Page 72 of Rust and Stardust

I led him to the base of the tree and around to the far side. There, tucked neatly between the roots was a large gray stone with writing across the glossy surface. A bundle of wildflowers lay against the base, a sign that Pa had been out there recently.

“Hey Mama,” I said softly, holding Lucas’s hand tightly. “There’s someone I wanted you to meet.”

Lucas squeezed my hand gently, his eyes fixed on the headstone. I could feel him trembling slightly beside me.

“This is Lucas,” I continued, my voice barely above a whisper. “He's... he's real special to me, Mama. I think you'd like him.”

I felt Lucas's arm wrap around my waist, pulling me close. “It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Turner,” he said softly. “I've heard so much about you.”

We stood there in silence for a moment, the warm Texas breeze rustling through the leaves above us. I hadn't realized I was crying until Lucas reached up to wipe a tear from my cheek.

“She would've loved you,” I said, leaning into his touch. “Pas said she always just wanted me to be happy.”

Lucas pressed a gentle kiss to my temple. “Are you? Happy, I mean?”

I turned toward him, smiling despite my tears as my breath hitched in my throat. “More happy than I ever thought I could be darlin’.” I threw my arms around him, pulling him close. “I love you so much, Lucas.”

He just held me tightly back. “I love you too, cowboy.”

Epilogue: Lucas

“Sorry I’m a bit late, Dolly,” I said as I pushed my way through the backdoor of the diner with a massive metal tray in my hands. “Beau had to run to Amarillo this morning, so I’m doing all the deliveries myself today.”

“No problem, sugar,” she replied, looking over the ordering counter from the bar. “You got here before lunch and that’s all that matters. These folks can get mighty cranky when we don’t have Beau’s famous barbecue around!”

I chuckled, setting the tray down on the counter. The rich, smoky scent of barbecue filled the air, making my own stomach growl. “Well, we can't have that now, can we?”

As I started unloading the containers, Dolly leaned in closer, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. “So, Beau's in Amarillo, huh? What's he up to?”

I felt my cheeks warm slightly, remembering our conversation from this morning. “Oh, you know Beau. Always got some ranch business to take care of.”

Dolly raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Uh-huh. You sure about that, sugar?”

I dropped the last container on the counter before I walked over to her. “I mean, I know he’s not out picking up women, so that’s a relief.”

She laughed, her tinny voice echoing over the dull chatter of the diner. “Well, I guess you’re right on that account.”

“He said it was nothing important, but I bet you he’s getting impatient,” I continued. “He wants to get things started on the ranch so badly so we can start bringing in tourists. But I keep telling him that it’s gonna take time.”

“That boy’s never been the most patient,” she grinned.

“You’ve got that right.”

I nodded, a fond smile tugging at my lips. “Tell me about it. But that's part of his charm, I suppose.”

Dolly's eyes softened, and she patted my hand. “You two are good for each other, you know that? I've never seen Beau so happy.”

I felt a warmth spread through my chest at her words. “Thanks, Dolly. I'm pretty happy too.”

“You don’t mind this small-town life? Pretty different from that New York thing you was doin’.”

“This place is way better,” I smiled, truly believing every word I said. “Believe me. Nothing compares to Sagebrush.”

Just then, the bell above the diner door chimed, and we both looked up. My heart skipped a beat as Beau strode in, his tall frame filling the doorway. His blue eyes found mine immediately, and a slow smile spread across his face.

“Well, speak of the devil,” Dolly chuckled.

Beau tipped his hat to her as he approached. “Afternoon, Dolly. Hope y'all got your delivery in time.”

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