Her Second Chance Cowboy (Crystal Creek Sweet Romances #1)

Chapter Five

The bell above the door jingled as Emma stepped into Mabel’s Diner, the familiar scent of coffee and bacon wrapping around her like a warm hug. She glanced around, taking in the cozy booths and the long counter lined with stools, a rush of nostalgia washing over her.

Cody was already there, seated at a booth by the window. He looked up as she entered, his face breaking into a wide smile that made Emma’s heart skip a beat.

“Good morning,” he said, standing up as she approached. “I hope you don’t mind, I went ahead and ordered us some coffee.”

Emma slid into the seat across from him, inhaling the rich aroma of the coffee. “Not at all,” she said, wrapping her hands around the warm mug. “I think I’m going to need all the caffeine I can get today.”

Cody chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I know the feeling. But trust me, one taste of Mabel’s pancakes and you’ll be ready to take on the world.”

As if on cue, a plump, motherly-looking woman appeared at their table, a pot of coffee in one hand and a notepad in the other. “Well, as I live and breathe,” she exclaimed, her face lighting up. “Emma Brooks, is that really you?”

Emma looked up, a smile spreading across her face as she recognized the woman. “Mabel,” she said, standing up to give her a hug. “It’s so good to see you.”

Mabel hugged her back, her embrace warm and comforting. “It’s been too long, sweet girl,” she said, holding Emma at arm’s length and looking her over. “Look at you, all grown up and pretty as a picture.”

Emma felt herself blushing, but before she could respond, a booming voice called out from the counter. “Emma? Emma Brooks?”

She turned to see a tall, burly man with a graying beard striding towards her, his face split in a wide grin. “Uncle Frank,” she said, her voice catching in her throat as he enveloped her in a bear hug. He wasn’t a blood relative, but he’d been as close as any family when she’d been small, always popping by the ranch, often staying for dinner and talking for hours about cattle management with her father.

“I heard you were back in town,” he said, stepping back and looking her over. “I’m so sorry about your daddy, sweetheart. He was a good man.”

Emma nodded, swallowing past the lump in her throat. “Thank you,” she said softly. “It’s good to be back, even under the circumstances.”

Frank nodded, his expression sympathetic. “Well, you just let us know if you need anything, you hear? The whole town’s here for you, Emma. We take care of our own.”

Emma felt a sudden rush of emotion, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. She had forgotten what it was like to be part of a community, to have people who cared about her beyond just a passing acquaintance.

“I appreciate that,” she said, her voice thick. “More than you know.”

Frank patted her shoulder, then turned to Cody with a knowing grin. “You taking good care of our girl, Cody?” he asked, his tone teasing.

Cody ducked his head, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “I’m doing my best, sir,” he said, his voice earnest.

Frank laughed, a deep, booming sound that filled the diner. “I don’t doubt it, son. You always were a good one.”

He gave Emma one last squeeze, then ambled back to the counter, leaving her feeling warm and slightly overwhelmed.

Mabel, who had been watching the exchange with a fond smile, clicked her tongue. “Alright, enough jawing,” she said briskly. “Let’s get you two some breakfast. The usual, Cody?”

Cody grinned up at her. “Yes, ma’am. And make it a double for Emma, she’s got a big day ahead of her.”

Mabel winked at Emma, then bustled off towards the kitchen, calling out orders as she went.

Emma settled back into her seat, taking a sip of her coffee. “I forgot how much I missed this place,” she said softly, looking around the diner. “It hasn’t changed a bit.”

Cody smiled, his eyes warm. “Some things never do,” he said, his gaze holding hers. “And sometimes, that’s a good thing.”

Before Emma could respond, a young voice piped up from the booth behind them. “Daddy, is Miss Emma going to have the big party this year? The one with the pony rides and the cotton candy?”

Emma froze, her coffee cup halfway to her lips. She turned to see a little girl, no more than six or seven, peering over the back of the booth at her, her eyes wide and hopeful.

The girl’s father, a man in his late twenties or early thirties, grimaced. “You know that’s not polite, sweet pea.”

He turned to Emma, an apologetic smile on his face. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “Ellie’s been talking about the annual festival at your father’s ranch for weeks now. She’s had a rough year and I couldn’t break it to her…”

The man trailed off, her expression pained. Emma felt a sudden rush of memories, images of the festival flashing through her mind. The laughter of children, the smell of popcorn and hot dogs, the feel of her father’s hand in hers as they walked through the crowd.

She had forgotten all about the festival, had assumed it had ended when she left for the city. The realization that it had continued all these years, that it had become a cherished tradition for the town, hit her like a physical blow.

“I... I didn’t know,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I had no idea it was still going on.”

“Your father never wanted to let it go,” he said softly. “He said it was a way to bring the community together, to celebrate the good things in life. He was so proud of it, Emma. And of you.”

Emma felt tears welling up in her eyes, a lump forming in her throat. She had been so caught up in her own life, in her own ambitions, that she had never stopped to think about the impact her father had on the town, on the people who loved him.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “For telling me that. It means more than you know.”

The man smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes, where some private grief lurked.

“You’re welcome. And if you do decide to have the festival this year, just know that we’ll all be there to help. It’s the least we can do, after everything your father did for us.”

Emma nodded, too choked up to speak. The man gave her one last nod of respect, then turned back to his daughter, leaving Emma to her thoughts.

Cody, who had been quietly listening to the exchange, reached across the table and took her hand. “You okay?” he asked softly, his thumb rubbing gentle circles on her skin.

Emma took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. “Yeah,” she said, managing a shaky smile. “Just a lot of memories, you know?”

Cody nodded, his expression understanding. “I know,” he said. “But maybe... maybe those memories can be a good thing, Emma. Maybe they can help you figure out what you want, what really matters to you.”

Before Emma could respond, the bell above the door jingled again, and a tall, lanky man in his late twenties walked in, a tool belt slung around his waist.

Cody’s face lit up, and he waved the man over. “Jeff!” he called out. “Just the man I wanted to see.”

The man ambled over to their table, a curious expression on his face. “Cody,” he said, nodding in greeting. “What’s up?”

Cody gestured to Emma, a proud smile on his face. “You remember Emma Brooks, don’t you? She’s back in town, taking care of her father’s ranch.”

Jeff’s eyebrows shot up, and he turned to Emma with a grin. “Well, I’ll be,” he said, sticking out his hand. “Emma Brooks, in the flesh. It’s been a long time.”

Emma shook his hand, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Hi, Jeff,” she said, a little awkwardly. “It’s good to see you.”

Jeff chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “You too, Emma. Although I have to say, you look a lot different than the last time I saw you. What was that, the school dance?”

Emma groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Oh, don’t remind me,” she mumbled, her voice muffled. “That was a disaster.”

Cody and Jeff both laughed, the sound warm and good-natured. “Aw, it wasn’t that bad,” Cody said, nudging her shoulder. “You looked beautiful, Emma. Even with punch all over your dress.”

Emma peeked out from between her fingers, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Cody,” she said dryly. “That makes me feel so much better.”

Jeff grinned, then turned to Cody with a raised eyebrow. “So, what did you want to see me about?”

Cody’s expression sobered, and he leaned forward, his voice low. “Emma’s got some electrical work that needs doing at the ranch,” he said. “The whole system needs an overhaul, and I was hoping you could take a look, give us a quote.”

Jeff nodded, his brow furrowing thoughtfully. “Sure, I can do that,” he said, pulling out a small notebook from his pocket. “When do you want me to come out?”

Emma straightened up, her expression hopeful. “Could you come today?” she asked, biting her lip. “I know it’s short notice, but I’m kind of on a tight schedule here.”

Jeff flipped through his notebook, then nodded. “I can make it out there this afternoon,” he said, scribbling something down. “Around two o’clock work for you?”

Emma nodded, relief washing over her. “That would be perfect,” she said, giving him a grateful smile. “Thank you, Jeff. I really appreciate it.”

Jeff waved a hand, a grin spreading across his face. “Anything for an old friend,” he said, winking at her. “And besides, Cody here would never let me hear the end of it if I didn’t help out.”

Cody chuckled, shaking his head. “You got that right,” he said, clapping Jeff on the shoulder. “I owe you one, man.”

Jeff just shrugged, tucking his notebook back into his pocket. “Buy me a beer sometime and we’ll call it even,” he said, heading towards the counter. “I’ll see you both this afternoon.”

As he walked away, Emma turned to Cody, her expression thoughtful. “He seems like a good guy still,” she said softly. “It’s nice to know that some things haven’t changed around here.”

Cody smiled, his eyes warm. “Jeff’s one of the best,” he said, taking a sip of his coffee. “And he’s not the only one, Emma. This town is full of good people, people who care about each other. Who care about you.”

Emma felt a sudden rush of emotion, a warmth spreading through her chest. She had spent so long running from her past, from the memories and the heartache, that she had forgotten what it was like to be part of something bigger than herself.

But sitting there in that diner, surrounded by the familiar faces and the warm laughter, she felt a sense of belonging that she hadn’t felt in years. And it was harder by the moment to remember that it was all temporary. Sooner or later, she and Cody would finish their repairs on the ranch, and then it would go on the market and she would go back to the city, where she belonged. She couldn’t afford to lose sight of that.