Ryder maneuvered his truck and trailer into a spot beside Bella Rose's rig in the bustling stadium lot. As he shifted into park, he glanced at Wren, who was behind the wheel, and gave a nod.
"We've arrived, babe," Ryder said softly, giving the sleeping Isobel a gentle shake.
She slowly opened her eyes and squinted against the darkness, taking in the scene filled with trucks, trailers, and bright lights. She straightened up, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
"Wow, there's so many trailers!" she marveled at the sight before her.
"Yeah, this rodeo is on a whole different level compared to the last one you attended. It's the bull riding Build Ford Tough Series. Everyone here is dreaming of making it to the world finals in Vegas come November." Ryder leaned over to plant a kiss on her lips. "Ready to settle in for the night?"
"Absolutely," she replied with a smile.
Isobel joined Rose in her trailer while Wren headed into Ryder's for the night.
When Isobel and Rose emerged from the trailer the next morning, several people were already up and bustling with preparations for the day. Bella Rose, busy dressing and tying her hair into a ponytail, noticed Isobel walk around the trailer to find Ryder stretching just outside his trailer door.
"Good morning, beautiful," Ryder greeted, stepping forward to wrap his arms around her waist and plant a kiss on her cheek.
"Good morning, Ryder."
"Ready for some breakfast?" Wren called out, sticking his head through the trailer door.
"Absolutely!" Ryder replied eagerly. "I'm famished. Let me get Rose."
Ryder dashed off to find Bella Rose while Wren held the door open for Isobel. She entered, gasping in awe at the sight of the trailer's interior. "Wow."
"That's exactly what I thought when I first saw it," Wren said with a proud smile. "Impressive, isn't it?"
"It's incredible," Isobel responded, running her hand along the kitchen counter's edge. The quaint round copper sink set into the counter gleamed, with stamped tin lining the wall adding a rustic charm. Light wood flooring matched well with the medium brown cabinets. A slide-out area featured seats upholstered in brown crocodile-stamped leather. Each side of the couch was flanked by glass-doored cabinets filled with buckles. A flat-screen TV and stereo adorned one end of the sitting area, while steps led up to a cozy bed.
"I had no idea horse trailers could be so fancy inside," Isobel remarked.
"Oh yes, we travel in style," Wren chuckled. "Actually, Ryder just bought this gem last month."
"Really?" Isobel asked, intrigued.
Wren nodded affirmatively, "Yep. He said we weren't going to live like bums anymore and went ahead and ordered this beauty. Picked it up just yesterday."
Isobel continued to explore, marveling at all the intricate details.
"Isobel, can I share something with you?" Wren suddenly asked.
She turned back to him, "Of course. Anything."
"I didn't know Ryder before his dad passed away," Wren began softly, "so I can't speak for how he was back then. But ever since I've known him, he's kept this wall up around himself and never seemed truly happy." He placed a reassuring hand on Isobel's arm. "That changed when he met you; I've never seen him as joyful as he is now."
Just then, the door swung open again and in walked Rose and Ryder.
"Mmm, it smells amazing in here," Rose exclaimed.
The four of them sat down at the table for a breakfast feast prepared by Wren: bacon, eggs, toast, and coffee. As they ate, Isobel listened intently as the others discussed their agenda and tasks for prepping for the day ahead.
After breakfast, Rose and Wren set off for a walk, while Isobel opted to stay and assist Ryder with the dishes. As she scrubbed them, Ryder dried and put them away.
Ryder approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist. He kissed her neck, then gently turned her around to face him, her hands still soapy.
"Ryder, the dishes," she reminded him.
"They can wait," he whispered, lowering his face to hers. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss, pulling her tightly against him with one arm while the other hand tangled in her hair.
Isobel clutched him close, an unfamiliar yearning enveloping her. She pulled back to catch her breath and gazed into Ryder's intense hazel eyes. She noticed a new spark of desire that mirrored her own.
"What are you thinking?" Ryder asked, also catching his breath.
"How much my dreams have changed," she replied, still locking eyes with him.
"Mine have too," Ryder said before kissing her again, this time keeping it brief and controlled.
Ryder trailed behind the other competitors down the narrow alleyway leading to the arena. The echoing cheers of the crowd, growing louder with each introduction, resonated through the stadium. As Ryder crossed through the gate, he instantly scanned the audience for Isobel. Within moments, he found her and raised his arm in a wave, an enormous smile lighting up his face.
After a heartfelt prayer and the stirring rendition of the National Anthem, everyone exited the arena to commence the first event. Ryder and Wren lingered in the alley, hyping each other up as they had done before every ride since their first event together six years ago.
Isobel's gaze lingered on Ryder as he exited the arena, her eyes following him until he vanished behind the wall. Her heart had begun to race when she'd seen him enter and wave at her, and now it was pounding uncontrollably.
Rose and Isobel watched intently as the competitors readied themselves for their turn. Bull after bull burst from the chutes, each one fiercely determined to unseat its rider, many succeeding. A few resilient riders hung on long enough to reach their eight-second goal, with the highest score thus far being 88.
Wren was next up, and Rose erupted in cheers just as the bull sprang from the chute. Isobel and Bella Rose perched on the edges of their seats, cheering him on as he approached the critical buzzer.
"He did it!" Bella Rose shouted when the buzzer sounded. Wren released his grip and landed smoothly on his feet, sprinting away from the bull and leaping onto the nearest gate. The audience roared with approval as handlers secured the bull behind the gate, and the announcer declared Wren's impressive score of 92.
With a flourish, Wren pulled off his face mask and removed his mouthguard, then spotted Rose in the crowd and blew her a kiss. She returned the gesture with equal exuberance.
"He's in the lead!" Bella Rose exclaimed, bursting with excitement.
"That's amazing," Isobel added, sharing in her thrill.
Ryder met Wren at the gate, gave him a hearty hug, and slapped him on the back. "Amazing ride, brother."
"Thanks. You're up soon, right?"
"Yeah. Just four more riders to go."
"Let's get you prepped then."
Ryder and Wren stood by the planks, cheering for their friends. The next batch of bulls were being loaded into the chutes, and Ryder watched keenly as his bull, Murphy's Law, settled into its chute. He bit down on his mouth guard, zipped up his safety vest, and pulled down his face shield.
With the bull strap secured, Ryder lowered himself onto the bull's back, warmed the rosin, strapped in his hand tightly, and nodded.