Page 89 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

“Yeah. He’s definitely the one.”

Aunt Agnes slides her now smaller piles of colours in front of her and taps her fingers on a bright sunshine yellow.

“I’ve always wanted a yellow kitchen. I know it’s not on the renovation list, but do you think the fellows could paint the kitchen for me, too?”

“I don’t think they’d mind at all. If they did, I’d do it for you. It’s a good choice.”

For the next hour, we talk about paint colours and what room will get each colour, and as much as I hate the reason for all this happening, I’m almost happy it did. There’s so much goodness on the flip sideof her falling.

She’s getting her old home upgraded, refreshed and remodelled for her to live in safely by herself. Our community has rallied for it to happen. The man at the hardware store remembers when Aunt Agnes used to bring in cookies on holidays to the Boys and Girls Club. Along with the cookies, she sometimes snuck small gifts to the children who had little. I haven’t told her yet, but he gave us the paint for free and offered to help.

Jackson and his friends saved us so much in contractor fees, too. They’ll finish the drywall and flooring once the plumber is finished in the new main-floor bathroom and laundry. Her accident has shown me how many people in this town truly care about her well-being.

It also made Jackson shine like the light he is when he jumped in, not just for my aunt, but for me. His constant support is not something I’ll ever take for granted.

“Okay, I think I picked one for every room, but if you think they go better in other rooms, switch them around. But I definitely want a yellow kitchen.”

After getting us both a tea in the cafeteria and chatting for a bit, Aunt Agnes’s eyelids grow heavy.

“Take a nap, Auntie. I need to do a few things before Jackson gets here. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Don’t rush back to see an old woman resting. He just got back. Go enjoy that, Riley. Live your life. I’ll be fine.”

She squeezes my hand, and I pull her favourite blanket up to tuck her in.

“I know you are.”

She bats away my hands with a smile and adjusts the blanket.

“I love you. Now get out of here and go see that handsome cowboy of yours.”

I lean in to kiss her cheek. “I love you, too.”

After leaving the hospital, I drop by the hardware store with my paint choices and load the mixed gallons into my car before dropping them off at my aunt’s. I’m not expecting anyone here yet, but the smashing of a hammer into drywall is unmistakable.

“Hello?”

Walking towards the sound, I find one of Jackson’s friends, the bullfighter Griff, swinging a giant hammer into the wall around my aunt’s bedroom.

“Griff?”

“Fuck. Shit. Riley…hey. I didn’t hear you.”

Griff drops the hammer and runs a hand through his hair. He reaches for the shirt he stripped off and pulls it back on. “I just needed to get some energy off and thought I’d finish up the last bit of demo here. I hope that’s okay. Jackson said it would be fine.”

“Yeah, that’s totally fine. We appreciate the help whenever we can get it.”

Griff chews his lip and nods. “You’re welcome.” He stares at his feet for a moment before opening and closing his mouth without a word.

“Um, I know we don’t know each other well, but is there something you need to talk about? Are you okay?” I ask because the vibe here is…odd.

“No…it’s…I’m fine. But thank you! Jackson’s crazy about you. You’re good for him.”

Griff genuinely smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Oh. Thank you. I’m gone for the guy, too.” I smile back at Griff. “And thank you for your help here. My aunt and I sincerely appreciate it.”

“Anytime.” He cocks a thumb over his shoulder. “I’m going to head out, but don’t worry. We’ll get it all done.”

---