Page 160 of Knot Your Problem, Cowboy
“Here, put these on.” Dave hands us headphones that have seen better days. “When the red light goes on, we’re live. Just talk normal, don’t eat the mic, and try not to swear.”
“No swearing?” Cash mutters with a grin. “You know who you’re talking to?”
“That’s why I saidtry.” Dave smirks, settling at the soundboard. “Okay, we’ve got about thirty seconds.You both look great, by the way. Not that anyone can see you, but still.”
Cash adjusts his black hat, the one he wears for special occasions, and I resist the urge to fix my hair even though, as Dave pointed out, no one can see us.
“Going live in five, four…” Dave holds up fingers for the last three counts, then points at us as the ON AIR sign lights up red.
“Good afternoon, Montana! You’re listening to KMTN, your home for country classics and community news. I’m Dave Morrison, and, folks, do I have a treat for you today. Sitting across from me are two people you’ve probably been hearing about: Cash Winslow from Wild Hearts Ranch and Sophia Hollis, the Omega blogger who’s captured hearts across the internet with her story. Welcome, you two!”
“Thanks for having us,” I say, surprised by how steady my voice sounds in the headphones.
“Pleasure’s ours,” Cash adds, his drawl more pronounced than usual. Nerves, definitely.
“Now, for anyone who’s been living under a rock,” Dave continues, “tell us what’s happening this weekend and why it matters.”
I lean toward the mic, finding my rhythm. “This Saturday, Ridge Colter, three-time rodeo champion, is coming out of retirement for one last ride. We’re calling itEight Seconds to Save Everythingbecause that’s exactly what it is. We need to raise money to save Wild Hearts Ranch from foreclosure.”
“And not just any foreclosure,” Cash adds, warming up now. “This is about keeping local land in local hands, not letting developers turn it into another shopping complex.”
“How much are you trying to raise?”
“Half a million,” I answer, watching Dave’s eyes widen. “We’re at three hundred twenty thousand now, with four days to go.”
“The response has been incredible,” Cash adds, and I can hear the emotion in his voice. “People from all over, not just Montana, stepping up to help.”
“And this is all documented on your blog, Sophia?” Dave asks me.
“Every crazy minute of it,” I confirm. “From inheriting a ranch I’d never seen to falling in—” I catch myself, cheeks heating. “To finding my place here.”
Cash’s hand finds my knee under the table, squeezing gently.
“The phones are already lighting up,” Dave says, grinning. “Let’s take our first caller. You’re on with Cash and Sophia.”
“Oh my God!” The voice is young, female, and very excited. “Sophia! I’ve been following your blog since day one. We’ve been dying to hear your voice for real!”
“That’s so sweet,” I say, genuinely touched. “Thank you for reading. It means the world to me.”
“And, Cash,” the caller continues, “you sound just as good as she says you look.”
Cash tips his hat even though she can’t see him, agrin spreading across his face. “Ma’am, I reckon that’s the nicest thing I’ve heard all day.”
The caller does a small squeal, which I can only interpret as a swoon.
“And, Sophia, you are keeping all three cowboys as yours, right?”
Dave’s eyebrows shoot up, clearly not expecting the conversation to go in this direction. I’m chuckling, as my blog comments are filled with these kinds of questions.
“They’re all mine,” I confirm, chin up, daring anyone to judge. “And I’m theirs.”
“That’s the hottest thing I’ve ever heard.” The caller sighs. “You’re living every Omega’s dream.”
“Dreamis one word for it,” I tease. “Though Cash here has a habit of embarrassing me with details that don’t need sharing.”
Cash’s mouth curves slowly, wickedly. “Like how you sing when you’re alone in the barn or the kitchen?” He drawls it into the mic, and my whole body lights up.
“Cash!” I smack his arm, laughing even as my cheeks burn.
