“Will you stop suffering.” Lou patted her on her knee. “Your man is doing great.”
With all the excitement going on, Journey forgot to worry about anything else. Everyone seemed to be having a blast. The men threw themselves into the competition, putting their egos on the backburner. Out of the many entries in the talent competition, a few stood out in Journey’s mind. Philip McCoy presented a soliloquy from Shakespeare, complete with a Greek toga. Benjen Blackhawk performed an authentic Native American war dance, while Titan Sloan, the fire chief of Hayes County, demonstrated the proper way to put a handle on a knife he’d forged. Aron McCoy stole the show when he read a poem he’d written for his wife, Libby, entitled I Lost My Heart at the Stock Tank. His brother Joseph accompanied himself on the guitar, then amazed everyone when he invited Reno to join him on stage.
“This may be a little unorthodox, but I’m going to play this guitar and sing back-up for a new friend as he sings one of my favorite songs. Made famous by Elvis Presley, this is Reno Black performing I’LL REMEMBER YOU.”
Journey’s heart nearly stopped. She grabbed Lou’s hand and hung on for dear life as Reno’s rich, pure voice began to sing a heartbreaking number about a man who’s leaving his love behind but promises to remember her once he’s gone.
“Why did he have to choose this song?” she whispered, the tears already beginning to flow.
“I know this one. Just listen to the words,” Lou implored her, a comforting arm around her shoulder.
Journey could do nothing else. His voice was beautiful, the words were personal and poignant. Somehow, she’d managed to push aside the burning truth that in less than twenty-four hours the man she loved would attempt to go back in time. She would remain in this century, pregnant and alone.
Yet, she’d been the one to tell him to go. Because he had no choice, and neither did she.
“Look at him, Journey.”
Journey couldn’t. Not when he sang of how lonely he’d be. How he’d think of her voice, the way she laughed, the mornings after they’d spent the night loving one another. “Oh, God.”
“Well, I’m recording it for you. You’ll thank me someday.”
Someday. That’s what he was singing now. Someday, he’d return to stay.
Till then…I will remember you…
Unable to remain in her seat, she rose, and started down the aisle.
…Onstage, Reno poured his heart out to Journey in song. He wanted her to know when he was gone, not one moment would pass that he wouldn’t be thinking of her. Reno needed her to understand that if God be willing, he would return. Even if the Almighty had other ideas, he would battle Satan himself to be back in her arms.
As Reno ended the song, he saw Journey pushing her way down the aisle. What was she doing? He gave a quick thank you to Joseph and a grateful wave to the audience as he hurried offstage. Reno needed to find his wife.
He caught up with her as she was leaving through one of the exits. “Journey! Wait!”
She didn’t stop, but she didn’t go far. Just outside the front entrance, she sagged against the stone wall, crying her eyes out.
“Journey. Darling!”
When he gathered her close, she didn’t resist. “I didn’t mean to upset you,” he whispered in her ear.
“You were wonderful,” she sobbed. “It’s just…”
“I know. I know. I’m so sorry.”
“I want you to go. I do. I just need for you to come back as quickly as you can.”
“I will. You know I will.”
“Promise me.” She clung to him. “Promise me, please.”
“Listen to me. In a few days, go look in Saul’s journal. I will send you a letter and affix it somehow to the inside of the back cover. I’ll write on it in big letters – DO NOT REMOVE.”
This made her stop crying. “Do you think that will work?” She wiped the tears from her eyes.
“I can try. I’ll write you how I made it, what’s going on, and when you can expect me to return. Okay?”
“All right.” His suggestion made her feel better. Hopeful. “It’s not a phone call, but it’s the best we can do.”
“Yes, it is.” He smiled sadly. “I love you; you know.”
“I know. We’d better go back inside. They may be about to announce the winner.”
Reno laughed heartily. “It’s not like I have a chance…”
…Journey cheered at the top of her voice. “Yes!!!!” Reno had been wrong. He was the new Ultimate Hill Country Cowboy!
“That’s my great nephew!” Myra yelled as Desiree Barron presented Reno with an engraved plaque and a prize.
“He looks a little bumfuzzled.” Lou was enjoying every moment. “What’s the prize?”
“I don’t know. People are making so much noise I can’t hear.”
“Lou!” Cady McCoy motioned for her to come over to where she stood
“Oh, excuse me. Ms. McCoy is about to set me up!”
Journey waved her on. “Have a good time.”
As she waited for things to settle down, Harley LeBlanc came up to her. “Hey, do you have a moment?”
“I do. I’m just waiting for my husband.” She glanced at Reno who was being interviewed on camera by a television reporter.
“When I touched you a few minutes ago, I got a strange vibe from you. Would you like a reading?”
Journey was reluctant. Actually, she was afraid. “Uh…Jewel Blackhawk read my palm a few weeks ago. I doubt things have changed much since then.”
“Oh? Okay.” She didn’t appear to be offended. “That’s all right. Talking to a psychic isn’t for everyone.”
“You’re a psychic?” The question came from Reno as he placed an arm around Journey’s shoulder.
“I am. I
