Page 130 of Worth the Fall
He was officially in the top ten and invited to the rodeo in Sioux Falls.
He was one step closer to the finals in Vegas, to winning it all.
I felt like I was being torn in half.
I was so happy for him. Pride was swelling in my chest, and I wanted to jump up and down with him, squealing with joy.
On the other hand, Colton and Dennis had just proved that risking it all, despite the dangers, would pay off. He was feeling invincible, on top of the world, like nothing could ever hurt him.
That was a very perilous place to be.
“To Colt,” Jimmy said, raising his plastic cup of soda, “whosestubbornness eventually did pay off. Congrats.”
We all sat around the campfire, finishing our drive-through burgers and fries. It was the last night all the boys would be together, before they headed home tomorrow, and Colton’s celebratory dinner.
“To Colt!” We all cheered.
I had done a great job of covering my butt-hurt attitude, if I do say so myself.
After Colton’s and my dramatic reunion after his ride, his family rushed out of the stands to join in the celebration.
His brothers had no idea I had spent the afternoon screaming at Colton and silently fuming at their dad.
I think.
“How does it feel to be in the top ten in the world?” I asked, leaning back into my designated camp chair.
Colton was beaming; he hadn’t stopped smiling all night. “Is this another interview, Miss Ford?”
I shook my head. “The presentation is submitted. This is personal.”
Everyone was listening with deep intent, excited to hear what he had to say.
He sat up straighter. “I’ve worked my entire life for this. I was ridin’ horses before I could walk.”
Jo nodded, confirming it was true.
“It feels like I’m walkin’ on air, baskin’ in the sun, and enjoyin’ every second,” he looked down at me and gave a soft smile, “with the woman I love.”
Alan and Dean faked gagging.
I felt my cheeks turn red and grabbed his hand. “You deserve that feeling.”
Colton turned his gaze back to the fire. “My only regret is that Gramps isn’t here.”
Dennis put his arm on his son’s shoulder. “I thought about him the whole show,” he admitted. “Colt, he’d be so proud of you.”
Colton nodded at his dad, a sparkle of tears in his eyes.“Here’s to Sioux Falls,” he said, raising his cup again. “Even though my brothers are too boring to join us.”
“We’ll be in Vegas,” Alan said, tossing his empty cup in the fire.
“All right, bedtime,” Jo said, clapping her hands loudly. “We’re on the road at six.”
It was an eighteen-hour drive to Sioux Falls, which meant if they actually goton the road and drove away at six, they’d be in South Dakota at midnight.
“Yes, Mamma,” the boys answered like soldiers.
“Allegra,” Dennis said, making my heart jump to my throat.
