Page 30 of Say You Won't Let Go
Where Cooper is.
Where it’s safe.
Wade’s hand grips my shoulder and tears pool in my eyes. “Nothing will happen to you, Emily.”
“You can’t guarantee that,” I counter.
His lip turns into a cocky smile. “I can.”
I shrug out of his grip and look out at the microphone standing alone in the middle of the stage. That’s my home, and I’m afraid to go there.
“You have a choice.” Wade’s voice breaks me from my stare. “You can choose to let this person win and take away your life or you can go out there and live the life you’ve fought for. Do you think Cooper would’ve left if he didn’t think you were safe? If he didn’t think I was the absolute best at my job, would I be here? You don’t put the woman you love’s safety in the hands of a novice.”
Cooper’s name causes my heart to race. If he didn’t believe in Wade, he would be here right now. I know that without a doubt.
“I’m just scared.” My voice is small and trembles at the end.
“Are you ready to get this party started?” the MC calls over the speaker.
I could throw up right now. My head starts to swim, and I know my face has gone bloodless.
“Look at me,” Wade commands. “When you’re out there, if you feel uncomfortable or someone makes you scared, look at me and scratch your nose. I’ll grab your ass and have you off that stage before you can sing another note. Okay?”
I nod. “Okay.”
The intro music cues, and I know I can’t hide anymore. “Please welcome Emily Young!”
There is a time to be scared and hide and a time to step up and be brave. I have to dig deep and find the inner strength to go out there and not let fear hold me back. I’ve done the work, I deserve this, and I have to trust Cooper’s judgment in Wade.
I plaster a smile on my face, grab my guitar, and step out into the lights.
When I stand in front of the microphone, I pretend it’s like my last concert. I envision Cooper standing in the crowd. My memory recalls his smile, his eyes, and the way he makes me feel.
“Are you ready for some country music, Houston?” I ask the crowd and lose myself in the screams.
For just a second, my eyes move over to where Wade stands, and he tilts his chin in approval.
I’ve got this.
* * * *
“I miss you.” I twist my hair while lying on my bed talking to Cooper. “I think you should just come finish out the tour with me.”
“Who would make sure Wyatt doesn’t burn the farm down?”
“That is true. I’m pretty sure Angie could handle him,” I offer as another option. “Although, she ain’t exactly a farmer.”
Cooper sighs. “I wish I could, darlin’. I’d be there right now if things weren’t so crazy here.”
I understand, I just hate it. Every part of me wants him here with me.
“I know.”
“How did the show go?” He changes the subject.
“Good. I was nervous, but I made it through.”
I fill him in on some of my worries, being careful not to make him nervous as well. As much as I may say I wish Cooper were with me, I know he’s where he has to be. He’s invested a lot of money into Townsend Ranch. He bought his father out and then had Wyatt come in as a partner, but Cooper is majority shareholder. The two of them have really started making a name for themselves, and they even bought some land off the Henningtons to expand. It’s becoming more and more of a family-owned business with them combining resources.
