She didn’t have to see her father’s last dying breath every time she fell asleep.
She had it a hell of a lot better than her daughter did.
Chapter Thirty-Two
We were almost late for the rodeo that night.
Between how hard we had laughed at the table and how slow we all ate, the rodeo had already started before we were all loaded in the trucks.
Reluctantly, I had to jump out of the truck and wave to the Nash family to get to the booth on time to give the announcer the sponsorship script for the night.
I was panting hard by the time I made it back to my usual spot behind the chutes and spotted Billy. “Hey!” I waved.
She waved enthusiastically back. She was wearing the brightest yellow dress I’d ever seen and striped tights. “Okay, Texas is freaking heaven,” she declared.
I chuckled. “Yeah?”
“Honky tonks full of cowboys?” She moaned. “I could live here.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying your trips,” I laughed. “Are you tired of traveling?”
She closed her eyes and shook her head. “Heck no. I’m gonna legit cry when this is over!”
Me too.
“Well, if I ever have another assignment where I need a photographer, I know exactly who I’m calling!” I whispered asthe crowd quieted for the National Anthem.
“Yes, please!”
“Please, stand up, take those hats off, and place them over your hearts.” The announcer said as the horse and rider with the American flag rode into the arena. The young singer gave a beautiful performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, and I felt tears threaten as Ellie’s face popped into my head.
IfImissed her, I couldn’t imagine what Jimmy was feeling right now.
“Tonight we celebrate a country we’re proud to live in. Let’s hear it for little June!” He encouraged the audience as the song finished.
“Look at that dirt, folks. It’s been soaked in the sweat and the dreams of legends for decades. Tonight, fifteen of the world’s Top 20 athletes are in the house. They’ve driven through the night and bled in the dust just for the chance to HEAR YOU ROAR!”
The crowd screamed and whistled in response, ready for a two-hour adrenaline rush from the cowboys.
“From the rankest bulls in the Hill Country to the fastest horses on the circuit, we’ve got the power. From the heart of the Texas Panhandle to the bright lights of the NFR... Amarillo, are you ready to get Western?!”
“Ally!”
I spun around to look at the first chute. Colton was rushing up behind me. He was dressed in his chaps, spurs, vest, and already had his gloves on tight. “Hi!” I practically screamed.
He threw his arms around my middle and spun me around. “I needed a kiss before the ride.”
Not a problem at all. I kissed him hard and fast, knowing any second he’d have to climb on the horse. Right as he set me down, I slid a small paper into his hand.
He gave me a confused look and flipped it over. Then, in an instant, his face lit up and a huge grin took over his face. “Oh, Ally, this is perfect.”
It was horribly embarrassing, picking a picture of myself, printing it out on Jo’s printer in the trailer, and giving it to him, but it’s what he had asked.
He grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “Thank you. You have no idea how happy this makes me,” he said with genuine honesty.
“Get out of here, Cowboy!” I ordered, my cheeks burning, knowing that Billy was watching this whole ordeal.
“I’ll see you after the ride?” He asked as he slid the picture into his hat.
