Page 76 of A Montana Rodeo Star

“Darn straight I am,” she huffed. Then she stepped forward. “You’re being selfish.”

Brent got to his feet. “Selfish? You’re calling me selfish? That’s rich.”

“Yes, I’m calling you selfish. I’m probably the only one who’s willing to call you on all the crap you’ve been putting people though. So listen to me and listen well.”

He scoffed but knew better than to insist she leave. She’d just come back and speak her mind. Hallie had never been the type to let things go.

“This whole time, you’ve been selfish. You got it in your head that what you want is more important than what everyone else wants.”

“I’m allowed to be selfish in that respect. I should be able to follow my dreams⁠—”

“Yeah, yeah. Your dreams. Don’t you get it? What about your parents? Do you think your mother wanted to pick up her life and move after your father passed away? Do you think Uncle Judd wanted to drop everything to become a father to his best friend’s kids? I know they love each other and that’s not the point. But I would be surprised if Uncle Judd was planning on starting an instant family. And then there’s Tripp.”

Brent cut her a warning look. He was already starting to feel sick with everything she was pointing out.

“Tripp’s wedding is tomorrow, and I would bet everything I have that he’s going to need his brother to support him through it. Everyone’s lives have changed.”

“And whose fault is that?” he snapped with renewed vigor. “From what I recall, you’re the one who spilled the beans. Couldn’t you have waited until after the wedding at least?”

To Hallie’s credit, she flinched at his accusation. But then she straightened her shoulders and leveled him with another hard stare. “Contrary to what you might think, this isn’t all about you. There are a lot of variables, and I stand by my decision. I couldn’t stand the idea of you getting on that horse tomorrow without knowing the truth about your lineage nor your parents being blindsided by your decisions.”

“You think you’re so smart,” Brent huffed. “Do you think my life has been easy up until this point? My whole life I’ve bent over backward to make everyone comfortable. The golden child. The one my parents didn’t have to worry about. Every decision I’ve made I’ve done it with my family in mind. Do you know how long I’ve wanted this?”

When she didn’t respond, he charged forward.

“Since before I can remember. And you call me selfish.” He shook his head with a bitter laugh. “This is the one time I want to do something for myself.”

For a moment he thought he got through to her. Because the look she gave him was full of understanding and empathy. But then she sighed. “And what if something, heaven forbid, happens to you? What if the fate that befell your father happens to you, too? Your parents already lost one important person in their life. Do you think they’ll be able to cope if they lose you, too?”

His gut twisted painfully.

“You’re so hotheaded about this that you’re not considering all the variables. I can see it, Brent. I have nothing against the rodeo. Heaven knows I love the sport and I love…” she caught herself then started again. “I care about the people who compete.” She swallowed so hard that her throat bobbed. “I’m not saying any of this because I expect you to get hurt. I’m only saying that there are so many other careers you could take. There are other options out there that won’t put your family on edge. I don’t want you to regret your decision if in the end your relationships with our family become irreparable.”

“I won’t regret anything,” he said, but even he had to admit he didn’t sound convinced.

They stared at each other for several long moments. He half expected her to keep arguing with him. That was how she was.

But then she nodded. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Yeah, okay. Do whatever you’re going to do. I can’t stop you. Faith can’t stop you. And your family can’t either. Just don’t do anything… stupid.”

He opened his mouth with the intention of snapping back at her but thought better of it as he watched her retreat. She’d said her piece and he wasn’t going to drag her back to him for argument’s sake.

It was several hours later when he heard the distinct sound of boots against the concrete floor below. Brent was sprawled out on a couple bales of hay with his hands behind his head as he stared up at a dark barn roof.

Then a small flash of light appeared at the edge of the loft. Brent didn’t turn his head. He didn’t have to.

“I was wondering when you’d show up. I hope Wendy helped you feel better.”

His brother walked across the loft and settled on the floor, leaning up against the hay. He was using the light from his phone, and it cast a soft glow around the space. Dust particles floated in front of the beam. Tripp didn’t answer him, nor did he bring up the conversation they’d had with their parents.

There was something comforting about being able to let the news settle around them. It was heavy. Hard. But they were in this together.

“I wish I remembered him,” Tripp finally whispered.

Brent turned his head to stare at his brother. “You were only two.”