Rodeo has thought a lot about why Adelaide didn't mention her husband, why she just sat there with that ring on and never told 'em who had put it there. It's strange that she wouldn't mention it, but they've always been strange. There's a chance she's worried he'll go off about it, that he's still the same as he was when she was in high school and got caught sneaking out on a date with a boy. Maybe she just doesn't trust his temper. Maybe she doesn't want him to have anything to do with that part of her life, doesn't want him to drag his low-down dirt all over her happy little marriage and her comfortable little life.
Rodeo nods when she promises they'll get through it. That she'll help. He knows she'll help, but hearing her say it is like a cool drink on a parched throat. It's a relief for sure. He lets himself soak it up. He drinks his whiskey and Sweet Melissa gets up from her cushion to go to Teagan, poking her wet nose against T's elbow.
"You'll have to meet her," Rodeo says, eyes on his glass. "She'll probably play it cool. Try'n ice you over. You throw her in with another gal and she's pure winter, my baby girl. But she'll crack. You got a way of bustin' through barriers, darlin'. Even hers don't stand a chance."