CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
T here’s a tightness in my chest that won’t quit throbbing. I rub at the ache, bumping over my necklace. My fingers tremble as I tug the pendant from under my shirt. The picture of Pago blurs as my eyes fill with tears. He’s with us. That knowledge allows me to breathe.
But then the next exhibitor is called and my pulse spikes. This has been a vicious cycle. At least my nerves aren’t bothering Leita. She’s calm beneath me while I continue to fret. Her chill disposition anchors me and my stiff posture sags with a thick exhale.
“Doing okay?” Drake’s hand rubs soothing circles into my thigh.
I rip my focus off the competition and concentrate on his concerned baby blues. “This is more stressful than I remember.”
“Is it because you’re running barrels on a baseball field? I gotta tell you, beauty.” His whistle is low and exaggerated. “This is a sight I never thought I’d ever see.”
“The arena is a bit unconventional,” I agree.
“That’s putting it mildly.” His dry tone cracks through the static in my ears.
“Race for the Fences is a charity fundraiser,” I explain.
“Ah, yes. They received a very generous—and anonymous—donation thanks to a certain construction company meeting their end. I bet Mr. Sutherland would be proud to know his fortune is supporting a worthy cause.”
The reminder chases off my nerves for a second. “The fight to stop hunger and homelessness thanks them. I chose this event for another reason as well. There’s no pressure. It’s just for fun to raise money and awareness.”
His brows lift. “Repeat that to yourself until you believe it.”
I try but the words scramble. “Leita hasn’t experienced a competition. Plenty can go wrong.”
“She’s solid as a pine tree.” He pats her neck while grabbing an apple from his pocket. Drake’s smile restores mine as he feeds her. “You’re a great team. Trust her judgment.”
“This is just for fun,” I mumble.
“Next up is number thirteen,” the gate attendant booms.
The saddle creaks under my restlessness. “That’s us.”
“Hey,” Drake murmurs. “Just relax. You’re gonna do great.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Cassidy.”
“Yep.”
“Look at me.”
I do. The knots in my stomach quit twisting at the sincerity in his gaze. He hasn’t left our side since I finished warming up. I didn’t ask him to hang out in the on-deck pen with us. This perfect man just knew I needed his presence beside me.
“Hi, trouble.”
“I love you.” His voice stomps with conviction. “Go out there and give it your best. That’s all you can do.”
“Right.” I nod too briskly, shifting my hat. As if I need another thing to worry about. The gate person waves me forward and I grab onto the reins. “That’s my cue. Oh, and I love you too.”
He gives my leg a final rub. “Knock ‘em sideways!”
My shoulders hike skyward as I steer Leita into the makeshift alley. This is the worst moment for him to screw up a phrase. I choose to see it as a good luck charm. Those barrels are going to stick.
The speakers crackle as my name is announced. I tune out the applause and concentrate on the field coming into view. Leita’s ears perk forward, assessing the task ahead. One right turn and two left. We’ve done this in practice but never with a crowd cheering. My horse doesn’t seem bothered by the noise. She begins to prance and bobble her head, giving me the signal to turn her loose.
I haven’t pushed her through a pattern and don’t plan to start now. That’s not what this is about. We’re just taking a trial run. She’s only four. There’s still next year to enter the futurity races. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
My grip goes slack on the reins and Leita takes off at a gallop. I decide to let her run, trusting her instincts to set the pace. Wind smacks my face as we approach the first barrel. Leita’s stride digs into the dirt, entering at an angle for the pocket. I grip onto the horn and lean into her motions. We whip around in a tight circle that makes this look easy.
Her fluid momentum flies us to the second can. I barely notice the hitch of her changing leads, just a smooth glide in the process. She lunges forward and gains ground quickly. The distance between us and the next turn seems far but her speed is practically eating the sand. My horse sets herself up and curves around the barrel like a seasoned pro. I don’t even need to guide her.
We’re off to the third in a rush of speed and adrenaline. The pattern is large, but she’s making the size seem miniature. Her body wraps the can like a label and I sit deep in the saddle. I’m lurched upright to hover over the seat as we head for home. Leita’s hooves pound the turf to the beat of my rapid pulse. Tears leak from my eyes from her swift sprint, along with the memories chasing us. The clock stops when we cross the line and disappear into the alley.
I fold myself over her neck, showering her in appreciation and affection. A thrum fills my veins as I realize what we accomplished. My mare slams on the brakes before hitting the gate. Our job is done.
My body slides off the saddle like a bale of hay. I go limp before my knees crash into the dirt. Emotion floods me in a torrential downpour. Leita stands beside me as a loyal companion. Maybe she understands how important this moment is.
Drake is there is the next second, scooping me into his arms. “Holy shit! That was unbelievable, beauty. Like faster than I could track. You’re gonna be the barrel racing champion of the baseball field.”
I laugh, but it resembles a sob. “That’s not a thing.”
“Should be.” He tips my face to his with a knuckle tucked under my chin. “You two are meant to be partners. Totally called it. She ran so hard for you.”
My nod is jerky. “I’m so proud of her.”
“Good thing you let me swoop in and buy her for you.”
A garbled snort dribbles through my emotional turmoil. “To think I almost sold her. We would’ve missed out.”
“But you didn’t.” His whistle is tinged in awe. “Damn, that was incredible to watch.”
“I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“You could have,” he whispers. “But I’m glad you didn’t.”
“Yeah, trouble. “We’re a team.”
He squeezes my hip. “Always.”
“Mommy!” Kenzie and Charlie crash into my legs. They grip onto me while shouting, “You did it!”
I crouch to cuddle them close. “Were you there watching?”
“Uh-huh,” Charlie answers. “You went zipping there and then zapped, zinged, flash, dodge, and zooooooooom!”
“Wow,” I breathe.
“That was sooooo super cool. I wanna be you when I grow up.” Kenzie hops on the balls of her feet.
“Maybe Leita can be yours someday.” I snag a carrot from Drake’s pocket and feed the piece to my horse. “She’s going to be a champion for many years to come.”
My little girl squeals. “Yes! I wanna be a cowgirl and run faaaaaast.”
“I’m gonna ride bulls with big balls,” my son states proudly.
Drake clears his throat, gaze cast on the ground. “I might’ve made a poorly timed observation about a certain animal’s anatomy.”
Paisley is suddenly beside us, passing Leita’s reins to my boyfriend. “How about you take her for a walk. She needs to cool off.”
“Oh, I don’t think—”
But Drake ignores my voice of reason, leading the roan away. The softie sneaks her another carrot before slinging his arm around her neck. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume he’s been around horses his entire life. Charlie and Kenzie trot to catch up with them. The picture they create burns my nose with too many feels.
“You picked a good one,” Paisley comments.
I swipe at my mouth, making sure there’s no drool. “Sure did.”
“How did it feel?”
I place a hand on my racing heart, a grin stretching wide. “Amazing. Like a new chapter shooting from the gate.”
“Great choice of venue.” She hitches her thumb at the field.
“Crazy coincidence, right? I saw an advertisement and figured it was meant to be.” The shock on the former Mustangs’ face sealed the deal on my giddiness. “If I could choose anywhere to start my comeback, this is the place.”
“Totally tracks.”
“Cassidy Brooks,” the announcer cuts in. “Please report to the arena.”
I glance at my fellow contestants, noticing nobody else is moving. “Is there an award ceremony?”
Paisley squints at the sky. “Beats me. Better get in there.”
“Umm… okay?” My steps falter almost immediately. “Where’s my horse?”
“How should I know?” And she doesn’t plan to help based on her backtrack to the bleachers. Her elbow clips a man and she’s about to apologize until he turns. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“None of your concern,” the recognizable grump rasps.
Paisley pokes his chest. “You better not be trying to sell her again.”
He knocks her hand off him. “It’s not your business, twinkles.”
“Don’t even go there.” She huffs and pushes past him. “If I find out you’re trying to get rid of her, you’ll have hell to pay.”
I’m caught in a stupor from their drama and almost forget I’ve been summoned. My stride is wary as I creep toward the fence. What I see at the center of the field freezes me on the spot. Drake is standing with Leita as if this is totally normal. My kids are busy sprinkling sunflower petals on the ground.
“What are you doing?” I whisper-shout.
He spreads his arms wide. “Making a scene.”
Kenzie and Charlie rush toward me in a fit of giggles. They shove at my back at hurry me along. My boots drag along the ground, kicking up dust. The silence from the stands is deafening.
Drake releases my mare, trusting her to stay. I’m beginning to believe she can do no wrong as her hooves remain firmly planted where requested. Satisfied, my boyfriend’s outstretched hand beckons for mine to hold.
“Hey, beauty,” he croons while our fingers interlock.
“Trouble,” I mumble. “What’s going on?”
His sigh is over the top, similar to this strange situation. “This event doesn’t give trophies, but I wanted to get you something for crushing such a huge accomplishment.”
“You’re really sweet and thoughtful, but this isn’t necessary.”
“Our parents and brothers are here. They’re sitting near Auntie June and Paisley.” He points to a section in the front row. “The Roosters crew is there too.”
“Oh, my.” I wave at our friends and family. “The whole gang.”
Drake toys with my fingers, tugging lightly. “I wanted them to see your run.”
“It’s not that big of a deal.”
His scoff calls bullshit. “This is huge. A major win. I’m proud of you. Besides, I figured it was time we gathered everyone together to get officially acquainted.”
My mouth pinches to one side. “That makes sense, I guess.”
“Do you need a better reason to celebrate?”
“Not really.”
“Well, I’ll give you one anyway.” When he gets down on one knee, I just about tip over. “This one is real. I hope you’re ready.”
My head is bobbing faster than my heart. “Yes.”
“Okay, remember you said that.” He chuckles. “My beautiful sunflower. Not sure what I did to deserve the way you’re smiling at me right now but I’m not gonna question it. How quickly you’ve become vital to me. Not just as my girlfriend and lover. You’re my best friend. The one I want to share everything with. You’re the highlight of my day. The last thought of every night and the first each morning. You were my unfinished story but I’m hoping to write the rest together. I’d love nothing more than to spend forever beside you.” Drake reveals a velvet box and pops open the lid. “Cassidy Brooks, will you marry me?”
I clap a palm over my mouth to trap a shout. Tears trickle over my hand while I’m nodding wildly again. There are no words while I stare at the brilliant canary diamond that’s haloed by aquamarine gemstones.
His eyes sparkle brighter than the yellow solitaire. “Gonna need you to use that answer from earlier.”
“Yes!” I squeak. “Yes, yes, yes.”
Drake slides the platinum ring on my finger and rises to his feet, gathering me in a hug along the way. “You’re gonna be my wife.”
I fling my arms around his neck, smiling into our first kiss as an engaged couple. “Love you, fiancé.”
He groans, yanking me tighter against him. “Say it again.”
“My fiancé,” I purr.
“Mommy and Pinkie Pie are in looooooove.” Kenzie’s hushed voice reminds me of their presence.
Her brother makes smoochy noises. “We get to live in the happiness too. Rake can be our other daddy.”
“Uh-huh, and they’re gonna put a garden in Mommy’s belly.”
“I bet there’s a baby seed in there already,” Charlie squeaks.
I detach myself from Drake, a fire blazing my cheeks. Leita walks toward us and doesn’t hesitate to sniff Drake’s pockets. Her mane is decorated with flower petals, which explains what distracted the twins. She definitely deserves extra treats tonight.
My concentration sweeps back to the twins. “We’re getting married. Isn’t that exciting?”
Charlie grins. “I want a brother.”
“And a sister,” Kenzie adds.
“Both?” I sputter.
Drake scratches at the thick stubble on his jaw. “Might as well aim high and swing for the fences.”
“Is that how you get a home run?”
“You tell me.”
I plop my cowboy hat on his head, stifling a moan at the fulfillment he represents. “Yep, that’ll do.”
“Forever?”
“And then some, trouble.”