“That’s huge. How are you handling it?”
“Honestly? I’m thrilled. Terrified, but thrilled.” Sierra pulled out her phone again, checking for new messages. Still nothing. “It feels like everything’s finally falling into place.”
“Speaking of falling into place”—Bailey’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper—“how are things between you two? Please tell me you’re not just coparenting.”
“We’re figuring it out.” Sierra’s smile grew wider despite her attempt to stay casual. “But no, we’re definitely not just coparenting.”
“Sierra Blackwood, are you blushing?”
“Maybe.”
“Oh, this is so good!” Bailey grinned. “After everything you’ve been through, you deserve this.”
“It feels too good to be true sometimes,” Sierra said, checking her phone again. “Like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
“Stop that right now. Some people get their happy endings, and you’re one of them,” Bailey said. “Rowan came back, he wants to be a father, and he clearly adores you. Accept the blessing and stop looking for problems.”
The announcer’s voice boomed across the arena. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re ready to begin our ten-and-under tie-down roping competition. These young cowboys have been practicing all year, and they’re excited to show you what they can do.”
Sierra’s attention shifted to the staging area, looking for Huck.
She didn’t see him, but the place was cluttered with animals and contestants.
“Oh, I meant to ask,” Bailey said, leaning closer to be heard over the crowd noise. “I heard something at the grocery store about Morrie getting hurt. What happened?”
Sierra’s stomach dropped. She’d been so focused on the rodeo and Rowan’s investigation that she hadn’t thought about how quickly news traveled here.
“He had an accident yesterday,” she said, cutting her voice low. “He’s in the hospital, but the doctors think he’ll be okay.”
“That’s terrible. What happened?”
“I don’t know all the details.” Okay, sort of a lie, but the last thing she wanted was to stir up fear. “Rowan and Mike are looking into it.”
Sierra typed another text to Rowan.
Sierra
Seriously, where are you? Huck’s event is starting.
“First up, we have contestant number twenty-three, Gunnar St. Claire, riding Thor…”
Sierra watched as a boy about Huck’s age guided his horse into the arena. The crowd quieted as Gunnar positioned himself, rope ready, concentration written across his young face. When the calf was released, Gunnar’s throw was clean and fast, his dismount smooth, his tie efficient.
“Nice run, Gunnar!” the announcer called as the boy waved to the crowd. “That’s going to be hard to beat.”
Three more contestants followed, each with varying degrees of success. Sierra found herself analyzing their techniques, noting things Huck did better, places where he could improve. She checked her phone for an answer.
None.
“Next up, contestant number thirty-five, Eli Martinez, riding Cisco…”
Sierra’s attention was divided between the arena and her phone.
Sierra
Are you okay?
She tucked the phone away.
