“It looked like fun.”
“Well, maybe you can be my queen here when you get a little older.”
“Awesome.” Kayla flushed.
“I hate to ask.” She turned her attention back to Clay. “I know you’re just trying to have a nice evening of fun with your family.” A line of fans snaked across the bleachers, still waiting to speak with them. “And it’s already been interrupted.”
“We’re used to it. Part of our lives.” He paused to autograph a teenage boy’s T-shirt. “What do you need me to do?”
“If I can get our satellite radio host here, would you mind doing a quick interview?”
“Not at all.”
“Thank you so much. We could really use the publicity.”
“I’m happy to help. Just let me know if there’s anything else I can do.”
“You’re being here is all I need. But since you asked, maybe a quick selfie for social media.”
“No problem.”
Larae took several shots of them together with his family. “Thanks so much. I hope ya’ll enjoy the rodeo.”
“I’m sure we will.”
She hurried down the stands, Googled the radio station and made the call.
“KTEX FM, your Hill Country Radio Station for all things country. How may I help you?”
“Hey, Donna, this is Larae Collins.”
“I heard you were back in town. And starting a rodeo on your ranch. How are you doing, girl?”
“I’m fine. We’re up and running here at the Collins Family Rodeo, and I thought Ronald might want to interview Clay and Ty Warren tonight?”
“Both Mr. Warrens are at the rodeo?”
“They sure are. We’ll be here until around eleven, but I’m not sure how late the Warren family will stay.”
“Thanks for the tip. I’ll let Ronald know and more than likely he’ll be there in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.”
“Thanks, Donna.” Larae hung up and managed to catch Clay’s eye. She gave him a thumbs-up.
He returned her gesture, and she paused long enough to post the pictures with the Warrens on all of her social media sites, then tagged Clay and Ty Warren and her rodeo, before heading back to the concession stand.
“Did you git ’er done?” Rance asked, as she stepped back inside.
“Ronald Ashford is on his way, as we speak.”
“Probably falling all over himself to get here.” Stella grinned. “That boy does love a live interview with local celebs.”
“I need another jar of pickles.” Jayda placed her last four on a cheeseburger.
“Here you go, Baby Girl.” Rance grabbed a jar from the fridge, opened it and forked her cold tray full of slices.
They worked for the next fifteen minutes or so as a steady line formed, with spurts of conversation and humor.
“Thanks for the tip, Larae.” Ronald Ashford, with his ever-present recorder in hand, had stopped at the side window.
“You’re welcome. He’s in the middle section of the stands, halfway up.”
“I see him.”
“Can you plug my indoor grand opening? I wrote down the info.” She handed him a note with dates and specifics.
“Sure thing.” Ronald took off toward the stands with purpose.
“This could put our rodeo on the map, right, Daddy?”
“You’re right, Baby Girl.”
Larae lost track of time taking orders, filling them and making change. When she looked up again, Clay and his dad were at the window.
“I can’t thank y’all enough for doing the interview.”
“It was fun.” Ty scanned the menu. “It’s been a while since anybody wanted to interview me. I’m old news.”
“You’ll never be old news, Mr. Warren.” Rance managed to play it cool.
And Larae pressed her hand to her mouth to hold back a snicker.
“I’m really impressed.” Clay leaned against the ledge of the window. “This is the most professional small-town rodeo I’ve attended.”
“Thank you so much.” If he kept up the compliments, Larae might get giddy over him, too.
The Warrens placed their orders, and she and Rance worked in tandem to fill them.
“It’s on the house.” With everything ready, she handed out two bags and a drink tray. “And anytime y’all can come, you’ve got free tickets and free food.”
“Now, there’s no need for that.”
“Y’all may have put our rodeo on the map,” Jayda piped in.
“I sure hope so. I think all rodeos should be on the map.” Clay shot her a wink, then looked up at Larae. “Anything else I can do for you, you just let me know.”
“Actually. Will you be here tomorrow night?”
“We’re planning on it. In fact, I guess we better since we told the radio guy we were.”
“Maybe before we begin, y’all could come to the center of the arena, talk up the rodeo for me.”
“Consider it done.” Ty tipped his hat. “We can sit at a table for selfies and sign autographs, too. That would keep people flowing better. It’s kind of hard in the stands.”
“You just don’t know how grateful we are.” Rance still couldn’t shake his goofy grin. “We’ll have a table set up for you.”
“It’s an honor. I’ve thought Medina needed a rodeo for years, so I’m glad it’s finally happened and that it’s being done well. Your little lady knows her rodeo stuff.”
The Warrens waved and turned away toward the stands.
“He thinks y’all are married.” Jayda looked from Larae to Rance. “I sure wish y’all were.”
“Shh, we have other customers.” Larae’s cheeks warmed as she smiled at the woman next in line. “What can I get you?”
But, as she filled the order, she wondered what it would be like to be Rance’s wife. Just as she’d dreamed of back in high school.
“I’m looking for the owner.” A large man wearing a ten-gallon hat was next in line.
Larae offered her hand. “Larae Collins.”
“I’m Billy Thornton. I used to be Clay Warren’s agent, back during his title-winning years.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Thornton.”
“I can see you’re busy, but I have a client who’s looking to buy a small rodeo in the area. And I must say I’m mighty impressed with what you’re doing here.”
“Thanks, but she’s not looking to sell,” Rance interrupted.
Larae shot him a glare. “Do you have a card?”
“I do.” Billy passed her his business card. “Is your rodeo sanctioned?”
“The paperwork is in process, but I’ve been approved and should be finalized by my grand opening of the indoor venue.”
“Perfect. My client will make you a good offer, so give us a call. We can talk about it, throw some numbers around in the six-figure range.”
“Wow.” Larae scanned the card.
“Call me.” He turned toward the exit.
“But we don’t want to sell, do we, Mommy?” Jayda pooched her bottom lip out.
“I don’t know, Pumpkin. He mentioned a lot of money. I wouldn’t have to take the job at Mesquite, and we could buy a ranch somewhere else.”
“But it wouldn’t be this ranch. And what about Daddy?”
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head.” Rance winked at Jayda. “Wherever you go, I go. But I’m with you on it, so maybe together we can convince your mama not to sell.”
But if she sold, maybe she could eventually shake Rance. And keep her heart intact. Because even though he’d turned out to be completely different from the womanizer she’d thought he was, trusting him with a piece of her heart still terrified her.
At every turn, they argued. What if, in the end, they didn’t work out? What if what they had was a te
enage love—a love that never matured and grew up? If they tried again and ended up going their separate ways, Jayda would get caught in the crossfire. Larae couldn’t let that happen.
* * *
A steady stream of people arrived for the Saturday night rodeo. More than they’d had so far.
Rance sat in the side window of the concession stand taking tickets and money, with Jayda helping him make change. Larae had been busy all day and keyed up over Clay and Ty Warren agreeing to brag on her rodeo tonight.
The Warren family had arrived early, and she’d given them a tour of the indoor facility and shared her future plans for RVs and campsites.
But Rance had to corner her after it was over tonight. They needed to talk. He couldn’t go on like this anymore, with things up in the air between them. With her threatening to take a job in Mesquite or sell the ranch. They had to work things out once and for all. Make things official and permanent.
She’d been up in the announcer’s booth with Clay and Ty. Waiting for things to get started. Keeping them contained until they made their announcement. She’d had him set up a table by the concession stand, with a marketing plan in place as usual, for folks to get autographs and then food.
The music started up with a couple dozen people still in his line. Definitely more attendees than they’d had so far. Maybe triple. With more competitors, as well.
Larae’s horse vaulted into the arena. Carrying her flag in her spangled outfit, she was just as beautiful as she’d been in high school. Even more so. Especially since they were both Christians now. And they had a daughter. They needed to make this thing right and live happily ever after. His heart hummed just from looking at her.
“Sir.” A man stuck his money in the window. “I need four tickets.”
“Right. Sorry. I just love watching the flag.” He tore off four tickets and handed them to the man before trying to concentrate on the next customer.
“You love watching Mommy, too. ’Cause you love her.” Jayda put the money in the metal box.
“You’re right, Baby Girl. I sure do.” His insides warmed at the admission.
Stella arrived to cook. “We’ve got some crowd tonight.” She tied her apron on. “I hope we don’t run out of food.”
“We shouldn’t. Larae ordered extra last week.”
“That girl lives on faith. I’m glad it’s panning out for her. She’s worked so hard on this.”
“Me, too.”
She lived on faith. Except where he was concerned. Larae had zero faith in their relationship.
The national anthem started up, and the people still in line stopped to salute. Rance placed his hand on his heart, as did Jayda and Stella. The song ended, and Denny said his nightly prayer. After the amen, Rance went back to ticket selling as Larae vaulted her horse toward the exit.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” Denny’s voice came over the loud speaker. “Welcome to the Collins Family Rodeo.”
Came in handy to have a former rodeo announcer as Larae’s ranch foreman.
“You might ask, what makes it family? Well, I’m here to tell you—we’ve got a fully stocked concession stand, but there’s no alcohol sold or served here in honor of Laura Collins. And tonight, we’ve got a really special treat for you. Anybody familiar with the name Ty Warren?”
The crowd went wild.
“How about Clay Warren?”
The crowd went wild again, and Rance let out a whoop of his own.
“Well, boy howdy, y’all are in for a treat tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Larae Collins, our owner, made all of this possible.” Denny paused as a round of applause went up.
Still wearing her flashy outfit, Larae hurried to the center of the arena, waving and blowing kisses as she went.
“Mommy looks so pretty.”
“She sure does.” Rance had to swallow the lump the sight of her put in his throat.
“Welcome, everyone.” Larae spoke into the microphone she held, completely at ease. “Thank you so much for coming. This rodeo has been a labor of love, and seeing the stands so full tonight warms my heart. Just to keep you up to speed, our indoor arena is currently under construction as you can see.” She gestured to the building.
“With a grand opening date of July Fourth, we’ll have some big names that night, so mark your calendars. We’ll get started a little early at six since Christian Country artists Garrett Steele and Brant McConnell will be here for a mini-concert.”
The crowd roared.
“That’s right. I’m excited, too. And Mr. Clay Warren just confirmed that he’ll ride a bull for us that night. Not to compete, just as an exhibition, and to inspire all our bull riders.”
The crowd roared again.
“Now, Mr. Denny Parker has a special introduction. Back to you, Denny.”
“It just keeps getting better and better.” Denny let out a whoop. “Y’all are fixing to be real glad you came. Because tonight, we have none other than Texas’s very own father and son duo. Yes that’s right, we have with us in this very arena, four-time Champion Bull Rider—Ty Warren.” Denny’s voice echoed through the night. “And with Ty is his son, also a four-time CBR champ—Clay Warren. This father and son duo of bull-riding legends are here tonight at the Collins Family Rodeo.”
Clay and Ty ambled out to the center of the arena with Larae as cheers and whistles filled the night air.
Larae waited until the applause died down. “We’re so glad y’all could be here with us tonight. Welcome to the Collins Family Rodeo.” She passed the microphone to Ty.
“Thank you, Larae. Clay and I came last night to check this place out, and I’m very impressed. This is the most professionally run small-town arena I’ve seen.” He passed the mic to Clay.
“I’m impressed with the bulls.” Clay wiped his brow. “Did y’all see the one they call You Ain’t Gonna? Now that was a bull. Made me kind of glad I’m retired.”
The crowd laughed.
“I asked around till I found out the stock contractor’s name.” Clay continued. “A Mr. Rance Shepherd of Shepherd Stock Contracting. He’s over in the concession stand serving up the best burgers I’ve had in a while grilled up by a lady named Stella Parker, who just happens to be our announcer Denny’s wife. So, see folks, it’s a real family rodeo, for more reasons than one.”
Stella blushed as Rance applauded her. “Oh, stop.”
Ty took the microphone again. “You folks have a good time tonight. Just so you know, Clay and I will be over by the concession stand signing autographs. And if you want, we’ll do this newfangled selfie thing, too.” He passed the microphone back to Larae.
“Just one more announcement.” Larae sparkled from head to toe. “Our indoor rodeo will be CBR sanctioned. So tell all your professional rodeo friends about us. Now let’s get this party started.”
“Let’s give ’em a big hand, folks.” Denny stirred the crowd into a frenzy as Larae and the Warrens headed for the arena.
This would definitely put their rodeo on the map, making all of Larae’s dreams come true.
Now it was his turn. And his dream was her.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The last floodlight went dim. The rodeo was over for the weekend, and tonight had been their most successful evening so far. The crowd had steadily grown since Ronald Ashford had aired Larae’s gig with Ty and Clay Warren live tonight.
Maggie and Davis had taken Jayda to their house to spend the night, and Larae was itching to count her cash box.
“Whoa, there.” Rance’s voice came out of the darkness. “We may be in Medina, Texas, but it’s not a good idea to go carrying around a cash box without a bodyguard.”
“Everyone’s gone. I think it’s safe. You can go.”
“What if I don’t want to go? Ever? What if I want to be your permanent bodyguard?”
Oh, the things he did
to her pulse. “It’s late, Rance. We have church in the morning. And I’m too tired for banter.”
“I’m not bantering. You’ve got some serious offers. From the rodeo in Mesquite. From Billy Thornton. And those are your decisions. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you, but I want to put another offer on the table.” He took the cash box from her. “Sit down.”
She settled on the bottom bleacher.
He sat beside her and took her hands in his. “Whatever you decide about the ranch, I want to be in your picture. Not just as your stock contractor. But as your guy. And, eventually, as your husband. I want us to be a permanent fixture. A family.”
“I don’t know, Rance.” She looked down at their hands.
“Why? You still have feelings for me. What’s holding you back?”
“What if we give us a fresh try, we get all cozy, and it doesn’t work out? We’re not the only ones in the equation.” Her gaze met his. “I don’t want Jayda disappointed. Or hurt.”
“Why wouldn’t we work out? I love you. And you still love me, don’t you, Larae?”
She squeezed her eyes shut. “Yes.”
When she opened them again, he wore a goofy grin. “Then we’ll make it work out.”
“A relationship takes work. We argue. A lot.”
“But we argue because we’re fighting our feelings. Or playing tug-of-war over Jayda. If we give in and love each other, become a family, there’s nothing left to fight about.”
“I’m just so scared.”
“I know.” He cupped her cheek in his callused hand. “The most important things in life are scary. Giving your heart to another person. Trusting that person. But you can trust me, Larae. I didn’t willingly break your heart eight years ago. And I won’t break it again. It’s time to make our happily-ever-after come true—eight years later.”
Her heart’s desire within her grasp. All she had to do was take it.
Tears rimmed her lashes. “I’m in.”
He gently drew her to him. And she had the rest of her life to drown in those eyes. Eight years of kisses, tears and missing each other erupted between them. Until he pulled away.
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