Page 37 of Lost Trust

My eyes drop to the ring on her finger. “Wait.”

She grins.

I reach across the table and catch her hand.

“Oh my gosh. Shelby!”

She laughs as I turn her hand back and forth, admiring the ring.

“That’s a gorgeous rock.”

“Isn’t it?” She beams. “Have you gotten a look at the one Bryce put on Charli? It’s insane.”

“I have.”

Shelby shakes her head, still staring at her own ring.

For a second, I wonder what it must feel like to be that certain about someone. To have a man look at you and decide you’re it.

The thought makes something ache inside me.

I push it away.

“Do you ever miss competing?” I ask.

Shelby’s smile turns thoughtful. “Sometimes.” There’s no hesitation in her answer. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. Every now and then, I’ll see a horse run a perfect cloverleaf and get that itch.”

“What do you do with it?” I ask.

She shrugs. “Let it pass.”

I study her. “Just like that?”

She nods. “Yeah. I love my life. I love the ranch. I love training. I love the kids. And I love Waylon.” Her smile turns soft. “I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.” She lifts her hand, letting the ring catch the light. “And I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have any of this if I were still chasing the next buckle.”

There’s something comforting about the certainty in her voice.

“I hope I get there someday,” I admit.

Charli returns and plops into the seat beside Shelby. “Get where?” she asks.

I blow out a breath. “To a place of acceptance,” I say. “Where my life is so full that I don’t feel that ache to compete anymore.”

“You will,” Shelby assures me. “Just give it time.”

Ryder finishes his dinner and asks if he can be excused.

“You may. Why don’t you run upstairs, find my tablet in my bag, and watch some Mauney Cast videos? I’ll be up after I help Evelyn clear the table.”

He hops down from his chair and scurries to the stairs.

“What’s Mauney Cast?” Shelby asks as she watches him go.

“It’s J.B. Mauney’s telecast, where he and his cohost Colby tell personal stories and interview riders at major rodeo events. He’s obsessed with it.”

J.B. Mauney is a former professional bull rider. He’s Ryder’s father’s hero, and he passed his love for the ornery legend down to our son.

“I try to limit his screen time and only let him watch one episode a day.”