A Dusty Road To Peace: A Peace Series Novella

by Tee Smith

  “How about I promise not to break a leg. Just for you?”

  “There you go with those promises,” she scoffed and offered him a weak laugh.

  He knew it was wrong to promise that. Of course, he knew the risks. He had seen first-hand the damage a rider could sustain when thrown from a beast. It was a rough sport, but wasn’t that what life was all about? Getting amongst it?

  Climbing into the arena, he made his way to the chute and prepared his allotted animal. Shouts of excitement rang out as one chute opened with a familiar clang and the rider hit the dirt. With a scurry the cowboy found his feet and leapt up on the railing, as the beast turned with a huff and charged toward its rider.

  “I told you not to mess with Storm,” roared Jay, meeting with a collective applause from the small gathering.

  “Clancy. You good to go?” someone called, he wasn’t sure who.

  Looking up, his eyes met with Bailey’s. Her top teeth bit down gently on her bottom lip in a nervous fashion, and he offered her a wink before nodding his head and calling out his readiness.

  The smell of beer, hay, and cow manure filled his nostrils as he came face-to-face with one of the most ferocious beasts he had seen.

  The space filled with squeals and screams as another rider hit the dirt. He’d not known these kinds of parties back home. Then again, he didn’t get too many opportunities to party back home, either.

  The gate squealed as it swung open and the bull surged forward. This is what he lived for, this was exhilarating. He felt no pain as the massive animal reared and bucked, back and forth until he lost his seat and down he went. His boots hit the dirt, and he was grateful for it not being his head, as he hastily moved out of the bull’s way.

  Another round of cheers filled the arena for his sake, and Bailey appeared at his side, wrapping her arms around his waist.

  “See, I told you I wouldn’t get hurt.” He smiled, dropping a kiss onto her cheek. Her heartbeat hard and fast in time with his own as he tugged her closer.

  The fire crackled over the sound of the revellers’ voices, but he only had ears for one, Bailey’s sweet voice, as she chatted to one of the girls. He must be losing his mind, he was sure she had the most amazing voice he had ever heard. When she sang along mindlessly to the radio in the car, he wished he could record her and play it on repeat. Although that might be a little creepy.

  “Isn’t that right, Clanc?” she asked nudging him in the ribs with her elbow.

  “Huh?” he asked surprised at the contact, unsure as to what he had missed.

  “I was just telling Tara here, about how Mama was so excited about being back on Tex’s back.”

  “That is incredible, Clancy,” the woman Bailey had been chatting with interjected.

  “It was nothing,” he shrugged, a little embarrassed that Bailey had been telling everyone. He really hadn’t done it for the accolades.

  “Oh, sexy and humble too. I reckon he’s a keeper this one,” Tara laughed.

  Bailey’s fingers slipped between his, and she offered him a sad smile without saying a word. He had been thinking this whole thing with her was a bad idea. Staying in Peace with her was not an option, they had both agreed. It was just the way it was.

  “C’mon, you pussy. What, are you scared these guys will show you up?” Cody roared, slinging an arm around his neck and nearly sending him and Bailey flying off the log they had perched on.

  “Hey, watch it, bro,” he scolded with a half laugh. He knew Cody could be a little rough and ready at times. It wasn’t that he was uncaring, he was just easily excited.

  “Well, are ya?” Cody continued.

  “Am I what?” he shook his head.

  “Well, I’ll be. I never thought the great Clancy James would back out of a bull-ride.”

  “I’m not backin’ out of nothin’. I don’t know what you’re going on about.” He shook his head in confusion.

  “All the boys are over at the barn havin’ a crack, and you’re sitting around talking knitting with the ladies.” Cody let out a booming laugh as if he thought he was hilarious.

  “I’m just having a beer with my lady,” he smiled at Bailey and waited to gauge her reaction.

  “Pussy-whipped,” Cody goaded.

  Bailey leaned in close, he could feel her warm breath on his ear. “Go on. I don’t mind,” she whispered.

  “Wanna come?” he asked, rising to his feet, pulling her with him, not even waiting for a reply.

  The smile that lit up her face said it all, as they bid farewell to Tara and made their way to the barn where Jay had a mechanical bull set up for practice rides.

  12

  This was the important ride. Founder’s Day Rodeo was one of the towns big-ticket items. Many of the townsfolk came out to watch. Every ride was serious for him. They all had the potential to launch him into hero status or crush him into the dirt. Of course, he always hoped for the former.

  Moving in closer, he could hear the beast breathing. Its heavy snort came in short spouts, his nostrils flared, indicating the animal’s discomfort. After many years, he could tell the signs. It was not just a matter of temperament, even the calmest of bulls tended to twitch when confined.

  He was certainly a fierce looking beast. His thick neck and broad shoulders showing his solid breeding. Clancy was all too familiar with the drought masters back home, bred for their hardiness in the harsh outback conditions. These bulls were rodeo bulls. Bred for their solid stature and bucking tendencies.

  He didn’t even mind guessing at the fact the bull enjoyed throwing a man into the dirt, the harder, the better. After all it was the man who kept him caged. The life of a rodeo bull was not a bad one, but the beast had no way of knowing that. His wilder tendencies were favoured.

  Adrenaline thrummed through his veins. It made him feel jittery as he tried to focus and slow down his breathing. The noise all around him faded out, as he concentrated on the deep inhale, followed by a slow exhale. He wasn’t scared. Not of riding the bull, not of being hurt. He’d never have admitted it to anyone, but he hoped that if he was ever injured seriously, that it would be swift and fatal. Bugger ending up a vegetable, depending on full-time care for the rest of his days. Seeing the way Carol was, and the way it changed Bailey’s life, only reinforced that belief. He’d rather die than be a burden to anyone.

  He bounced on the balls of his feet, the bull was ready, in the crush. Waiting for him. The steward gave him the nod, and he climbed the crate and waited to mount his charge. His team of support people gathered around, offering words of encouragement that he barely heard. Over the loudspeaker, he heard his name.

  “All the way from Dusty Downs in outback Australia, two-time state champion winner, Clancy James.”

  A moment of calm contentment fell over him. Focus.

  “Alright, boy. Try not to kill me, yeah?” he whispered quietly to Titus the bull, as he swung his leg over the beast and took the harness in hand. It was him and Titus now. The longer he could keep his seat the more chance he had to win.

  There was a roar from the crowd, followed by a reverent hush, as the gate of the chute swung open. Titus reared up as he left the crush, causing him to almost lose his grip straight out, but he held true.

  He heard his name being called from somewhere in the crowd and he knew it was Bailey’s voice. He had no time to think at this moment, however, as Titus kicked up from under him, jerking his body forward until his chest connected with the bull’s neck, then without warning his body was thrust back again. It was a dance he was all too familiar with. His hat lifted from his head and fell to the dust below as Titus continued on his rampage around the arena.

  He had no idea of his time, he never did. It didn’t matter at that moment. Holding on was all that mattered. He gripped tighter with his thighs, but it was no use, this time when Titus ducked and kicked out from his hind legs the hard ground loomed. Once again a hush fell over the crowd, he knew from experience this was not going to end well.

&nbs
p; His elbow hit the hard dirt first, forcing a torrent of pain to scream up his arm and into his shoulder. The ground never seemed to get softer. Then he felt his head hit with a thud. It was funny how falls always seemed to happen in slow motion.

  The crowd erupted, and Titus turned, his eyes grew wide as his hooves narrowly missed his face. He knew he had to get to his feet or Titus would make mincemeat of him. His vision blurred, he must have hit his head harder than he thought. There was a scurry of boots, and then the bull was gone.

  Finding his feet, he made his way back to the chute where a door swung open, allowing him to enter. Open handed slaps hit his shoulder and words of praise were given, but he knew he had not scored highly enough. He might have made the time, but his exit was off.

  He gripped his elbow, knowing he would have a bruise to show for his efforts, but at least nothing was broken. Cuts, bruises, and scars were all part and parcel, it was nothing new.

  Making his way back through the arena, he searched for Bailey. A million cowboy hats filled his vision, none atop the beautiful blonde locks that belonged to his girl. His girl. Could he even call her that? He was leaving Peace tomorrow. Never to see her again. A swift pain hit his chest. Cody was right, he really was turning into a pussy.

  A gentle hand tugged at his vest, and he turned, expecting to see security, ready to usher him away. He couldn’t hide his smile when he looked down to see Bailey at his side. Her arm quickly slipped around his back, and his arm fell to her shoulders pulling her in tight.

  “You were awesome out there,” she gushed.

  Shaking his head, he chuckled. “Had better rides than that, baby. He’s a hard master, that Titus.”

  Bailey’s hand rested on his chest and stopped him in his tracks.

  “Don’t sell yourself short, Clancy. You were awesome and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” She spoke with such conviction. Her touch was so tender, everything about her was compassionate, loving, and kind. He really hoped she would find a man who deserved her one day. If things were different, he wished that man could be him.

  “Night’s not over. I’ve got some dance moves to show you, yet.” He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips. Committing this moment to his memory.

  “Get a room,” someone shouted, and he felt something hit him in the back of the head.

  Bailey’s face stained a pale pink with embarrassment. He hoped her reputation wouldn’t be tarnished because of him. He knew she said she didn’t care, but the way she spoke of the townsfolk, he wasn’t so sure that was the truth.

  As their lips parted, her fingers slipped between his, and she offered him a sweet smile.

  “Follow me,” she mouthed.

  The roar of the crowd had started up again, and he knew the next event had started. Usually, he would stay and watch. It was etiquette amongst fellow competitors, but this was his last night with Bailey and nothing was going to keep him from her.

  As the band struck up, he pulled her close. He had never been much of a dancer, but he could move to the rhythm. Bailey’s hands found their way to his neck and his found her slim hips. As they moved in unison, it barely mattered what music was playing. In his own head, a beautiful love song played over and over. Staring down at Bailey’s beautiful blue eyes and wide, pretty smile, he knew he would never find another woman so beautiful in all of his life.

  As the night drew to an end, Bailey pulled away. A small tear welled at the edge of her eye, but she quickly brushed it away. Never in his life had he wanted to tell someone he loved them, but he knew this wasn’t love. It couldn’t be. He was leaving in the morning. Their time was over. They both knew it. They had promised each other, no promises.

  Tugging her hand, he turned to pull her back through the waning crowd. He was keen to get her back to his room, determined to enjoy their last hours together as much as he could. When she didn’t come willingly, he turned back, confused.

  “Clancy… I… I,” she shuffled nervously. “I’m not coming back with you tonight. This is goodbye.”

  He felt his skin crinkle as his brows rose high on his forehead. “Goodbye? I thought…” he left the question hanging as he gestured toward the B & B. They hadn’t spoken about it, he had just assumed she would spend the night with him like she had most other nights.

  “I’ve really enjoyed being with you,” she went on. “These last few weeks have been amazing, and I wish you didn’t have to go.”

  “Shh,” he whispered placing a finger on her lips, before following it with a tender kiss. He wished the kiss could last forever. He didn’t want to let her go. He couldn’t recall ever feeling this way about a woman before. “I wish I could take you with me,” he admitted, surprised by his own words.

  “You know I can’t. I have my Mama,” she pouted, and he knew she was feeling the same way he did. “If only things were different, then maybe I could come out to Australia to see you some time, but y’know, we both knew from the start.”

  “It’s okay, baby,” he soothed, running the back of a knuckle down her cheek and brushing away an errant tear. “We made no promises, remember?”

  Bailey bit her bottom lip, and he knew she was fighting back more tears. He had done this thing to her. He had no right breezing into town and sweeping this beautiful woman off her feet only to leave her behind.

  “I hope one day you find a man a million times better than me, Bailey. That is what you deserve. Please say goodbye to Carol for me.”

  Placing one last kiss on her forehead, he turned and walked away. He had to. If he couldn’t spend this one last night with her, he had to go now before he made a complete fool of himself. He’d finally found a girl he could fall in love with, and he had to leave her behind and go back to the other side of the world. Where was the peace in that?

  13

  The weeks dragged by as he moved through the motions and rode the bulls. He even won a time or two, but he couldn’t help the nagging feeling that he was losing something important.

  “C’mon dude,” Cody punched his shoulder. “What happened to the old Clancy that I used to know? Huh?”

  “I’ve been holding up the bar, what you talking about?” Clancy frowned raising his glass to prove his point.

  “Well, did you see that?” Cody asked, his head twisting as he watched a leggy brunette walk by.

  “Whatever,” Clancy sniggered, completely uninterested. He guessed he had been off his game since he’d left Peace. It was just that no one seemed to catch his attention. Not that none had tried, but every time his eyes fell closed, he saw those beautiful blue eyes, that gorgeous smile, and heard that infectious laugh. The one he would never see or hear again. Bailey had breezed into his life and bowled him over, and he hadn’t seen it coming. Why did she have to live on the other side of the world? Why did he have to be so wound up in Dusty Downs?

  With a heavy sigh, he heaved himself away from the bar and headed toward his room. He’d need a good night rest. Tomorrow he would be back on the plane, headed back to Australia. Back to his real life.

  The return flight seemed longer than ever. He supposed it could have been the ten-hour layover, but he suspected it was more due to the feeling of dread that had settled in the pit of his stomach.

  As arranged, his father was there to meet him at the airport. It was immediately obvious; he wasn’t happy to be dragged away from the station. There were no happy hugs of greeting that other travellers were met with, just a gruff, “Grab your stuff son, I haven’t got all day.”

  Clancy watched out the window as the miles stretched out before him. Miles of nothing but red dirt. Station country was a desolate place, one very few people could stick out. He often wondered why anyone would want too.

  “So we lost two workers whilst you were gone. Haven’t replaced them yet. Bloody bludgers, come out there, thinking they are on some outback adventure. Don’t wanna do an honest day's work.

  Tomorrow, we have to drive out to the back lot and check on the mob out there. We�
��ve got calves ready to drop. We need to make sure they are all doing okay.”

  Clancy nodded in acknowledgement, and they continued on in silence.

  When they finally reached the homestead, he stretched his legs. His back complained. It had been a long time sitting, and he was keen to sleep horizontally for a few hours.

  “Clancy!” his mum squealed as she launched herself at him, leaping from the last step. At least someone was happy to see him. “I’m so glad you’re home. Come on in and tell me all about your trip. Did you meet anyone nice? Did you win any of your rides?”

  His father snorted behind him, and he felt something inside his head snap. The entire journey home, his dad hadn’t asked him a single one of those questions. It was then he realised his real dread about coming back to the station was knowing he had to come back to his father.

  “Actually, you know what, Mum?” he asked, dropping his bag from his shoulder into the dust at his feet. “I did meet someone nice. I did have an amazing time. It was a hell of a lot better than being here.” He turned back and glared at his father, who drew his shoulders up in a shrug.

  “Well, why don’t you go back there then?” his father spat nastily.

  “Maybe I will,” he retorted, wishing it were that easy.

  “Oh, Clancy,” his mum tried to soothe him, but he was beyond being calmed with a few quiet words. Every step he had taken since he walked away from Bailey was one he had regretted. He thought he could leave with some happy memories of his time in Peace. Instead, he hated every single mile that kept them apart.

  14

  Walking the steps to her door, his blood pounded through his veins. He knew, deep in his soul, he was doing the right thing. He knew he was in love with Bailey Hopper. He knew he should never have left Peace to begin with. This was where he was meant to be. Life had a funny way of pointing you where you needed to go.