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“I’m headed there tonight,” Tucker adds. “You should see if you can change your flight and make a stop before you come home.”

I bite my lip and glance at the folder sitting on the dresser with my itinerary information in it. I have to laugh because Rick printed it out and emailed it to me. He’s always been old-fashioned. I swear he probably still prints out Google Maps to use instead of just using the GPS on his phone. I love that guy.

Then I glance back at my family, and a warm feeling settles in my chest. It feels light and free. I don’t have anything keeping me from stopping in Vegas and cheering on my brother. I can just...go.

I look at them and say, “Okay. I’ll come to Vegas first.”

Absolute silence. No one speaks. Then Tucker explodes, “YEAH!”

Poppy laughs. And Violet is grinning. “That’s the Christmas spirit! It’s time you lived a little, Jenna.”

I roll my eyes at the mention of Christmas.

Cami looks genuinely shocked. “Oh my gosh. She’s actually doing it, you guys. Our Grinch is coming home.”

“Hey,” I grumble. “I’m not a Grinch.”

Tucker points at the screen. “I gotta go. Jack’s taking me to the airport. But I can’t wait to see you! Text me when you get there. We can meet up before or after.”

His excitement hits me in the chest and fills me with warmth again. And a little bit of guilt. Because I realize how long it’s been since I last saw any of them. And I miss them. I want to support them. But Christmas has always been a hard time of year for me.

My throat gets tight. “I can’t wait to see all of you.”

For the first time in a very long time, I mean it.

2

ty

Terrible Choice

“One more picture, Ty!” someone with a camera calls, taking dozens of pictures rapidly.

I force another smile. Flash.

“Can you sign my hat?” Flash.

“My grandma says you’re the hottest bull rider on tour.” Flash.

Okay, that’s awkward.

“Can we get one with my wife?” Flash.

Okay, even more awkward.

I swear, if one more person asks me for a picture tonight, I’m going to hide. I’ve been at this for hours, and this is after I competed all day. I’m truly grateful for everything. But I’m exhausted, and I don’t really want to be here anymore. I want to go back to my room and sleep until we head out tomorrow. Or find a quiet corner to hide out in and wind down from what feels like the longest day ever.

The hotel’s ballroom is packed wall-to-wall with fans, sponsors, riders, buckle bunnies, and enough excitement to power the entire Las Vegas Strip. Normally, this is fun, and I love it. But not today. My heart just isn’t in it.

A popular country song blasts through the speakers. Someone is doing shots off a sponsor-branded saddle. A bunch of women are standing on a stage, line dancing. And somehow, despite all the noise, all I can think about is how badly I want to leave.

“Ty!”

I turn to find one of the event coordinators waving me over.

“ESPN wants a quick interview,” she says excitedly.

Of course they do. As if I haven’t already given them one earlier, before competition. And then several others after. What more could I say today? It never ends unless I make it end.