastic he is about it.”

“Yeah, it’s Candy who’s up there to keep Deacon happy. He’s just a regular twinkle toes.”

She laughed at that. “It would seem so. I would never have guessed.”

“He’s not the only one.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Are you telling me that you like to dance?”

He nodded solemnly. “I am. Do you feel up to it?”

“You know the answer to that. Just get me out of this chair and…”

He got to his feet and helped her to stand. “Just one dance, mind you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Maybe two?”

He chuckled. “We’ll see.”

He offered her his arm, and she used it instead of the crutches to make her way to the dance floor.

“See, I’m doing much better,” she told him. “I’ll be out and about on my own in no time.”

She couldn’t read his expression as he nodded, but she didn’t ask – she didn’t want him to change his mind and say that they should sit back down.

Once they were out on the dance floor, he wrapped one arm around her waist and held her close. “I reckon all we can really do is sway for now.”

“I think you might be right. Just getting out here was harder than I expected. And don’t you dare say that we need to go and sit down,” she added quickly.

---