Page 33 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
"Clay," Miranda coos, zeroing in on me, "we'd love to get some footage of you talking about watching Jo's record-breaking run.The devoted fiancé angle is pure gold."
"Happy to help."What I really want is to get Jo and our horses back to the stables, away from the spotlight.But I know this is part of the deal we've made---the visibility that's saving our careers and my family's ranch.
"Perfect!Just look at her like you were when she crossed that finish line," Miranda instructs, positioning me next to Jo while a cameraman adjusts his equipment.
I don't need any direction for that.
"That's it!"Miranda claps her hands."Natural chemistry, people.This is what Western Heritage is all about!"
Jo catches my eye and gives me a tiny eye roll that only I can see.I squeeze her hand in silent understanding as we pose for what feels like the hundredth photo.
"Just a few more," Buck promises, reading our fatigue accurately."Then you two can go take care of those horses and grab some well-deserved dinner."
The mention of food makes my stomach growl loud enough that Jo hears it over the crowd noise.
She grins at me and tries not to laugh, though she winds up spluttering."Sounds like someone worked up an appetite watching me break records."
"Always do when I watch you ride," I reply, then realize how that sounds and feel my cheeks heat up.The reporters chuckle, scribbling notes, and Miranda seems positively delighted with the authentic banter.
"One more shot," the photographer calls out."Can you two look at each other like you're sharing a secret?"
That's easy enough.We share plenty of secrets now---just between us.Like how Jo gets nervous before every run and hides it by meticulously checking Blaze's tack three times.Or how I still wake up some mornings surprised that this incredible woman chose me over all the smooth-talking cowboys with deeper pockets and shinier buckles.
The photographer snaps away as Jo leans closer, her voice barely a whisper meant only for me."When we get back to the hotel tonight, I'm going to show you just how good breaking records makes me feel."
Whatever expression just crossed my face, it makes Miranda practically purr with satisfaction."Wonderful!That's the shot we needed!"
Buck mercifully steps in before the heat building between Jo and me becomes obvious to everyone."All right, folks, let's give our champions a chance to tend to their horses.Plenty more photo opportunities at tomorrow's events."
As the crowd disperses, Jo and I finally make our escape toward the stables.We lead our horses into the stable area, away from the chaos of cameras and crowds.Blaze is still prancing from leftover adrenaline, tossing her head like she knows she's just made history.
Jo pets the mare's neck while we walk."Easy, girl.You've earned your oats tonight."
Thunder greets us with a low whicker from his stall, and I can see him eyeing the apple I grabbed from the concession stand on our way over.Smart horse.He knows the routine by now.
"How'd you do in the bull riding warm-ups?"Jo asks as she begins removing Blaze's tack.
"Incredible.I survived the toughest bull out there and took first in the preliminary round."I hand Thunder his apple and start working on his bridle."Eighty-seven points on Diablo's Fury.Buck nearly fell out of the announcer's booth."
"Seems like we're both on fire today."
I hang Thunder's bridle on the hook outside his stall."Must be something in the Nevada air.Or maybe it's just knowing we've finally got our lives figured out."
For the first time ever, I can speak those words without a trace of irony or regret.Jolene Callahan saved me from a lonely life, and I will always be grateful for that.
Chapter Nineteen
Going Home, Pt.1
Not sure what kind of greeting I expected to receive once we arrived at the ranch owned by the Callahans.But it definitely wasn't a passel of men, women and children descending on us both.Jo takes it all in stride, naturally.These are her people, after all.I assumed they'd be slightly suspicious of me, considering that they had never met or spoken to me until today.
I was wrong on that account too.
"Well, look what our Jo-Jo brought home!"Those words came from a woman who's clearly Jo's mother.She has the same auburn hair and emerald eyes.And she wraps me in a suffocating hug before I can even get my bearings."You must be the famous fiancé we've been hearing absolutely nothing about."
Jo stands beside me, clearing her throat."Mom, this is---"
"Sweet girl, we know exactly who this is," declares an older man with a wrinkled face and kind eyes.The guy strides up to me, his posture confident, and extends his hand."Been following your career for years now, son.Hell of a ride you had in Deadwood last month."
