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Time for it all over again.
Time for me to do the same thing that changed my life eight years ago.
The Bodacious Bull.
I stood there, staring at the beast. The most dangerous bull to ride. He was just as I rememberedβmuscular, big, and downright terrifying. His nostrils flared, and I could see the raw power in every tense muscle.
I glanced around, taking in the massive crowd. The noise was deafening, people cheering my name, their excitement feeding the adrenaline coursing through my veins.
"Wyatt, are you ready for this?" Finn's voice cut through the noise. I scanned the crowd again, my eyes finding familiar faces. My family and friends were all there, watching me, supporting me like they always had. I could feel their love and energy from where I stood.
Then, I tilted my head back, looking up at the sky. "This one's for you, Wiley," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the crowd, but I knew he could hear me.
I looked down at Finn, nodding. "Let's do this," I said, my voice steady and sure.
This wasn't just about me anymore. It was about honoring Wiley's memory, about proving to myself that I could face the fear again. It was time to conquer the Bodacious Bull one more time.
My final ride.
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"Mommy, are you okay?" Waylon asked, looking up at me with those big green, innocent eyes.
"Oh yes, I'm okay, baby," I replied, forcing a smile. But then he asked the question that made my heart sink a little.
"Are you scared for Daddy?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "Of course I'm scared for Daddy, but with your support? I'm sure he will do just fine!" Waylon beamed up at me, and somehow that made me feel a little braver.
Just then, the announcer's voice boomed over the speaker, cutting through the tension in the air. "Ladies and gentlemen... after eight long years of waiting, we finally get to see the same show that ended badly years ago. Wyatt Buckley, ridin' the Bodacious Bull!"
I bit my lip, my heart racing as I prepared myself. I watched Wyatt approach the bull, his confidence radiating. "Ridin' all the way from Austin, Texas for the last time, ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up for Wyatt 'Buckie' Buckley!" the announcer shouted.
As the gate swung open, the bull immediately began thrashing and twisting, tossing Wyatt from side to side. I jumped to my feet, a gasp escaping my lips. Waylon shouted, "Let's go, Daddy!" and I felt a surge of pride and fear all at once.
Wyatt held on with everything he had, but I could see him start to slip. The crowd gasped, whispers filled the air, and my breath caught in my throat. Just when it seemed he would fall, Wyatt pulled himself back onto the bull, showing the strength I knew he had, but feared he'd lost.
Then, just like that, he stayed on for a few more seconds before finally letting go and landing gracefully on his feet. The announcer's voice boomed, "Holy smokes, ladies and gentlemen! Give it up for this year's new champion and world record holder, Wyatt Buckley!"
I couldn't contain my excitement. Waylon and I cheered loudly, and I scooped him up in my arms, spinning him around. "Daddy did it! He really did it, Mommy!" Waylon shouted, his face lighting up with joy.
"Yes, he did, baby!" I replied, my heart swelling with pride.
As Wyatt walked toward us, I shouted, "Come on, Waylon!" I grabbed his hand, and we rushed over to him. "Wyatt!" I called out, and he turned, a huge smile spreading across his face as he held his arms out for Waylon.
"Daddy, I'm so proud of you!" Waylon shouted as he ran into Wyatt's embrace.
"I couldn't have done it without your support, son," Wyatt replied, kissing Waylon's cheek before setting him down. Then, he turned to me, lifting me up into his arms and kissing me deeply. "We did it, baby, we fucking did it."
I pulled back, my heart racing. "You did so good, Wyatt. I know your grandma and Wiley would be so proud of you." I said, and I could see my words hit him, but he smiled through it all.
"I love you so much, Milia," he said, his eyes shining.
"I love you too," I responded.
Just then, someone shouted, "Attaboy!" and we turned to see Sienna and Akhilles walking over hand in hand, with Addielyn running towards us, her little bootcut jeans swaying and her small hat bobbing with each step.
"Oh my god! When did you get into town?" I exclaimed as I rushed over, pulling Addielyn into my arms.
Waylon dashed over to them, hugging them tightly. "Uncle Khilles! Auntie Si!"
"What's up, Waylon? Did you miss us?" Akhilles asked, ruffling Waylon's curly hair.
Waylon nodded eagerly, and I hugged Addielyn, saying, "Hey, Addie, I missed you, my baby."
Wyatt grinned at Akhilles. "What's up, you guys? I wasn't expecting you to come."
Akhilles scoffed. "Us? Miss the biggest moment of your final season? I think not!"
"Besides," Sienna added, "Addie begged us to let her come watch her Uncle Wy's final rodeo ride." Wyatt smiled at Addielyn, and they exchanged a fist bump.
"Hey! Addie, you didn't even say hi to me!" Waylon yelled, his hands on his hips while he stared at her with a mean look.
Addielyn crossed her arms and shot back, "You didn't say hi to me either, Waylon!"
Waylon stuck his tongue out at her, and Addie quickly did the same, both of them giggling as their playful laughter filled the air.
I glanced around, soaking in the atmosphere, when my eyes landed on Sawyor and Jonah making their way toward us, a car seat nestled in Jonah's arms. My heart skipped a beat, and I rushed over to them.
"Oh my god, you got her?" I shouted, excitement bubbling over.
Sawyor beamed, his eyes sparkling. "Yup... we just picked her up about an hour ago."
I leaned in closer to the baby, cooing, "She's so adorable!" My heart melted as I caught a glimpse of the tiny girl, all bundled up.
"She sure is. Her name is Luna." Jonah said, smiling down at the small baby.
"Well, it's nice to meet you Luna!" I replied, touching her little hand.
Just then, Wyatt chimed in, a teasing smirk on his face. "Maybe we should try for a baby girl."
A wave of flashbacks hit me, memories of my pregnancy with Waylon flooding my mind. "Hell no," I answered, my voice firm.
"Why not?" Wyatt asked, leaning in closer to look at Luna.
"Absolutely not, Wyatt," I replied, shaking my head.
He pulled me closer, his voice low and teasing. "No promises."
"Yeah, right," I laughed, shaking my head again.
"So, who wants to go riding horses?" I suggested, eager to shift the conversation.
Waylon and Addie shouted in unison, "Me!"
Wyatt and I exchanged a glance. "You get Addie, I get Waylon?" he asked, and I nodded in agreement.
"Let's do it," I replied.
Wyatt grabbed my hand, and we set off, our family trailing behind us. As we walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of calmness wash over me. We had come so far, overcome so much, and now we were surrounded by the people we loved most.
This was our life, our family, our dream. And as long as I had Wyatt by my side, I knew that no matter what the future held, we'd face it together, just like we always had.