Warm breath hit my neck, and I instantly melted into Brock’s body. The reception had been going strong for almost two hours, and things were beginning to wind down.
“Hey,” he whispered before kissing my neck. “I’d like to spend some time with you and Blayze for a bit, before exhaustion overtakes you both.”
I laughed. “That sounds wonderful.”
He winked. “I have an early appointment with the mayor’s office before we fly out to Nashville tomorrow. But I wanted to take you somewhere first. Me, you, and Blayze. You down for a drive?”
I spun around and looked up at him. “A drive?”
He nodded.
Blayze pulled on my dress. “Please, Mommy, please!”
My heart jumped to my throat. Blayze had called me Mommy. I fought to hold back my tears as I looked up at Brock. He was doing the same.
“O-okay,” my shaking voice said. “Let’s go for a ride.”
Brock announced we were slipping out to spend a bit of time together with Blayze. He helped me into his truck and then put Blayze in his seat. We headed down a dirt road that led to the mountains. After driving up a pretty winding and twisting road, we came to a clearing. I gasped at the view.
“Oh my goodness! This is . . . this is . . .” I faced Brock.
“It’s not the tallest mountain in the world, but it’s the tallest one on the ranch.”
Blayze chuckled.
With a wide grin, I said, “Let me out of this truck. I have some shouting to do!”
Brock’s eyes filled with happiness as he rushed to get Blayze out. We walked hand in hand with Blayze and stopped at the edge of the plateau. It overlooked the entire ranch valley.
“Why didn’t we get married up here?”
“I’m pretty sure my mother would have had a fit.”
“Pwus, it’s super windy!” Blayze added, clearly remembering all the comments Stella had made about the wind.
“You ready?” Brock asked me.
I nodded and pulled in a deep breath. Then, I screamed as loud as I could, “I’m Mrs. Brock Shaw!”
Blayze jumped up and down, screaming out what he wanted the world to know as well. “I have a mommy, and I’m going to be a big brother!”
I dropped down, pulled him into my arms, and held him. Brock had been talking more about Kaci to Blayze lately. He had always had a picture of her at the side of his bed, but now Brock had gotten into the habit of telling Blayze stories of when Kaci was pregnant with him. It made my heart so full, and I knew Blayze loved hearing about his mother.
Then Brock shouted, “I’m the happiest man in the world and married to the love of my life! Mrs. Lincoln Shaw!”
I lifted Blayze in my arms and let Brock engulf us both in a large hug. Burying my face into his chest, I cried tears of happiness.
Nothing would ever top this moment in my life.
The next morning, Brock had stopped by the mayor’s office to finalize the plans for the park that he was helping to raise money to build. It was going to be an amazing community park, named in Kaci’s honor, with a playground, a skate park, and an arena for kids to show their animals as well as a large building that would house an indoor pool, a gym for older kids and adults, and classrooms for the agricultural-education students and local residents to use. There were even plans being set up to help people who suffered from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, which Brock was working on with Kaci’s parents.
Brock didn’t want anyone to know, but he had been a major financial contributor in getting the project for the community park up and going. It seemed to be therapeutic for him while he’d been recovering from his injuries.
As we walked out of the mayor’s office, Brock reached for my hand. “I think she would be proud of this project.”
I smiled. “I know she would be. Plus, it’s a great way to honor her memory, and one that Blayze will forever cherish.”
Brock simply nodded as we made our way to his truck. He stopped at the passenger door and paused.
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
Looking into my eyes, he smiled. “I have never been so happy in my life, Lincoln. Thank you.”
I placed my hand on the side of his face and returned his smile. “For what?”
“For saving me from the darkness. You’re the light I didn’t even know I was searching for.”
My chin trembled as I fought to hold back my tears. “I love you,” I whispered, right before Brock’s mouth pressed against mine.
The next three months flew by. I was five months pregnant, and a clear belly bump was showing.
By the time he’d returned to the tour in Nashville, Brock had slipped to number two in the rankings. He hadn’t seemed worried about it, so neither was I. Since then, he’d been riding amazingly and was bumping in and out of first and second place in the standings. We would be heading to Vegas tomorrow for the world finals.
Brock was currently sitting on the fence of a corral, looking out at a bull.
“Penny for your thoughts,” I said, climbing up next to him.
“Don’t be climbing on this, Lincoln.”
I sighed. “I’m fine. Stop worrying. Now, if I were to climb down and walk over to the bull, that might be another story.”
Brock chuckled. “Ah, hell, he’s a pussycat. He’d let you love on him, no problem.”
“I think I’ll stay here.”
He nodded. “Probably a good idea.”
Bumping his shoulder, I repeated my earlier comment. “Penny for your thoughts.”
“Just trying to get into the right frame of mind for finals.”
“You’ll do great.”
Brock looked at me. “You have to say that; you’re my wife.”
“No, I’m saying it because I know how good you are and how much you want this. Don’t worry about anything else. You will do great.”
“I love your confidence in me.”
I smiled, causing him to return one. “Besides, the more pregnant I get, the hornier I seem to be.”
His brows rose. “Come again?”
“Yep. So, between you riding those bulls, you’re gonna have to ride your wife. I hope you’re ready for a busy week.”
Brock stared at me for a few seconds before jumping off the fence, then getting me down. “We’d better start practicing. Now.”
I giggled as he nearly pulled my arm out getting us back into the house.
Chapter Thirty
BROCK
The camera was in my face as I tried to walk back to the locker room.
Kim wasn’t about to let me walk away without an interview. “Brock, how does it feel to win the fourth round? You’ve got to be feeling good.”
I smiled. “I’m feeling good, yeah. Just need to focus on the next round and keep my head in it.”
“How do you feel about riding Diablo?”
I smiled. “I’ve been waiting to get on his back again.”
She nodded. “So, you’re ready for the rematch?”
“Yeah. Should be fun.”
Kim faced the camera. “You heard it here. Brock Shaw is ready for the ride that could very well make him a PBR World Champion for the third time.”
After the camera went off, I pulled Kim to the side and spoke into her ear. She drew back and looked at me with a stunned expression.
“Can you help me out?” I asked.
She nodded and replied, “I’ll lead into it for you, no problem.”
“Thanks, Kim. I appreciate it.”
We parted ways, and I walked back to the locker room to change before meeting Lincoln to head back to the hotel to attend a dinner.
Once I’d returned to the hotel, Lincoln walked out of the bathroom in a dress that showed off how incredibly sexy her pregnant body was. I smiled, and she held up her hand.
“As much as I want you, we don’t have time, Brock Shaw.”
“Sure we do. I can be fast.”
Lincoln chewed on her lip as she thought i
t over. She wasn’t lying when she’d said the pregnancy was making her horny. She would get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and decide she needed to feel me inside her. I would wake to her placing soft kisses on my chest. It wouldn’t take me long to wake up fully, flip her over, and make love to her.
I loved seeing the bump on her belly. Loved moving my hands over our baby, especially when I was inside her.
Finally, she shook her head. “You’ll be late. And it gives you dessert to look forward to.”
My dick jumped in my pants. “I do like dessert.”
She chuckled as she laced her arm around mine, and we headed down to dinner.
Most of the people at this dinner were sponsors. My agent was here as well, since this was the national championship. If I won it, that would mean big money in promotional ads, and she was ready to jump on any offers.
Small conversations went on around the table, but I couldn’t keep my mind from wandering. I didn’t hear half of what was being said.
“Hey, what’s going on in that head of yours?” Lincoln asked, lightly bumping me on the leg.
I looked around the table. “I’m ready to leave.”
With a soft smile, she replied, “I can make up an excuse. Maybe I’m not feeling well?”
As tempting as Lincoln’s offer was, I knew we just had to make it a little bit longer and then we could head on out. “Nah. Let’s just push through it.”
She squeezed my hand.
Another hour went by, and finally, we were all getting up to leave. Lincoln and I headed to our room, where I jumped into the shower once more. When I walked into the bedroom, she was sound asleep.
Damn.
She looked too peaceful to even think about waking her up. I pulled the towel off my waist and crawled in next to her. I drew her to me and wrapped my hand around her, resting it on her belly. With a smile on my face, I drifted off to sleep. I’d never felt so happy and content in my life.
I pulled Dirk’s bull rope tight. He wrapped it around and tucked it into his glove.
“You get an eighty-five or above, and you’re there, buddy.”
“Yeah,” he said simply.
“Cover this bull.”
Dirk hit at his hand to tighten his hold. Titan’s Boy jumped, causing Dirk to fly forward, but Ty grabbed him. He—along with Tanner, my folks, and Blayze—had gotten here earlier this morning. I glanced out to the stands to see them all sitting there. Lincoln was holding Blayze on her lap, laughing at something he was telling her.
I turned my focus back to Dirk. “He’s gonna roll right, but don’t be surprised if he rolls left. He’s a testy little bastard.”
Dirk laughed. Adjusting himself, he took in a deep breath and gave the nod.
The gate swung open, and Titan’s Boy jumped straight up so damn far we all yelled out.
“Ride him, Dirk! Ride him!” I yelled out as Ty yelled next to me for Dirk to hang on.
Titan’s Boy gave Dirk everything he had, but it wasn’t enough. He rode the entire eight seconds. The buzzer hit, and I watched as Dirk jumped off. Pounding his fist into his chest and then sticking up his hand. The crowd went wild, and I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face. Then his score of eighty-nine came in, and Ty and I both yelled out in celebration.
“You haven’t told him this is it, have you?” Ty asked as we moved down to the chute I’d be at in a bit.
“Nope.”
He laughed his ass off. “I’m glad you haven’t told him.”
Smith Morley was up next. I watched as he climbed onto his bull. If he rode his eight seconds, it was going to be neck and neck between us for number one. He’d gotten a good jump on me when I was out for those two months by riding in a few events during our off time.
The chute opened, and I watched him cover the bull. His score was eighty-six.
Taking a deep breath, I watched as they loaded Diablo. My bull rope was around him, and I swore the bastard knew that it was my rope as he looked up at me.
“Oh, hell. He’s got you in his sights, bro,” Ty said with a laugh.
“Yeah, I saw that.”
The cameras were there, and Kim was talking in the background.
I remained silent as I climbed onto Diablo. Ty grabbed the bull rope, and I ran my hand over it. My heart was pounding, but I had never been more ready to ride a bull in my life.
I could hear Kim as she stood next to Ty. “What can Brock Shaw do on Diablo to get him to number one? We’re about to find out.”
Ty pulled the rope, and I adjusted it.
He grabbed my vest, and I looked up at him. I could hear the intro music playing but quickly tuned it out as I focused solely on my brother.
“Do this, Brock. Do. This. I know you can, bro. I know you can. All you need to do is stay on him.”
I didn’t say a word as I slipped higher up on the bull. I could feel Diablo shaking under me. He was just as ready for this rematch as I was. The last time, he’d won. This time . . . I planned on winning.
After adjusting myself once more and saying a quick prayer, I gave the nod.
The gate flew open, and Diablo jetted out like the pissed-off motherfucker he was.
I let my body relax and followed him as he tried his best to throw me. The more seconds ticked by, the more pissed off he got. He kicked hard and spun as fast as he could. I swore I felt my ribs come apart again. I gritted my teeth and matched him. He spun again and tried his best to throw me off-balance, but it wasn’t working.
No way was I getting thrown from the last bull I was ever gonna ride. He was mine.
The buzzer went off, and I reached down and got my hand out. Diablo kicked once more, throwing me clear up, causing me to do what I was guessing was an impressive flip in the air. I landed damn near on my feet with a stumble; luckily, it hadn’t been on my bad side.
The crowd went wild, and I looked to see where the bull was. He was angry and going after Pitt—until he saw me. He came right for me. I ran to the side and jumped up to get out of his way. When they finally got him through the gate, I launched my helmet up and had three bullfighters rushing toward me.
I turned to find Lincoln. Jumping the fence, I made my way over to her. People slapped me on the back, and I smiled as I passed them.
She stood and made her way to me. Wrapping her in my arms, I buried my face in her neck . . . and then heard my score.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Brock Shaw and Diablo have a score of ninety-three! With his combined scores and only one rider left, no one is going to be able to beat that score. That means Brock Shaw is a three-time PBR World Champion!”
“Oh my God! Brock, you did it!” Lincoln shouted.
“Holy shit!” I carefully lifted Lincoln and hugged her. Putting her down, I cupped her face and kissed her. “I love you.”
She laughed as she wiped her tears away. “I love you too. So very much.”
Reaching down, I kissed Blayze. “I love you, buddy.” Then, I quickly went back to the arena and hustled out so the last bull rider who was left could go.
When I saw Kim and her camera, she smiled. “How do you feel?”
I shook my head. “I’m not sure. Ask me again when this is all over.”
She laughed and looked into the camera to talk. I was pulled away from Kim by Ty, Dirk, and a few other bull riders as they all congratulated me.
Holy freaking shit. I just won my third PBR World Finals.
Ty smiled. “I knew you could do it. I knew it!” he shouted in my ear. “Lucky three!”
Everything was a whirlwind as they got ready to present me with the trophy. Lincoln and the rest of my family were down near the chutes. The moment I saw her, I rushed over. I was being told we needed to go out into the arena, but I didn’t give two shits. I needed to hug her again. Tell her how much I loved her . . . and give her a warning.
She threw herself into my arms. Cameras were all around us as she cried into my neck.
“I love you, baby,” I said as I hel
d her tighter. Then, I moved my mouth to her ear. “That was my last ride. I’m retiring.”
She pulled back, a look of confusion on her face. “What?”
“Brock, we need you out there now.”
I winked at her, then followed Kim.
The camera light went on, and Kim started. “Brock Shaw, you are the PBR World Finals Champion, with this being your third time winning. How are you feeling?”
With a chuckle, I replied, “Pretty darn good. It was a rematch I’d been waiting for, and this was the best place for it to happen. I’m glad he was the bull I got to go out on.”
“By ‘going out on,’ what do you mean, exactly?”
Looking at Kim, I smiled. “That was my last ride. I’m retiring from professional bull riding.”
I could hear the gasps from the crowd. I looked past Kim to see Lincoln standing there. She and my mother both looked as white as ghosts.
“Why retire now, Brock? You’re at the top of your field.”
I stared at Lincoln, not taking my eyes off her. “Bull riding has always been my number one dream. Then I met someone who changed everything. I’ll always love this sport, but I married the love of my life a few months ago, and I really want to be there as we grow our family.”
Kim smiled. “Does that mean you’ll share if it’s a boy or girl?”
My head tossed back with a laugh, and I shook it. Damn if the woman didn’t try. I winked at her. “That’s it for now.”
The rest of the evening was a blur. I did more interviews and private autograph sessions. Met with sponsors and talked to others about future opportunities. It was insanity. When we finally made it back to the hotel, Blayze was asleep, and Ty took him to his room.
As soon as the door to our hotel room shut, Lincoln gave me that look. “How long have you had this planned?”
I started to strip out of my clothes. “Winning? Hell, since the beginning of the season.”
Her hands flew up to her hips, and she wrinkled her nose. It was the cutest damn thing ever. “No, Brock Shaw. Retiring. Why didn’t you tell anyone?”
I sat down on the bed. “Let’s see. The retiring came to me right after you told me you were pregnant. I’d missed everything with Blayze. When he said his first word. The first time he walked. He’d started kindergarten, and I hadn’t been there that day. I refuse to be a missing dad anymore. I don’t want to miss anything else, especially this pregnancy.”
Never Enough Page 27
