Chapter Seven
“Did you see anything you liked?” Hunter asked his future brother-in-law, and world champion bronc rider, Lucky Preston. The guy had breezed into their lives but been caught, like a falling leaf, in the Westbrook family tree. He fit in so well, it was almost a surprise when one considered that Lucky and Swayzie weren’t actually married yet.
The two climbed the wooden bleachers and joined Hunter’s dad, Tom, about halfway up. Dad had come straight here to save primo seats while Hunter, Lucky, and Swayzie browsed the animals that would soon parade through the show arena and go home with new owners.
“Nothing I’m excited enough to buy.” Lucky glanced around to make sure Swayzie wasn’t close by. She’d stopped in the boutique trailer to visit with a friend. “I can’t think of a better wedding present for Swayzie than a new horse, but so far, the right one hasn’t come along.”
Tom chuckled. “You’re smart to take your time. Horses have just as much personality as people, and matching them up right doesn’t come easily.”
Lucky grinned under Dad’s praise. He came from a tough background. The longer he stayed with the Westbrooks, the more at peace he became. It was interesting to watch the process.
Also interesting to see how Lucky thrived in the same strong family environment that seemed to choke Tess. Speaking of his little sister … Hunter leaned around Lucky to talk to his dad. “Have you heard from Tess?”
Tom’s eyes sharpened. “She’s staying in a friend’s trailer while the band is in town for the festival.”
“Nice of her to let us know where she is,” Hunter mumbled as he leaned back.
Lucky grunted in agreement.
Tess had gone missing a couple days ago. Technically, she was in her 20s and could do whatever she wanted, but it was basic courtesy to let the people you live with—who also love you—know that you wouldn’t be back for a month. Half the time, Hunter wanted to shake some sense into her. The other half, he enjoyed hanging out with her and just being family. The trouble was, he never knew which sister he was going to get when he woke up that morning.
A group of men in holey jeans and bent-up cowboy hats shoved their way up the stands and sat off to the right of Hunter and his family. They were carrying red cups and laughing too loudly for the auction.
“Did you get your horses dropped off?” Tom asked Hunter. “Everything okay?”
Hunter nodded. “They’re registered fine. I’m kind of sad to see them go, but I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring in.” He’d brought in two of his mares, both top-notch and trained for competitive roping. He’d been taking them to jackpots all summer and knew it was time to send them off. Selling a horse he’d worked was the hardest part of his business.
Lucky shifted. “You’ll get more here than you would on one of the online sites. Something about the crowd of people and a bidding frenzy that drives prices up.”
“That doesn’t make me feel any better about buying a horse here,” Hunter admitted. They all chuckled.
Lucky grinned. “That’s why you have a backup plan in place. If your first horse goes for too much, then you buy the second.”
Hunter nodded. He’d had his heart set on a particular stud. But after talking strategy with Lucky, he’d taken a second look at the listings and come up with another two he’d be happy to own. One of them was sure to be more expensive, and that’s why he’d overlooked him in the first place, but he couldn’t deny that he’d be proud loading the animal into his trailer.
The announcer stepped into the booth and picked up the microphone, making a thunk-thunk noise through the speakers and getting everyone’s attention. “Well, folks, it’s a beautiful day to have an auction.”
The crowd laughed lightly. The sky was overcast, and rain threatened. Back in Harvest Ranch, the festival-goers were wrapped in scarves and wearing stocking hats. Hunter zipped up his thick jacket.
Just then, Swayzie made her way up the bleachers. She weaved in and out of the groups clustered together, smiling at people who scooted over to let her by.
Lucky sat up taller, his eyes trained on his fiancée. Hunter couldn’t help but think he did the same thing whenever Zoey was nearby. Dang it all if that wasn’t a bad sign. He thought he’d gotten used to having her around because he hadn’t tripped over his own thoughts and blurted out something embarrassing this week.
One of the guys carrying a Solo cup caught sight of Swayzie and let out a low whistle. Hunter bristled. “Jerk,” he muttered under his breath.
Lucky tensed.
“Hey, baby. Let me make a bid on you,” called the guy with the scraggly beard. He lifted his hand and beckoned to Swayzie. He was the oldest and seemed to be the ringleader of their little circus.
She ignored them and continued her climb.
“That is one fine-looking filly,” said the guy in a sleeveless hoodie. He had a tattoo of an eagle on his bicep.
Hunter had been so focused on Lucky, ready to jump up and hold him back from beating these guys to a pulp, that he hadn’t been paying much attention to his dad. Before Hunter could blink, Dad was standing over the guys, his beefy hands hanging at his side and balled into fists. “Now, I know,” he started, his voice carrying far and wide without actually yelling, “that you did not just compare my daughter to a horse.”
The guys looked at each other like they weren’t quite sure what to do next. Facing an angry dad wasn’t in the playbook. Swayzie stopped next to Dad and patted his arm. It wasn’t a move to tell him to back down, but rather one of gratitude.
Dad glared at the rough men. “I expect you to respect a lady—understand?”
