“Then it’s about time. There’s nothing better than a night at the rodeo, in my opinion.”
We find a spot close to the arena, and River climbs up onto the railing. She looks out at the field, and her face lights up as the announcer starts calling the names of the cowboys and cowgirls who will compete.
“Who are we cheering for tonight, cowboy?” she asks.
“Oh, I think we should cheer for the underdog. The outsider. What do you say?”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
“All right then. We’re going with the guy from Florida. What’s his name... Ah, hell, I forgot.”
“Well, how about you call him, Florida Boy, then,” she teases.
“Sounds good.”
The announcer calls out Florida Boy’s real name, but neither of us hears it. Instead, we both start shouting, “Florida Boy! Florida Boy!”
A couple of people around us join in, and soon the whole place is chanting his name. When he enters the ring, a roar rises from the crowd, and River and I both cheer like maniacs.
“Go, Florida Boy!”
River is smiling ear to ear, and her eyes are alight with excitement. It’s the happiest I’ve seen her in a long time, and I’m loving every second of it.
The rodeo starts, and we watch as the competitors battle it out in the ring. The announcer calls out the scores, and the crowd cheers and groans, depending on the outcome.
When Florida Boy wins, we both shout and cheer. He holds up his hat and waves, and the crowd goes wild.
After a few minutes, the energy dies down, and the next event starts. River and I make our way over to concessions and order two beers and a bucket of popcorn. We find a spot in the stands, and River leans against my shoulder.
“So, you having fun yet, Thurston?”
“Yep. This is great.”
“I’m glad.”
She turns to face me, and her blue eyes are bright. “Thanks, Colby.”
“For what?”
“For this. For taking me out. For being here. For not giving up on me.”
“Never,” I reply.
“Hey, Burke!” a man shouts from the other end of the bleachers. I follow the sound and find John making his way toward us. “Well isn’t this a treat? I’ve been meaning to get back out to your ranch to have a conversation with River, and it seems like fate’s brought us all together.”
“Mr. Miller,” River replies.
“Call me John, please. No need to be formal. You’re all grown up now.”
“Right, John,” River agrees. “It’s good to see you again.”
“You too.” His eyes drift down to where River’s arm is looped in mine, and I don’t miss the grimace as he takes a seat. “So, has Colby discussed my offer with you yet?”
River tilts her head to look at me and shakes her head. “No, sir. He hasn’t. What offer?”
“It seems I’m going to need a foreman. As soon as possible, really. And with your experience, I think you’d be perfect for the job.”
My fingers curl into fists, and it takes every ounce of self-control I have not to reach out and wrap my hands around the son of a bitch’s neck. He’s trying to steal River away. Right under my goddamn nose. And much to my dismay, River is positively beaming at his proposal.
