Page 24 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
Jo and I freeze.
"Not that I wanna interrupt, but your ma has dinner ready."
"Dad?"I toss my shirt to cover up Jo's tits, then spring to my knees and gape at my father over my shoulder."Give us a minute, okay?"
He grins."Sure thing, kiddo.Guess we better put you and Jo in the big bedroom tonight."
My father walks out of the barn, limping but much stronger on his feet than he used to be.The PRCA pledged a good chunk of change to the fundraising campaign I set up for my dad.He groused about letting family and friends do that, but we all know he's secretly grateful.
"Oh, by the way," Jo says."The PRCA didn't cancel our interview.They still want to see us tomorrow in Billings."
I gape at her in disbelief."That's unbelievable news."
"Turns out, people love a redemption story even more than they love a scandal."A hint of her familiar smirk reappears."Buck's been working his connections, telling everyone how Sterling and Maddie set us up.Apparently, the PRCA brass are more interested in authentic love stories than perfect PR campaigns."
My mouth falls open."They believe us?"
"Oh, more than that---they think we're exactly what they're looking for.A real couple who found love in the middle of the chaos."Jo slings her arms around my neck, her toes barely touching the ground since I'm considerably taller."They want to hear our story, Clay.The whole truth and more."
I shake my head, not daring to hope."Even if that's true, it doesn't solve the ranch problem.Two months isn't enough time for the fundraising money to grow into a big enough pile even if we somehow land the contract.Besides, my stubborn dad won't let us include the ranch in the fundraising campaign."
"Oh, you just let me handle that."Jo's smile turns mysterious."I have a way with stubborn McKendrick men, as you well know."
Suddenly, Dad's voice carries across the barnyard."Clay!You got company!And we're all getting' tired of waiting for dinner because of you lovebirds."
I glance toward the barn doors to see Buck Hawkins striding toward us, looking more put-together than I've ever seen him.Gone is the weathered Stetson and faded jeans, replaced by a crisp white shirt and a bolo tie that catches the fading sunlight.
"There you two are."Bucks voice echoes through the barn."Been looking all over for you."
Jo squeezes my arm before stepping back, putting a respectable distance between us as our newest guest approaches."Perfect timing as always, Buck."
He grins, tipping his hat at Jo before turning his attention to me."Clay, son, we need to talk business.The kind that might just save this ranch of yours."
I glance between them."What's going on here?You two cooking something up behind my back?"
"Not behind your back," Jo says quickly."We wanted to present you with options.Real ones."
Buck leans against a support beam, his expression more serious than I've ever seen it."Clay, what do you know about syndicated broadcasting rights for rodeo events?"
"Not much.Why do you ask?"
"Because I've been in this business for thirty years, and I've got connections you wouldn't believe."He pulls out a folded document from his shirt pocket."Ever since this mess with Sterling started, I've been making calls.Turns out, there's a group of investors looking to create a new rodeo broadcast network---something grittier, more authentic than the polished stuff on the big networks."
Jo steps forward."They want real stories, Clay.Cowboys and cowgirls who've struggled, who've earned their place through blood and sweat, not family connections and sponsor money."
"And they want you and Jo to be the face of it," Buck finishes, his wrinkles creasing into a grin."Not only as competitors, but as hosts.A husband-and-wife team telling the real stories behind the rides."
My head spins while I try to grasp what they're saying."Husband and wife?"
Jo throws an arm around my waist."We'd have to actually get married for the contract, Clay.Real marriage, not for show this time.Shouldn't be a problem since we're in love."
"Uh, yeah, that's true."
The barn goes dead quiet except for Thunder's occasional snort and the settling of old wood.I can't stop staring at both of them like they've lost their ever-loving minds.
I feel my brow furrow."You're asking me to marry you for a business deal?"
"No," Jo says firmly, stepping closer again."I'm asking you to marry me because I love you.The business deal is just a bonus that happens to solve both our problems at the same time."
