I snap a few photos of the empty arena, the early morning light casting long shadows across the dirt. Then I wander toward the back, where the real action is happening.
Riders warming up, horses being brushed and saddled, equipment being checked and double-checked. I capture it all, candid shots of stars, the beautiful, powerful animals, the worn leather and polished buckles.
I’m adjusting my lens near the main-office trailer when I spot Seth’s father. He’s deep in conversation with someone I recognize: Holden, the town committee’s finance guy who works closely with Pete. But it’s odd to see him out here, because Holden is usually glued to his desk at town hall. I’ve never seen him at community events, let alone chatting up rodeo owners.
They haven’t noticed me yet, and I inch closer, pretending to photograph a nearby horse.
“…last chance for the town.” Seth’s father’s voice is gruff, irritated. “If you don’t bring in decent numbers for me this year, I’m pulling the circuit from Honeyspur Meadow permanently.”
“We’re just not attracting the attendees we used to,” Holden replies, sounding defensive. “The economy, the competition from other events?—”
“I don’t want excuses. I want results.”
I lower my camera and step forward, plastering on a friendly smile. “Morning!”
Both men turn. Seth’s father recognizes me immediately, his eyes flicking from my face to my camera to the pass around my neck.
“Miss Calloway.” He nods. “Photography and chaperoning. That’s quite the workload.”
“Keeping those boys in line is definitely a full-time job,” I agree with a laugh.
He almost smiles. “Ain’t that the truth.”
Holden’s nostrils flare as he studies me, something dismissive in his expression that immediately gets my back up. “June. Shouldn’t you be focused on your… duties?”
“Just taking photos. But I couldn’t help overhearing—” I gesture vaguely between them. “You’re worried about attendance numbers?”
“That’s not really your concern,” Holden says sharply.
“It’s just odd.” I keep my voice light, casual. “I booked out every rental property in town for this week. Every single one. Plus the B&Bs and the motel on Route 7. If the town is full of visitors, why wouldn’t they be coming to the rodeo?”
Seth’s father’s eyes narrow, fixing on Holden. “She’s got a point. If the town’s booked solid, where’s my money going?”
Holden’s jaw tightens. “There are a lot of factors at play here. Ticket sales, concessions, merchandise—it’s complicated. June, you should focus on the chaperoning job and leave the finances to the professionals.”
He puts a hand on Seth’s father’s arm and steers him away, already launching into some explanation I can’t quite hear. I watch them go, something uneasy settling in my stomach.
That was weird, but I walk in the opposite direction and continue taking photos.
By the time the arena starts filling up, I’ve taken hundreds of images. My memory card is going to be stuffed, but Belle will have plenty to choose from for the town’s promotional materials.
I spot a familiar head of reddish hair in the crowd and wave frantically.
“Sophia!” She was meant to come meet me today so we can watch the event together, especially since her Alphas are participating.
She turns, green eyes lighting up when she sees me, and we meet in a crushing hug that probably looks ridiculous, but I don’t care. She’s wearing light-blue jeans, a silk blouse, and sandals.
“I’ve been looking for you everywhere! Cash said he saw you with the Benton crew earlier, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I need details immediately.’?”
“First of all, hello to you too.” I laugh, looping my arm through hers as we head toward our seats. “Second, how are you? How are the guys?”
“Amazing. Perfect. Exhausting.” She rolls her eyes dramatically. “Cash has been insufferable about some new horse he bought, Walker won’t stop reorganizing the ranch office, and Ridge is on a sourdough kick, which means I’ve gained five pounds in bread alone.”
“Sounds rough.”
“The hardest life.” She grins, and there’s so much happiness underneath her sarcasm that it makes my heart swell. Sophia found her fated mates last year when she inherited Wild Hearts Ranch, and watching her fall for them was like watching a romantic movie in real time—complete with miscommunication, dramatic gestures, and a happy ending.
We settle into our front-row seats, and she immediately twists to face me.
