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“More than okay,” Lexi added with a grin. “I’d say, he’s practically blushing. Aren’t you, Hunter?”
I couldn’t help looking over at him. And sure enough, the boy’s face was red. He grinned sheepishly and then rubbed a hand over his face.
“We’ve got to get Charlotte back for the crowning,” he said, managing to keep his voice straight, even when his gaze flicked to mine. “I don’t want her to miss out because of me.”
“Yes, let’s go!” Lexi nudged me with her elbow and whispered in my ear, “And better believe you’re giving me all the details later.”
I grinned and followed them down the hall. The police had taken their statements and were already gone. Bree was busy sweeping up the broken glass on the floor. Hunter pulled his mom into a hug and then took my hand, holding it tight.
“We’re going to the rodeo,” he said firmly. “Charlotte’s got a crown to win and I’ve got a bull to ride. You coming?”
Bree’s gaze swept from person to person, before landing on Hunter’s hand holding mine. I could tell from the glimmer in her eye that she knew what had happened between her son and me.
For a second, a blip of doubt went through me. What if she didn’t approve? It would crush me.
But that fear was short-lived. With a bleary-eyed smile, she looked up at me and then pulled me into a hug.
“Of course. Our Char deserves a crown. And we’re going to prove to that awful man that he has no more control over our lives. Let’s go.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Come on, blue steed!”
Hunter urged his truck faster as we rounded the curb to the county fairgrounds. I sat in the middle and Bree in the passenger seat. Lexi and Beth followed in the other car. Seeing Hunter driving with so much focus brought a smile to my lips. He was determined to get me back in time to win a crown. He really was the best.
And when he caught me staring at him, the sideways grin and wink he threw me just about made my heart explode with warmth.
“I’m guessing we’re going to have to come up with some new rules around the house,” Bree said, as she watched us both with a teasing smile. “Bedroom doors stay open. No more sneaking around at night.”
My cheeks reddened even as Hunter laughed. But his mom didn’t have to worry. Hunter had always been the perfect gentleman. And the gentle way he was holding my hand told me that hadn’t changed.
“We’re here.” Hunter parked on a grassy spot near the arena. The parking lot was bursting at the seams and this was the overflow area.
He helped me out his door and we ran toward the arena, leaving his mom to follow. Muffled words came from the announcer’s speakers. The ticket booths had been abandoned, so we had no trouble getting in.
Still, it wasn’t easy getting to the front. It seemed like all of Rock Valley had crowded into the arena and every one of them had suddenly decided they were starving and needing food from the concessions. Hunter led the way through the crowd, holding my hand tight.
I probably should’ve been more concerned about getting back to Ms. Gentry, but I couldn’t think straight with that boy touching me. Why people called it cloud nine was no longer a mystery. My feet were floating. My head light as a fluffy cloud on a bright summer’s day. And every time he glanced over his shoulder at me and fixed me with those gorgeous hazel eyes rimmed in dark lashes, I got another burst of butterflies in my stomach.
“We’re almost there,” he said, chewing uncertainly on his bottom lip. “It might already be started. We’d better hurry.”
We finally broke through the crowds milling around to get a clear shot of the arena. Sure enough, a miniature platform had already been set up in the mi
ddle and six girls stood poised on top of it, with Ms. Gentry nearby. My gaze landed directly on Sarah, who stood with her hip cocked and a brilliant cherry-tinted smile pasted on her face, as if she were ready for her prize. Everything about her—from her crisp white blouse, tight designer jeans, and white cowgirl hat sitting atop her perfect ringlets screamed Rodeo Queen. She probably already had a shelf picked out at home to display her rodeo crown. Confidence oozed off of her.
I clasped the top of the railing tight, my gut twisting at the sight. I was supposed to be down there. That crown had been within my reach. And now, it seemed like Sarah was going to win once again.
“Come on,” Hunter urged, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “We’re almost there. We can get you on that stage.”
“No. Wait.” I stared hard at Ms. Gentry addressing the crowd. “It’s too late. She’s already started. I can’t interrupt her.”
Sure enough, Ms. Gentry was talking about what a wonderful job all the contestants had done. About the poise, intellect, and potential of each and every one of us. Just a couple days ago, I would’ve taken one look at her severe frown and called her a fun-sucker. But after our conversation in the bathroom, I knew better. There was a slight quiver of emotion in her voice. And the way her eyes shone as she looked at the girls was proof that I’d totally misjudged her. Keeping her daughter’s legacy alive had been her passion and she’d done it so well.
Finally, with a clearing of her throat, she turned back to the crowd and gave them a rare smile. “I’m afraid this is my last year as the director of the Rock Valley High Junior Rodeo Queen contest.” I could hear the tears in her confession. She smiled again and looked down at the microphone. “My daughter, Elizabeth, adored her time as the Junior Rodeo Queen. It was in her memory that I kept it going. But from now on, I will have to carry that memory with me.”
The crowd noise lowered to a dull whisper as the weight of Ms. Gentry’s emotions settled over the arena. I blinked back my own tears, wishing I could be on that stage to give Ms. Gentry a hug. She shook her head slightly, as if to brush off the sadness, then lifted her chin.
“I am so very honored to name our champion this year. Your new Junior Rodeo Queen has all the qualities that make a young girl stand out. Her charm, her positive energy, and her willingness to make a difference in this world all do her credit. Without further ado, I would like to introduce you too...”
