As the opening ceremonies commenced, Ryder, Wren, and Rose stepped into the arena. Ryder entrusted Isobel to a group of committeemen with explicit orders to protect her at all costs. Positioned behind her, they stood guard as she watched the proceedings from the arena's edge, their silence an acknowledgment of her presence.
Ryder's gaze constantly flickered to the corner where Isobel observed the ceremonies, his mind restless with concern. Though he trusted his friends to keep her safe, not being by her side left him uneasy.
Once the prayer concluded and the National Anthem echoed through the stands, Ryder dashed out of the arena to rejoin Isobel. For the rest of the evening, they stayed near the chutes, captivated by scenes unfolding behind the gates. Isobel was enthralled by the flurry of activity: cowboys kneeling in collective prayer, others stretching against gates, while some sat practicing moves in their bronc saddles on the ground.
The sight of praying cowboys sparked a memory for Isobel. "I saw you bowing your head after your ride last night," she mentioned to Ryder. "Were you praying?"
Ryder turned and encircled her waist with his arm. "Yes," he affirmed. "I've realized I need to thank Him in both triumph and tribulation. And for granting me safe passage out of the arena."
Isobel felt a chill run down her spine at his words—granting me safe passage out. The thought of a day when Ryder might not sent shivers through her.
Sensing her unease, Ryder rubbed her arms gently. "Cold?" he asked with concern.
"No," she replied, meeting his dark hazel eyes filled with latent pain and guilt from her past ordeal. "The idea of you not walking out scares me." Raising her hands to his face, she held his gaze steadily. "You need to let go of that guilt, Ryder. What happened last night wasn't your fault."
Taken aback by her statement, Ryder leaned in and kissed her softly. "I should have been there for you."
"You can't be with me every single moment," she soothed him. "It was a terrible incident spurred by alcohol and jealousy—nothing more." She caressed his cheek with her thumb. "I'll be fine, Ryder. I promise. Just give me time...and your presence."
Ryder enfolded her in his arms, pulling her close against his chest as he swayed gently to the music playing over the loudspeaker. Cradling her face in his hands, he lifted it toward his own and kissed her deeply, making Isobel momentarily forget everything else around them.
Their kiss was abruptly interrupted by a tap on Ryder's arm. He pulled back but kept his eyes fixed on Isobel, then slowly turned his head to see who the intruder was.
A police officer stood beside them. "Excuse me, ma'am. Are you Isobel Wright?"
"Yes."
"I'm Officer Miller. Roy from security filled out a statement and gave it to us. I just need you to review it, confirm its accuracy, and sign it, please."
Isobel nodded as she accepted the document from his hand. She read through it carefully, pausing a couple of times to gather herself. Ryder kept his hand on the small of her back and watched her intently. A few tears escaped down her cheeks, which she quickly wiped away before handing the paper back to Officer Miller.
"Yes, everything is accurate."
The officer retrieved a pen from his pocket and handed it to her. "Can you sign right here?" he asked, pointing to a line at the bottom of the page clipped to a clipboard.
Isobel signed her name and gave the pen back.
"Thank you," he said, placing the pen in his chest pocket. "We have your contact information if we need further details. I'm deeply sorry for what you've been through. We'll do everything we can to ensure justice is served." The officer turned toward Ryder, "Though it looks like someone's already taken matters into their own hands." He offered Ryder a small grin before walking away.
Ryder pulled Isobel into his chest, holding her close for several moments. "I love you," he whispered, kissing her forehead softly. "You are incredibly strong, Isobel." He rested his forehead against hers, inhaling the scent of her perfume.
"I love you too, Ryder."
"Hey, Isobel," Rose called, rubbing her arm gently. "Sorry to interrupt. Just wanted to let you know I'm heading down to get Samson. Barrel racing is up soon, and I need to get ready."
Isobel turned and hugged her friend tightly. "Good luck, Bella Rose."
"Thanks, Isobel. I'll be back once I've finished." As she began to walk away, she paused and turned back with a smile. "This ride is for you," she announced with a playful point toward Isobel.
Isobel smiled and shook her head affectionately. "She's such a nut."
"That she is," Ryder agreed with a chuckle.
John, one of Ryder's fellow bull riders and friends, approached them with his hat in hand as he looked at Isobel.
"Hey, Ryder," John greeted, shaking his hand.
"Hey there, John. Meet my fiancé, Isobel."
"Ma'am," he acknowledged with a nod.
"Hi, John."
Turning back to Ryder, he said, "I heard about what happened. Just wanted you to know we all know who did it and we'll keep an eye out for them."
"Thanks, John. But the police are on it and they'll be making arrests soon."
"That's good to hear." John paused, glancing at Isobel and then down at the ground before looking back at Ryder. "Just let us know if you need anything."
"Will do, thanks." Ryder patted him on the shoulder as John headed back towards the chutes.
"This truly feels like a family," Isobel commented, wrapping her arm around Ryder.
"Yes, it is. We all look out for each other."
"I can see that."
Wren returned after chatting with a friend, and the trio stood by the fence, watching the barrel racers execute their patterns. Bella Rose and Samson entered the arena, prompting the three to cheer loudly as the duo nailed another impeccable run.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Bella Rose and Samson have just taken first place with an impressive 14.56 seconds! That's going to be tough to beat!"
Isobel and the men cheered along with thousands of enthusiastic fans.
The three then settled at the far end of the platform behind the chutes, observing the final barrel racers compete. Isobel noted how the men meticulously prepared for their rides, zipping up their chaps. Ryder retrieved his glove from his pocket, smacking it against his leg a few times, each hit releasing a puff of dust. He slipped it on and tightened the strap around his wrist.
Isobel sat quietly, observing Ryder and Wren as they went through their pre-ride rituals. Ryder caught her eye, smiled, leaned over, and kissed her on the lips.
"I love having you here."
"I love being here," she replied with a smile.
Suddenly, Isobel heard metal clattering and felt the platform tremble beneath her. She turned to see bulls being funneled through the chutes. As one reached the end chute, partitions began closing between each one. Isobel had never been this close before; she could hear them snorting and pawing at the ground.
"Want to see one up close?" Ryder asked.
"What? Oh no, I don't think so," Isobel said, shaking her head.
"It's fine. We've got time before they start. You can sneak up here to the first chute."
Isobel hesitated but then stood up. Ryder stepped onto the platform, extending his hand to help her up beside him. She approached the chute and peered over at the colossal bull beneath her. The scent of sweat and manure mixed with the heat of its breath at her feet was overwhelming; its size more intimidating than she had imagined.
"What do you think?" Ryder asked with a grin.
"I think you guys are crazy. That thing is enormous."
"Well, you're right on both counts." Ryder's smile widened, revealing his dimples. He glanced down the platform and noticed one of the gatemen approaching, inspecting each bull. "You better step down." He gestured toward the man with a nod of his head.
Isobel leaned back to peer around Ryder and saw the man in the official blue shirt. She moved to the end of the planks and jumped down.
"I'm the sixth rider, and Wren is fifteenth. He'll stay with you while I ride. Plus, Rose will be back soon."
Isobel nodded in understanding, "Okay."
Ryder hopped down beside her, then sat back on the planks. He pulled her close, standing between his legs. She leaned back against him and watched as the bull riders lined up behind each chute, getting ready for their turn.
After a few minutes of holding Isobel close, Ryder nudged her slightly forward and stood, taking her hand as they joined Wren along the fence. The first bull exploded out of the chute, bucking so violently that Isobel thought it might flip over onto its back. The rider was thrown off at six seconds and dashed to safety.
The next bull bolted out and jumped sideways with such force that it toppled over. After a brief struggle, it regained its footing and charged into the arena without its rider. The announcer mentioned that the rider would get another chance due to the bull's fall.
When the gate opened for the third bull, the rider was thrown off in just two seconds. As he hit the ground, the bull spun around and trampled him. The bullfighters quickly intervened, placing themselves between the bull and cowboy before more harm could be done. One of the gatemen rushed out, helped the man to his feet, and escorted him out of the arena. He limped as though his leg had been stepped on.
The injured rider came through the gate near Isobel, Ryder, and Wren. A couple of sports medicine team members hurried over to assist him. After a quick evaluation, they helped him toward the medical room.
Another bull and rider entered the arena; this time, they made it to the buzzer.
"That's going to be hard to beat," Wren remarked to Ryder as they watched the triumphant rider run to a nearby gate.
"Yes, Rodney nailed it tonight. He's always been one to watch."
Isobel stood between the two men, attentively listening as they discussed each rider and bull. The gates clanged once more, signaling the next batch of bulls being herded into the chutes, one by one.
"This is my group," Ryder said, leaning down to kiss her. The kiss was more passionate than Isobel had anticipated, causing a weak sensation in her legs as she reciprocated. "I love you," he murmured breathlessly.
"I love you too. Good luck," she replied with a smile, her breath catching.
He kissed her forehead, removed his cowboy hat, and placed it on her head. "Wow, you look fantastic in a hat." Ryder leaned down for another kiss, their faces mostly hidden by the brim.
Ryder sprinted back to the platform and jumped onto it. He bent down to pick up his bull rope before heading towards the crowd of cowboys. She watched him as he made his way to the chute housing his bull, Tonka's Twister, where he paused to stare at it. She saw him close his eyes momentarily for a quick prayer.
Ryder glanced back in Isobel's direction and caught her gaze. He kissed his fingertips and pointed them towards her. Isobel blew a kiss back and mouthed the words; I love you.
At that moment, Rose ran over to join them, and Wren grabbed her, spinning her around before setting her back down. "Great ride, babe." He kissed her and dipped her backward during the embrace.
Her hat fell off as he lifted her up, so he picked it up, brushed off the dirt, and placed it back on her head.
"That was an amazing run, Rose," Isobel said while hugging her.
"Thanks, Isobel! Samson has been fantastic this year."
"He sure has," Wren agreed as he wrapped an arm around Rose's shoulder and pulled her close.
"Is Ryder up soon?" Rose asked.
"Yes. Two more riders before it's his turn."
The trio returned to the fence to watch each rider take their turn; only one managed to stay on for the full time.
Ryder was next, and Isobel felt her heart begin to race as always when he rode.
Ryder lowered himself onto the bull and started preparing his rigging. His mind kept drifting back to Isobel but he forced himself to focus on the task at hand.
Stay focused on the task.
Ryder could almost hear his father's voice as if he were right beside him. He glanced up, scrutinizing each of the men assisting him, pausing on their faces.
"Did any of you say something?"
They all shook their heads.
Ryder shifted his attention back to the bull rope. Isobel's face flashed in his mind again.
Concentrate on the task ahead. She is safe.
Once more, Ryder looked up, confused by what was happening. He shook off the distraction and refocused on the rigging, warming the rosin again. He draped the rope across his palm and pulled it tight, wrapping it behind his hand and then back across his palm. With every move he made, Isobel's image kept invading his thoughts.
Focus on Me.
Suddenly, a wave of calm washed over Ryder, a serene peace filling his body as he realized that the voice he heard wasn't his dad's but God's.
Ryder quickly settled back onto his pockets, bit down on the mouth guard, and nodded.
The bull exploded out of the chute, bucking more ferociously than any seen that night. Its violent movements would have unseated any other rider, but Ryder maintained his center and moved with the bull.
This newfound tranquility stayed with Ryder throughout the ride as he harmonized with the bull's movements. Despite its fiercer kicks and higher jumps than ever before, trying everything to rid itself of Ryder, he remained unshaken. Anger flared in the bull's eyes as it threw its head up with each buck.
Ryder was deaf to everything but the pounding of the bull's hooves against the dirt, the slap of leather chaps against his legs, and the jingling bell beneath the bull rope.
When the buzzer sounded, Ryder released his grip mid-spin. He flew off, hitting and rolling in the dirt. Rising to his feet, he saw a bullfighter distracting the bull as it disappeared through a gate.
Gradually, roaring applause filled Ryder's ears as he surveyed the cheering stadium with a smile. He unstrapped his safety helmet and lifted it from his head. His eyes scanned for Isobel by the gate until they found her standing next to Wren. Dropping to one knee, he bowed his head and offered a prayer—longer than usual—before rising and sprinting to Isobel.
Wren signaled for her to climb onto the gate, and she eagerly stepped up. Ryder scaled it on his side, and they met at the top. Wrapping one arm around her, he pulled her firmly against him, kissing her passionately in front of everyone. The crowd's cheering grew louder and more frenzied as they celebrated.
"Lucky rodeo fans, tonight you've witnessed history!" The announcer's voice boomed. "Ryder Hayes has achieved an unprecedented score of 97 points!"
The stadium seemed to tremble under the weight of the fans' screams, foot-stomping, and applause.
"This man has been unstoppable this season and is surely on his way to the world championship. And, sorry ladies, this cowboy is off the market and soon to wed that beautiful woman right there."
Isobel blushed, her cheeks warming as she gazed into Ryder's shining eyes.
Ryder cupped her face with his hands and kissed her again, leaning into the gate for support. He pulled away slightly to lock eyes with her. "I love you."
"I love you, too," she replied.
Ryder climbed over the gate and joined them on the ground where several friends quickly surrounded him, offering congratulations all at once. They shook him, patted his back, hugged him, and shook hands; his fellow competitors almost as ecstatic as Ryder was over his remarkable ride.
Isobel watched from a distance, her heart swelling with pride as she overheard them praising Ryder's performance. Bella Rose joined her, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"That ride was for you too, Isobel."
"No," Isobel responded thoughtfully. "I think that ride was for someone higher than me."
Bella Rose turned to her with curious eyes.
"That ride was for God."
As the buzz died down and the other cowboys dispersed, Ryder returned to Isobel. He lifted her up in his arms and kissed her as she kicked her legs playfully before gently setting her back down.
The four remained by the gates, watching as the other men rode. When Wren's turn finally approached, he left the group to head towards the chute holding his bull, Manic Midnight.
Ryder climbed up onto the gate, waiting anxiously for his friend's ride.
The gate flew open and the bull surged into the arena, kicking up dirt as it bucked and twisted. Ryder focused intently as Wren held firm on the bull. He mentally noted tips to share with Wren later, a ritual they'd followed for six years of traveling together.
When the buzzer sounded, Ryder threw his arms up and cheered for his friend. He watched Wren free his hand, but as Wren was thrown off, he landed right behind the bull. The bull kicked out just as Wren was in its path, its hooves slamming square into Wren's chest.
Wren crumpled to the ground motionless.
Ryder scrambled over the gate and sprinted to his friend, eyeing the bull cautiously. Once the bull was secured behind the gate, Ryder dropped to his knees beside Wren. Three bullfighters and a gateman reached them simultaneously.
Lowering his face next to Wren's, Ryder started talking to him. Abruptly, Wren took a deep breath and rolled onto his back. Ryder grasped his head, stabilizing it to prevent further movement.
"Hold still, brother."
Wren struggled for breath as one of the bullfighters unzipped his safety vest.
"What happened?" Wren's voice was low and raspy.
"The bull's back feet caught you square in the chest," Ryder replied, his face just inches from Wren's.
After managing several deep breaths, Wren began to recover, his breathing returning to normal.
"Help me up, Ryder." Wren said, pushing away the men beside him.
"I think you should stay still until sports medicine arrives."
"I'm fine, Ryder. Just got the wind knocked out of me."
As Wren attempted to rise, two people from the medical team knelt beside him.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. Just got the wind kicked out of me."
The woman took hold of each of Wren's hands, asking him to give hers a squeeze. Wren complied. She then examined his eyes, neck, and chest.
"Alright, Mr. Coulter. Let's see if we can get you on your feet."
Ryder positioned himself behind Wren and helped him up. He wrapped one arm around Wren's back and draped Wren's arm over his shoulder to steady him.
Ryder escorted Wren out of the arena to the cheers of the crowd. The announcer called out Wren's score of 83 as they exited.
As soon as they reached the common area, Bella Rose was at Wren's side, fussing over him while the medical team completed their assessment.
Isobel now stood beside Ryder with her arm around his waist. Ryder draped his arm over her shoulders and watched the team's thorough examination of Wren. They pulled off his shirt, revealing a large purple and blue bruise covering half his chest. Isobel gasped at the sight.
After several minutes of taking vitals and conducting a thorough check-up, the team released Wren with a list of instructions and warning signs to look out for.
Wren was adamant about staying in the stadium until the final standings were announced and awards distributed. He didn't want to miss seeing his best friend receive his latest buckle.
The last rider finished, and the final standings were announced. Ryder walked into the arena to receive his buckle and oversized check for that weekend's winnings.
As soon as he was done, Ryder returned to help get Wren back to the trailers so he could rest.
Walking through the tunnel toward the parking lot, Ryder held Isobel's hand tightly. This time he noticed she wasn't trembling; her face appeared calm and peaceful as she smiled up at him.
They reached the trailer and got Wren settled in Bella Rose's; she insisted on looking after him that evening.