Page 61 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Alex tightened her seatbelt as the plane hit one bumpy air pocket after another. Placing both hands on the seat in front of her, she rested her head against the blue vinyl, germs be damned.This flight can’t end like the book.

Chapter 59

The next morning’s drive back from Nashville was mostly silent, sans rock music. A lot of rock music. The trip had been bittersweet, shocking, and incredible all rolled into one. Deciding she had previously grieved enough for Montana, Hope forced herself to focus on the present and her future.

Larry turned the dial to a satellite rock station and bopped his head to “Born to the Wild” by Steppenwolf. Peering at her hippie dad over her sunglasses, Hope thought,That song title about covers it.

Lost in a dreamy state as she recounted the slow dance with the cowboy as Larry fake drummed on the dashboard, Hope wanted to blurt out the encounter to everyone, especially her girlfriends, but had decided not to tell them, at least not for a while. If she never heard from Tucker again, she didn’t want to be embarrassed. For now, being singled out by him and asked to dance were enough. Tucker reminded her of her comfiest sweatshirt.I hope I see him again. If not, I want to remain in this afterglow for as long as I can.

After a Starbucks stop since she and Larry were both fading, Hope said, “Just one more hour.”

“I’m ready to get home to my old lady.” Larry cracked the window. “Mind if I smoke? It’s been a long weekend.”

“Go ahead.” Hope knew she could endure anything for another hour. They passed several tiny towns that didn’t offer much more than a stop sign and a gas station. Rundown houses and population signs boasting a hundred or less people were the norm. Trees dotted the rolling, green hills as miles of curvy highway stretched before them.

“Turn the Page” by Bob Seger played as she pulled into her driveway. “That song’s appropriate. Maybe we should turn the page. What do you think?”

Sitting up straighter, Larry said, “Look who’s here.”

Not surprisingly, Picasso was parked in front of her house. Willow had the windows open and was half asleep in her artsy VW Microbus that her art students had painted last spring. Once he spotted Willow, Larry jumped out before Hope had fully stopped. Running toward his second bride, Hope had bittersweet feelings as they embraced.

Gathering her plastic bag of belongings, she crossed the grass, and said hello to her colleague.

“How did it go, Mac? Did you see her? I want to know everything.” Willow stared from Larry-Mac to Hope. Placing his bony arm around her shoulders, he said, “I’ve missed you.”

“Let Larry, er, Mac fill you in. I’m wiped out.” Halfway toward her front door, Hope turned. “Thanks for going with me to Nashville. We’ll sort everything out eventually.”

As Larry-Mac and Willow gawked at her, Hope waved goodbye, and unlocked her front door. Once inside, she leaned against the door and made herself a promise not to cry. She had shed enough tears over this situation. As her thoughts turned toward Tucker, she got happy goosebumps. But just as quickly, her heart plummeted.Why didn’t I ask him for his number? I’m so inept at dating.

Chapter 60

When they eventually landed after extreme turbulence, nerves shattered, Alex shakily retrieved her carry-on and made her way down the aisle behind absurdly slow passengers. Once at the front, she thanked the young, female pilot who looked as though she should be a freshman in college, ponytail and all. “Great job on landing this beast. I don’t get scared easily, but that storm was a bitch.” Covering her mouth, she said, “Sorry for cursing. I’m a little shook up.”

The young woman smiled and shook Alex’s hand. “My pleasure, ma’am. Enjoy your stay.”

Nodding, Alex made her way to baggage claim.If my luggage made it, I’m golden.As she descended an escalator among throngs of people from every ethnicity, she grinned when she heard a variety of languages. “I’m not in Crystal City anymore.” Staring at illuminated signs containing arrival information and multiple carousels in two directions filled with luggage going around and around, she squinted as she tried to make sense of the boards. Then she spotted him.

To her surprise, her heart hammered. More handsome than ever, Cheri’s limo driver held a white, cardboard sign with her name in big, bold letters. Dressed in dark jeans and a crisp, light blue shirt rolled up to his elbows, as their eyes met, he winked at her. Alex’s pulse rate kicked up several notches. Barely able to contain herself from running into his arms, she couldn’t stop smiling as she made her way toward him.I made the right decision coming here.

Careful not to stampede a squalling tot who sat in the middle of a packed area, Alex nonchalantly reached for the distressed mom’s diaper bag and backpack as though she had zero fear of kid germs. While keeping one eye on Gage and wondering when it would be acceptable to use antibacterial gel, a desire she hadn’t felt in far too long fluttered from her belly to her toes and settled somewhere in between.I really shouldn’t jump Gage’s bones right here, right now. Not in front of the squealing kid at least.

Even though they hadn’t spent much time one on one over the past year, she had never been able to Gage out of her mind. He hadn’t wanted to trample on another man’s relationship, even though said relationship was rocky on a good day. But here Gage stood in all his handsomeness, holding a sign for her and grinning like a toddler holding a triple scoop ice cream cone.

Chapter 61

Pulling her red carry-on, Alex grinned from ear to ear as her heels clacked across the floor. “Is that sign for me?”

“Who else?” Gage reached for her carry-on. “Welcome to New York.”

Feeling like a tween, she pointed to the sign. “Nice touch.” Unfamiliar bashfulness overcame her. “It’s great to see you.”

“Likewise.” Gage gave her a playful elbow. “I thought I’d never see the day.” Glancing toward the multiple carousels, he asked, “Do you have a checked bag?”

“Are you kidding? I would have brought three, but I’m pretending to be low maintenance.”

“I’m not touching that. What color are your bags?”

Pointing toward her carryon, Alex said, “Red like this one. I bought matching bags at T.J. Maxx before I left Crystal City. I got a great bargain.”

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