Page 38 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
Jo launches into a modest recounting of her career highlights while I watch my family lean toward Jo, completely captivated by her tales.Sarah peppers her with questions about training techniques, Mom wants to know about her favorite horses, and Dad nods approvingly when Jo mentions her dedication to proper animal care.When Jo and I finally get to our room, we're so tired that all we want to do is undress and go to sleep.
The next day, we meet with the Western Heritage folks in Laramie to map out a year-long plan for our reality show.It's really happening.Jo and I are about to become celebrities.
Chapter Twenty-One
The Reality Show
"Ouch!"Jo exclaims.
I leap up, about to rush past the partition that separates us."Jo, are you hurt?I can get a doctor or a medic or something."
"No, Clay, that's unnecessary.The young woman fitting my dress accidentally pricked me."I hear small sobs, and Jo shushing the girl."Relax, Nora, you didn't mean to do it.I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"Those words are followed by a sniffle.
"Positive.Let's keep going."
I'm watching from the other side of the boutique dress shop while my fiancée is getting fitted for the dress I'm not allowed to see---until the wedding, that is.Once we tie the knot, nothing will stand between us ever again.She'll be mine, and I'll be hers, forever.Wedding.The word echoes in my mind, and I get a strange feeling in my chest every time I think about that.I never imagined I'd be standing in a bridal boutique while Jo gets fitted for her dream gown.
"Mr.McKendrick, would you like something to drink while you wait?"The boutique owner approaches me, wearing a practiced smile."Champagne, perhaps?It's complimentary for the groom."
"Just water, thanks," I reply, shifting uncomfortably in the plush velvet chair they've designated as the "groom spot."
Jo's parents are footing the bill for everything.They know my folks could never gather enough dough to do that.Our moms offered to organize the whole event.But Jo and I assured them that isn't necessary.Only then did Meryl and May admit this mega event was a bit much for them to organize, anyway.
Jo peeks around the partition from her perch on the pedestal I'd spied when the wedding planner had put it up earlier.Jo gives me that look---the one that says I'm being too serious again.She's right.I can't help feeling uncomfortable, but I need to relax for Jo's sake.
The shop owner is about to walk away.
"Actually, champagne sounds perfect."I announce."Might as well celebrate."
Jo grins."That's a great idea, Clay.Save some bubbly for me."
"Will do."
I already have my tux---a designer number that Jo swears will make me the best-dressed groom ever in the history of rodeo.But we'll both become something much worse.We're about to begin our careers in reality television, rodeo style.Miranda had sweet-talked us into making the wedding a part of the show, and actually, we've been looking forward to beginning two new chapters in our lives---marriage and fame.Not sure anybody outside of the rodeo circuit will care about the lives of a cowboy and a barrel racer.But Miranda swears the world is hungry for authentic rodeo romance.
"Trust me," she'd said last week over coffee, while she showed us audience demographics and ratings projections on her tablet."People want the dust and the glory and the love story beneath it all."
My mind reels back to the present as the shop owner returns with two flutes of champagne.She hands one to me, and I take the other around the partition to Jo without peeking.I hear her giggle, followed by Nora's relieved laughter.At least someone's relaxed now.
I take a sip and let the bubbles dance on my tongue.Not bad for a guy who usually sticks to beer after a long day at the ranch.
"How's it looking back there, Jo?"With all my willpower, I resist the urge to peek.Mom would have my hide if I broke tradition, and the PRCA boys would never let me hear the end of it.
"Almost done, Clay!"she confirms cheerfully."You're going to flip when you see this dress.It's divine.Like something out of a fairy tale."
I smile, leaning against the wall beside the partition."I betyoumake the dress look good, not the other way around."
The boutique owner passes by with an approving nod.I can hear the quiet murmurs of Nora and Jo discussing final adjustments.This whole wedding business still feels surreal.For months, I was focused solely on making it through the circuit, keeping the ranch afloat, and helping pay for Dad's medical bills.Winning some events was a bonus.But now I'm standing in a fancy boutique while a camera crew waits outside to capture our "authentic rodeo romance" the minute we step onto the sidewalk.
"Mr.McKendrick," the boutique owner says, returning with a small plate of fancy-looking cookies."Some refreshments while you wait."
I take one cookie to be polite."Thanks.How much longer will this take?"
Jo emerges from behind the partition, beaming at me so brightly that it wouldn't surprise me to see a glowing halo above her head.I jump up from my chair and can't resist teasing her a little bit."You're wearing jeans and a denim shirt for the wedding?I thought you were dead set on a fancy gown."
Jo rolls her eyes, but she can't hide her smile."You're hilarious, Clay.And I'd marry you in jeans and boots if that's what it came to."
