Page 102 of Steadfast

The entire Callaway Ranch team filed through the gate. Maeve took the lead, clasping Dallas’ hand as they made their way to the center of the packed arena. Oakleigh practically skipped up to Crew and threw her arms around his neck. He gave her a sparkingly white grin and swooped her into his arms.

“I’m so proud of you,” she whispered in his ear.

Crew took Oakleigh’s hand as they waved to the crowd, igniting the raucous applause from their fans. Oakleigh gave Crew a mischievous side eyed glance as she grabbed his collar and pulled him in. Feeling the heat of his kiss, she heard the shrill cheers of the ladies in the audience overpower the arena.

“You’re just settin’ them on fire tonight,” Crew chuckled, his blue eyes shining.

“Wesure are,” she said, intertwining her fingers in his.

The announcer cleared his throat while waiting for the audience to settle, but the moment never arrived. He shrugged as he passed the microphone down to Maeve.

“I guess just try your best,” he attempted to yell over the crowd, prompting her to give her usual final statement after the night of sweeping victories.

Maeve pulled the microphone to her lips, and the crowd simmered as they always did when Maeve commanded their attention. “I’d like to thank you all for your support. We love our fans, and we couldn’t do any of this without you.” She paused as they erupted again in cheers. “And now, I’d like to present the next champion of CallawayRanch—”

“Lil’ Slim!”

The stadium went dark around them as the screens presented Lil’ Slim finally doing what he was born and bred to do. The now medium sized bull was bucking, twisting, and kicking fiercely around the practice arena. The loud, booming beats of music hyped the audience as graphics that readLil’ Slimflashed across the screens.

When the lights flickered back on, the audience grew even louder and more enthusiastic as their whistles and clapping became nearly deafening.

Team Callaway expected Maeve to continue her wrap up of the evening, but the moment never came.

Oakleigh and Crew exchanged curious glances as they looked down the line to Sawyer. He shrugged, yet his eyes went wide as he thumbed their attention in the opposite direction.

It was then that Oakleigh saw what the crowd was loving, and it wasn’t Lil’ Slim.

Maeve and Dallas were in a world of their own. Caught in his embrace, her arms were wrapped tightly around his neck,pulling him closer as their lips pressed together. She was oblivious to the microphone that teetered perilously in her hand.

Oakleigh let out a little gasp, throwing her hand over her mouth as she noticed the twinkle of a diamond on Maeve’s finger. Without a second thought, she stepped in and took charge, nabbing the microphone out of Maeve’s hand before it could drop to the dirt floor of the arena.

“On behalf of Crew Beckett and the Callaway Ranch team,” Oakleigh began, again taking Crew’s hand in hers. “I’d like to thank you all for your ongoing support as we continue to bring you the best rodeo bulls and riders in the sport.”

While the audience celebrated, Team Callaway filed out of the arena. Maeve’s face flushed red as Dallas clasped her hand and led her to the sidelines.

Each offered the couple congratulations and gave Dallas a hard pat on the shoulder, welcoming him to the family.

“I’m just so happy for you two,” Audrey practically sang as she threw her arms around Maeve and gave her a tight squeeze. “I just love weddings,” her voice bounced while she shot Sawyer a conspiratorial glance.

“Oh please, no,” Oakleigh muttered with an eye roll. “They’ve been on like one date.”

“Let them be,” Crew chuckled. “Sawyer needs love.”

Maeve radiated joy as she stood beside Dallas. The couple was ready to face life’s challenges together.

Oakleigh ran her fingers along Crew’s newest, shiny gold and silver champion belt buckle. She bit her lip as she met his eyes. “You think that’ll be us someday?”

“You bet I do,” he replied without hesitation.

He lifted her chin.

She closed her eyes and felt his soft lips on hers.

It was just enough.

When they stepped out of the arena that evening, the valet pulled up in Oakleigh’s brand new white Jeep Wrangler. She climbed in, and Crew sat beside her while Maeve and Dallas got in the backseat. They were noticeably still clasping each other’s hands as Dallas lightly toggled the ring on Maeve’s finger.

“Valet Oakleigh? Really?” Maeve raised an eyebrow.

“My car, my rules,” Oakleigh smirked as she pressed the ignition. She took the highway back toward Callaway Ranch, holding tightly to the rough hands of her cute cowboy beside her.

Her mind wandered as she drove the dark country roads. She considered how her family hadn’t spoken to her in months, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret for the part she had played in her falling out with Paisley. Maeve gently encouraged her, even joining her in prayer some mornings for her mom and the opportunity to reconcile with her little sister. Maeve was always diligent in reminding Oakleigh that the Lord was faithful, even when she wasn’t.

Oakleigh glanced around the car, silently thanking the Lord for the family he had given her that was beyond anything she felt like she deserved. They had faced the storms together and she learned what it meant to cling to the unwavering, unshakeable anchor who promised her hope and a future. Through it all, Oakleigh Davenport had found where she belonged.

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