A COWBOYS REDEMPTION

𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄

The door finally creaked open, and there he was, Sawyor, strolling in with a smile on his face. "What's up, Wyatt? Sorry for the delay, I was checking in on another patient."

"That's fine," I said, trying to sound calm, though my heart was racing.

He walked over to the counter, grabbed my file, and started flippin' through it.

He didn't say anything at first, just furrowed his brow and squinted at the papers.

I was starting to get a bit antsy when he suddenly whispered, "Well, I'll be damned.

" Then he leaned back against the countertop, looking all puzzled.

"What is it, Sawyor?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He laughed, shakin' his head like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. "Everything is perfect."

I blinked, not sure I heard him right. "What?"

He turned the file around, showing me the scans of my brain—before and after. The difference was clear as day. I could see it. I grinned and looked back at him, trying to make sure this wasn't some kinda dream.

"The swelling in your brain has gone away," Sawyor said, his voice steady. "You no longer have what we call an abnormal brain."

I laughed, a bit shaky. "H-how is that possible? After a whole year of sufferin' from this damn condition, it's just all gone?"

"Well, it's not exactly cured," Sawyor explained, "but as long as you keep taking your medication, you shouldn't have anything to worry about."

I sat there, thinking, and then I asked the one question I hadn't asked in a long time. "Does this mean I can start bull ridin' again?"

Sawyor grinned. "Yes, Wyatt, this means you can start bull riding again."

"Let's go!" I shouted, jumping up from my seat. I grabbed Sawyor in a friendly hug, liftin' him off the ground a bit, feeling all kinds of excited.

Just then, the door opened, and Milia walked in, looking curious. "What's got you so excited?"

I hurried over to her, practically bouncing on my heels. "Baby, I'm cleared for bull ridin' again! Sawyor said everything is perfect with my brain."

Milia gasped, her eyes lighting up. "Baby, that's so good. I'm so happy for you!" She wrapped her arms around me, kissing me soft and sweet.

"This calls for a celebration!" I declared, feeling like I could conquer the world.

"Oh no, I'm tired," Sawyor groaned, rubbing his eyes.

"Come on, Sawyor," I begged. "I just got the best news of my life! We're goin' out tonight, so tell Sienna and Jonah! I'll tell Akhilles! Besides, it's Halloween! We can dress up and go out."

Sawyor rolled his eyes, but I could see the grin twitching at the corner of his mouth. "Ugh, fine, whatever. I could use a drink or five anyway," he muttered before walking out.

??°

I finished getting ready, giving myself one last look in the mirror before heading downstairs.

My Jessie costume from Toy Story fit perfectly, the red hat sat on my head and the cow-print chaps swaying as I moved.

As I walked down the stairs, I spotted Sienna, looking stunning in her Little Red Riding Hood outfit, and Sawyor. .. as a pimp.

Sienna gasped when she saw me, clapping her hands together. "We look so fucking good!" she exclaimed.

I laughed and shook my head, turning to Sawyor. "Sawyor, I cannot believe you're actually going as a pimp."

He grinned, sliding on a pair of shades. "What can I say? These hoes love me."

I couldn't help but chuckle, but I teased him anyway. "I don't think Jonah would appreciate you calling him a hoe."

Sawyor shushed me with a finger on my lips. "Shh," he said, a playful smirk on his face.

I smacked his hand away. "Don't mess up my lip combo," I warned.

He shrugged, still grinning. "Well, you know Wyatt's gonna do that later." He gave me a wink.

"Anyway, let's go, guys," I said, steering the conversation back on track. We all laughed and headed out the door, ready for the night.

When we got to the bar, the place was already buzzing with energy. Everyone had on costumes and drinks in their hands. Sawyor looked around, searching. "Where's the boys?"

Sienna shrugged. "Don't know, but I'm getting a drink." She made her way over to the bar, and we followed. We found a spot at the bar table, and before long, the bartender's eyes landed on me. He smiled, tossing a towel over his shoulder as he approached.

"What can I get for you tonight, Miss?" he asked, his tone smooth.

I laughed. "I'll have five lemon drop shots."

"Coming right up," he replied with a smirk.

Sienna leaned into me, her voice low. "Wyatt is going to kill you."

I turned to her, confused. "Why?"

She nodded toward the bartender. "He's obviously flirting with you."

I laughed again, dismissing it. "Yeah, right."

Sienna raised an eyebrow, "Okay, girl."

The bartender returned, setting the shots in front of me. Without hesitation, I downed each one, one after the other, as if they were water. The bartender chuckled, clearly impressed. "Damn, Jessie. You know you're gonna feel those in about thirty minutes?"

I grinned, wiping my mouth. "I know."

His tone shifted slightly, becoming more concerned. "Are you driving home tonight?"

I didn't answer right away, but he continued, "If so, I don't think you should. I could—"

Before he could finish, someone cleared their throat behind me. I turned to see Wyatt standing there, towering over me in his Woody costume, his eyes locked on the bartender with a look that could kill.

"Hey, baby," Wyatt said, his voice low and possessive.

"Hey, Wyatt," I replied, feeling a bit of a blush creep up my cheeks.

Without a word, Wyatt pulled me into a kiss, deep and intense, shoving his tongue into my mouth while his eyes stayed glued to the bartender. The message was clear, and the bartender got it, chuckling as he backed away.

Wyatt pulled back slightly, looking down at me with a smirk. "Yeah, buddy, keep it pushing. She's mine."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile. I stood up, grabbing Wyatt's hand. "Let's go, Buckie."

We headed over to the dance floor, hand in hand before I started swaying my hips to the beat, losing myself in the music. Wyatt pulled me closer, my back hitting his chest, his arms snug around my waist. I grinned and started shaking my ass, throwing it back on him, feeling his warmth against me.

He leaned down, his lips close to my ear. "You know, I don't like it when you're speakin' to other guys."

I rolled my eyes, smiling. "Wyatt, please don't. I can handle myself."

"I know you can, Milia, but that bartender was flirtin' with you, and it was obvious."

I laughed softly, turning my head to look at him. "He was flirting with me, but who's gonna be in bed with me tonight, possibly fuckin' my brains out?"

Wyatt looked at me for a moment, biting his lip before he burst into laughter. "I am."

"See? That's what I thought." I pulled him closer by his jacket, our lips meeting in a soft kiss.

"Now, come on, Woody," I teased, breaking the kiss. "Let's go get you a beer." I grabbed his hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm paying since we're celebrating you."

Wyatt chuckled, "I love the sound of that."

We started making our way to the bar, the music thumping around us. Just as we were near the bar, I noticed some guy looking me up and down, his eyes lingering for far too long. He bit his lip and muttered, "That's a nice ass."

My eyes widened, feeling Wyatt's hand slip immediately away from mine. "Wyatt, no—" I started, but it was too late. I turned just in time to see Wyatt's fist connect with the guy's face, sending him to the floor, knocked out cold.

My jaw dropped. "Wyatt!"

He towered over the guy, his voice low. "Don't ever look in my girl's way again, pussy!"

Wyatt turned and walked back toward me, leaving the guy sprawled on the floor. I stared, a mix of shock and disbelief swirling inside me.

So much for having a good celebration.