And the biggest damn grin I’ve ever had plastered to my face.
“We’re here to witness the partnering up of two of the wildest rodeo stars this side of the Mississippi!”
As I make the final turn, I see her.
My woman, the mother of my child.
Sophia’s long dark hair is trailing in a banner with the white trail of her dress billowing over Misty’s back.
Calling me to her.
Like we practiced, I kick my gelding to follow, my lariat whipping through the air until I’m close enough to toss the loop, encircling her shoulders.
Her laughter is contagious as she pulls her mare to trot next to me over to the podium.
Cheers cascade over the audience when she takes my hand.
I can’t resist raising it to my lips.
“I love you, Soph. My beautiful racing queen,” I whisper low enough only she can hear me.
Tears ripple on her lower lids and she blinks rapidly to hold them at bay.
“I love you, too, Ollie. My biggie.” She blows me a little kiss and grips my fingers as we come to a halt.
Dixon looks as serious as always standing above us.
But when he raises his arm, the entire stadium goes silent.
Shit, they’re even intimidated by him.
“I didn’t think when I got the certificate to officiate, I’d ever be fortunate enough to stand for my niece.” He barely faces the microphone, his own natural booming voice echoing around us.
“There’s so many amazing things I could say about her, but I promised to keep this short. Ever since she was a little girl, she grabs a hold of what she wants with both hands and never lets go. She keeps her circle small, but once you’re in, you’re family.” He winks down to Sophia, then turns to me.
As he guides me through my vows, his dark eyes squint with the unspoken threat that he would break me if I ever shattered my oath.
“I do.” I squeeze Sophia’s hand as I slide the ring over her finger, my heart racing so fast I can barely hear.
A moment later, she pushes the gold band over my knuckle with her own simple two words. “I do.”
Fuck. I can feel my throat tightening and I swallow hard, fighting to keep my own eyes from welling.
“I now pronounce you, husband and wife.” Dixon’s arms raise to the massive crowd. “Mr. and Mrs. Brookes, ladies and gentlemen,” he yells loudly enough that I can feel it in my chest.
My palm finds her cheek to pull her closer.
When our lips meet, a giant wave of sound erupts from the stands. Whistles, clapping, stomping, they all blend into a deafening roar.
But my gaze never strays from my girl. My perfect match.
“Ollie?” She clings to my neck. “Can we skip to being home?”
“Anything for you, baby.” I press another kiss to her luscious mouth.
Part of me wants to stay in this exact moment forever.
She’s finally mine.
