“I can’t watch you kill yourself!” I screamed, losing my mind.
“I’m not going to-”
“You can’t promise that!” I was out of control, people were staring, but I couldn’t stop. “You can’t promise that you’ll never get hurt or that you won’t kill yourself!”
“Ally, what’s going-”
I put my hands on my head as sobs started to overtake my body. He pulled me away from the crowds of people, ducking behind the museum under the shade of willow trees.
Colton was beyond confused, but he grabbed my shoulders and forced me to look at him. “Ally. I’m not going to die, I promise!”
“You can’t promise that!” I shrieked back, barely able to breathe anymore.
“Yes, I can!”
“No, you can’t! Because my dad promised, and I watched him die!”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Thirteen Years Ago
“Cowboys and cowgirls, are you ready for a RODEO!”
“Daddy, that’s your cue to start gettin’ loaded,” I said with my hands on my hips.
Dad was still buckling his chaps around his belt, smiling up toward the packed arena. “That’s right, Ally girl. How do I look?”
I observed his all-too-familiar choices. A solid blue pearl snap, Wranglers, his old cowboy hat, chaps, gloves, and boots, of course. “You’re ready,” I said with a nod.
I was beyond excited to even be there.
Mom said since the rodeo was only an eight-hour drive from Amarillo, that I could come with Daddy and even stay in a hotel tonight! She didn’t want to come, which was fine with me because that meant I got to stand behind the chute and watch!
Talk about a dream come true.
Daddy leaned down and fixed one of the braids on my shoulder. “I’m so glad you wanted to come with me, cowgirl.”
I beamed at him. “Ice cream after the show?”
He nodded coolly, even though neither of us had had dinner yet. “I’ll be off that horse in eight seconds, and we’ll beon our way to some ice cream.”
“Promise?” I asked, holding my hand out. “You’re not allowed to fall off, or the deal is off.”
He shook my hand, his crooked smile breaking his cocky facade. “I promise I’ll be safe so I can get a strawberry cone.”
“Deal.”
He kissed the top of my head and stood. “Alrighty, I’m gonnago get bucked around for a bit. You’ll be a good girl back here?”
I nodded. “Yes, Daddy.”
“See you in a sec, Ally,” he waved again, rushing toward the chutes.
I waited until his back was turned and climbed onto the fence, securing the best seat in the house for my view.
“All right, Texas! Lean into those rails and get your heels clicking, ‘causewe’ve got a heavy hittermovin’ into Chute Number Two!” The announcer was booming across the arena. “This man needs no introduction in this arena. He’s a former champion, a grit-and-glory specialist, and a fan favorite from right across the line in Amarillo. Give it up for CLAY FOOOORD!”
The crowd roared in response, screaming madly.
