Wrapped around your finger - Post Malone

68

"Now that you have disgraced me by dancing with that runt, you ready to go home?" Austin asks. Hazel lets out a laugh and nods. "Silly cowboy," she says and takes his hand, letting him lead her out of the barn. They are stopped short by Matt and Josh who are standing nervously by Thunder. "Boys," Austin greets them. "Rancher," they greet back then Josh bumps Matt with his hand. "We heard what you did for Jack...and, uh...we thank you for the opportunity you have given us. We will never be the men we are today if you had not decided to take us on. You have taught us everything we know," Matt says and then looks back at Josh. Josh steps forward and squares his shoulders. "You are the best man we know and you will always have our respect. But...we think our time on Cottonwood has come to an end and...uh, with your blessing, we would like to follow Jack...work his land, help him set up," Josh says. Is this a bad thing? Should Hazel move away while Austin thumps them? She is not sure. But then Austin smiles. "You have my blessing. You worked well. Take your horses, you bonded with them and treated them well," Austin says. Both Matt and Josh let out a sigh and sport big smiles. "Is there anything else you would like to get off your chests?" Austin suddenly asks. Matt and Josh stop smiling and look at him with big eyes. Hazel frowns. What now? "You..you knew?" Josh asks, his voice a little shaky. "Aye, I did," Austin answers. "And you were fine with it?" Matt asks. "Ain't my business who a man chooses to love," Austin says. Oh. Ooooh. Josh takes Matt's hand and looks at Austin. "We love each other...deeply," he says proudly. "Treat each other with respect then and work Jack's land well. Cottonwood is still your home and so if you ever need to ride here again, there will be a place for you. Now get," he says. Josh and Matt give a tight nod and disappear, Hazel can hear laughter as they walk away.

"Come on, darlin', home time," he says softly and helps her up onto Thunder, after she has removed her heels of course. They walk slowly up the ranch road, the music and laughter getting softer and softer behind them. The breeze is cool on her skin and the stars seem to shine a little brighter. She hears a neigh in the distance and knows it's Lightning just reminding Austin that although he is free - he is still close. "You've changed me, darlin'," he whispers into her ear. She takes his hand and places it on her stomach. "You have changed me too," she whispers. She feels Austin stiffen and Thunder comes to a stop. Hazel turns around and looks at him. Austin's eyes flick to her stomach and then back to her. "You are pregnant?" he asks, touching her stomach. Hazel nods.

"You sure?"

"Yes, well, if you can take a ten year old's word."

"Evelyn confirmed it?"

"Yes."

Austin stares at her then down at her stomach and then looks back at her. Hazel has to blink her eyes at how bright Austin's smile is, he is beaming. Then he lifts one finger and his face goes serious. "If...if you would just give me a moment, please, ma'am," he says. Hazel nods. He jumps down and then starts dancing, badly, on the dusty ranch road. Kicking dirt in the air, whooping, and laughing. He even picks up Christmas Dinner and gives him a hug as he dances. He has lost his dam mind.

"Embarrassing...I see you told him then," Evelyn says in a bored tone as she walks past on the back of Sparkle. "A baby! Evelyn, a baby!" he shouts happily "It's a girl!" Evelyn shouts over her shoulder with a sly chuckle as she continues to walk. Austin stops dancing and watches the back of Evelyn. "Girl?...a girl," he whispers then spins around and looks at Hazel with big eyes. He takes his Stetson off and holds it to his chest. "Oh...I...I am thankful and all, but I don't know how many more women I can take, ma'am," he says. Hazel smiles at him. "Help me down, please," she asks. Austin helps her down and Hazel smiles up at him as he pulls her to his chest. "If there is any man that can handle it, it is you. Ain't no doubt in my mind, baby," she says. "You also look a little crazy with how much you are smiling right now," she adds. He bends and loops his arms under her ass then lifts her, she squeaks a bit as he spins her around. "A baby," he marvels. Hazel laughs then leans down and kisses him, "Silly cowboy," she mumbles into his mouth. He then puts her down, carefully. "I better get you home, the breeze has a chill to it," he says. Hazel lets him help her up then he stands back a little and looks up at her. "Are we sure it's a girl? Your ass is huge," he says. Hazel looks down at him with a pointed look. "You are a brave man, rancher, best you keep your mouth shut for the next nine months," she warns. Austin chuckles then climbs up behind her and flicks his reins, Thunder walks forward. She leans into him as he wraps one arm protectively around her tummy and then looks up into the night sky. That velvet black sky brings so much comfort now, like a warm blanket. The stars are bright and then, finally, she sees a new star that she has never seen before. It is close to Austin's mother and just as bright. "Hello mama, I missed you," she says softly. "I am ok, I am doing just fine," she adds and then lets her eyes fall closed as she feels Austin's lips on her neck.

She is home...

THE END

(or is it?)