Page 46 of Headstrong Cowboy
“Let’s get you sorted, huh?”Chrissy stroked Ranger’s long nose.“You’re going to get all the treats.”
She took a couple of steps when she heard her name being called.She had two seconds to brace herself before Tilly crashed into her like she had the previous day.
“You.Were.Unbelievable.Chrissy, so fantastic.I held my breath because you and Ranger got so low, I thought for sure you were both going to slide to the ground,” Tilly gushed.
“Thanks, Til.It’s all a blur again for me.In the past, I could always remember each run, but these last two...I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to remember them.”
“I’m so proud of you, Chrysanthemum.Your dad would’ve been too.”Her mom came up and gave her a more sedate hug than Tilly’s.Tears shone in her eyes.
“Thanks, Mom.We’ve got a lot to talk about, but that’s tomorrow’s job.”She didn’t want to say any more, but her mom got the message, because she gave a tight nod, the spark in her eyes dimming a little before she straightened up.“Yes, it is.I’m just going to sit over there?”She pointed to a row of seats that were used for the competitors while they waited for their event.
In the background, Chrissy heard the buzzer sound and the crowd roar.Someone had nailed their bull ride, which made her think of Ryder.Had he come, after all?She looked around, but couldn’t see him.
“He’s not here, sis,” Sunny commented as she wrapped her arms around Chrissy and gave her a tight hug, as if she knew that her sister was disappointed that Ryder was a no-show.“I’m sure he’s not too far away,” Sunny whispered.“Like Til said, you were amazing.I’m so proud to be your sister.Thank you.”
Tears blossomed in Chrissy’s eyes.Sunny knew exactly how important the win was and why.“I love you, Sunny.And everything will be okay.”
They broke apart, both of them sniffing and wiping at their eyes.“If it’s not, we’ll be okay.”
“Yep.”
“I’ll let you go.I know you’ll have the presentations soon.”
“Oh my God, I forgot about that.You’re right.”Chrissy laughed.It had been so long that the ceremony for all the winners slipped her mind.
Would Ryder surprise her and turn up for it?Or would she have to chase him down at his hotel room and tell him that she’d won?
*
Chrissy tucked thewinner’s check into her bag and hooked it over her shoulder.She’d said her goodbyes to Ranger, as Riley was taking him back to her ranch, with promises that she’d come see him soon.Riley had laughed and said she was welcome anytime.
Now she was going to meet up with her sisters and Mom and, together, they were going to head over to the party at Three Tree Ranch.Every year, the Ballantynes hosted everyone as a nice way to end the rodeo.Maybe Ryder would be there and she’d be able to see him then.
Her sister and Mom were all standing with a woman.She had her back to Chrissy, so she didn’t who she was, but by the look on Sunny’s face, she wasn’t happy that they were all chatting.
“Here she is, my champion daughter.”Her mom’s voice rung with praise and Chrissy smiled.
“Hey, thanks, Mom.”
“Chrissy, this is Lucinda.She’s a Realtor,” her mom said.
The smile on Chrissy’s face wilted.Now she knew why Sunny looked tense.This had to be the agent that was hoping to sell the farm.Had mom signed the listing agreement Sunny had seen?Or was it still unsigned and Mom was telling her the potential sale was off?
“Hi, Chrissy.That was a fantastic ride.Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”An awkward silence fell around the group, and Chrissy tried to catch her mom’s eye.But she was looking everywhere else but at her oldest daughter.
The happiness and high from winning was fading quickly as reality sunk in.Mom had signed the papers.She was too late.The money she’d won, while a nice windfall for her, was useless now when it came to the farm.
“Oh!Ryder!This is a nice surprise,” Lucinda exclaimed, and Chrissy whirled around to see Ryder a few feet from them, a look of shock and despair on his face.His attention was locked on Lucinda.
Chrissy looked back at the agent, her excitement at seeing Ryder plain to see.
What was going on here?Had Lucinda and Ryder dated in the past?Or maybe they’d had a one-night stand.She knew that there was plenty of that going on at rodeos.She’d never partaken in one because of Beau, but there had always been gossip around when she’d been competing before her marriage.
Wait!Ryder wants to buy some land.
The conversation she and Sunny had had a while ago hit her again.
