Page 43 of Forever C*cky

Epilogue

Eliza

“Hello. Hi. Firstof all, I want to thank all of you for being here and for being the reason that Chat Time with Eliza McCormick has become the wonderful show that it is.

“As many of you, here in the audience, as well as those watching at home, are now aware, I recently took a break from the show to explore something different.

“I have a Mass Communications/ Broadcast Journalism degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. I grew up in small town Louisiana though I always had big dreams of conquering the world. You all, this show, have allowed me to do that.

“I’ve loved sitting down with all of you, five days a week, discussing various hot topics and current events, for the past six years. You have all helped me explore, embrace, and live my dream.

“But… it’s time for something new. It’s time for me to get back to my roots. It’s time to focus more on the stories of the heart. It’s time for a new dream.

“Several weeks ago, I started a journey. My wonderful producer, Archie… Say “Hi” to Archie…” The audience waves and Archie nods. “With his wholehearted support and backing, we decided to film a series of destination pieces that would explore the heart of what makes this country of ours so great.”

“I was given the great opportunity to travel across the country and interview several men and women who work tirelessly day in and day out to provide the things we need.

“My first stop on this new journey brought me to a cattle ranch in Texas where, as I’m certain you can imagine, I was very out of my element. The second I arrived, I fell rear first into a horse trough. And, trust me when I say, that was just the beginning of the entertainment and education I received.

“While there, I learned a lot about myself and others. I guess you could say… I foundmyselfin the heart of the Texas heat. I also found dedicated men and supportive women, both of whom work together tirelessly to make certain they succeed.

“I found out that home is really where the heart is and that no matter how confident you are, there’s always something, orsomeone, that can ruffle your feathers. Something that just gets under your skin, like a splinter, and no matter what you do, you can’t remove it.

“It gets so far under your skin that it stops being an annoyance and it becomes a part of you. It becomes the part that completes the puzzle. It’s the missing piece that you never knew you needed.

“I’m getting off topic. Chat Time with Eliza McCormick is a huge part of my life. It’s a huge part of my heart and I love every single person that has worked so hard to make this program the success that it is.

“But, all good things must eventually come to a close…

A collective gasp goes through the audience.

“You are the first to know that Chat Time with Eliza McCormick is coming to an end, but fear not… the show isn’t leaving. In one week, a new queen will be on the throne… Ladies and Gentleman, I know you will embrace her with open arms because you’ve seen her so many times before… and she has already won not just your hearts, but your respect. Only now, she’s taking the reins…

“I am delighted to announce that my wonderful friend, a woman that I am so proud of, Miss Marlie Forbes, will be taking over the show. Chat Time with Eliza McCormick will become Chat Time With Marlie Forbes.

“Now, that doesn’t mean that I’m leaving the picture. I am not.

“I will no longer be on your televisions five days a week, but I do hope you’ll follow along as I embrace this new chapter of my life…

“I’m moving to primetime with a brand new show…

“And not just a new show… I’ll be doing it with a new name… Miss Eliza McCormick is becoming Mrs. Eliza Donovan.” The audience gasps again and many people clap. “I am so honored to introduce you to my new family. We’ll have our very own show, right here on this network, on Thursday nights at seven.

“Home and Heart with Eliza will premierthisfall and I cannot wait for you all to see it. It will show our home life at the Double Down Ranch as well as my travels to visit the other men and women around the country, who are also what brings the heart to so many of our homes. I do so hope that you’ll watch…

“But now… I think we should get to the piece that brought this beautiful change about… Ladies and Gentleman, join me as we welcome, my fiancé, Mr. Falcon Donovan and his brother, Mr. Rowdy Donovan, the owners of the Double Down Ranch in Texas… for Part One of the Special Home and Heart with Eliza…”

With elation, I watch as Falcon, my love, my fiancé, and the man who changed my life walks onto the stage, accompanied by Rowdy, my soon to be brother-in-law.

Falcon smiles at me beneath the brim of his Stetson and my heart gallops in my chest.

I take my seat and they both sit on the couch and smile at the audience.

Glancing from the audience to the man in the ten gallon hat who stole my heart, I think,“Sometimes no matter how cocky you are, life has plans in place that you have no control over. That person, that one person, who doesn’t just complete you, but challenges you, and compliments you… that person that not only takes your cocky but raises you one… is in the one place you never thought you’d be and the only place you really fit in.

“God bless my cocky cowboy!”

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