“So?”
“You have a contract to fulfill and that doesn’t include Denver. Besides, your boss won’t be thrilled if you don’t show up.” She shook her head slowly. “No. You can’t jeopardize your job like that. It’s too valuable. Besides, there’s half a season left of rodeos.”
His mouth opened and closed for a second as he studied her face. Stubborn pride came across loud and clear. She’d be angry if he risked his position just to tag along. Not only that, he threatened to stomp on her independent nerve. He blew out a breath and faced reality. She knew what she had to do and he had to let her do it.
“Tired of my company already?” He cocked an eyebrow at her.
She grinned. “Not even close. Don’t think I won’t be back to stuff you full of more chicken and pie in a couple of weeks.”
“Promise?”
Spinning Legacy around, Trinity giggled. “That’s a promise.” She trotted off toward the pen to cool down her horse.
He watched her go with longing.
She brought out his sense of humor last night as they chatted over a dinner of cold leftovers. Soothed his temperamental nature and encouraged him to sit down, relax, and join in the lighter side of life. So down to earth and humble, she made him feel like an old friend just watching the summer days tick by with casual ease. She reminded him of the good times before huge burdens pushed his shoulders down and kept him tied up in knots from day to day. Thus far, only Trinity had the ability to ease the strain, to lure him into her sweetness, and share some brighter moments.
The combination of her prettiness and her inner qualities tempted him with tranquility, peace, and acceptance.
Something he craved more than anything.
Promises hung in the air. If only he could find the courage to take a chance.
With a weary sigh, he headed toward his uncle’s RV. The event now over, everyone would be loading up and pulling out within an hour. His uncle was no exception.
A few minutes later, he opened the door of the vehicle and stepped in.
“About time you showed up.” Jared had already pulled the extended living room back in and put everything back in place for travel.
“Sorry. Had to stick around for the last event, you know.” Cody blew out a breath and headed toward the front. “I’ll take the first shift driving.”
“Works for me.”
By the time Cody slipped into the driver’s seat, fastened his belt, and started the engine, Jared plopped down in the shotgun seat. He nosed the vehicle into line, then made a beeline for the highway, feeling Jared’s stare the whole way.
“What’s with the sour expression? You look like you just tangled with a hornet’s nest and lost.”
Cody rolled his eyes. “Nothing.”
“Uh-huh. I wasn’t born yesterday, son. So, spit it out.”
Spilling his concerns wasn’t normally Cody’s way. However, Jared could out stubborn a mule. Knowing Jared wouldn’t give up until Cody gave in, he tried to formulate his thoughts into tactful words. “I’m worried about Trinity is all. She’s going to Denver next weekend to help make up points.”
“Makes sense. Bigger show, more competition, more money and points to be had.” Jared tapped his finger on his lip. “She’s probably not the only one, so what’s the problem?”
“I just hate for her to drive all that way alone.” Cody grumbled, already feeling like a heel.
Jared simply grinned. “A bit protective of her, huh?”
“Maybe. I don’t know.” He flicked the turn signal on and hit the exit to the interstate. “I offered to go with her.”
“Holy shit. That would break your contract, boy.”
Cody shrugged.
“Damn. What did she say?”
“She blinked down at me, reminded me of the contract, told me my job was too valuable to throw away, and promised to bring me pie in two weeks.”
Jared whistled low. “I knew I liked that girl for a reason.” He sat quiet for a couple of minutes. “Think she might have enough pie for both of us?”
Cody chuckled. “I think so.”
At least he had her phone number. He could check up on her next weekend while stuffing a cold hamburger in his face. He shuddered at the thought. That alone would give him a good reason to look forward to the end of the month. Right along with seeing the cute little blonde with the gorgeous stallion and witty sense of humor.
He couldn’t wait.
Chapter Seven
“That was one heck of a trip, Legacy.” Trinity brushed Legacy’s already shiny coat with practiced efficiency. He tolerated her fussing with a snort, half-mast ears, and one cocked hoof. A sure sign of equine relaxation. She fed him earlier, refilled his hay bag and tub of water. Now all that remained was getting him cleaned up and ready for the first night of the big event.
Her thoughts turned to Cody. Typically she looked forward to the weekends, eager to reach yet another destination, to race Legacy, and to meet up with Cody once more. This one she held little excitement for, despite the newness and the sheer size of the rodeo. The largest one to date, she should have caught some of the simmering enthusiasm but unfortunately fell short.
All because she missed the big vet.
She sighed. “No sense in getting all morose. I swear. I sound like a lovesick calf bellowing for his playmates.”
Legacy didn’t answer, just swung his tail at a fly.
“Just have to get through these five days, then back home again.” At least they had a big paddock and exercise pen, more than ample space for the horses to run and kick up their heels when not confined to stalls. Real stalls this time, not temporary panels made of lightweight metal. The huge barn, which held the performer’s horses consisted of half a dozen long aisles, full of stalls with solid wood just over Trinity’s hip. The rest consisted of arched metal barriers to presumably keep the horses from chewing on one another if someone took a disliking to their neighbor. The front was mostly bare of the metal, allowing for the horse to stick his or her head out and take in the scenery. Thus far, the stalls on either side of Legacy remained bare and Trinity hoped they stayed that way.
“Wow.”
Twisting at the sound of a woman’s voice, Trinity found a tall brunette dressed in jeans and a western shirt staring at Legacy. She appeared to be in her twenties and carried herself with confidence of a person long familiar with the comings and goings of the rodeo circuit.
“He’s one handsome horse.” The girl offered up a smile.
“Thanks.”
“I’m Shannon, by the way.”
“Trinity.”
“Which makes him Victory’s Legacy. I’d recognize him anywhere.”
Trinity paused in her grooming to stare at the woman. Sure, the details of Legacy’s bloodlines seemed to get around, but Trinity didn’t expect it here, so far from home and her region. “I’ve only been in Denver for two hours. How do you know him already?”
Shannon laughed. “His pedigree and fame precedes him. I’ll confess I thought Martha was lying when she told me who his sire is and that he was the spitting image. But, now that I’ve seen him for myself, she’s right.”
Trinity just nodded. She didn’t mean to be impolite, but she dreaded the usual questions that followed. Not something she shared with anyone. Save Cody.
“I take it you’re a barrel racer too?” Trinity moved to change the topic.
“Yep. Shannon Mason. You might have heard of me?”
Trinity paused. “You won the nationals last year on Duke.”
“That’s me.”
“Congratulations.” Trinity changed to the finishing cloth. “You’ve got a great horse.”
“Thanks. But, seeing this one, I have a feeling you’ll give me a run for my money.” Shannon smiled sincerely.
“I hope to.” Trinity found Shannon to be likable and her pleasantness contagious.
“Well, I better get going. Welcome to Denver. If you need anything feel free to ask.”
> “Thank you. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Definitely.” Shannon waved and walked on.
Trinity blinked and shook her head. With the regional rodeos, she found confidence in her front-runner position due to the competition. Not to take away from the talent of the others, but this was the big time. The names in the business were here with their horses worth six digits. Here, she felt like a peasant looking up to royalty.
Legacy snorted.
She smiled and finished her task. “You’re right, boy. We’ve earned our way here and we’ll just have to show them how it’s done.”
Two hours later, she walked Legacy in a circle in the wide confines of the holding pen. He warmed up well and had enough energy to playfully buck and kick as they made their way from the small, outdoor warm-up corral to the main arena. For the most part he even ignored the strange horses around him, only flattening his ears once when another stallion sidled too close.
Like other rodeos, the first night took the longest, when the announcer felt obligated to introduce each girl and their horse, giving a few brief details to entice the fans’ interest.
Trinity nearly grumbled as she stepped to the front of the line and waited for the emcee to finish his spiel about her.
“Next up is Trinity Crocket. You might not recognize the name as she’s a Kentucky cowgirl, but I guarantee you’ll recognize her stallion, Victory’s Legacy. A son of the great Kentucky Derby winner Another Victory Gallop.”
The judge stepped aside and gave her the green flag to signal she could start when ready.
Lining up Legacy, she blew out a deep breath. “It’s show time, boy.” As she spoke those words, she clamped her heels against his side and held on as he exploded like a rocket. The barrels whipped by in a blur as she spun around the final one and called for more speed as Legacy flattened out in full stride, dashing toward and across the finish line.
“Seventeen-twenty-six. That’s a new arena record, folks!”
Outside, Trinity eased Legacy into a walk, then turned him around.
“Damn.”
Glancing up, she found Shannon gaping at her before a wide smile crossed her face. “He’s the real deal all right.”
Trinity grinned back, never more proud of her horse than right at that moment. “Just like his father.”
“Oh yeah. Anyone who watched that thoroughbred run can see the similarities.” Shannon nodded her head. “You’ve got a star on your hands.”
“I’m lucky to have him,” Trinity agreed. “You had a great run, yourself.”
“I thought so until you flew by. You’ll be an internet sensation by morning.”
Trinity groaned.
Shannon laughed. “You better get moving. They’re calling you for your victory gallop.” Shannon gestured at the judge waving at Trinity.
“Thanks.” With a true grin on her face, Trinity trotted back into the run up area, then loped around the arena to the sound of enthusiastic and nearly deafening applause. Many fans took to their feet in a standing ovation.
“We’re on our way, Mom.” She circled Legacy around with long, ground-eating strides, waving to the crowd now and again, then headed back toward the paddock where she could cool him down properly, before taking him in for the night.
Two hours later, she stretched out on her makeshift bed and stared at the ceiling of the long horse barn. Staying at a new place always gave her a sense of discomfort and expanded her loneliness tenfold. While the other barrel racers seemed friendly, especially Shannon, Trinity didn’t know any of them very well. Same with the other participants. For the most part rodeos were the same. Same stories, different faces. That part remained a constant. However, she felt like the sole corn plant in the middle of a wheat field this time instead of just someone on the outside looking in.
She blew out a breath.
How many miles had she driven to get to Denver? The road seemed endless, the destination unfamiliar. Pretty country, though. Her mother would have liked the views along the way. Even with being a mile high and at the foot of the Rockies.
Legacy didn’t seem to mind the long trips, but the altitude seemed to have a small effect on him. Luckily, with their sprint, the thin air didn’t matter as much as a much longer run.
Turning to her side, she stared at the wooden door of Legacy’s stall and sighed. Tired but unable to sleep, she couldn’t find a comfortable position, and her thoughts continued to march through her head. Not all of them good. These were the times she missed her mother the most. When pitch darkness broken only by dim barn lighting blocked out the rest of the world, leaving her alone with her memories.
A tear broke free and trickled down her cheek. She immediately wiped it away. Crying never helped. She’d learned that particular lesson a long time ago.
Her phone chimed.
Trinity pulled the phone out, and stared at the number. Hardly anyone called her. They had no reason to. Work knew she was at the event and wouldn’t return until Monday. Madeleine did so now and again, but never so late at night. A bit worried, she answered. “Hello?”
“Hey Trin.”
“Cody! Now this is a surprise.” She sat up, finding herself smiling at the sound of his voice.
Just call me a lovesick calf.
She rolled her eyes and focused on the conversation. “How’s the rodeo down there?”
“Okay. Nothing too exciting. Oh, before I forget, I’m supposed to tell you Lacey said hi. She said Candy almost misses Legacy.”
Trinity chuckled. “Almost, huh?” Poor Legacy adored the paint mare, but Candy didn’t give him the time of day. Hormone shots to keep her from going into heat certainly quelled her interest in the big gray stud.
“That’s what she said. How she can tell, I don’t have a clue.”
“Me either.”
“I saw your run on YouTube. You were blazing. The arena record on the first night. Impressive.”
“Thanks. I was surprised. I knew Legacy was going fast and the bigger area suited him more, but I had no idea we were even close to that number.”
“Sounds like you put the big names on notice that there’s a new girl in town.” His tone carried pride and happiness.
She’d missed the sound of his soft baritone. “I’m not sure about that. I did meet Shannon Mason today. She’s nice and seemed taken with Legacy.”
“As is everyone who sees him in person. He has a great future as a stud.”
“Maybe. One day.” She’d considered the option more than once. But, right now, she could only handle one peak goal at a time. Get to the nationals.
“You be careful in those barns, especially at night.” His tone turned serious.
“How did you know I was in the barn?” She couldn’t help but tease.
He snorted. “Where else would you be but hanging around with that big lug?”
“True. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
“See that you are.” He paused for a moment. “How does it feel to be in the big leagues?”
She bit her lip and pondered admitting the truth. Sounding like a whiny sap didn’t place her in a good light. “A rodeo is a rodeo. Same thing, different day.”
“I guess that’s right. I’m just glad you’re doing so well. Showing those big names that you’re the total package.”
The praise wrapped her in a cocoon of warmth. Just what she needed to hear tonight and almost as good as a hug. “Thanks.”
“It’s true.” He puffed out a breath against the phone. “Well, I better let you go. It’s late and you need some sleep for the next few rounds.”
She knew he was right but hated to cut their conversation off so quickly. “Okay. I guess I’ll talk to you later, then. Thanks for checking on me.”
“Yeah. Oh, Trinity?”
“Yes?”
He paused for a second as if deciding on his words. “You might want to bring two pies next weekend. My uncle wants some.”
She chuckled. “Will do. Goodnight, Cody.”
/> “Night, Trinity. Sleep well.”
“You do the same.” She clicked off the call and slipped her phone back into her bed, feeling more chipper than before.
One had to make sacrifices for their dreams. She was no different, which meant more long hauls across the country to a select few places before hitting the regional rodeos once more. The life of a barrel racer.
Fortunately, a temporary inconvenience for her. Because in six months, she would be packing up and moving on to bigger and better things.
Chapter Eight
“What would Madeleine say if she saw you like this? All covered in mud from head to tail?” Trinity tsked at the stallion as she set the hose aside and grabbed a soapy sponge from the bucket at her feet. He was crosstied in the center of the bathing area, leaving her hands-free to scrub his dirty hide.
Victory snorted and lowered his head as if in shame.
She bit back a grin at his actions. The stud was in rare form today.
She’d returned from Denver with a first prize check, a fancy saddle, and a truckload of jet lag. The points really ratcheted her up in the standings and put her name in the hat as a favorite to make it to the finals. With that came good and bad. Less privacy as the media started to bug her for interviews, hoping to prod her into telling Legacy’s story while other rodeo contestants dropped by, all wanting to see a legend in the making up close and personal. She didn’t sleep well and felt more protective of her stallion than ever.
Thankfully, she was able to come home, let Legacy out in his paddock to just be a horse for a few days without responsibilities and try to work through the fatigue wearing on her after getting to bed in the wee hours of the morning. Two hours sleep wasn’t near enough to make her brain even begin to function.
“I’d say he had a lot of fun.”
Spinning around, Trinity found Madeleine standing behind her with a wide smile on her face.
“Madeleine!” Trinity started toward her in welcome only to glance down and stop. Half the dirt previously covering Victory’s rump now smudged her clothing. Add in the dampness from the spray of the hose and she might as well have rolled in the puddles with him. “I’d give you a hug, but…” She held out her arms and gestured toward her present state.
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