Warren bites at his lip, and I feel like I’m witnessing a moment I shouldn’t be.
“Is that okay?”
“Fuck yeah. I…” He swipes at a tear on his cheek, and Warren rolls his eyes like a proper teenager.
“You nag me enough. Might as well call you Dad,” Warren adds, but there’s a tenderness to his words that makes my heart so damn happy for Hunter. “Which means I should probably tell you I already ordered a new rabbit with some of the money.”
“Warren.” Hunter sighs. “We talked about this.”
“No, you talked. I didn’t get to say a word!”
Before they launch into a fight, I stand. “I’m going to check on the guys and give you a moment. I’ll finish the billing when I’mback.” Pointing a finger at Hunter, I add, “Don’t touch anything. Use a sticky note.”
I leave the office with the two arguing about rabbits and whatever else they need to hash out, but I already know Warren will win. The second he called Hunter dad, the man turned into mush. He might be hard on Warren, but his heart is gold, no matter what he wants others to believe.
Back at the ring, I join a few of the new riders in the chutes. Jamieson and Griff are loading bulls, and it’s the first time the group gets to ride strictly for critique from the professionals.
“Are you fellas learning lots? Is the school what you hoped for so far?”
I’m rewarded with enthusiastic cheers, and the man next to me, who must barely be out of his teenage years, can’t stop raving about how amazing Jamieson is.
“I grew up watching Jamieson. He was like my favourite bull rider ever. To have him teach me stuff is just…like mind blown, you know? I’m just so stoked to be here.”
The riders all help each other at the chutes. The veterans offer tips to the younger ones, and it’s an amazing atmosphere. Rodeo is family. Yes, they sometimes fight, but they’ll always be there for you. Win or lose.
Wandering back to the office, hoping Hunter didn’t enter info into the computer again, Warren passes me in the hall with a scowl.
He only nods as he passes, and when I enter the office, Hunter sits on the sofa with his head hanging.
“Everything okay?” I ask as I take my seat back behind the computer.
“It will be.” He sighs and stands, grabbing his hat from the desk. “I’m happy you’re feeling better. Can you read my handwriting on those notes?”
I quickly skim the notes, and they seem straightforward. “I’m good. I’ll call if I have questions.”
“Are you going to compete more this year?”
“Oh yeah. I got the green light, but I think Kissing Ridge will be the last one for the season. I want to settle into the house and get Wilbur’s barn in. Lots to do. Next year, I’ll focus more on making the tours again.”
Hunter nods.
“That makes sense. And Diamond? He’s been an angel for you, hasn’t he?”
An angel doesn’t come close to describing what he’s been.
“He has.”
Hunter stares at me, waiting for more, before he places his hat on his head with a huff. “Fine. Be that way. But I’ll say this, Rhett…you’re a very lucky man.”
His smile is warm, and I nod in agreement.
“Thank you for all the help over the past few days. I appreciate it.” Pausing, I decide to ease his mind since he’s been so helpful. “I am lucky, and I hope to tell you more soon.”
He holds my gaze, and a silent understanding passes. Hunter is the big brother, the protector of everyone in his group, whether they want it or not. He trusts me to do right by Diamond, and I plan to.
“Anytime. Have a good day.”
When I’m finally alone, I get back to work. Emails need returning, and students requesting sessions need scheduling. I enter the billing that Hunter thankfully didn’t attempt, and after several hours, it feels like I’ve made progress with my work.
