When Sparks Fly (76 page)

As he reached me, he paused, lifting my chin to look up at him. “What has you so lost in thought, Kennedy?”

I didn’t know how to answer his question. Those three numbers spoke to me. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed Tucker on the cheek. “Let’s just say Nate is going to be with you on this ride.”

“What?” He stepped from my grasp.

“I will explain later, but tonight is your night.” I said as I stepped forward and kissed him again.

He didn’t question my answer again. He just returned my kiss and smiled. “I guess I will have to believe you.” He kissed me hard once more. “Until later.” He nodded and pivoted around and trotted off towards a group of other riders.

I shook my head as I left the tent to find Lauren and a few other girlfriends who had joined us. Even though the bull riding didn’t start until later, we packed into our seats to watch the barrel racing and calf roping events. I felt comfortable today. I didn’t feel like I stuck out like a sore thumb. For several weeks after Nate’s death everywhere I would go people would stare and whisper behind my back. I was the poor tragic widow.

I couldn’t explain it, but today people actually greeted me with a smile instead of a look of pity and sorrow. Tucker was responsible for it. I would have to thank him properly later. Lauren and I found our seats nearly right behind one of the gates. The fear I had about losing another man to an angry bull would all be right there. I don’t know if I could handle another person I care about and love, yes love, so deeply being killed by a bull.

The afternoon flew by and the sun still high when the announcer started the introduction of the riders that had made it to the final round and were in the running to win tonight. My heart pounded a little faster when Tucker Jaxson’s name was called overhead. My cell phone beeped in my pocket. I reached and unlocked the screen.

A message from my dad flashed on the screen. I cringed because my dad didn’t believe in texting. He believed in talking face to face, so this couldn’t be good. I slid my thumb across the text button.

Daddy:
Soo I had a nice chat with Mr. Jackson this afternoon.

Me:
You did? And what happened?

Daddy:
He has good intentions and I give you my blessings.

Me:
Thanks Daddy. I know you are not found of bull riders.

Daddy:
I am not, but he seems like a good man

Me:
I believe he is. What changed your mine?

Daddy:
He wants more. Don’t let go so something that could be great kiddo. I love you.

Me:
I love you too

I nearly dropped the phone as the tears tumbled down my face. I looked up searching the crowd for my father. He was often a man of few words and a strong handshake, so this was like a damn book for him. It took a few minutes as I scanned over the crowd looking for him. I finally spotted him up by the announcer’s booth. I smiled and waved after I blew him a kiss.

As the main event began, my heart fell into my stomach. Each time a rider got bucked off and the bull charged, I felt vomit rise in my throat. I screamed at one point when one man had been stomped on the back of the leg. As the names dwindled down to the top riders, I knew Tucker would be called soon. I also realized that Patriotic Rodeo hadn’t been called. I silently prayed that any other rider would pull his name to ride.

Three more riders had ridden and fallen off. So far, only a few riders had managed to stay on their second round. I kept close eyes on the scoreboard. Tucker just needed to stay on the bull for the full eight seconds and give a clean ride. As the rodeo clowns reset the barrels in place and got the crowd going, the announcer thanked a few sponsors and then he called Tucker’s name. I nearly puked when I heard him call Patriotic Rodeo’s name as the bull he had drawn to ride. I looked at Lauren. I knew I looked ashen. I started to get up and leave because I didn’t want to see the outcome. I knew he had no chance against the animal. Patriotic Rodeo was pure evil in my eyes. As I stood to flee the seats, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see my father, Aaron, Adam and Kaleb all sitting behind me.

“You can’t leave. I know he will be okay.” My father winked at me. “I promise.”

“Oh daddy.” I sobbed. I covered my mouth with my hands as I turned back around. I could see Tucker in the shoot trying to adjust the rope. I silently prayed: Lord, give him a good ride. No, scratch that. Give him the best ride he has ever had. Amen.

I saw him shake his head letting them know he was ready for the gate to be opened. The gate flung open and Patriotic Rodeo bucked into the side and I saw Tucker slip just a bit. I screamed as I watched the clock count down. The only other time I felt this helpless was when Nate took his last breath. The seconds gradually counted down. The buzzer sounded and the crowd went to their feet. Tucker had done it. He had managed to stay on the damn beast for eight seconds. I watched as he fought with the ropes to jump free. I froze in my spot. Something was horribly wrong. He couldn’t get his hand out.

Another few seconds ticked by; he finally freed his hand and jumped from the bull. He stood and waved and trotted towards the wall to climb over but he was unaware of the bull charging at him. A clown tried to distract the bull but it was useless. The bull seemed to have a clear mission. I screamed at the top of my lungs as Tucker pivoted just in time to avoid taking the full brunt of him. His horn caught on his vest flipping him around. My voice caught in my throat.

As I watched the bull rush over to him again, it barely missed him. Tucker managed to get to his feet as he made his way to the side again; I shoved my way through the crowd of people. I heard Kaleb and Lauren behind me mumbling how he was going to be okay. I didn’t stop and listen nor did I care about what they were saying. My main goal was to get to Tucker Jaxson’s side and make sure he was okay. The whole time he was in the arena with Patriotic Rodeo all I could see was Nate.

When I first arrived at the tent, they wouldn’t let me back to see him. I understood the rules too, but I wanted to know how bad he was hurt. I argued with the man at first until Kaleb stepped in front of me.

“Look I understand you have a job to do, but she is with Tucker Jaxson. Dude, her husband was killed by a damn bull. All she wants is to make sure he is okay.” Kaleb didn’t flinch as he stood toe to toe with the large burly man.

“Fine.” His voice gruff and hateful.

“Thank you.” I screeched. If he hadn’t have looked like he could have taken my head off in one swipe of his hand, I would have stood on my tiptoes and kissed him.

I followed Aaron and Kaleb through the maze of other riders, family and people who had gathered behind the scene. We found Tucker behind a curtain being attended to by a few emergency personnel. I heard them talking briefly about stitches and bruising but nothing major. They had suggested he go to the local hospital, but Tucker outright refused. I chuckled as he argued with them over his injuries. A few minutes passed by and when the others left, I was allowed behind the curtain.

“Hey.” I smiled trying to keep the tears back. His whole mid-section was wrapped in gauze and tape. As he sat up I saw the bruising extended beyond the bandages. I couldn’t hide the tears as they started falling, one at a time.

“I really don’t hurt. I am okay Kennedy. I promise.” Tucker squirmed as he struggled to stand up from the edge of the table he was laying on.

I smiled as I walked to him. It was my turn to hug him. I tried not to squeeze too hard as I wrapped my arms around him. I loved this man and I understood what my father said in his text. Tucker had given my life new meaning.

“Don’t cry. I am not that big of a deal.” He scoffed as I looked up at him. He used his thumb to wipe a stray tear from my cheek.

“Oh, but Tucker, to me you are.” I grinned. “Tucker, you have brought new meaning to my life.”

Tucker started to speak, but Kaleb butted in. “Um… I hate to break up this little reunion, but they just called the last rider. And I believe you are in first place at the moment.” Tucker shook his head as Kaleb handed him his shirt.

“Well by all means lead the way.”

“Have you ever won before?” I asked as we left the small room and headed to the arena.

“No, I have come close, but never won the whole thing. So, are you going to tell me why you think Nate was riding with me tonight?” Tucker questioned as we made our way to the sidelines of the arena.

“Later, but right now I know he has given us his blessing.” I beamed. In some crazy way I knew it was Nate who had protected him against Patriotic Rodeo.

As we entered, the noise of the crowd grew louder and louder as the last bull rider had finished and was awaiting his score. As we stood on the sidelines, I glanced at the scoreboard. Tucker Jaxson was in first place. Not by a small number either. The other rider who had been ahead of him fell off his bull, knocking him out of the top. As the announcer started reading off the names starting in third place, I watched Tucker’s eyes widen and a look of pride wash over his face. The announcer read off his name and I jumped into his arms totally forgetting he was injured. “Thank you Nate.” I mouthed as I looked at my father who now stood behind us. My father knew as did I.

*

We arrived at the park late, but Lauren and her cowboy had reserved us a spot beside them. I didn’t think we were ever going to get out of the arena. Tucker had talked to a few new sponsors and fans. Yes, fans. The cutest I saw was a little boy. He couldn’t have been over the age of five, but he gently tugged at Tucker’s pant leg wanting an autograph.

Of course he agreed. He knelt in front of the little boy and signed the picture he had of Tucker and then he signed the boy’s cowboy hat. I watched as the boy’s eyes ran wide as he ran off to show his mother. That man had my heart from this day forward. Nothing would ever change it.

We arrived so late; we didn’t even have a chance to grab something to eat. The lunch we had packed had long since spoiled from being out all day. As we watched the fireworks explode overhead, I snuggled back into the man I had fallen so quickly in love with.

‡
Chapter Ten

We had figured the local diner would have been slow by the time we had arrived, but the place was actually nearly packed. As we walked in to be seated, I spied Mable sitting at a table talking to another older lady who lived in the community. As soon as she saw me holding Tucker’s hand, she winked as to give me an ‘I-told-you-so-look’. She had been right all along.

We hadn’t even made it to our table when Tucker had been stopped by no less than four people congratulating him on tonight’s ride. I stood proudly next to him and held his hand. This was his night and I had a feeling his career was about to take off in a very good way. I had a choice to make and I knew it would be the most difficult one to make. Should I go or should I stay? Two very simple ideas but at the same time, two very hard choices to make.

After we finished our meal for dinner, we requested the check so we could finally relax at home, but the restaurant owner refused Tucker’s money. I wasn’t sure if it was because he had won or if it was the fact my father and the owner were great friends. As we were leaving I told Tucker I would figure out a way to pay the old man for dinner. Old man Johns was notorious for giving away meals. I honestly think it was because he had no family left. His wife died three years ago and his only son died in a car crash when were teenagers.