A Cowboy's Heart (Hitting Rocks Cowboys)

by Rebecca Winters

Chapter Ten

  Liz’s cell phone rang at 8:00 a.m. She clicked on. “Hi, Mom. I was about to call you.” She’d just fixed breakfast for Connor and had helped him off with his shirt. His cut physique was something to behold. She trembled just thinking about him. Now he was in the bathroom getting ready for the day, but he’d need her help putting on a clean shirt when he came out.

  “We’re on our way to the airport. Zane’s driving us in his car.”

  “I can’t wait to see all of you.”

  “We feel the same. Our flight from Billings leaves in two hours. Connor’s family will meet us there.”

  “Who’s tending Ryan?”

  “Jarod and Sadie drove him out to the reservation to stay with his uncle’s family. They’re crazy about him.”

  “I miss him. I miss all of you. Who’s going to be with Ralph?”

  “Besides the household staff, his brother Tyson.”

  “That’s good. I’ll give him a call before my event.”

  “He’ll love that. It won’t be long now, honey. We’re scheduled to arrive in Las Vegas at two. Sadie called last week and said she and Jarod had made reservations at the Venetian for all of us. It was very thoughtful of her. You’ll need to let your friend Kyle know where we’re staying.”

  Liz took an unsteady breath. “Our plans have changed. He’s not coming. I’ll tell you why later.”

  “Oh, honey...” She heard her mother’s dejection.

  “It’s for the best, Mom. Really, it is. Give me a ring when you’ve reached the hotel. I’m going to work with Sunflower early so I can spend time with you before we all have to head for the arena.”

  “I guess I don’t need to tell you how proud we are of you. I didn’t know I could cry so many happy tears. Your father’s going around in a daze.”

  “I’m in a daze, too. Get here safely.”

  “We will. Love you.”

  Connor came out of the bathroom as she was cleaning up the kitchen. He had a dark green-and-black-plaid shirt in his hand. “Do you mind helping me into this?”

  Oh, Connor. If you only knew.

  Smothering a groan from the unassuaged ache she felt for him, she eased him into it with great care and buttoned him up. He was a heartbreaker, all right, from the sun-bleached tips of his wavy hair to his well-worn Justin cowboy boots, one of his other sponsors.

  “You smell good,” she commented.

  His eyes bored into hers. “We wear the same perfume,” he teased. “By the way, that long-sleeved navy shirt looks terrific on you.”

  “Thanks.” She forced herself to step away from him. “Everyone will be at the Venetian after two.”

  “It’ll be a great reunion. Wade and Kim will pick me up there. We have front-row seats at the arena right by our families.”

  A deep pain passed through her. “Connor—when we started out, we had no idea what was going to happen to you. It kills me that you’re not going to be performing in that arena tonight.”

  He studied her for a minute out of those intelligent brown eyes. “Do you want to know the truth? I’m glad things worked out exactly as they have. For the first time in my rodeo career, I’m going to be sitting in the arena with the people I love, watching someone I admire more than you could possibly imagine. That person is you.”

  She picked up a throb in his voice she couldn’t ignore.

  “Tonight, Liz Henson, you’re going to win the world championship. I wouldn’t miss this experience for anything on earth. It’s been my honor and privilege getting to know the you who has been hidden from me.”

  She stood there without moving.

  Did he just say, “It’s been my honor and privilege?”

  Had those words been meant as the most beautiful goodbye speech she’d ever heard? Had he and Reva decided to get remarried and make it work this time? If a person could die of heartache, she was a prime candidate.

  He brushed his mouth against her cheek before he reached for his cowboy hat. “I’ll wait in the truck for you. Mind driving me to the hotel on the way? I want Wade and Kim to have a day off from worrying about me, so I’m going to stay in Jarod and Sadie’s room until our families arrive.”

  Despite her shaking body, Liz managed to get ready, then drive him to the hotel. She was glad he was going to rest in his brother’s hotel room where he could enjoy room service. Her heart aching for him, she dropped him off and drove to the center to check on Sunflower. On this last day of competition, she walked her around on foot for a little while, with no expectations, in order to give her a rest.

  “Tonight will be the last time, little lady,” she whispered.

  As for Polly, she needed some exercise, so Liz rode her around. This horse would be happy to get home where they could take some trail rides. She didn’t like been cooped up. For that matter, neither did Sunflower, who had to be tired of ten days’ competition.

  After grabbing a quick bite to eat at a drive-through, Liz went to the hotel and discovered the families had just arrived. The reunion with loved ones was an emotional one. She had to fight tears. Around five o’clock they all left the hotel for the Mack Center.

  She watched in despair over Connor, who was unable to compete. It wasn’t fair. He drove away with Wade and Kim, his arm in a sling. The others left in a taxi, while she drove over to the arena with her father.

  After she parked the truck, she leaned across and hugged him. “I love you, Dad. I would never have made it this far without you.”

  “Sure, you would have, but I’m glad you didn’t have to. You’ve given me thrill after thrill so far in this life. And there’ll be a lot more of that coming after the rodeo is behind you.”

  She knew what he was trying to tell her, but when you were in pain...

  It was time to go inside.

  “You really like the knotted reins?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Connor knew what he was talking about.”

  “Yes.”

  “He seems to be in a lot better emotional shape than I would have expected.”

  She agreed, which was no surprise since he and Reva had probably reconciled for good. “Connor’s tough, like Ralph and Jarod.”

  “Ralph calls you two his champions.”

  She smiled. “I know. I talked to him and Tyson on the phone for a few minutes, back at the hotel.”

  He grasped the hand closest to him. “Go out there tonight and have the time of your life.”

  She nodded, but it would be hard to do, knowing Connor was just a spectator this time.

  “Whatever happens will happen, Lizzie girl. Just remember how wonderful the journey has been.”

  Especially the journey with Connor. A time out of time, never to be repeated.

  As usual, her father gave the best advice. “I’ll remember.”

  “We’ll meet you out here after it’s over.”

  They parted company and she headed inside to mount up one more time. The earthy scent of horses and cattle drifted throughout, making the National Finals Rodeo a full sensory experience she’d never forget.

  Liz walked past the same contestants getting ready for their events. It was concentration time. She rounded the row of stalls, then gasped. Sunflower was lying against the side of her stall in a horrible position.

  The first rule in a crisis was to avoid frightening her horse. At a glance, she could see Sunflower was stall cast. She’d gotten so tired she’d lain down, rolled against the wall and was trapped. Without enough room for leverage to stand up, she’d injured her legs.

  “It’s all right.” Liz hunkered down and spoke to her, patting her neck. “I’m going to find help for you. Don’t panic, little lady. I’ll be right back.”

  She crept out of the stall and found the two assigned livestock helpers, who rushe
d forward. Between the three of them, they got Sunflower on her feet. During the whole procedure she spoke gently to her favorite horse, who was struggling with fright. If she panicked, she could go into shock.

  “You’re all right now,” Liz said, over and over again. Carefully she ran her hands over Sunflower’s legs. There was no bleeding, so she hadn’t been in that position long, thank heaven. But those tendons would be sore.

  Tears ran down Liz’s cheeks as she flung her arms around her mare’s neck. “You’ve given it your all, Sunflower. You’re the best. No one ever had a better horse. Tomorrow I’m taking you home.”

  Joe, one of the older helpers she’d gotten to know, tapped her on the shoulder. “Your event’s up next.”

  “I know. I’m going to have to ride Polly.”

  “Don’t you worry about this horse. I’ll stay here and gentle her until you come back.”

  She sniffed. “I’m indebted to you, Joe. Keep her warm with this light blanket.” Liz threw it over her horse and gave her a treat.

  “Everything’s going to be all right, Liz. You go out there on your other horse and you’ll do fine.”

  Fine wasn’t good enough. Jarod’s vision hadn’t foreseen this catastrophe.

  With a nod, she carried her gear and saddle to the next stall. “Polly? It’s you and me in the spotlight now.” She got the horse ready and walked her out.

  Joe smiled at her as she passed. “Your horse is settling down.”

  “You have no idea how much I appreciate your help.”

  “That’s what I’m here for.”

  “See you soon, Sunflower.”

  Once mounted, she headed for the area where the other barrel racers were assembled. The first one took off. She heard the roar of the crowd.

  Liz could visualize Connor and her loved ones out there waiting to see her performance. Her heart plummeted to her feet.

  Get hold of yourself, Liz. You need to put that picture away and visualize what you have to do for this go-round.

  “Our turn’s coming up, Polly. All we can do is our best. The first barrel is a blind barrel compared to the outside runs. We’re going to take Dad’s advice. We’re going to run out that alley and you’re going to hunt for that barrel as if your life depended on it.”

  She patted her neck. “You’re going to hunt it and kill that turn. You’ve done it before in practice—you can do it again. Do it for Connor. He’s done everything to help me win. Now we need your help, Polly.”

  * * *

  IN THE STANDS, Connor looked down the row of familiar faces. Both families were spread out on the seats, with Wade and his girlfriend next to Connor. Jarod and Sadie sat on his other side by Millie and Mac. Zane and Avery sat next to them.

  Where was Kyle, Liz’s supposed favorite? How come he hadn’t shown up yet? Maybe he was sitting somewhere else, but that seemed odd to Connor with her parents here.

  Though they’d all enjoyed the other events and cheered Jocko, who’d taken over Connor’s place as world champion this year, their group grew quiet, knowing the barrel racing was about to begin.

  This was it, the moment Liz had been training for since she was a young girl. It was amazing her mentor father could function right now.

  The noise of the crowd reached a crescendo as the first barrel racer entered the arena. Connor watched her and the subsequent four riders who appeared in quick succession. They clocked good times of 13.80, 13.77, 13.74. The other knocked over barrels for a five-second penalty. One by one, more barrel racers put up their times. 13.72, two l3.70s. The scores were stacking up.

  “Dustine Hoffman, riding Cranky tonight, is next to last in the lineup. She’s number one in earnings coming into the finals this year. We’ll see if last year’s world champion can do it again.”

  Connor gritted his teeth, knowing this was the rider Liz had to beat. He watched her shoot out of the alley, but he could tell she was being more careful than usual so she wouldn’t knock over a barrel. Whoops. She took the third one a little too wide and finished with a 13.78. Not a winning time this go-round. His body sagged in relief.

  Then came the announcement he’d been waiting for. It zapped through him like a bolt of lightning. “The winner in three rounds here at finals, with the best score on her first round, and second in earnings is up next. Liz Henson from Montana on Sunflower! Hold on. I’ve just been told there’s been a change of horses. She’s riding Polly.”

  Polly?

  Connor broke out in a cold sweat.

  “No—” Sadie cried in anguish.

  He and Jarod shared a pained glance. Wade leaned closer. “Something has happened to Sunflower.”

  Yup. Polly, a reddish-brown bay with a black mane and tail, had never competed here, though Liz had trained her well. This arena was small and a horse had to be aggressive to careen around the barrels. She didn’t have Sunflower’s speed.

  Connor got a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. Instead of sitting with everyone, he should have gone back to the stall to be with Liz before the events started. But he’d been afraid he might distract her. With his arm useless right now, he’d never felt so helpless in his life.

  If Liz was going to have a shot at this last round, it was because Polly wasn’t exhausted after competing nine rounds in nine days.

  Suddenly she galloped out of the alley. Connor was on his feet as she circled the first barrel. Polly shot across to the second barrel with unbelievable energy, circling it so closely, he couldn’t believe she didn’t touch it.

  One more barrel to go, Liz. He started to feel light-headed with excitement and sat down again. Then the thing happened that signaled the death knell. She bumped against the third barrel.

  Pain tore his guts apart. Unable to look, he closed his eyes in excruciating pain before hearing the earsplitting roar of the crowd.

  “You can open them now, bro. The barrel didn’t tip over.”

  What?

  Jarod wore one of his rare brilliant smiles.

  It had to be a miracle! Most of the time in practice the barrels didn’t fall, but during the competition you could count on them going down.

  When Connor looked over at the score he saw a 13.67. His mouth went so dry he couldn’t swallow, let alone talk. Before he knew it, the event had come to an end and her score stood.

  Jarod turned to him. “She won, bro. She’s won the whole shootin’ match. I’d hug you, but we don’t want to do any damage to that incision.”

  The others were on their feet, jumping up and down for joy. Wade said, “Kim and I are going to find her.”

  “Tell her I’ll be right there.”

  Sadie and Millie were embracing while he made his way over to Mac and shook his hand. “I hope you know she won this championship for her champion father.”

  He wiped his eyes. “I was no champion, but Millie and I gave birth to one. Thank you for getting her here safe and sound. I believe it made all the difference. We’re so sorry about your accident.”

  “I’d forgotten all about it.” It was the truth.

  Avery hugged him on his good side. “Mac was right. Bringing Liz with you gave her the kind of confidence to put her over the top. You were always my hero, but you’ve outdone yourself this time.”

  After she kissed his cheek, Zane shook his hand. “I’ve never been to a rodeo until tonight. To think you won five times in this arena is phenomenal.”

  “I got lucky.”

  He grinned. “Sure you did. I guess Liz just got lucky, too.”

  Millie turned to him and gave him a gentle hug. “Bless you for taking such wonderful care of our daughter despite the terrible disappointment to yourself.”

  His throat swelled. “I would have liked to be doing this for her a long time ago, but Daniel Corkin got in the way.” At that remark, her
eyes flared in surprise. “Shall we go find her in the back before we drive over to the South Point?”

  On their way out of the arena it occurred to him that Kyle might have been here the whole time helping Liz. It wasn’t a pleasant thought.

  Wade intercepted him when they reached the stall area. “Sunflower got stall cast, but she’ll be fine.” Connor grimaced. He figured it might have been something like that. “My rig’s out in back. Why don’t I load Sunflower and Polly and drive them to the RV park for the night while you go on to the South Point with your family.”

  “I owe you more than you’ll never know, Wade.”

  His blue eyes smiled. “It works both ways, and you know it.”

  Connor followed him but held back while he watched the crowd around Liz give her hugs and congratulations. He didn’t see another man around. What had happened to Kyle?

  While Wade was leading her horses out of their stalls, she swung around to say something, but stopped when she saw Connor. Though her face shone with happiness, he glimpsed a shadow of sorrow in her eyes. Because Kyle wasn’t here?

  He moved closer. “Well...shall we add up the earnings for the world-champion barrel racer? You’ve won over two hundred thousand dollars.”

  “That last barrel should have toppled,” she said in a shaky voice.

  “But it didn’t. Now you’ve got enough money to finish paying off your loans, buy yourself a new truck and car and still have money left over.”

  A stillness enveloped them. “It was never about the money.”

  “Like I told you a long time ago, you’re too good to be true.”

  Her features hardened. “Yup. That’s me.”

  “Where’s your favorite? The one who was flying down from Bozeman?”

  If he wasn’t mistaken, those green eyes glittered. “At the last minute there was an emergency and he couldn’t make it. But we’ll see each other after I get back home. He’s going to help me pick out a new truck.”

  The hell he was.

  “Then why don’t we pile everyone in my truck and head on over to the casino where you’ll be royally feted. It’ll be a tight squeeze, but I’m pretty sure no one will mind. I’ll ask Jarod to drive us.”