Meat loaf and scalloped potatoes were big hits with her brother at home. She was sure Toly would like everything. But she didn’t have time to make yeast rolls, so she bought the kind that all you had to do was let the dough rise and then bake them.
While she was putting the potatoes together, she heard a knock on the trailer door. Nikki left what she was doing to answer it.
“Toly—” He stood there with a twenty-inch-tall Christmas tree covered in tiny ornaments and lights.
“Merry Christmas!”
She couldn’t believe it. “What a surprise! You’re early! We won’t be eating for another hour.”
“I know, but Mills is still outside putting Atlas through some more training exercises. My horses have done enough for one day. After practicing some loops on the dummy steer set up in the RV park, I didn’t have anything else to do and thought I’d come and bother you. Maybe play some more cards with you.”
She smiled. “The champion team roper who won last night didn’t have one thing to do?”
“Nope. I had such a great time at our dinner last night, I want it to continue.” So do I, Toly. So do I. “That is if you’ll let me in.”
“Oh—sorry. Of course.” She was so thrilled to see him, she wasn’t thinking clearly. “Forgive me. Come in the kitchen with your Christmas cheer. You can put it on the end of the counter and plug it in.”
He set it up easily and the lights went on. It touched her heart that he’d been so thoughtful. “I love it! Thank you!”
“You’re very welcome.”
“Want some coffee and a doughnut?” She’d picked up half a dozen of those too.
“Thank you, ma’am. It’s just what this cowboy needs.”
She hurried to pour him a cup and told him to sit down at the kitchen table. After placing a plate of doughnuts in front of him, she put the potatoes and meat loaf in the oven. Once she’d fixed coffee for herself she joined him and munched on a doughnut. As usual they devoured carbs to stay energized.
In his Western shirt and jeans, Toly was so hunky she couldn’t believe he’d come over just to hang out with her. It was like a dream come true to have him all to herself before Mills showed up. The tree made it seem like this was their little home, filling her with happiness.
Nikki studied him for a minute. “I’m sure you’re going to win the championship this year. What I want to know is, did Mills speak the truth when he told me you’re really going to retire from the rodeo when this is over, no matter what?”
When he said yes, it was after a long silence.
That seemed odd to her. “Would you mind telling me why?”
He sat back in the chair, eyeing her over the rim of his coffee mug. “I’m needed on the ranch full-time.”
She considered his answer. “Not that it isn’t a good reason, but is it your only one for walking away from the sport that has put you on the map? You’ve got more great years ahead of you. I’m curious.”
A thoughtful look crossed over Toly’s arresting male features, as if he were considering what he wanted to tell her. She wondered what had caused his hesitation in the first place.
“You’ve been in this business a long time like me, Nikki. We both know where the rodeo is headed. Team roping is the most popular event among amateur participants. The fans relate to the sport better than anything else in rodeo.
“Yet off the top of my head I can think of four Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos around the country that offer a shootout-style performance outside of the PRCA that exclude team roping, and in most cases tie-down roping.”
She nodded. “I’m very much aware of it. I’ve seen the same problem with barrel racing. It isn’t always included unless the Women’s Pro Rodeo Association is involved. You know, the traditionalist’s view of rodeo. I find it interesting that team roping was only added as a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association standard event in 2006. Though a casual fan might not notice the exclusion of an event, an active one will know the difference if it’s not included.”
“Exactly, Nikki. You take those elements away and you’re weakening it. Shoot-out rodeos that eliminate those venues are becoming the new sensation, bringing in a bigger market, especially on television.” He poured more coffee for them. “One of my rodeo friends, Buck Slidell, said the attendance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March was down 16 percent from fourteen years ago.”
“I heard it was because of cost-of-living expenses across the state, but that can’t be the only reason.”
“It’s part of it, including higher gas and utilities prices,” he stated. “In the end it means some families won’t spend any extra money on the rodeo. The same problem has hit many states, and money isn’t the only problem. Bad weather keeps people away. There are so many other activities like Friday night football and baseball, fans have to make a choice of where to go and it isn’t always the rodeo.”
Nikki stirred in her chair. “Not to mention complaints that the live entertainment at a lot of rodeos doesn’t feature enough big singers and bands. Even bull riding, which is a fan favorite, can’t fill the stands without the right musical acts. And I heard some of the guys complain in Austin that the rough stock events were fouled up by a mix of dairy calves with Angus. It was a mess. The list of problems goes on and on.”
“But it’s the team ropers and tie-down ropers I’m the most concerned about if they become a casualty in the shake-up. It’s safe to say that no one in the industry understands or is aware of everything that is happening on every level. I know I’m not. For me, seeing the sport contested at the highest levels with the ropers and barrel racers is part of what keeps our dreams alive.”
“For me too,” she concurred.
“But the PRCA is trying to gain a new audience and push rodeo to a new level of television coverage. It’s been tough the last few years with all the big rodeos wanting to limit some of the venues.” He swallowed his second cup of coffee. “I hate to see that happen. Progress has a way of changing the dynamic in all the areas of the sport.”
“I know.”
“I’ve had the time of my life since I got into it. But I’ve decided it’s time to get out before the fragmenting because of money and world market interests dilutes the whole scope of things.”
She nodded, even though she felt there was still another reason he didn’t care to divulge. “I’ve been thinking a lot about that since the talk I had with my brother. Ages ago we decided that after retirement we’d go into business together to run our own rodeo and perpetuate the events we love.
“Even three years ago I was sure a venture like that would be successful. But because the world is changing all the time, it’s impossible to see into the future. Which means it’s going to take more effort to keep it alive.”
He reached across the table and grasped her hand. Her breath caught from the contact. “There will always be the rodeo, even with animal rights activists making their protests. We just have to be prepared to make accommodations and move with it.”
Nikki heaved a sigh. “Except that I’m afraid I’m a purist and want things to be like they were in the past. I know I sound like my grandparents. They hate cell phones and want life to go back to a slower pace. I’ve never been able to convince them that new advances in technology have transformed the world. They just look back at me with sad eyes because I don’t understand.”
Toly smiled before letting go of her hand. “Before my grandparents died, they expressed the same thing. I remember them telling me they felt sorry for me because I hadn’t grown up in their world. It was the golden age to them, even with the Depression.”
She laughed gently. “Now I find myself feeling the same way about what’s happening with rodeo trends.”
“But the rodeo will never go away, and we’ll have our memories of this year’s Finals to treasure
.”
Nikki was beginning to get teary-eyed because she’d never known this kind of happiness before. She’d always admired Toly from a distance. But because he shared her passion for the sport, she loved being able to talk to him intimately like this. To think this time would never come again brought her pain.
“You’re right, Toly. And now I’d better get this show on the road if we expect to eat.” She got up from the table to take their meal out of the oven and bake the rolls when she heard the door open. “That’ll be Mills.”
“I’ll make sure.”
She heard the two of them talking for a few minutes before her brother came into the kitchen. He looked around. “You’ve decorated for Christmas!”
“Toly brought it to us.”
Instead of commenting, her brother flicked his gaze to her. “What can I do to help?”
“Set the table maybe?”
“Sure.” He grabbed the remaining doughnut and demolished it before getting busy. “Something smells good. How come you’ve been cooking up a storm?”
“Because I like to cook. Toly needed a break. Maybe you will even volunteer one night. Hot dogs and chili?” But the minute the words came out, both she and Toly laughed knowing that would never happen.
Her brother didn’t join in. “How long have you been here, Toly?”
Did she detect an edge? She guessed that his first-place win last night hadn’t compensated for a broken heart.
“Long enough to bother your sister.” For the last year they’d all enjoyed a good-natured camaraderie. It was so sad that Mills’s unhappiness continued to stand out, making her uncomfortable.
“That’s not true,” she blurted. “He brought Christmas into the trailer. While we’ve been waiting for you, we’ve had a fascinating discussion about the future of the rodeo with its ups and downs. As Toly said, we just have to be prepared to move with it.”
Mills put the cutlery and plates around. “Let’s not spoil this year’s competition by getting on that subject.”
Oh dear. Her brother really was in pain and it wasn’t about to go away. Thankfully Toly’s phone rang, interrupting the conversation. When he picked up, he put it on speaker.
“You’ve called at the perfect time, Mom. I’m in the rig with Mills and Nikki. She’s taking fantastic care of us. Tonight she made meat loaf and scalloped potatoes. We’re just sitting down to eat before tonight’s event.”
His family took turns talking. Each brother sounded excited for them. His mother spoke at the end. “Congratulations on last night’s scores. Good luck to all three of you tonight! We’ll be watching you on TV. God bless.”
Toly’s little niece Libby shouted good luck, making them all laugh before they hung up.
Nikki smiled at Toly. “She sounds so cute! Do you have a picture of her?”
“I’ve got a bunch on my cell.”
“While we eat I want to look at them.”
Her dinner was a great success. She passed around the rolls. While everyone ate their fill, she looked through his photo gallery. “Oh, Toly, she’s adorable.”
“She’s Eli’s daughter from his first marriage.”
“Is that her dog?”
“No. Daisy belongs to my brother Roce. He’s the vet.”
“I could use him here to find out what’s wrong with Sassy.” She scrolled to the next photo. “Oh—the dog only has three legs.”
“It’s a sad story. Daisy got caught in a bear trap, but she functions like any normal dog and is so devoted to my brother it’s pathetic.”
“How sweet. Ah...and there’s another darling baby.”
Toly nodded. “That’s David, Eli and Brianna’s son. They’re so happy it’s sickening.” Nikki chuckled. “He was named after our father who died a few years ago.”
It wasn’t fair to lose parents so early in life. She kept on going through his photo collection, more and more aware of Mills’s silence. “You have a lovely mother, and all you brothers bear a strong resemblance to each other. Their wives are beautiful.”
“I agree.”
She gave him back his phone and started to do the dishes. The guys helped and before long they were ready to leave for the Mack Center. After changing into her denim blue Western outfit for tonight, she unplugged the Christmas tree lights and hurried outside with her hat.
This time Toly said he would drive. She scrambled into the backseat, forcing her brother to get in front where he would have more leg room. On their way into town, Mills looked at her over his shoulder.
“I saw you working with Bombshell today.”
“Yes. I’m riding her tonight. Usually Sassy is so stable. Maybe something’s wrong with her, but after thinking it over, I’ve decided I came in too fast around that first barrel and didn’t rate her properly. Not getting her into the right position lost me some time, so I practiced that technique with Bombshell. After I talked to Andy about it, I figured I’d give Sassy a rest and see if I can’t get a win with Bombshell tonight.”
When Mills didn’t respond, Toly said, “I think you’re smart to trade off. You’ve still got nine more nights to bring in the lowest scores. I’m going to switch horses too and ride Chaz tonight.”
Nikki leaned forward and patted her brother’s shoulder. “What about you?”
“I’m sticking with Atlas.”
“He’s a great horse.” But her comment didn’t prompt Mills to do any more talking.
They reached the center and walked inside. Toly smiled at her. “Here we go again. You don’t need luck, but I’ll wish it for you anyway.”
“The same to the two of you.” She looked at her brother before kissing his cheek. “Love you.”
“Ditto.”
Oh, Mills... When they headed for the stalls, she took a different turn and walked out to the stands. The team roping event would be coming up soon. Nikki didn’t want to miss it. For a little while she could pretend to be a spectator and melt into the crowd.
Her tension grew while she waited for the guys’ event to start. Since they held first place in the standings, they wouldn’t come out of the alley until last.
One by one the fifteen finalists took off. Up came Shay Carlson and his partner who were second in the standings. He was the roper Toly wanted to beat.
Nikki held her breath as they roped their steer. Shay did it in 3.8 seconds, his partner in 4.0. Those were the same scores they’d made last night. She’d been keeping tabs. Now it was Toly’s turn.
The second their names were announced, the crowd went crazy. So did she. Crazy with excitement and love for him. The gates opened and Toly flew out on Chaz. Over the years she’d learned that the header set up the run. If he didn’t get the steer turned, it was all over. Mills called Toly the quarterback of their team.
Her brother was right. She saw Toly line up the steer so perfectly, a 3.7 score flashed on the counter. Yes! To her relief Mills wrapped it up in 3.8. They won the night. Again!
Ecstatic at this point, she hurried back to get ready for her event. She entered Sassy’s stall to show her some love and was rewarded with a nicker. “You have tonight off. Enjoy the rest.”
She patted her, visited Duchess and walked around to Bombshell’s stall where Andy was checking the saddle. He had her horse ready to ride and turned to her. “I have a feeling this is going to be your night.”
“I hope so. Thanks for everything, Andy.”
After mounting her horse, Nikki patted her neck. “How’s my girl? You know what’s going on and don’t fool me. We had a good workout today and you’re going to help me win tonight, right?”
Andy laughed when Bombshell nodded her head, as if she understood her words. Maybe she did, but the nodding was the endearing way this horse always greeted Nikki. The different personalities of her horses delighted her.
“Let’s go for a walk and get ourselves ready.” Andy patted the horse’s rump as they moved out of the stall toward the alley. She could hear the roars from the crowd. The tie-down roping was just finishing up. Nikki got in line in front of Laurie to wait. Her heart was still pumping hard from her adrenaline rush after seeing Toly’s score.
Suddenly the line was moving. Another few seconds and her name was announced. “Here’s Nikki Dobson from Montana in second place, riding Bombshell tonight!” A roar went up from the crowd.
“Here we go, sweetie. Come on. Let’s do it!”
Chapter Six
After the team roping event, Toly had worked his way through the crowd to the front row where he could watch the barrel racing. Mills followed him, still uncharacteristically silent. With another first place and another gold buckle, he’d hoped his friend would be more animated, but such wasn’t the case.
They heard Nikki’s name over the loudspeaker. Like a shot, she found her first target and circled the barrel so fast, her beautiful hair flew like a black banner beneath her white cowboy hat.
He couldn’t believe his eyes as she rounded two more barrels on Bombshell. The only way to describe her action was poetry in motion, an old cliché that couldn’t be improved upon. She sped toward the alley in a record time of 3.43 seconds. Incredible!
Her rival Laurie rode last, but she took a little bit too much time around the first barrel and came in at 3.67. He let out a whoop of joy and turned to Mills. “She did it! Nikki won! Come on. Let’s go back to the stalls to congratulate her.”
Mills had become a man of few words, but when they saw Nikki, who’d just dismounted, he hurried toward her and gave her a long hug. Toly saw tears on her cheeks and hung back. This was a huge moment for brother and sister.
Roping Her Christmas Cowboy Page 7