Page 34 of Hung Up
SORREL
Sitting by the bonfire, I stare into the flames. The orange glow flickers shadows across my tired face. Everyone has gone to bed and the ranch is quiet except for the occasional snort from the horses in the barn. It’s moments like this that I feel the weight of the world settle heavy on my shoulders—all of my emotions weigh me down.
This week felt like it had been an entire year with everything that happened. My mind wanders, and I continue to wrestle with my feelings for Denton. How could we ever make something work? Sure, the ranch could survive without me, and in the winter, I could be on the road with him. But what about rodeo—would I be willing to put barrel racing on the back burner?
The rodeo circuit isn’t just a hobby. It’s in my blood, my soul. It’s years and years of hard work and time spent in the saddle. Training my horses with my own tears, sweat, and blood. I love chasing the rush, the freedom of the arena, the feeling of triumph when I win a race. It isn’t glamorous—it’s gritty, hard, and unpredictable. But it’s mine. It defines me.
If I hypothetically were to explore something with Denton, would I let his dreams come before my own? He’s a differentkind of wild. His life is packed with flashing lights, screaming fans, and endless tours that span across the states. His world is chaos wrapped in melodies and sold-out shows. The kind of life that demands your time, energy, and emotion, leaving little room for anything else.
He may want to slow down now, but something in me tells me he can't stay still for too long. But I want to believe maybe there is a middle ground. That two worlds so different can somehow collide and coexist. I just don’t want to fall and he be gone before he can catch me.
When Huck came into my life, it was a wild ride that left me broken and wary. Denton’s kindness and the way he’s been here for me has made my heart grow in a way I wasn’t expecting. But what good is putting my heart on the line if it means losing myself in the process?
I don’t want to be just another stop on his tour. I don’t want to put my life on pause, waiting for a call, a text, a chance. I need to be whole. Strong. And right now, that means choosing the ranch, rodeo, and my healing.
Maybe one day the stars will align. But tonight, as the fire goes out and there’s nothing left but hot coals, I push the thoughts and feelings away. I remind myself to stay focused. Because some dreams—no matter how much you want them—aren’t meant to be chased at the same time.
I’ve been dreadingthis day for weeks. The day we face the Kenzingtons in court over our ranch they’re trying to steal out from under us. I tossed and turned all night long, thinking about how it would go. Then, I found myself headed to Denton’s cabin in a moment of weakness. But luckily as I tiptoed to the door,Dash caught me sneaking out. As he stared up at me with his head tilted in question of where I was going, I knocked some sense back into myself. I scooped Dash into my arms and crawled back into my own bed, where I belonged. Sleep never really came and the bags under my eyes are proof of that this morning.
I look down at my phone to a FaceTime call from Mama. I answer, putting on as brave of a smile I can muster.
“Hi, mama!” I say as the call connects.
“Hey, buttercup, you almost to town? Sable is here with me. Say hi,” Mom says.
“Hi, Sable butt, I miss you. When are you gonna come cowgirl again with your sisters?” I ask, teasing her.
She rolls her eyes. “Once I’m done with this extra course, I’ll be coming back out to the ranch. How’s Daddy doing? Is he coming today?”
“He’s good. He misses his baby girl too, but he knows you’re out there living your big city girl dreams. He wouldn't miss it. When someone comes after what’s his, he means business.”
Dad has been fucking livid ever since we got the court summons. I’m surprised he didn't show up at the Kenzingtons with a loaded shotgun and handle it the old-fashioned way.
“I don’t know who these people think they are messing with your daddy’s ranch, but I’m sure they have no idea what’s coming for them,” mom says, putting her face so close to the phone I can’t see Sable anymore.
“That’s for damn sure. Uh…by the way, I’m bringing a friend. He’s in the truck with me now, so don’t say anything embarrassing, please,” I say under my breath.
I look over at Denton, who insisted on driving me to Billings today. Dad drove Sutton, Ryder, and Trotter in his pickup, so there wasn't enough room for all of us in his old Dodge Cummins.
When Denton noticed I was driving alone, there was no chance he wasn't coming with me. He grabbed my keys out of my hand and hopped in the front seat before I could protest. Dash tried to jump in too, but I told him he had to stay at the ranch with the other dogs today.
It’s going to be a long day, and my nerves are all over the place. I’m actually grateful Denton offered to drive and I don’t have to be alone for the next few hours trapped with my anxious thoughts.
“OOOOOH, Sorrels’ got a friend that’s a boy?” Sable says mockingly.
Mom mouths to her, “Quit it.”
Sable’s been giving me a hard time since she was born. Said it was her job being the baby of the family.
“Okay, love you, bye!” I quickly hang up the FaceTime call.
I turn to Denton, my cheeks red. “I’m going to apologize for them in advance. They’re two peas in a pod and always getting into trouble.”
He chuckles softly. “So, if you don’t mind me asking, why don’t they live with y’all on the ranch?”
“Mom and Dad got divorced when I finished high school. She said they were still best friends, but the romance wasn't there anymore. Dad was always working on the ranch and I think it came first a lot. I think she kind of felt like she was raising us alone if it wasn't ranch-related things.”
“Gotcha, and Sable wanted to go to college in the city?”
