Chapter SeventeenHearts and Home
The next morning, Jo and I are about to head out to the Las Vegas PRCA event when my fiancée stops us in the elevator---literally. She pushed the stop button and now pivots to face me. She's wringing her hands, her lips pursed.
I grasp her arms, bending my head to gaze into her eyes. "What's the matter, darlin'?"
Her gaze darts everywhere except to me until, finally, she rolls her shoulders back and lifts her chin, looking straight into my eyes. "I want you to meet my family, Clay. How would you feel about that?"
Stand here mute and rooted to this spot, unable to say a word. Her suggestion leaves me floored, kinda like the feeling I get right before the chute opens and I'm flung around by a bucking bull.
"Your family," I repeat slowly, studying her face. Jo's always been so self-contained, so independent. The fact that she wants me to meet her family feels like the biggest step we've taken yet.
She rushes ahead, unleashing a flurry of words.
"I know it's complicated. They live in Colorado, which means we'd have to make a detour after Vegas.
And I haven't exactly told them about us yet.
I mean, they know about the engagement from the news, but they don't know it's real now, and my dad can be. ..Intimidating."
I cup her face, halting her nervous rambling with my thumb against her lips. "Jo, of course I want to meet your family. If I'm going to marry you, I should probably introduce myself to the people who raised such a stubborn, talented, beautiful woman."
The relief that washes over her face is adorable. Did she really think I'd say no?
"They're not like your family," she warns, leaning into my touch. "My dad...he's a legend in rodeo circles. Seven-time national champion. The great Hank Callahan."
I whistle low. "I know who your dad is, Jo. Everyone in rodeo knows Hank Callahan."
"That's the problem." She wriggles away, hitting the elevator button to get us moving again. "He casts a long shadow. And he has strong opinions about who his daughter should be with."
The elevator begins to descend, and I watch the numbers tick down, processing what she's telling me.
Hank Callahan---the man's a living legend.
Seriously, a legend . Seven national championships, more endorsement deals than any cowboy before or since, and a reputation for being tougher than a two-dollar steak.
The fact that he's Jo's father explains a lot about her drive and perfectionism.
"What kind of strong opinions?" I ask, though I've got a sinking feeling I already know.
Jo scrunches up her face in a sheepish expression. "The kind that include Ivy League degrees and trust funds. Dad always figured I'd end up with someone from his social circle---another champion with a pedigree and connections. Not a struggling rancher from Montana."
The elevator dings as we reach the lobby, but neither of us moves when the doors slide open. I can see the doubt creeping back into her eyes, the same uncertainty that made her push me away that first night in Durango.
"Jo, look at me." I hold the door open with one hand while I tilt her chin up with the other. "I've faced down two-ton bulls with murder in their eyes. I think I can handle your dad."
A shaky smile tugs at her lips. "Bulls are predictable compared to Hank Callahan."
"Well then, I'll just have to be unpredictable right back." I wink at her as we finally exit the elevator. "Besides, I've got something those trust fund cowboys don't have."
"What's that?" Jo asks, falling into step beside me as we cross the glittering casino floor.
"I've got his daughter's heart." I clasp her hand, threading our fingers. "And I don't plan on giving it back. You're mine, Jolene, and I'm yours. It's a forever thing."
The blush that creeps up her cheeks is worth every ounce of nervousness I'm feeling about meeting rodeo royalty. We make our way through the casino toward the exit, and I can feel Jo's tension starting to ease with every step.
"You're pretty confident for a man who's about to face the most intimidating father in the Western United States," Jo says, but her grip on my hand tightens like she's drawing strength from the contact.
"Confident? Hell no. Terrified? Absolutely." I stop walking and turn to face her fully, right here in the middle of the casino with slot machines dinging around us. "But Jo, I'd face down a hundred Hank Callahans if it means proving to your family that I'm worthy of you."
Her gaze softens, and for a moment the vulnerability is back---that rare glimpse behind the armor she wears so well. "What if they don't think you're good enough? What if Dad takes one look at your bank statements and decides you're just another fortune hunter?"
I let out a short laugh, the sound echoing off the casino's high ceiling. "Then he'd be wrong. I've got my own ranch, my own career, and my own damn pride. I'm not after your money, Jo---I'm after you."
The conviction in my voice surprises even me.
A month ago, I might've been worried about exactly what her father would think of my financial situation.
Now, with the Western Heritage contract in my pocket and my future secured, I realize it doesn't matter what Hank Callahan thinks about my finances.
All that matters is what he thinks about how I treat his daughter.
"Besides," I add, tugging her closer as a group of tourists stumble past us, "I seem to remember someone telling me that authentic always wins. If your dad's half the man you say he is, he'll see right through any bullshit and realize what's between us is genuine."
Jo's smile widens. "You honestly aren't scared of him, are you?"
"Nope." I guide her toward the exit again. "I've got a thicker skin than most people think. Thing is, I don't show it off for just anyone. Only mule-headed barrel racers."
She laughs. "Well then, you've picked the right woman."
The morning sun hits us like a spotlight as we walk outside, the Nevada heat already building despite the early hour. Our trailer is parked in the VIP section of the lot where Thunder and Jo's mare Blaze are both ready and waiting for today's events.
"So, that's a yes?" Jo asks as we cross the parking lot. "You'll come to Colorado after Vegas?"
I kiss her forehead. "Wild horses couldn't drag me away, darlin'."
"Speaking of wild horses..." Jo nods toward the arena in the distance, where we can see the stock trailers unloading. "We should probably focus on today's competition before we start worrying about family introductions."
"Good idea. What events are you entered in today?"
"Barrel racing and breakaway roping." Jo's voice takes on that familiar edge of competition. "And for you..."
"Bull riding and team roping." I grin at her. "Think we can sweep the board again?"
"With you? Always." She rises on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. "But first, let's get these horses ready. Blaze gets cranky when she's kept waiting."
As we approach our trailer, I can see other competitors already warming up their mounts in the practice area.
The familiar sounds of rodeo---horses nickering, leather creaking, gates swinging, and Buck's voice testing the PA system---settle over me like the arrival of an old friend.
This world, with its dust and danger and pure adrenaline, has always been my sanctuary.
Now, with Jo by my side, it feels like something more. It feels like home.
"Cranky horse or cranky father-in-law," I muse, lowering the trailer ramp. "Guess I'll be handling both soon enough."
Jo laughs, the sound bright and sweet. "At least Blaze can be bribed with sugar cubes. Dad's a bit more complicated."
Thunder greets me with a soft whicker as I enter the trailer, his dark eyes alert. The gelding seems to sense the importance of today, since he's practically dancing in place as I lead him down the ramp.
I stroke his neck. "Easy, boy. Save that energy for the arena."
"Thunder looks ready to run," Jo says, leading Blaze down the ramp beside us. Her mare tosses her head, equally eager for the day's events. "They must know something big's coming."
"Smart animals." I check Thunder's hooves before we start walking toward the warm-up arena. "Maybe they can sense that everything's changing."
Jo's eyes meet mine over the horses' backs. "Scared?"
"Of the competition? Never." I wiggle my eyebrows at her. "Of your dad? Terrified but ready."
She laughs, but there's a hint of nervousness in it. "Let's just focus on today. One challenge at a time."
"One challenge at a time," I echo, adjusting Thunder's bridle. "Wise words from a wise woman."
The Las Vegas sun beats down on us as we lead our horses toward the warm-up arena. Already, I can feel the familiar pre-competition excitement humming through my veins. But I also experience a new sense of purpose that goes beyond winning buckles or setting records.
Buck spots us from across the grounds and waves us over, grinning with all his laser-white teeth showing.
"There they are!" he declares, clapping me on the shoulder hard enough to make Thunder sidestep. "The golden couple of rodeo! Camera crew's already asking when you'll be available for some pre-event interviews."
Jo groans faintly beside me. "Can we at least warm up the horses first? Blaze needs a good twenty minutes or she'll be a nightmare in the arena."
I give her a squeeze and a quick kiss. "Absolutely. Take all the time you need, darlin'."