Page 26 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
I can feel everyone's eyes on me---and Jo.Dad's not wrong---we're moving fast, maybe too fast.But when I look at Jo, sitting in my family's kitchen like she belongs there, I've never been more certain of anything in my life.
"Yeah, Dad, I'm sure.Sometimes you just know."I clasp Jo's hand, and she smiles sweetly."Jo had her reasons for leaving, but I always knew she'd come back to me.I know all about her reasons for what she did, and I just need you all to trust me on this.Jo means to stay with me for good."
"That's right," Jo concurs.Her eyes meet mine, and the love I see there makes everything else fade away.The scandals, the setbacks, even the foreclosure notice.Those are only distant problems compared to the certainty I feel right now."Besides, we've already been through the 'for worse' part.Might as well stick around for the 'for better.'Right?"
That breaks the tension, and Dad chuckles as he pushes away from the table."I had to test you two, that's all.But I could tell from the start it's true love, just like Meryl and me."
"Yeah, I figured you were testing us.That's what Grams and Pop did when you and mom wanted to get married."
Dad slaps me on the shoulder."Well then, sounds like we've got a wedding to plan.I'll need to dust off my good boots."
Jo gnaws on her bottom lip."And I'll need to find a dress.Two weeks doesn't give me much time for shopping."
"That's where I come in."Sarah snatches up her phone."I know the perfect place in Billings.We can drive up tomorrow."
"Sarah, I couldn't ask you to---"
"You aren't asking, I'm telling."Sarah gives Jo a quick, firm hug."Besides, you're about to be my sister.Consider it my wedding gift."
The word "sister" brings a flush to Jo's cheeks.I love seeing her this way, no longer the tough barrel racer but now just a woman getting hitched.She's been alone for so long, fighting her own battles, that having family rally around her seems to catch her off guard in the best possible way.
Buck drains his coffee mug and sets it down with a decisive thunk."While you ladies are handling the dress situation, Clay and I need to start making calls.We've got a list of rodeos to line up for the first season, and we need to start securing filming permits yesterday."He pulls out a small notebook from his pocket, flipping it open to reveal pages of scribbled notes."The network wants at least ten locations confirmed before they send the camera crew."
"I could help with that," Dad offers, gathering empty plates."Got some old friends on the circuit who might be willing to let you film at their events."
"Wow, Buck."I shake my head in disbelief."Thank you so much.Every connection helps."
Jo reaches across the table and gently takes Buck's notebook, scanning his list."Cody Stampede should definitely be on here.And the Livingston Roundup.Both have incredible local talent that deserves the spotlight."
"Good thinking," Buck agrees, jotting down additional notes."The network wants authentic stories---cowboys and cowgirls who've been overlooked by the big sponsors but have the heart and skill to make it at the highest levels."
"That's us," I say with a laugh."Overlooked but with a ton of heart and skill."
Jo grins at me."Speak for yourself, McKendrick.I've got two arena records now."
"And I've got a fake engagement scandal under my belt," I counter."Between the two of us, we're reality TV gold."
Sarah glances up from her phone, where she's been frantically texting."Speaking of reality TV, what are you going to do about Sterling and Maddie?They're still out there spreading poison."
The mention of those two makes my jaw clench automatically."Let them talk.Truth has a way of coming out eventually."
Buck raises one finger, his expression turning mischievous."Actually, I might have some news on that front.Word is, the PRCA recently completed their own investigation into the doctored photos and fake audio.After detailed analysis, they agreed it was all bogus.Seems they don't appreciate being made fools of, and they've got better tech experts than we could ever afford."
Jo leans forward, her eyes alight with curiosity."What sort of investigation?"
"Forensic analysis of digital evidence, interviews with anyone who might've had access to recording equipment at the venues where we competed, stuff like that."Buck's grin widens."Turns out, Sterling's been a little too comfortable throwing his weight around with PRCA officials.They're not inclined to protect him if he's been playing dirty."
Dad refills his coffee mug, sitting down beside me."So, Buck, you're saying this whole mess might actually work in Clay and Jo's favor?"
"Could be.Nothing the rodeo community loves more than seeing a bully get his comeuppance.If Sterling and his girlfriend get caught red-handed, it might change everything for Clay and Jo."
Her eyes meet mine across the table, a silent understanding passing between us.We've been through the fire together, and somehow, we're still standing.
"Even if they do get caught," Jo says, "we can't build our future on Sterling's downfall.We need to focus on making this show something special---something that matters to the rodeo community."
Buck taps his pencil against the notebook."This isn't just about you two anymore.It's about all those cowboys and cowgirls out there struggling to make ends meet while chasing their dreams.Your story could give them hope."
"You know what?"I say, pushing back from the table and standing up."Let's do this right.Not just the wedding, but everything.The show, the message we're sending, all of it."
