Page 13 of Big Rowdy Cowboy

Chapter 8

Zac

Sunday morning is for praising Jesus, and Sunday afternoon is for eating until you roll away from the picnic table. At least, that’s how things are in Courage County.

I have to say, after spending the last ninety minutes with sweet little Dotty pressed up against my side, my thoughts were a little less holy and a lot more sinful. Pretty sure God understands. After all, he crafted the beauty beside me.

She kept fidgeting the entire time, shifting this way and that, just like she did at the diner on Friday when I sat beside her. I’d think it’s something about me, but after what she said that morning about breakfast, I think it’s her.

She’s not comfortable in her skin. It’s something I plan to help her with because she’s perfect. She’s a masterpiece and every roll, every curve, every freckle, all of her fills me with delight.

“Over here,” Mom calls, waving me and Dotty over to where she is at the serving table in the grassy field next to the church.

We’re having a potluck dinner this afternoon. Thea said to take a few selfies and post them which means it officially counts as date number one. And I only have three of them to make my girl fall in love with me.

“Maybe this is a bad idea,” Dotty mutters beside me, clutching a two-liter bottle of soda to her chest like it might be snatched from her any moment.

I loop my arm around hers and steer her toward the table that’s already piled high with delicious food. “We’ll have a great time.”

“Think of the byline,” she mutters to herself, and I try to ignore the tiny stab of hurt. I got her into this by promising her the article, and I don’t regret that. I’d give Dotty the world if she asked. I want her to enjoy my company the way I do hers.

I take the soda from her and place it on the drink table before leading her to the sides. I grab two plates. “Tell me what you want.”

She snorts under her breath. “You don’t want to know.”

I frown. “I want to know everything you want.”

Something flickers across her face, and she shakes her head. “Potato salad, please. I can fix my own plate. You don’t have to wait on me hand and foot.”

“Oh, honey, let him,” Martha says. “A man in love needs to take care of his woman. It’s primal.”

Dotty turns the color of a tomato. “It’s just—”

I can’t help smirking at her. “Indulge my primal side, sweetheart.”

If possible, she gets even redder as my mom bustles over in her wheelchair. She looks so delighted today. Actually, now that I think about it, she’s been looking happier every time I stop by at home. At first, I thought she was happy to see me. Now I suspect something else is going on.

She makes small talk with my soon-to-be wife while I fix the plates and nudge her to the picnic tables where all the Maples are seated, including Noah’s friend, Walter.

Walter runs the bookshop in town. He’s also the grandfather of Noah’s girl, Lizzy. He’s talking with Noah, something aboutthe latest bestseller, but when he thinks no one is looking, his gaze goes to my mom. I’m pretty sure it’s not because he’s in the mood for a second helping of her potato salad.

Is that who is making her so happy lately? I’m not sure she’d answer if I asked. She’s still convinced we’re kids that have to be protected.

“Sit here,” I guide Dotty toward the bench so she can sit next to Sadie and Barrett. But then I realize this will have her sandwiched between me and Barrett. Even though he’s my brother and he’s completely in love with Sadie, I still can’t stand the idea of her sitting next to another man. So I slide into the bench first and gesture for her to sit next to me.

“I can’t talk to my friend like this,” Sadie grumbles, craning her head around my big brother and me.

“Text her,” I mumble, shoving food into my mouth.

Dotty takes a small bite of her food and keeps her head ducked.

I reach for her hand underneath in the table and give it a gentle squeeze before I lean close to her ear to whisper, “I love watching you eat. It makes me happy to know you’re getting the calories you need.”

She blushes but her posture relaxes, and she takes a bigger bite. “Thank you.”

I wink at her before Evie catches her attention across the table and begins chatting with her. I think they’re all in the book club together. I don’t know what the girls read but I know from the whispers I’ve caught from my brothers that they completely support whatever it is the girls read. I’ll have to ask Dotty about that later.

The girls fall into an easy discussion about their upcoming plans and their next book club meeting.

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