Page 47 of Always Mine

Cooper ponders, taking a few sips from his own drink as he thinks. Then he shifts, tilting his head to look at me better. “Closure can be a good thing, it can help you move on, especially with something like this. Yours and Paxton’s relationship wasn’t a typical one. You were friends your entire lives and then started dating in middle school. You were never individual people, to anyone. I remember it was always Paxton and Wyatt. It was so rare to hear one name without the other attached to it. To the point where you guys even had your own couple ship name. Do you remember that?”

I cringe as I try not to think about it. “God, how could I forget about Paxatt?”

Why couldn’t we have been Wyton instead? That sounds so much better, but nooo. Paxton insisted his name come first.

Why in the hell am I thinking about this? Who the hell even cares?

“There’s also the fact that your moms have been friends for their whole lives too. It’s like you guys were destined to be connected from the start.”

“Please, don’t say that. I’ve been listening to it for the last two weeks. Everyone is trying to push us together. I’m supposed to let it go and be okay with how we ended things.” No one has said that, but it’s how they’re all making me feel. I swear, if I have one more person ask me if I’ve finally talked it out with Paxton, I’ll scream.

“I’m sure everyone has your best interest at heart. They aren’t trying to hurt you,” he says thoughtfully.

And there’s the logical best friend I need.

Sighing, I slump back against the barn. “I know that, but it doesn’t change the fact that it puts me on edge.”

No, not on edge. Staying on the brink of a downward spiral every second is more like it. My entire nervous system is on high alert anytime I’m in public, just waiting for someone to drop the P word. I’m over it. I want to go back to feeling semi-normal again. Or, I guess what my new normal has been these last three years.

Cooper reaches over, giving my arm a squeeze. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to shoulder the burden. I know it has to be hard.”

I want to fuckingscream. Why does Cooper have to be so perfect? And why can’t my heart accept him fully? Why can’t I just tell Paxton to fuck off and fall into this amazing man’s arms? Cooper and I could ride into the sunset together, just like they do in all the fairy tales.

But no. Apparently, my traitorous heart only wants one person.

Stupid, annoying, beautiful, endearing Paxton fucking Prescott.

I shake my head, pushing those thoughts away as I turn back to Cooper. “I can’t expect you to do that forever. Eventually, I’m going to have to handle it all myself.”

He grunts before waving me off. “Nah, you don’t actually need me. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. I just want to be here to help when I can.”

I wish I saw myself the way he does, maybe then I’d believe him.

“So, what about you? Hunter said you had a work call?”

He smiles broadly at that, excitement covering his features. “Yeah, it was really great. The contractor in Anderson was pleased with the work my guys did on their renovation. He has a few major projects he has coming up and is interested in taking me on for them all.”

I throw my arms around him, giving him a quick hug. “Cooper! That’s amazing! Good for you!” I pull away, watching his expression fall a bit. “Wait, what’s wrong? Why the sudden sadness?”

“It’ll put me away from home more than I’d like. Job’s further away, and for longer periods. I worry about…” He pauses, biting the inside of his cheek, but I already know what he’s thinking.

You.

“Don’t worry about me,” I jump in, wanting to put his doubt at ease. Cooper deserves every good thing that comes his way, and I refuse to suck any joy from his moment. “I’ll be fine.”

He bites his lip, giving me a half-shrug. “I feel bad.”

My heart clenches. I don’t want Cooper to worry about me because he’s done enough already. After three long years of dedicating all his time to fixing me, it’s his turn to do something for himself.

“Nope, none of that,” I say, finishing off my beer and tossing it in the trash can by the side of the barn. “I refuse to let you drown in worry. This is your moment, and we’re going to celebrate it.”

As if on cue, Hunter’s voice rings out, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Are y’all ready to party?”

There’s a chorus of cheers before “Down on the Farm” by Tim McGraw pours through the speakers, causing me and Cooper to burst into laughter.

“See, even Hunter knows the deal! It’s time to let loose!” I yell once our chuckles have died off.

“He’s throwing itwayback with this one.”

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