Page 85 of Never Left You

Kyla clapped, and Quinn did a small dance on Charming before leading him outside of the arena to go again, and again.

“She looks like she’s ready to get back on the circuit.” Abi leaned into me. “How much longer do you think?”

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder gently. I wasn’t too sure how she felt about affection in front of her family, or what they knew about us at all. This was still so new, but having her near me, I couldn’t help but want to hold her.

I watched Quinn round the first barrel on her second ride. “Her doctor gave her an all clear at her appointment today.” I quirked a smile. “I can start planning her rides.”

“Shouldn’t she do that? Or an agent?” Abi’s brow furrowed.

I shrugged. “I’m happy to help her out this season. Last year, she did it all on her own, so she needs the support. Next year though, if I take on more clients—”

“Oh!” she shouted. “We were actually talking about that today.” Abi stretched out her arms on the gate, forcing my arm to drop. “You could train your other clients here…if you’d like. We wouldn’t charge you.”

I jerked my head towards her. “You’re serious?”

She nodded. “I mean, as long as you keep helping around the ranch, we won’t charge you.”

“Ah,” I threw back a laugh. “There’s the catch.”

“Quiiiiiin Commmpton,” Wyatt hollered. “And now, giving us a special show, coming back after a few years off the circuit…”

Abi looked at Lachlan, hope seeping from her eyes. He just trotted along on Onyx, not even registering what Wyatt was saying.

“Don’t get your hopes up,” I whispered to Abi, who instantly hit me with a side eye.

“…Lottie Hartwell!” Wyatt used his hands to extend his voice as everyone—and I mean everyone—cheered. Leo was the loudest as he stood, hooting and hollering as we all focused on the arena entrance.

Lottie flew in, her form perfect on the back of her horse, Opal, as she came up to the first barrel. They turned, Lottie following the horses’ twists as if they were one being. The second barrel came just as easy for her, and Opal didn’t miss a beat. At the last barrel, Lottie’s smile grew as Opal gained speed and turned, Opal’s tail whipping around as she took the turn with ease. The dirt was worn, but Opal didn’t even falter. Like they had been doing this for years. They didn’t even come close to touching a single barrel. Once Opal was back on the straight path, Lottie raised herself up on the stirrups, her arms highabove her head like she was a trick rider, her dark hair now a complete mess as she raised her chin to the ceiling.

“And that,” Wyatt shouted, “is how it’s done!”

“Fourteen point nine seconds!” Kyla shouted into the arena, waving the timer in the air.

“Damn,” I muttered. “I need her to train Quinn.”

“That felt so good.” Lottie sighed as she and Opal trotted up to us. “I haven’t done that in years.”

“Amazing as always, Mom!” Abi cheered. “Cash just said you need to teach Quinn.”

Lottie smiled. “I’ll be more than happy to do that again! Quinn can observe and learn a few things.” She cocked her head with a grin.

“Mommy!” Stetson called, running up to Abi. “Can I try that! Please!”

Abi looked down at Stetson, before giving me a quick glance. “You want to barrel race?”

Stetson was vibrating with excitement. “I can, right? It’s not just a girl sport! Cash can show me!”

“I’m down.” I pushed myself off the gate, sliding my hand along Abi’s shoulders. “Quinn, how’s Charming with kids!?”

Quinn came up to us, Charming lightly bobbing his head. “Little man wants to ride? Oh, I’d love to see this. Charming can do one more run.” Quinn swung her leg over Charming’s body, slipping off the saddle and stepping to the side, allowing Stetson to slip his foot in the stirrup to easily lift himself up. Charming took a few steps, getting used to the new weight.

“Hold up…” Abi stopped us. “Let’s get your helmet.”

Raising his hands above his head, Stetson cheered.

“Alright Stet, your posture is the most important thing,” I began, pulling up the stirrups to fit his feet.

“Not too stiff, not too loose,” Quinn added. “You saw your grandma, right? Perfect posture.”

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