Howdy, Ma'am

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  The riders in the final show prepared, him being one of them. He led by three points. If anyone could get a score better than his, they deserved to win. Velia stood beside him while he adjusted his helmet. “This is it. If I win this round, I could grab the championship.”

  “Be careful and concentrate on what you’re doing. I have confidence in you. Remember, either way, I love you.”

  “Gotcha.” He pulled her against him, his helmet preventing a kiss. “See you when it’s over.”

  Velia wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “Have a great ride.” She skipped up the bleacher steps, grabbed her camera, and started clicking at everything he did—talk, laugh, frown, smile—she captured it all. His last ride and she wanted to catch everything.

  His time arrived. The crowd grew quiet, waiting until he situated himself on the bull. Reporters were everywhere waiting for the moment to see who would win the title of world champion and the coveted buckle. Caulder nodded and the gate flew open. The bull took off straightaway across the arena, so fast she couldn’t catch him in the lens. The video camera rolled, and she took it off the tripod so she could follow him.

  The bull kicked, bucked, corkscrewed, and charged to his knees so low he nearly fell to his side. Only seconds left on the clock, and the bull wrenched to one side, and came back up with a high buck, lifting his front legs. Caulder flew off his back; his hand hung up in the rope. The bull dragged him across the arena, his legs flopping around like a wet fish out of water. Velia held her breath, screamed, but she didn’t realize it belonged to her until some of the guys turned around. She ran down to the rail, wanting to cry…and maybe she would.

  The two horsemen kept their distance but went alongside the bull, trying to slow it down or get some kind of control. Caulder still hung on even though the bullfighters and gate helpers all tried to distract the bull. Finally, Caulder’s hand got free and he fell to the ground. The bull charged him, and he couldn’t get up in time to avoid a head butt straight into his side. He rolled over trying to shield his abdomen, but the bull stepped on his back. Then, as if the bull met his goal, he turned and ambled through the gate to the back pens. Kenny and the doctor ran over to Caulder.

  Velia ran around to the gate, but no one would let her through. Donna held her, telling her the horn went through his skin. The next thing she knew, Caulder tried to get up and got as far as his knees before doubling over. Doc called for a stretcher. One of the bullfighters handed him his cowboy hat, and he waved it in the air. He glanced to the stands.

  “He doesn’t know I moved.” He’s looking for me. “Caulder, here!” He leaned over, seemingly hurting in a bad way, but he saw her waiting at the gate.

  He fell back onto his rump and sat in the sand, his head down, cowboy hat in front of his face. When the guys brought the stretcher, he got on it without help. At the gate, he grabbed hold of her hand. She could see blood on his shirt just below his vest. Not a lot, but enough to know he received an injury. She went to the back with him.

  Doc removed his vest and Caulder unbuttoned his shirt. “It’s not too bad, maybe only a surface wound. We’ll do a C.A.T. scan to see if any organs are damaged. It’s not a puncture. Mainly from blunt force, but enough to break the skin.”

  “Dammit, let me be, I’m fine. Let me the hell out of here—I need to see my score.”

  Doc pressed his hand against Caulder’s shoulder to keep him on the table. “Hold up here ‘till I look at ya. Even with the fall, you’ll still have high points for the night.”

  “I’m losing points with this buck off. It’s not going to be high enough.”

  “I’ll go check for you.” Velia turned to go but he grabbed hold of her hand. “No, stay. We’ll find out soon enough. I’m sure I won’t win. The damn bull was out of his fucking mind, like he planned on killing me.”

  “It’ll be okay.” Velia’s eyes misted as she held his hands.

  “Don’t cry. I’m not as hurt as it might look.” He took as deep a breath as he could. “Doc, you have to let me out there.”

  Kenny spoke in his defense. “The crowd is yelling for him, Doc. Trust me, he’s gotta git out there.”

  “Oh, for Pete’s sake. You’re all ganging up on me now?” He examined Caulder again and taped a bandage over his wound. “This has to be taken care of, cleaned out. You’re probably full of sand and who knows what else. You need a trip to the hospital.”

  “Doc, let me go. I have to do something important. I need to see my score.”

  He gave him a hand off the exam table. “This is against my wishes, but I know how bad you wanna be with the guys.” Doc turned to Velia. “Might as well help him get that shirt together. If he goes out showing those pecs, there might be a riot in the stands.”

  Velia nodded. “Yeah, good idea. I’m not fighting off any spur skirts.”

  Caulder didn’t laugh. “Just get me out there. The last two rides are about ready.”

  Doc and Velia helped him out, allowing him to lean against them for support. The scoreboard showed he still led by two points. Two more riders to go, one being last year’s champ. “Robbie could take the championship two years in a row.” He turned to Velia. “I’m okay. How ‘bout you go back to the camera. I’ll be awhile and I know Donna wants to talk to me.”

  “I don’t want to leave you.”

  “It’s okay. Go ahead. Doc won’t let me hurt myself.”

  Velia kissed him on the cheek and did what he asked. Maybe embarrassment caused him to want to be alone—maybe adrenalin. Whatever reason, she grabbed her camera and clicked a few shots of him. He couldn’t stand up straight and was apparently trying to hide the pain.

  Only one short break before the last rider. Robbie drew the last ride. Caulder leaned against the rail talking to Donna, his hand over his side. All of a sudden, Caulder appeared on the big screen and Donna handed him the microphone. The crowd quieted when they saw him take the mic and begin to speak. He looked to where Velia waited, meeting her eyes from the distance.

  “Before Robbie, the champ, comes out here and tries to beat me this year, I want to thank each and every one of you for being here tonight, and for those of you who followed me all year. But, there’s one special person I’d like to acknowledge, and even though this might be out of the ordinary, I’d like to also...”

  The cameras went to Velia as she stood in the stands, her own camera in hand. Why’s he doing this? It’s embarrassing. She glanced to her parents. Her mother had tears in her eyes. She focused on Caulder, willing him to make it quick. The camera settled on him, and on the big screen, she recognized the look in his sensual orbs, staring deep into hers. She flashbacked to the first time she saw those lighter-flame, baby blues. If she hadn’t known better, she would have thought there rested a tear or two in his right now.

  “This year I hired a PR person, and when I hired her, little did I know I’d be falling in love.” He touched the edge of his hat and looked out over the crowd. “Without further ado, I must ask my camera lady a question…”

  Velia’s legs weakened and she trembled, her eyes filled with tears. She wished the TV camera would stay off her. She managed a smile.

  The camera went back to Caulder. He raised the microphone and stared straight at her, shoving his hat back on his head. He nodded. “Howdy, ma’am, I sure hope you don’t kill me for this.” His face lit in a smile. “Velia, this has been the best year I’ve had in a long time and it’s because of you. I know you’re not going to like this, but I can’t think of a better way to announce to the world how much I love you. So, Ms. Velia Armano, with permission from your father, I’m asking if you’ll marry me.” He rested his hand against his heart. “Marry me, love?”

  Velia’s heart beat so rapidly she thought she might have a heart attack. Brushing tears away didn’t help because they wouldn’t stop falling. The camera stayed on Caulder, thank God.

  “Must I repeat myself...ma’am?”

  Velia shook her head back and forth so he wouldn
’t ask again. She giggled. Then she mouthed the word “yes” when the camera lingered on her. The whole arena awaited her answer. She said, “Yes I will,” and the crowd went wild. Caulder held his hand out, and she slowly made her way down the bleachers, hoping she wouldn’t do something crazy like fall on her face in front of thousands of people here, and the world watching. When she got to him, he grabbed her into his arms and whispered thank you so no one else could hear.

  “You asked my father?” She pressed her cheek against his. “You’re such a gentleman.”

  Caulder let go and introduced her to the world. “Meet Ms. Armano, my personal PR person this year and now my fiancée.” People in the stands clapped and continued to clap as Doc escorted them to the back. In the hallway, he pulled her against him the best he could and whispered, “Thank you. I love you so much.”

  “You sure have a way of getting your point across, mister.”

  He smiled. “Yeah, I know.”

  The crowd went crazy when Robbie got in the chute. Caulder watched on the TV in the back room while the doc attended to him. This could be it; he would win or lose. He held Velia’s hand and intently stared at the screen. Two points difference. Caulder had the largest single score the whole year with a ninety-four back in the beginning. No one ever had a ninety-four before him, so he set an international record with the score. But if the champ could get a high score tonight, he would win. His eyes were set on the screen and the gate opened. “It’s a good ride…he’s under control. Look, he almost flew off. He knows this bull well. He’s going to get a high score.”

  Robbie made the eight seconds and looked good doing it. The bull itself would bring high points. The judges talked amongst themselves, and the crowd’s shouts turned to murmurs.

  The doctor and Foley helped Caulder to the entrance. Confetti began falling, so the champ’s score hit more than ninety…but how much over? A big ninety-four appeared on the screen and Caulder lowered his head. He lost the show by one point. Lost the championship by one point. “Fuck the damn win!” he said, looking around to make sure the TV cameras hadn’t caught him cursing. “Damn lousy loss.” Slamming his cowboy hat against his thigh didn’t help his frustration.

  Robbie Parker took a bow then came back, grabbed hold of Caulder, and helped him out to the center of the arena. He patted Caulder on the back and wished him better luck next year. Caulder’s smile was filled with pride. “If I had to be beat, it might as well be by you.” They were two handsome men standing there congratulating each other. The rest of the riders came out and jumped on Robbie, showing their appreciation and patting Caulder on the back.

  Velia hugged her mom and dad when they came to stand with her. “You two knew.”

  “He’s quite a gentleman, dear.” Her mom hugged her once again. “Is Dio’s plan.”

  Did she see a tear in her father’s eye? “It’s okay, Pops.” She hugged him tight. “It’s okay. I’ll always be your daughter, but now I’ll be your married daughter.” Again.

  “I’m proud of you and how far you’ve allowed yourself to come after all you’ve been through. I know he’ll make you happy.” He lifted an eyebrow. “A word of advice. No matter what happens, you come to me if you need anything. Not like before. Niente di segreti. No secrets.” Roy winked from the background.

  “Okay, I promise.” She sniffled. “I’ll make him as happy as he makes me. I have you two to thank. Watching you as my loving parents taught me what real love should be about. Thank you for this.” She hugged them both.

  Robbie went to the center to be interviewed, and Caulder limped back against Kenny’s shoulder. The doc put his arm around his waist. “Now can we get you to the hospital?”

  “Sure, but first…” He removed something from his jeans pocket and went down on one knee. He held up a diamond ring. “I guess this part might be better to do off the big screen.” He reached for her hand. “I didn’t win the championship this year, but I’d be happy if I could win you for the rest of my life. I’ll ask again, with a ring this time. Will you marry me?”

  Velia nodded, tears spilling over her cheeks. “Yes, I’ll marry you, bull rider.”

  Caulder slipped the ring over her finger and kissed her knuckles. He smiled and struggled to get to his feet, smiling his lop-sided grin. “Thank you.” He took a deep breath, wincing. “I guess I better get to the hospital. Coming?”

  She marveled at the biggest diamond she had ever seen, glittering in the lighted arena, but the sparkle in his fiery eyes shone brighter. She glanced back and forth at their entire family and friends. “I can’t leave them.”

  Her father took her in his arms. “The limo is taking us back to the hotel. We’re all family here now, and we’ll see you when you get back. You go with your cowboy.”

  “You sure?”

  Both sets of parents nodded. Knowing Caulder’s injury wasn’t as bad as it looked; his father patted him on the back. “Good job, son. You’ll always be our champ. Get going and we’ll see you for breakfast.” Mrs. McCutchen hugged Velia. “I couldn’t be happier. I’m glad my boy asked you to marry him. I know you’ll make him very happy.”

  “And he’ll make me happy.” She reached for Caulder’s hand with a blissful smile. “It’s destiny.”

  Glancing at his parents, he said, “She’s right, Mom.” Caulder wrapped his arm around Velia’s waist. “You’re right, too…” He pulled her closer. “Yes, ma’am—it’s destiny. Just like I said on the day I met you.” He brushed his hair out of his eyes and wrapped her in his arms. He lifted his hat high and flung it in the air. “La vita ѐ bella. Life is beautiful—with you.”

  This bull riding cowboy holding her close changed her life for the better. She whispered against his ear, “I love you, Caulder McCutchen. You’ve made my life beautiful again. Life is, and will continue to be beautiful, because of you…”

  ~The End~

  To My Readers

  Thank you for reading Howdy, Ma’am, Book One in the Bull Rider Series. You can find information and excerpts for Hey, Cowboy, Book Two in this series and other works in progress on my website. For updates please subscribe to my blog, website, or social networks.

  I wanted to mention something about capitalizing or not capitalizing papa, mama, madre, and padre. I was told, in the Italian language, these words are not capitalized like they are in English. If you noticed this, it isn’t an error on my part, but I wanted to remain true to my character’s use of her language.

  This series is close to my heart, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. In some small way I hope I was able to sweep you off your feet with the growing relationship between Velia and Caulder. Howdy, Ma’am is a stand-alone book, but please check out their continuing story in Hey, Cowboy.

  Their story has only just begun…

  If you enjoyed this book, I would appreciate if you’d help other readers enjoy it, too, by recommending to your friends. If you have time, please tell others why you liked this story by reviewing it at your favorite book seller or blog/social networking sites. Thank you.

  I would love to hear from you!

  Mary~

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

  First of all, I have to acknowledge my best friend Margaret for being the first Beta Reader. Thank you, my friend.

  This book wouldn’t shine without the magical ability of Editor Extraordinaire— Joelle Walker. Thank you, Joelle. You truly have an amazing talent.

  Dawné Dominique, cover designer at DusktilDawnDesigns, is a multi-published author. Dawné, you’re a new friend who makes me laugh, and you cause me to use too many exclamation points. Thankfully, they’re only in email.

  I would also like to acknowledge my friend Barbara. Her books taught me to find my own Dolce Vita. She was kind enough to take time out from her summer vacation in Italy to check the Italian phrases and words in this book for accuracy. Thank you, Barb. You’re a gem.

  Thank you to LK E-Book Formatting Services

  The beautiful quote
used before the Prologue is attributed to Robert Brault, and used with his permission. Thank you, Mr. Brault.

  Both of my boys have contributed with their geeky computer skills, an ear, and advice when needed. Special thanks to the two men in my life.

  I want to acknowledge all my friends, family, author friends, online friends, author/writing groups, writing forums, and bloggers for their never-ending inspiration and guidance. All of you have been here to offer help in some way. Finally—thanks to God above.

  About the Author

  Early days of reading romance novels and women’s fiction laid the groundwork for Mary to take up the pen and write her own memorable love stories. She writes sensual and spicy contemporary and historical romance crossed with women’s fiction. Her characters don’t always have an easy time getting there, but their reward is always sweet. Mary loves having the ability to put her thoughts into words for readers to enjoy. Previously, she had two novels with a publisher. They are now out of print, but will be reissued in the future.

  Photography is another way she likes to be creative. It gives a warm rush to focus in on an object and capture a moment. Mary has had post-secondary classes in creative writing and photography.

  Her home is in the Great Lake State of Michigan, U.S.A. Two grown sons and an Australian Shepherd/Chow mix fur-baby dog, complete her family.

  Mary loves communicating with readers and friends.

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