“Come on,” Laura said as interest in the drama fizzled out and everyone went back to watching the events out in the ring. “Cal is gearing up for his last bronc ride. We don’t want to miss it.”
I followed her up into the stands and took the open seat next to Fiona, who reached out to grab my hand. “You okay?” she whispered. I could only nod, still shocked at how quickly so many people had come to my defense. Especially Pastor Carter. His son was engaged to Fiona, and I’d heard from Aurora that Eli had gone no contact with him after he’d said some horrible things to Eli’s son, Patrick. The pastor had yet to apologize to his son and grandson, so I couldn’t understand his decision to play the white knight now. Maybe it was meant as some sort of sideways apology?
The music faded and there was a crackle as the announcer’s voice boomed across the arena. “You’ve seen him compete in several different events over the last two days, but this is it, folks. The final ride of Cal Pierce.” The announcer went into detail reminding the spectators of all the awards and ribbons Cal had won over the years and how many seconds he’d need to ride on the bronc to win.
Everyone was on their feet and cheering while the announcer mentioned the horse Cal would be riding. Even with all the noise, I could hear the horse whinny and see him tossing his head where he was corralled in the chute.
Cal was just climbing over the rail when the announcer said, “Put your hands together and let’s get loud for the wildest beast this side of Denver and his rider, CAL PIERCE!”
Then the chute was open and the crowd roared as folks counted to eight before Cal was sliding off the horse and rolling out of the way.
“He’s done it!” the announcer shouted as everyone screamed and cheered.
I clapped and cheered along with everyone else, thoroughly caught up in the excitement. I locked gazes with Brian—he was on ground level, keeping an eye on everything, and he smiled up at me. Fiona caught our exchange and elbowed me, grinning.
“You go, girl,” she whispered and I felt my cheeks heat with a blush.
There was still one event left, and everyone settled back down to watch. Amy and Henry had gone to meet Cal and the three of them returned and settled back on the bench in front of us. My attention was on the action in the ring when Fiona gasped,clapping a hand over her mouth. Suddenly Cal was down on one knee and proposing to Amy. When she said yes, our section went wild, congratulating the couple and Henry.
I was happy for Amy and Cal, even if the engagement came as a surprise. They’d barely known each other for a month and suddenly they were committing to a lifetime together. It was the type of fairy tale ending that I used to dream about as a girl and seeing it now filled me with a mix of envy and hope. I looked over at Brian who had hugged Amy and was congratulating the couple. Under different circumstances, could this have been us?
I pushed aside my jealousy and congratulated the couple. With everything Amy and Henry had been through losing Luke, they deserved their happily ever after, but I couldn’t help wondering if there would ever be one for me.
SEVENTEEN
BRIAN
“Iappreciate your call,” I said into my phone as Caitlin walked into the kitchen. I’d made waffles and bacon again for us to luxuriate in the freedom to take the morning slow. The rodeo was over, and the weekend had brought more drama and excitement than I’d anticipated. The amount of money raised to fund the town’s new community center was more than enough to not only cover the primary list, but also many of the “wish list” items, including a small computer lab, a commercial level kitchen to accommodate parties and events, and an outdoor kitchen area with a firepit.
The biggest surprise was Cal’s proposal to Amy right in the stands after his last event.
I considered it fortunate that I’d been close by and had witnessed the happy scene. I’d known they’d made up after Jake and I had a talk with him about his intentions toward Amy, but it was still a surprise that they’d gone from their first meeting to being engaged in a month.
They seemed so happy together.
In fact, Cal had plans to start a rodeo school for kids. They’d bought the old Harkins property not too far from the ranch. Well, Amy had bought the old farmhouse, stating it was time for her and Henry to have their own place. Unbeknownst to her, Cal had purchased the barn and all the acres in a separate agreement for his rodeo school. It was like the O. Henry story, “The Gift of the Magi,” but in this one, everyone got what they wanted.
It also meant I’d finally have the opportunity to really get to know my half-brother without all the rodeo frenzy.
“Looks delicious,” Caitlin said when I set my phone down on the counter. “Are some of those waffles for me?”
“Sure are. I made plenty.” I’d gotten used to her rushing past me in the morning on her way out the door, but I’d hoped that this morning, because she had her first full day off since coming to town, that she’d take time to sit down and eat breakfast for once.
“Thanks,” she said, taking a seat and reaching for a waffle and several slices of bacon. “It’s nice to eat breakfast for a change instead of just serving it.”
“Always a bonus.” I joined her and refilled my coffee cup. “That was my contact at the Austin PD on the phone. The original officer who refused to take your report has been formally reprimanded. She couldn’t say much about it, but evidently, this wasn’t the first time he brushed off a legitimate report. Internal Affairs may be looking into him.”
Her eyes widened as she looked at me. “That’s amazing. Well, not that he’s done it before but that he’s been caught and is facing consequences. Thank you.”
I wanted to preen at her thanks, but all I did was make a few phone calls. “There’s also news on your ex.”
“They caught him?” She looked up excitedly.
“Not yet, but your complaint against him isn’t the only one. His former boss filed a police report against him for stealing from the business. They’re brothers, right?”
“Yeah. Wow. I’m shocked. Kieran always seemed so tolerant of his little brother. He looked the other way every time money was missing from the till. He was still defending Seamus the last time I talked to him, when I went to try to get my job back. In fact, I’m pretty sure Kieran is the reason I wasn’t able to find another job in Austin.” She sliced off a piece of waffle. “Those are serious charges, aren’t they?”
“It was a lot of money, which now has the DA’s attention and pushed it up to third-degree felony in Texas. If he’s found guilty, he could get up to ten years in prison and a hefty fine.”
