Walker (Cordell Walker x Female!Reader)

Back In The Saddle

Cordell is carrying a toolbox to his truck, the sky a mixture of pink and orange and sound filled by birds chirping, indicating it was very early in the morning. He opens the tail gate and slides the tool box into the bed, his eyes locking onto something that was already back there. An horse saddle.

Cordell begins to reminisce about his wife, Emily gifting him the saddle with a special ingrained saddlebag with both his and her initials on it. He runs his hand over the saddle, feeling a large range of emotions. Angered by the memory, he slams the tail gate back up, blocking the saddle from his view.

He walks towards the driver's side door, taking his keys out when he spotted (Name) carrying a bucket of feed towards the livestock. He immediately beelines after her. "(Name), hey." He called out and (Name) jumps, nearly dropping the bucket she was carrying.

She catches it and grips the handle with both hands, turning to face Cordell, timidly. "Yes?" She asked and Cordell smiles at her nervously as he gets closer. "Hi. I uh... I-I just wanted to apologize for the way I treated you yesterday and the day before that."

"No, it's okay." (Name) said, relaxing a little bit. "No, it's not. You have been a big help to my family from what I hear and I've been acting like a jerk." Cordell said. "Mr. Walker I..." (Name) began and Cordell chuckles. "Please, you're making me feel old. It's just Cordell."

"I understand why you were so guarded. I can't imagine how hard it is, pretending to be someone else for 10 months, and then coming back here and everyone expecting you to just be yourself again." (Name) said and Cordell seems surprised by how well she's able to read him off the bat.

"And I'm sure, me being here doesn't exactly help. Since we met before under different circumstances." She continues and Cordell nodded. "Have you... told anyone?" He asked, anxiously.

"Just your father, after you left the field the other day." (Name) replied and Cordell nodding, he knew he should've suspected that. "And your mother might know if he told her." She added. "Listen uh... from here on out, can we keep our first meeting between us?" Cordell asked.

"Of course." (Name) replied, nodding. "I've never heard of Duke Culpepper before in my life." She said and Cordell smiles, feeling a tremendous amount of weight was just lifted off his shoulders.

"Good. Let's start over." Cordell said, offering his hand out to (Name). "Hi, Cordell Walker." He introduced himself and (Name) smiles, accepting his hand. Cordell held her hand more gentle this time, which gave her the slight feeling of butterflies in her stomach.

"(Name) (Last Name)." She introduced herself and Cordell smiles, shaking her hand. "Pleasure to meet you." He said and they let go of each other's hand. "Hey, how about later today I buy you a drink? To make up for the past two days." He offered.

"Oh, that isn't necessary." (Name) said, waving her hand. "No, it is. I'll take you to the best bar in Austin." Cordell said, smiling. "Mr. Walker..." (Name) attempted to say. "Cordell." He corrected her, smiling. "Cordell, I..."

"I'm not taking No for an answer." Cordell told her and (Name) sighs. "Your brother warned me that you were stubborn." She said and Cordell chuckles. "Why yes I am." He said, proudly.

"Alright, fine. But I have to warn you, I'm not much of a drinker." (Name) said. "That's fine. As long as you're okay with driving me home." Cordell joked and (Name) giggles, which makes him smile. "Deal then." She said.

"Great. I'll see you then." Cordell said, turning to walk back to his truck. "See ya later... Mr. Walker." (Name) said and Cordell turns, continuing to walk backwards towards his truck. "It's Cordell to you." He said and they both shared a smile.