27. Epilogue
One year later
Dane
“Yes, I can come out to the farm tomorrow and take a look.” My ear on the phone is only half listening as I watch Warren finish packing our gear into the rodeo trailer. “If I can’t finish it tomorrow, I’ll be back on Monday and will then. It’s rodeo season, and I can’t miss this one.”
Warren perks up and smiles as he drops a hay bale next to the camper. My suspension is over, and I’m anxious to get on the road with Warren to our first event of the season. But building a successful mobile mechanic business has kept me more than busy.
Hunter was right when he said my ideal clients would venture through the doors of the rodeo school. From the farmers bringing stock to auctions and the cowboys coming and going, they kept me busy enough to get started.
They also kept me busy enough to keep my mind off the court case with Henry.
Clarence kept his promise and prepared me for a day of testimony.
Telling my story to a room full of strangers while under oath wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
Henry was sentenced, and since he was a repeat offender, his term was substantially longer.
He was finally out of my life, and I felt like I could breathe again.
Then I got to work to finish my qualifications. While I had more than enough hours over the years to meet the apprenticeship requirement, I never passed the final exams needed because the family needed that money more than I needed school.
After proving my knowledge technically and presenting my case as a special circumstance, I could sit the exams. I’m now a fully licensed mechanic with my own business.
Hunter’s start-up loan got the ball rolling, and it felt like once it was all in motion, I never stopped.
A bank would never have done this, and one thing I insisted on was a payment schedule.
I know it’s not charity, but I’m not accepting that kind of cash as a gift.
Hunter instead proposed a profit-sharing structure until I paid him back in full, and when he was, he’d remove himself from the ownership documents.
It was an overly generous act, but the only thing he was losing was access to cash he wasn’t using. Then he told me the community would gain a capable businessman with a skill the area needed. I’d be an asset for the future, and he was proud to back me and stand in for the father I’d lost.
That’s when I full-on bawled like a baby in the man’s arms. It was hard not to when he came at it like that.
We talked for hours about my dad and helping him in the garage.
How I loved taking motors apart and solving the problem.
Hunter shared how he grew up without his father and was raised by his grandparents, and wished he’d had a better relationship with his grandfather.
Hell, most of that night was the two of us bonding and not even talking business. It was exactly what I needed because I needed an outlet with a father figure. Until then, I didn’t realize I’d not grieved my father’s death properly. Hunter understood that, too.
After logging the mechanic appointment on my phone, I help Warren finish loading the trailer.
“We’re still on time for Darla. Quick shower and then we split.”
Warren smirks as we walk to the ranch house. “Define quick.”
“No shower sex.” I laugh. “Save it for the road.”
Warren
Darla’s birthday party is a success.
Dane has never stressed over anything as much as this party. He runs a business and writes exams, practices roping and pulls his weight around the house. Yet the details over a party for his sweet sister sent his stress through the roof.
The gathering room in the care home had balloons and her favourite flowers. We had a cake large enough to feed the town and presents. Good lord, did she have presents. Both my brothers, Maise, and my dads, came to help her celebrate her 30th birthday.
Maise thought it was so awesome to have an auntie, and the two of them spent more time together than anyone. Dane had fretted for nothing, but I understood why he was nervous. It was a lot to get used to, going from the two of them to an entire family again.
Because that’s what we are. Family.
Just because there aren’t rings on our fingers doesn’t mean Dane and Darla are outsiders. One day, maybe, we’ll make it legally official, but until then, I’m more than happy with the way things are.
“She loved all the Rolos you bought her. She’s gonna get cavities or a bellyache or both,” Dane says as we clean up the wrapping paper in the common room.
“But did you see her face?” I laugh, and Dane does too.
“Sure did. You’re her new favourite, I think.”
“Nope. That will always be you.”
He pauses and glances around the room. Most of the guests have gone, and Darla wanted to organize her gifts in her room, leaving me and Dane to clean up, which isn’t a problem.
“I never imagined I’d get to do something like this for her. I know it’s just a party, but…it sort of makes me feel like we have a normal life now. I’m glad I can make her happy with something like this.” There’s a shine to his eyes, and I put my garbage bag down.
“God, you are such a big softie. Come here.”
Dane laughs as he hugs me. “It was easier when I was an asshole. You teased me less.”
“Well, yes, but now I get to kiss you after I tease you.” I kiss the side of his neck. “And I get to sleep with you every night.”
“You also hog the blankets.” Dane laughs.
“But then you snuggle closer. It’s all part of my plan.” I laugh and step away from him. “We should see if your sister needs help. We still have a rodeo tomorrow, and we’re gonna kick ass.”
“We are winning the championship this year, Warren. When we do, it’s the start of a dynasty, baby. We’re making up for all the lost years. When I quit, when you had to take care of yourself, and while I was suspended. Team roping won’t know what hit them.”
“I’m all in, Dane. Let’s do it.”
November
Rodeo Finals Championship
Dane
When I promised Warren we’d win the championship, I wasn’t just saying that. I meant it. We had a stellar season this year. I’m tired, though. Between roping and working on the business, I need a break. But not until we have that prize money and those buckles.
Only then will I stop.
The crowd is the biggest I’ve ever performed in front of. The money is the biggest pot, and the man I’m with? He’s the best thing to happen to me, and I’m not about to let him down.
They announce our names as we move into the chutes, and for the last ten minutes, Warren hasn’t said a word. I know he’s ready, but it’s so unlike him to remain completely silent.
We take our chutes, and Petey shuffles a little under Warren. Once they’re both still, a momentary silence falls. Warren lifts his chin, and we’re off.
Last night we spoke about how we wanted today to play out. Warren’s throw would go almost immediately after the barrier, and he’d count on me to predict the throw to the steer’s heels. Both of us play to our strengths and trust each other to get the job done.
It’s perfection.
We’re barely a few horse lengths from the gate, and for one nerve-wracking moment, I think we might have a barrier penalty. It feels like a blur.
The official lowers his flag, and they announce our time before the place goes nuts.
“Three seconds flat for Burke and Walker! A finals rodeo record and your new team roping champions!”
Warren almost face plants jumping off Petey to run across the ring to me. His cowboy hat falls off when he leaps into my arms right there in front of the crowd and live television.
“We fucking did it, Dane! Holy shit! Three seconds! I can’t fucking believe this.
” He slides down my body and kisses me quickly before searching the crowd.
Hunter and Gabe are already ringside, and while Gabe beams like any proud dad, Hunter swipes at his eyes as Warren races over to him like an over-excited toddler.
“Dad! We did it!”
The two embrace, and I share an awkward moment with Gabe. “We’re very proud of you both. Thank you for letting us come to watch.”
Last year, all Hunter wanted was to watch his son do the event he loved and was once a master at.
It never happened because of my suspension.
This year, it was difficult due to when the rodeos were on and what Hunter and Gabe were doing.
They made it to the Kissing Ridge rodeo, and we won that one, much to Hunter’s delight.
But this right now hits so much differently.
“Dane, get over here. Group hug.” Hunter laughs.
I join them, and as the cameras flash around us and they make announcements, I’m just happy I kept my promise to Warren.
“We’re fucking champions, cowboy!” Warren says as he kisses me again.
“We are.”
“Excuse me? Gentlemen?”
Finally, we turn towards the officials holding our horses. With a shy smile, they hand us the reins after we jump back over the barrier. “They run a tight ship here. But there’s plenty of time to celebrate.”
“Sorry. Thank you,” Warren says as he pats Petey.
Somehow, we make it through the photos and endless interviews, and it’s once we’ve loaded the horses into the trailer that Warren finally has a meltdown.
“There was a point in my life that I thought I’d never make it here.
I’d never be a champion. I came back, though, and I can admit now that I was still lacking…
until I met you. You pushed all my buttons.
” He laughs, almost hysterically. “The wrong ones first, then we clicked. And it hasn’t stopped.
I know you think meeting me changed your life, but don’t think for a second you haven’t changed mine, Dane. ”
He pauses and gulps in several breaths. “We’re the best in the country, and I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around that.”
Gently, I take the keys from his hand and steer him to the passenger seat.
“Let me drive. We’re gonna stop at the restaurant with the giant dinosaur in the parking lot. You’re gonna order that sandwich you always get.”
“Yeah, okay. We should eat.”
“Then we’ll find some place to spend the night.”
“Then you’re gonna love me up?” He wiggles his eyebrows, and I burst out laughing.
“Yeah, Burke. That’s what I’m gonna do.”
As long as I live, that’s what I’ll always do. Love this man like the champion he is.
“Sounds perfect…Walker.”
It really is.
Not ready to leave Warren and Dane?