EPILOGUE - COLT
A week after the rodeo, the arena smells more like coffee than dust.
That’s how I know things are different.
The stands are empty, but the place isn’t quiet. There’s movement everywhere—boots crossing dirt, voices drifting from the barns, the low hum of work getting done without urgency or panic.
It’s forward movement, and already the next event is being planned.
I lean against the rail and watch a couple of younger riders warming up. I correct one without raising my voice. He listens, adjusts his hat, and does it again. It’s like a flashback of when I would tell Levi how to make himself better. Only this kid doesn’t flip me off.
“You gonna stare at them all day or actually help?”
I glance over my shoulder and find Lily walking toward me, sunglasses pushed up in her hair, iPad under her arm like she belongs here.
Because she does.
“I am helping,” I say. “I’m supervising.”
She snorts. “You’re brooding.”
“Multitasking.”
She steps in close, bumping her hip against mine. Very PG for the crowd, except she pats my ass when the kids turn the other way. It’s the kind of touch that says we’re together, but also lets me know she’ll be wrapped around me tightly tonight.
“How’s the knee?” she asks.
“Still attached,” I say. “Doc would be thrilled.”
She smiles and presses a quick kiss to my jaw like she’s been doing it her whole life. We haven’t set a surgery date yet, but Doc is allowing me to choose it when I’m ready. It will be soon. I know it has to be, but for now, I promised not to push my luck with a ride.
A truck crunches over gravel behind us, and we both turn to see who’s coming.
“No shit.” She laughs out loud and turns to face the new arrival, arms crossed, hip popped, as the truck comes to a stop twenty-five feet away.
I follow her gaze and see a woman stepping out. She looks like Lily—same blonde hair, same build, but seemingly older. Sharper. Her sunglasses are in place like she’s already made a decision to keep newness at bay.
She pushes those glasses to the top of her head and takes a look around before locking eyes with Lily. And then she mimics her pose, crossed arms, and hip popped. The grin that breaks out across her face is all love.
“What are you doing here?” Lily calls out.
“You didn’t text me back.”
“So you booked a flight?”
“Had to make sure my baby sister was being treated right.” Neither of them moves, but I feel her sister's eyes sweep over me.
I whisper, “Is she judging me?”
“Yup.”
“Umm.” I’m at a loss.
She pats my shoulder. "You'll be fine.”
“Okay,” her sister calls. “I get it now.”
Lily laughs and jogs over, pulling her into a tight hug. I hang back, giving them space. When they separate, Lily gestures toward me.
Her sister studies me like she’s sizing up a horse, a slow, smug smile appearing.
“You must be Colt,” she says.
“Yes, ma’am.”
She raises a brow. “Wow, a polite cowboy.” She mock whispers, “Hope that politeness doesn’t bleed over into the bedroom.”
Lily groans. “Don’t start.”
The woman sticks out her hand. “I’m Sierra.”
Her grip is firm, and I like her already.
“He’s the storm,” Lily tells her.
Sierra smiles. “Yeah. I can see that.”
“And I’m staying,” Lily adds, glancing at me.
Sierra’s eyes flick between us, then soften. “I had no doubt.”
That’s it. No warning speech, no interrogation, just approval.
Levi yells something unintelligible from across the arena, and Sierra turns toward the sound. “That the unruly brother?”
“Yup,” Lily says.
Sierra grins. “I like him.”
I grab for Lily’s hand as Sierra makes her way toward Levi, and she laughs. “Levi is in for it with her. She’s dangerous.”
“He needs someone to set his ass straight.”
“Oh, she’d be the one to do it.”
Levi calls out. “Lily, you didn't tell me you had a younger, even more beautiful sister!”
“Hey!” I bark. “Watch your mouth.”
Levi puts his hands up, “No disrespect, brother, but you’ve got a woman.” He winks at Sierra. “Maybe it’s my turn.”
Sierra stops in front of him, arms crossed again. “Listen, cowboy, you don’t get a choice here. If I like you, you get a shot. If not…” Her voice trails, and she shrugs. Levi stares bewildered, a smile tugging at his lips.
He laughs, clears his throat, then laughs again.
“What’s wrong, Levi? You look nervous.” I chuckle. I’ve never seen him awestruck before.
He pouts. “Not nervous at all.”
“Good, because she’s your new trainer.”
His eyes snap to mine. “My what?”
“That circuit you got invited to next season? It’s bigger than anything you’ve done before. And she’s going to get you ready for it.”
He raises a brow. “That sounds like,” he clears his throat, “a good idea?” He doesn’t mean it as a question, but she’s got him flustered, and I’m loving it.
“Just making sure you don’t face plant on national television, brother.”
He grins and tips his hat before throwing his arm around me. “I was just thinking maybe it’s time Hearts Bend became known for more than just one Callahan. You hung it up, brother. Let me step in now.”
“If you can handle the training, you can handle anything,” Sierra says as she puts her arm around Lily.
The air crackles between the four of us, and I stifle down a laugh. I look out at the arena, then back at him. “Sounds like the beginning of something.”
He tips his hat. “That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”
I don’t miss the chute, and I certainly don’t miss the fight of the bull. What I have now is better. It’s dust under my boots with my girl beside me and our future stretched wide before us.
I don’t feel like I’m missing out on chasing the next high; I’m already standing in it.
THE END
Be on the lookout for Levi and Sierra’s story - Easy To Chase, coming soon!