Page 31 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
I let out a short laugh, the sound echoing off the casino's high ceiling."Then he'd be wrong.I've got my own ranch, my own career, and my own damn pride.I'm not after your money, Jo---I'm after you."
The conviction in my voice surprises even me.A month ago, I might've been worried about exactly what her father would think of my financial situation.Now, with the Western Heritage contract in my pocket and my future secured, I realize it doesn't matter what Hank Callahan thinks about my finances.All that matters is what he thinks about how I treat his daughter.
"Besides," I add, tugging her closer as a group of tourists stumble past us, "I seem to remember someone telling me that authentic always wins.If your dad's half the man you say he is, he'll see right through any bullshit and realize what's between us is genuine."
Jo's smile widens."You honestly aren't scared of him, are you?"
"Nope."I guide her toward the exit again."I've got a thicker skin than most people think.Thing is, I don't show it off for just anyone.Only mule-headed barrel racers."
She laughs."Well then, you've picked the right woman."
The morning sun hits us like a spotlight as we walk outside, the Nevada heat already building despite the early hour.Our trailer is parked in the VIP section of the lot where Thunder and Jo's mare Blaze are both ready and waiting for today's events.
"So, that's a yes?"Jo asks as we cross the parking lot."You'll come to Colorado after Vegas?"
I kiss her forehead."Wild horses couldn't drag me away, darlin'."
"Speaking of wild horses..."Jo nods toward the arena in the distance, where we can see the stock trailers unloading."We should probably focus on today's competition before we start worrying about family introductions."
"Good idea.What events are you entered in today?"
"Barrel racing and breakaway roping."Jo's voice takes on that familiar edge of competition."And for you..."
"Bull riding and team roping."I grin at her."Think we can sweep the board again?"
"With you?Always."She rises on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek."But first, let's get these horses ready.Blaze gets cranky when she's kept waiting."
As we approach our trailer, I can see other competitors already warming up their mounts in the practice area.The familiar sounds of rodeo---horses nickering, leather creaking, gates swinging, and Buck's voice testing the PA system---settle over me like the arrival of an old friend.This world, with its dust and danger and pure adrenaline, has always been my sanctuary.Now, with Jo by my side, it feels like something more.It feels like home.
"Cranky horse or cranky father-in-law," I muse, lowering the trailer ramp."Guess I'll be handling both soon enough."
Jo laughs, the sound bright and sweet."At least Blaze can be bribed with sugar cubes.Dad's a bit more complicated."
Thunder greets me with a soft whicker as I enter the trailer, his dark eyes alert.The gelding seems to sense the importance of today, since he's practically dancing in place as I lead him down the ramp.
I stroke his neck."Easy, boy.Save that energy for the arena."
"Thunder looks ready to run," Jo says, leading Blaze down the ramp beside us.Her mare tosses her head, equally eager for the day's events."They must know something big's coming."
"Smart animals."I check Thunder's hooves before we start walking toward the warm-up arena."Maybe they can sense that everything's changing."
Jo's eyes meet mine over the horses' backs."Scared?"
"Of the competition?Never."I wiggle my eyebrows at her."Of your dad?Terrified but ready."
She laughs, but there's a hint of nervousness in it."Let's just focus on today.One challenge at a time."
"One challenge at a time," I echo, adjusting Thunder's bridle."Wise words from a wise woman."
The Las Vegas sun beats down on us as we lead our horses toward the warm-up arena.Already, I can feel the familiar pre-competition excitement humming through my veins.But I also experience a new sense of purpose that goes beyond winning buckles or setting records.
Buck spots us from across the grounds and waves us over, grinning with all his laser-white teeth showing.
"There they are!"he declares, clapping me on the shoulder hard enough to make Thunder sidestep."The golden couple of rodeo!Camera crew's already asking when you'll be available for some pre-event interviews."
Jo groans faintly beside me."Can we at least warm up the horses first?Blaze needs a good twenty minutes or she'll be a nightmare in the arena."
I give her a squeeze and a quick kiss."Absolutely.Take all the time you need, darlin'."
