Page 63 of A Cowboy Of Her Own

“That was calm?”

Devin chuckled. “Compared to what he was. Yep.”

“I wanted to talk to him but hell… he won’t even look at me.”

“He’s hurt, Roark. Like I said, he’ll get over it. He loves you so hang in there.”

“I’ll try.” He pushed away from the wall. “I need to get back to the table. Once they come off the dance floor, I have to make a speech.” He grimaced making Devin laugh.

“Better you than me.” Devin slapped him on the back and made his way back to his table.

Roark watched as Lucy and Reid finished their dance and walked to the table to meet them. Each of them hugged him. When everyone sat down and the caterers had served the food, Roark stood and tapped his knife against his champagne flute. When everyone quieted down, he cleared his throat, and looked at Reid and Lucy.

“As best man, I’m expected to make a speech. I’m not very good at this but I do know love when I see it. These two here are meant to be together. Anyone looking at them can see that. It’s no secret that Reid has loved Lucy since he first saw her but it wasn’t their time then. Well, now it is, and I can’t express how happy I am that they found each other again. They’ve been through a lot with Lucy losing her first husband and Reid losing his best friend, but I think Zeke would be the first one to congratulate them. I’m positive he’s looking down and smiling.So… everyone please raise your glasses to this wonderful couple. Reid, Lucy, we wish you years of happiness, and get to work on that little sister it seems Z-man wants.”

Everyone laughed and raised their glasses to the happy couple. Roark took his seat and tried to eat his dinner, but it had no taste. Yes, he knew love when he saw it. He saw it when he looked at Priscilla but she’d broken his heart beyond repair. Taking a deep breath, he ate his meal and just wished the night would be over soon.

Later, he stood at the door and watched Reid and Lucy on the dance floor again. Devin stood beside him.

“I’m going to head home after I say goodbye to Reid and Lucy,” Roark said as he looked at them on the dance floor.

“I’m glad he’s happy. He loves Lucy more than anything,” Devin said as he watched them.

“Yeah, I hate that she lost Zeke but Reid’s always loved her and he’ll be good to her. He stayed away from her for years but I’m glad he’s finally home with her.”

“We all are.” Roark shook Devin’s hand. “I’ll see you later.”

Roark walked to the edge of the dance floor and waited for the song to end then he stepped forward to intercept Lucy and Reid.

“Hey you, I’m leaving.” He hugged Lucy. “I’m happy for both of you.”

“Thank you, Roark. I’m glad you were able to be here,” Lucy said.

Reid hugged him. “Thanks man. I’m sorry about you and Priscilla.”

“I’ll get past it.”

“I doubt it. Take it from someone who knows about leaving things unsaid… you need to talk to her.”

“I’ve said all there is to say. You two have a safe honeymoon and remember what I said about getting Z-man a baby sister.” He laughed when Lucy swatted at him.

Walking outside, the evening air was still hot. He looked up to see the moon hanging up in the sky lighting the way like a beacon. The night was beautiful, but it didn’t matter. His heart hurt and he missed Priscilla more than he could say, but he refused to call her. She’d betrayed his trust. He couldn’t forgive that. Sighing, he made his way to his truck, climbed in, and drove home to another long night alone and sleepless.

The next week, Roark was in the barn mucking out stalls when he heard his name called. He stepped from the stall and saw Jaxon barreling down on him. Hell, was he here to punch him out? Roark leaned the rake against the wall and tugged his gloves off then stuffed them into the back pocket of his jeans, folded his arms across his chest, and stared at his cousin.

“Jax,” he said nodding.

“Roark.” Jaxon gave him a nod then leaned against the wall, folded his arms across his chest, and stared at him.

“Look, Jax, I’m sorry—” He stopped when Jaxon held his hand up.

“No need to apologize. It’s over.”

Roark huffed out a relieved breath. “I’m glad you feel that way. I’d never hurt you intentionally, Jax. I shouldn’t have told her but I trusted her.”

“You love her.” Jaxon shrugged.

“For what good it does me.”

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