Page 172 of Forever To Me

Maggie is perched at the bar, sipping her sweet tea like she’s watching the best soap opera of her life. She's not holding back, adding her commentary whenever she sees fit. My mom sits next to her, and I forgot what it’s like when those two conspire together. It's like double trouble.

Cami and Poppy have stationed themselves in the booth directly behind us, pretending they’re not listening but failing spectacularly.

And Mack?

She’s sitting in the corner with her phone propped up on a napkin holder, recording the whole thing like she’s our self-appointed PR manager.

“This is historic,” she mutters, typing furiously on her iPad. “I should do a live.”

Walker groans. “Mack.”

She grins. “Not a chance, Cowboy Daddy.”

The interviewer pauses mid-question. “I’m sorry… Cowboy Daddy?”

Cami bursts out laughing.

Poppy wheezes.

I try to keep it together and be serious, but I'm practically vibrating from holding my laughter in.

Maggie clucks her tongue like this is the burden she carries in life.

Walker closes his eyes, praying for patience. “It’s an internet thing.”

Mack grins. “And by internet thing, he means he’s a full-blown thirst trap now.”

The interviewer jots something down. “So, the internet loves you.”

Walker’s left eye twitches. “I am not answering that.”

Cami leans over. “You should see the fan pages. There’s artwork, Laura.”

Poppy nods seriously. “They’ve given him a fictional tragic backstory and everything. That’s why this article is so important. I mean…no pressure, Laura.”

Walker slams his forehead onto the table. “I hate this town.”

The interviewer, clearly trying to regain control, clears herthroat. “Right. So, let’s talk about the music. Walker, you left the industry for a long time. What changed?”

Walker exhales, lifting his head, and for the first time all afternoon, he actually relaxes. His hand finds mine under the table, his thumb running along my knuckles, and my stomach flutters violently.

“She did,” he says simply, nodding toward me.

My throat closes up.

The interviewer leans in. “You mean Violet?”

Walker nods, completely sure, completely steady. “She’s the real deal. The best damn woman I know.”

The world tilts.

Maggie sniffs dramatically, dabbing at her eyes with a cocktail napkin. “Lord above, I knew I loved you, Walker. Somebody get me my wedding hat.”

Poppy clutches her chest. “Romance is alive.”

Cami, grinning like a lunatic, whispers, “Ilovelove.”

I stare at Walker, my heart pounding so loud I swear everyone can hear it.

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