November 5th, 2009 – Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas

In the early morning hours, Jack woke up suddenly in a dead sweat. Breathing hard, he carefully rolled out of bed and walked into the bathroom, closing the door slowly so not to wake Elizabeth.

He stood at the sink, his hands resting against the cold marble, holding him up. Seeing a glass sitting on the counter, he picked it up, filled it with water and guzzled it. Picking up a towel, he wiped the sweat from his face and neck.

After spending a few moments regaining his composure, he stepped into the bedroom and checked on Elizabeth. Seeing she was still sound asleep, he pulled his blue plaid lounge pants on, grabbed a clean white t-shirt, and stepped out the door, quietly closing it behind him.

Walking down the stairs to the front room, Jack pulled the shirt over his head and once at the bottom, he moved to the large windows. Leaning against the window, Jack crossed his arms and stared outside, watching all the moving lights and dancing water at a nearby hotel. His gaze moved all around, seeing hundreds of people still milling around in the middle of the night.

The sound of a cupboard opening startled Jack and he spun around to find his mom in the kitchen, pulling a glass from the cabinet and filling it with water.

Charlotte turned toward the opening of the bar, and almost dropping the glass, she jumped when she saw Jack walking toward her.

"Jack Ashton. You scared me half to death," she scolded in a loud whisper.

"Sorry, Ma."

"What are you doing up?"

"Couldn't sleep."

Charlotte walked around the kitchen wall to join Jack in the front room. Both moved to the sofas and took a seat opposite of each other.

"What's going on, Jack?"

Jack just shook his head, looking down at his hands.

"Jack Thornton. Don't you dare lie to your mother. I know that something's been bugging you."

Jack looked back up to her and she saw a tear fall down his cheek.

Quickly, she stood and moved to sit beside her son. "Jack, what is it?"

"The nightmares about Dad's accident returned, but with a significant change."

"What?"

"It's me. Not Dad."

"What do you mean?"

Jack ran his hands through his hair, feeling like a young teenager talking to his mother. "When Dad gets gored by the bull, it's not Dad's face anymore. It's mine. I die."

"Oh, Jack." Charlotte wrapped her arms around her son, holding him tight and gently rocked him. Pushing him back and looking into his eyes, she asked, "Does Beth know?"

Jack shook his head.

"Why haven't you told her?"

"Because I don't want this image in her head. It's bad enough that it's in mine. She'll be sick with worry all week."

"Son, I hate to break this to you, but she already is."

"Is what?"

"Sick with worry. She's married to a bull rider. She has to watch him climb onto a...a...two thousand pound killing machine and pray that he's alright." Charlotte looked at Jack with pure empathy in her eyes. Continuing, her voice softened, "Son, that's how I felt every time I watched your dad ride. Sure, I was proud, and excited, and...oh, how I loved to watch him ride. But the fear was always there. How can it not be?"

Jack nodded, taking in everything his mother was telling him. "Then my decision to retire was a good one."

"What?"

Jack turned to his mom and took her hands in his, "I'm retiring from bull riding. If I make it to Sunday, that will be my last ride. Win or lose, I'm done."

"I assume Elizabeth does know this."

"Yes, along with Lee and Rosie. I was planning on telling everyone tomorrow, well, today."

"I see. You need to let her know what's bothering you first. I could see the worry in her eyes every time she looked at you before we ever got to the arena, Jack. She's a strong woman. She can handle this but you need to trust her and let her in."

Jack nodded again, "Okay, Ma. I'll tell her when she wakes up."

"Good. Now go back to bed. That's an order." Charlotte hugged him again, stood, and walked back to her room.

After several minutes, Jack stood up from the sofa and walked back up the stairs. Easing himself into the bed and feeling the warmth of Elizabeth at his side, he quickly drifted back to sleep.

…..

Elizabeth woke the next morning to Jack's arm jerking against her. She rolled toward him, and seeing tears falling down his cheeks, she took hold of his arm. "Jack. Jack, wake up."

Startled, Jack shot straight up in bed, unsure of his surroundings at first. Seeing Elizabeth staring at him, he fell back down onto his pillow and pulled her against him.

"Jack, will you please tell me what's going on? Did you have a nightmare?"

She felt Jack suck in a deep breath, then blow it out before pulling himself up to a seated position against the headboard. Elizabeth sat up and turned to face him.

Nodding, Jack answered, "Yes, I've been having nightmares again."

"About your dad?"

"Not exactly." Jack reached out and took one of Elizabeth's hands in his, stroking the back of it as he continued. "You know the nightmares I would have all time about my father's accident?"

Elizabeth nodded.

"Well, I'm having those again...but...it's not my dad getting killed." Jack paused and took a deep breath. "It's me."

"Wh...what?"

"That's why I didn't want to tell you. I don't want you thinking about this all week now."

"Jack," a breathy laugh escaped her, "I already think about that. Every single time you climb on a bull. Of course, I do." Elizabeth scooted closer to Jack and placed her hand on his chest. "Is this what's been bothering you so much lately?"

"This and everything else I've told you."

"You can't carry this burden alone, Jack. I'm here now. I'm your wife. We are supposed to share the load together. And you have God. Give it to God. Turn your fear over to God. Vanquish Satan and the ideas that he's putting into your head. Be still and know that He is God, and He's got this. Let God worry about the demon that is invading your mind, and focus on the ride. Don't let Satan steal this from you." The look in her eyes matched the pleading in her voice.

Filling with tears once more, Jack's eyes darted from her lips to her eyes and back. "Oh, Beth. I love you so much." Jack grabbed her and pulled her against him. "I don't want you to carry this burden. I don't think I can finish out this week."

Elizabeth bolted upright, staring at Jack, a very serious look across her face. "Look here, Jack Thornton. You are going to finish this week. You are going to reach your dream, I know it. You are not going to give in now because you're worried about me. You will not give in to fear. I'm not going to go through life knowing that I'm the reason that we'll never know if you could have gotten your third title. I'm not going to worry the rest of our lives if you will resent me or not."

"Beth, I could never resent you."

"Please, let me finish. You are going to go out there; you are going to ride your heart out; you are going to ride for me, for your dad, for your mom, for all of us. You are going to reach for your dream and if you make it, it will be wonderful. If you don't, we'll celebrate that you tried your best. And you are going to return to me." She leaned forward and cupped his face in her hands. In a much softer voice, she continued, "I love you, Jack Thornton. And I will worry about you...no matter what you do."

Jack reached up and took her hands in his, removing them from his face, he held them against his heart.

After a short moment, she pulled her hands from his, slid out of the bed and walked to her suitcase. Reaching into the bottom under all her clothes, she pulled out a leather book and returned to the bed. Thumbing through the book, she found what she was looking for and handed it to Jack.

Pointing to a page, she said, "Jack, I want you to read this. These are your words and your thoughts. These are the Bible verses that helped you at that moment and I think they could help you again. Read this and remind yourself of where you've been, how far you've come, and whose hands this is truly in."

Elizabeth stood again, grabbing her robe from her case, she slipped into the bathroom and closed the door, leaving Jack alone with his journal.

Looking at the page where she'd pointed, Jack began reading.

August 11th, 2009

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. - Exodus 14:14

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. - Isaiah 41:13

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. - Psalms 56:3

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. - Isaiah 43:2

As I read these verses tonight, I thought back to only a month ago when I thought my life was over. The life I wanted; the life I'd dreamed of had walked away from me. But through prayer, patience and time, she came back. But not before my mind took me down a dark path; a path without her by my side. A path of a destination I was unsure of.

And now I sit here, unable to sleep, waiting once again for the fate of my future. This time it sits in the hands of a Mr. William Thatcher, as I wait for his blessing to marry his daughter.

If I don't get it, I don't know what I'll do. Ask her to marry me anyway? I know, with every ounce of my being, that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. But if I leave here without the blessings of her parents, she may not want the same. And I don't blame her, a person needs their family in their corner.

My heart aches thinking of moving on without her. That dark unknown path lays before me again. I'm afraid to walk down it. I'm afraid of where it may lead. I'm afraid of what might be waiting for me at the end. Will I fall back into my old habits? Will I be strong enough to stay the course, to move on?

The Lord said He has plans to give me hope and a future. He will hold my right hand and I shall not fear. When I walk through fire, I will not be burned. The Lord will fight for me, I need only to be still.

I will put my trust in You, Lord. Fear does not come from You, Lord, but from the evil one. I give it to You, and pray for peace and strength, and the knowledge that You have plans for me.

Jack closed the journal and looked at the bathroom door. He swung his legs off the edge of the bed and sat, staring at the door, clutching the journal in his hand. Closing his eyes, he said a quick prayer, quietly to himself.

"Lord, thank You for taking care of me. Thank You for fighting for me. I give everything to You. I will trust in You; trust You with my future, with my life." Jack looked back to the bathroom door, "And thank You for the angel that You sent to me."

As Jack finished his prayer, he felt the weight that had been pressing down on his shoulders, lift and disappear. He felt new air fill his lungs and a peace wash over him. He laid the journal on the bed, stood, and walked to the door. Opening it and stepping inside, he quickly walked across the floor to Elizabeth who was standing at the sink. Seeing him coming toward her in the mirror, Elizabeth set the toothbrush down and turned to Jack just as he wrapped his arm around her waist and covered her lips with his.

Holding her face in his hand, his other hand still behind her, he kissed her with a new passion, a new fire.

"Thank you, Beth. You are an amazing woman and you always know just how to help me."

"You helped yourself, Jack. Those were your words."

"Yes, but you put them in my hands."

"So..." Elizabeth looked in his eyes, the worry that had been hidden in them before seemed to be gone. "You're feeling good about this week?"

"Yes," Jack nodded and smiled, his dimples sunken in deep, "very good."

He kissed her again, then tightened his arms around her, holding her against him. As they stood in the bathroom in each other arms, the smell of bacon filled the room.

"Smells like breakfast is ready," Elizabeth said, smiling, full of relief that Jack's eyes showed nothing but love and happiness.

Elizabeth pulled her robe on as they stepped out the bedroom door, Jack still wearing his lounge pants and t-shirt. Walking down the stairs, the smell of cinnamon joined the scent of bacon that wafted up toward them.

Grace and Charlotte moved around the small kitchen together; Grace at the stove, flipping a piece of French toast in a skillet, while Charlotte set plates on the pass-thru bar countertop, along with silverware and glasses full of orange juice. Sam walked up just as Elizabeth did, and the two women carried the place settings and glasses to the dining table in the adjoining room.

Jack took the elevator down and returned with Frank, Lee and Rosemary.

Once breakfast was ready and the table was set, everyone merged together around the table. Conversations flowed through many topics; including the day's events, where they would eat lunch, and a pool game that would happen as soon as they finished eating.

Jack took hold of Elizabeth's hand, looking at her, he squeezed it, letting her know that he was ready. Elizabeth smiled and nodded, squeezing his hand back, giving him the support he needed with this decision.

"Everyone, I have an announcement to make."

The conversations were hushed as everyone turned their attention to Jack.

Jack looked at Elizabeth again, nervously grinning. She smiled, nodding again.

Grace covered her mouth and gasped, "Are you pregnant?"

Elizabeth shot a look at her mom, "Mother! We've been married less than two weeks."

Grace laughed and shrugged her shoulders, "Oh, yeah."

Everyone joined in with the laughter, easing Jack's nerves slightly.

"So, what is it, Jack?" Tom asked.

"I'm retiring from bull riding. This week is my final event."

"What? Really?" Tom asked. "When did this come about?"

"I've been thinking about it for a little while now. Beth and I discussed it and I really feel that this is the right thing to do. I think it's time."

"Sweetheart, you do what's right for you, and we'll support you all the way," Charlotte said.

"Thanks, Ma. I appreciate that."

"I must say, I didn't see that coming," Tom added. "But, Brother, I am actually glad to hear this."

Jack smiled, "Yes, I can understand that."

"Grace and I are honored that we were able to see you ride before you retire, Jack. This has been an enlightening trip so far." William chuckled, along with everyone else.

…..

With the table cleared and the dishes done, the women retired to the front room, each taking a spot on the couches.

Jack and Lee, still sitting at the dining table, watched videos of last evening's rides.

"See right there? You almost dropped your hand," Jack said, pointing at the screen of Lee during his ride.

"Yes, I see that. That was close."

"That, right there. That was great, Lee."

"Thanks. Oh, there. I need to make sure I don't do that again."

"It wasn't that bad. You had a great ride. Just be sure to watch your hand."

"Let's see yours," Lee stated as he fast forwarded to Jack's ride. "Wow, he really shot outta the chute."

"Yes, he did a bit."

"There, how you keep centered when he turns, I need to work on that." Lee stated, in awe of Jack's riding style.

"I had a little wobble there. He was a hard kicker, very hard."

They sat in silence for the remainder of the ride, watching it in slow motion so they could see every movement.

"Wow, Jack. If you keep riding like that all week, you've got this in the bag."

"Thanks, but we'll have to see what our draws are tonight."

Staring at the screen for a moment, Jack began to fast forward, searching for a particular bull. Pausing when he saw him, he stared at him, as if he was trying to get into the bull's mind.

"Jack, what are you doing? You'll drive yourself mad doing this."

"No, I just want to see how he moves...you know...just in case."

Jack tapped on play and watched the rider get thrown after only lasting five seconds. Keeping his eye on the bull, he saw Hannibal's Wrath immediately turn and begin to charge the fallen cowboy, only to be distracted by the bull fighters long enough for the rider to get away.

"Did you see that?" Jack asked softly.

Lee nodded, "Yep."

Jack laid the tablet down on the table and stared outside, watching a plane fly by in the distance. "I don't know what I'll do if I draw him."

"You'll ride him," Lee stated, matter-of-factly.

Jack turned to look at him, his brow furrowed. "What?"

"You'll ride him." Lee's expression was serious and he shrugged his shoulders slightly. "If you draw Hannibal's Wrath, you will ride him."

Jack shook his head, "I don't know."

"Well, I do. You came all this way to try to get your third title. You're not going to let this great grandson of Fury deter you. Or great-great grandson? Or is he the great-great-great grandson." Lee scratched his head. "Whatever he is, you'll ride him."

Jack chuckled, shaking his head at Lee. "I'm pretty sure he's the great grandson."

Jack and Lee joined Frank, Tom and William at the pool table. The men watched as Frank and William had a friendly game, followed by Tom and Jack with a very competitive one.

…..

After a few games, showers, and getting dressed, everyone filed onto the elevator to go to lunch; William and Grace's treat.

Getting to the Thomas & Mack Center with time to spare, the group entered through the front doors to look at some of the displays that the PBR had posted of the riders and bulls.

As Jack, Lee and their families walked through the lobby of the stadium, they stopped to look at a line of posters of each of the bull riders. Finding Lee's, Rosie stood next to it while Elizabeth took her picture. Elizabeth did the same when they found Jack's, posing for her photo.

Charlotte stood next to Frank, with her arm through his, smiling as she watched them goof around.

"Charlotte?" A deep voice called out.

She turned in the direction of the voice. "Jim?" She stepped toward him. "Jim, it is you."

The two hugged each other, then Jim held her at arms' length, "It is so good to see you. It's been too long."

"Yes, it has been." Charlotte stepped back and motioned to Jack and Tom.

"Hey there, Jim." Jack said as he walked up and shook his hand.

"Hi, Jack. I saw you ride last night. Amazing job."

"Thank you, Jim."

"You remember Tom, don't you, Jim?"

"Wow, yes. He was just a teenager last time I saw him. Hi, Tom."

"Tom, this is Jim. He was your dad's best friend. They rode together."

"Yes, I remember you. Good to see you." Tom reached out and shook his hand.

"So, how have you guys been? Are you still living on the ranch?" Jim asked.

"Yes," Charlotte responded, "still on the ranch. Tom and Jack each purchased a section and have their own places out there."

"That's wonderful. Glad to hear."

"Jack here just got married, almost two weeks ago."

"Really? That's great, Jack. Congratulations."

"Thank you." Jack motioned for Elizabeth to join him, "This is Elizabeth, my wife." Jack always smiled at the sound of that word.

Sam stepped up next to Tom and was introduced to Jim as well.

After a few more pleasantries and another hug for Charlotte, Jim left to join his family in the seats.

Jack looked at his watch. "I need to get going. I have to go sign autographs with a couple of other riders."

"Where is that going on?" Elizabeth asked.

"Down by the locker rooms. People with VIP passes can come down and meet us, chat, take selfies, and get autographs." Jack leaned down and kissed her. "I probably won't see you before opening ceremonies so I'll see you after the event tonight."

Elizabeth quickly hugged him, kissing him hard. "I love you. Good luck tonight."

"Thanks, Baby." Jack winked at her and stepped away.

She watched as he joined another rider and they made their way through the crowd. Jack was already wearing his chaps, another sponsored shirt, and his black felt cowboy hat. He turned to look at her just before turning the corner, smiled, and winked again.

…..

"Las Vegas, it's time to meet the best bull riders in the world. Let's show these men just how much we love them." A thunderous applause filled the stadium as light beams swirled around the arena. The whole scene appeared like an elaborate concert.

Pyrotechnics began to explode and burn as the first rider entered the arena. The announcer read off the name of each rider, in the order of placings so far for the week, from last place to first.

With Back in Black playing in the background, each man, as their names were called, stepped through a curtain, sparks shooting into the air from the ground on either side of them. Walking toward the center of the arena, they carefully stepped through the flames of the burning PBR on the dirt. It was a sight to behold as smoke filled the air around them and the men emerged from the darkness and stepped into the immense brightness of the spotlight.

With one cowboy out so far, thirty-six names were read before Lee appeared through the smoke, smiling his normal huge grin, his teeth showing, arm raised in a vigorous wave.

"The happiest cowboy you'll ever meet, from Missouri, Lee Coulter."

Rosemary, joined by the Thorntons and the Thatchers, jumped to her feet and cheered him on; screaming almost loud enough to be heard over the nearly twenty thousand people that filled the venue.

"Your reigning world champion, from Brazil, Guilherme Marchi!"

Guilherme stepped through the flames, waving at the crowd that was applauding and cheering him on; he was definitely one of the favorites there this week.

Elizabeth saw Jack step through the curtain. Even through the smoke, she could see the focus and determination on his face.

"He won the world championship two times, in 2003 and 2005, please welcome...Jack Thornton!"

Elizabeth and her family all stood, clapping, whistling, cheering; supporting Jack from their seats.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if you could join me as we rise. Gentlemen, we ask that you remove cover, as we pause for the singing of our National Anthem."

A tall, slender man stepped into the arena and lifted a microphone to his mouth and began to sing.

Once the song was over, the man left the arena and the announcer came back on again, silencing the wild crowd.

"Please remain standing as we pray. Dear Heavenly Father. We come to You with humble hearts, asking for safety for our cowboys, our livestock, and our crew. We say thank You for allowing us this time to gather, to praise You, as we watch our favorite sport. We thank You for bringing everyone here safely; we thank You for everyone who helped make this evening possible; we thank You for the freedom to do so. We ask that You watch over our troops, both home and away. We thank You for the bravery of the men and women who fight for our freedoms to enjoy an event like this. Thank You, wonderful God, for being a forgiving God. In Your Son's name we pray. Amen."

After the numbers for the bulls were drawn, the competitors left the arena and assembled behind the chutes. The bulls were run through, filling each of the four chutes that lined across the top of the arena.

Jack and Lee stood at the end of the raised platform, watching the riders prepare for their second time out.

The first bull launched out of the chute, throwing his rider in two seconds. Turning, the bull ran over him, his hind foot landing square on the rider's chest. Bull fighters immediately intervened and got the bull away and out of the arena.

Everyone watched in horror as eight men surrounded him, maneuvering him onto a back board. One held his legs as another stabilized his head once he was fully on the board.

"Help me," he cried out.

"Caleb, we're gonna help you. Just try to relax," the medical director said in a level voice.

"Come on, man. I can't breathe." He struggled against the men trying to help him as they continued to hold his legs down.

"Everything's going to be fine. Just hold still." He unzipped Caleb's vest and opened it, allowing his chest freedom to catch a breath.

He continued to moan in pain and his slurred words made no sense.

"Caleb, can you open your eyes for me?"

Caleb opened his eyes, but could not focus on the man speaking to him.

"No, no, look up here, Caleb."

Caleb tried to sit up, pushing against the man that held his legs.

"No, look up here at me, Caleb." He taped his head to the board with large rolls of cotton on either side. "Everybody, get on a corner." Each man grabbed a section of the board. "1, 2, 3, up. Hold still, Caleb." He held his head as the other men carefully eased him out of the arena. "Caleb, look at me. Caleb. Up here. Easy through the gate," he called out to the men carrying the board. "Keep still, Caleb. Try not to move."

Picking up his microphone, the announcer began to speak, "Let's let this cowboy know how we feel. He can hear you, folks. He can hear you." His voice cracked at the end as he lowered his microphone and looked down, shaking his head.

The crowd stood on their feet as they exited through the gate, clapping and cheering for the injured rider.

Picking up his microphone, he attempted to get the event going again.

"That's a rough way to start the evening. Our prayers go out to Caleb and his family. We will keep you posted with any updates we receive."

Jack was gripping onto the top rail, looking down at his white knuckles. Lee dropped his hand onto Jack's shoulder, squeezing it, "He's going to be alright."

Jack nodded, "Yep." He straightened and turned to Lee. "Let's go pray."

Jack hopped off the platform with Lee just behind him. Kneeling in the dirt behind the line of onlooking cowboys, Jack and Lee prayed for Caleb, for the safety of all the other riders, and for their own safety. Four other riders that had seen them, joined them in the dirt and in prayer.

Returning to the platform in time to see the fourth rider leave the chute, Jack and Lee watched with intensity, studying the bull. Like the rider before him, he lasted the eight seconds and received a score of 78.

Moving the bulls through the chutes again, Jack saw Hannibal's Wrath load into chute 2. Unable to take his eyes off the bull, Jack missed the next rider who hit the dirt after five seconds.

"Hey, Jack." Lee said, shoving his shoulder into Jack.

Jack turned to Lee, "What?"

"Did you see Beau's ride?"

"Huh?" Jack looked around to find Beau limping out of the arena. "Oh, no. Missed it."

"What are you looking at," Lee looked over to see the bull. "Oh."

As Aaron lowered himself onto the bull, Hannibal's Wrath jumped up in the chute, wedging Aaron's leg between the bull's body and the metal rails of the gate. The men along the top were all reaching down, grabbing Aaron by his vest, trying to pull him out. One man, with a bar stuck down between the bull and the gate, leaned back on the bar as hard as he could, pushing the bull off the gate, attempting to free Aaron's leg. Another man grabbed the bar, and pulling together, the two were able to move the bull over just enough for the others to pull Aaron free.

Once in the clear, Aaron evaluated his injuries; and determining they were not bad, he attempted to get back on the bull once more. Quickly getting the bull rope in place, his hand strapped in, he nodded, and the gate was swung open.

Hannibal's Wrath leaped out of the chute and twisted hard to the right, almost bending his body in half. Aaron lost his center, and fell to the side, hitting the ground with his shoulder. Bull fighters immediately hovered over him, drawing the bull's attention away.

Once the bull was locked behind the gate, Aaron limped out of the arena, holding his shoulder, and was met at the exit by the medical team for an evaluation.

"He's just like Fury," Jack commented, watching Aaron getting the necessary medical attention.

Voodoo Child, the black and white bull, made up of two thousand pounds of pure muscle, threw his rider five seconds into the ride, launching him into the air. Landing on his head, he was knocked out cold.

Elizabeth, Rosie, and the entire family, looked on in horror as bull after bull for the first twenty minutes, took out their riders, sending most of them back for medical needs.

"What is going on tonight?" Tom asked, not expecting an answer from anyone.

Elizabeth and Rosemary held each other's hands, praying for God to keep their men safe.

Lee was up next and eyed Jack as he helped him with his rigging.

"You've got this, Brother," Jack said in the most convincing voice he could conjure up at the moment.

Lee blew out a long breath, bit down on his mouth guard, and nodded.

Rosemary tightened her hold on Elizabeth's hand as she watched the bull leap from the chute. She said a silent prayer as her heart raced and her palms sweated, as she watched the huge monster jump, twist and turn. Each time Lee looked as if he was about to come off, Rosie would squeeze Elizabeth's hand a little tighter.

As the buzzer sounded, Lee pulled the rope, releasing his hand, and landed on his feet in the dirt. Seeing that he was free and safe from the bull, Rosemary let go of Elizabeth's hand and let out the breath that she had been holding, feeling the relief in her lungs.

Lee slowly moved toward the gates, waiting to hear his score.

"With only three riders with scores so far this evening, Lee is currently in first place with a score of 80.5."

Lee threw his helmet into the air and pointed toward Rosie, smiling his usual radiant smile.

Walking through the gate, Lee was met by Jack, Shane, Dustin and Kacey, each one congratulating him for his ride.

A few more riders finally made it to the buzzer, two scoring higher than Lee. A few more had gotten injured and had been sent back to medical.

Jack's turn was coming soon; he paced behind the platform. Lee approached him, gently grabbing his arm.

"Hey, Jack, it's time to get up there."

Jack turned, nodding to Lee. "Alright."

"Hey, man, are you okay?"

"Yep," Jack rolled his head back and forth, stretching his neck, "I'm ready."

Looking over the huge black bull known as Chicken on a Chain, Jack zipped his safety vest, then pulled on his riding glove. Dropping one end of his bull rope down, he watched as a man on the opposite side behind the gate hooked it and pulled it under the bull, handing it back up to Jack to feed it through the other end. He glanced up to Elizabeth one last time before entering the chute.

As soon as he lowered himself onto the bull, all other thoughts left his mind, the only things left were his tasks to prep for his job and complete his ride for the night.

Lee helped him with his rigging as Kody held on to Jack's vest, ready to pull him to safety if the bull began to act up.

Helmet on, mouthpiece in, hand strapped down, Jack nodded his head and the gate swung open.

Chicken stood, unmoving, as Jack's heart froze along with him, losing the knowledge of when the first jump would happen. As the flank strap handler pulled on the rope, tightening it even more, the bull burst out, almost leaving Jack behind.

Quickly catching up with the momentum of the bull, Jack spurred and moved with his motions like clockwork. Kicking to the sky, the bull performed all the tricks he was known for, but Jack held tight.

Eight seconds finally passed and Jack released his hand, soaring through the air. He hit the ground hard on his right hip and rolled to his feet.

The crowd roared louder than they had all night, knowing they had just witnessed a high scoring ride. Elizabeth stood, calling out Jack's name, joined by her family.

Jack unsnapped his helmet and winched with his first step as he tried to walk back to the gate. Holding his hip and limping, he pulled the helmet off.

"Ladies and gentlemen, now in first place, Jack Thornton just scored a 89.5!"

The crowd erupted again, going crazy over the sport they loved to watch.

Two more riders took their turns, neither making it to the buzzer. Guilherme Marchi was next, climbing onto the bull he'd drawn, the gate flew open and he rode with perfection. Jumping off the bull and removing his cowboy hat, he threw it up into the air and waved to the crowd.

"Our new first place rider, Guilherme just scored a 92!"

Going crazy with excitement, the rumble of the crowd roared throughout the entire stadium.

Jack, along with Lee and several other competitors, met Guilherme at the gate, shaking his hand and congratulating him.

The remaining few riders took their turns, four more scoring, but low.

The evening ended with Guilherme in first, then Jack, Kody, Shane, and Lee.

….

Returning to the suite, Jack excused himself to turn in early. Elizabeth joined him, finding him in the bathroom with his pants off, looking at his hip in the mirror. When Elizabeth got closer and Jack turned, she gasped at the sight. Jack's entire hip, from his waistline to mid-thigh, was black and purple.

"Jack, your hip. I didn't realize you landed that hard."

"It's not as bad as it looks."

"Well, it looks atrocious so even if it's half that bad, that's bad." She lowered to her knees, carefully looking over his wound. "I have some pain reliever in my bag, I'll go get it."

She disappeared out the door, returning less than a minute later with a bottle of Tylenol. "Here," she said as she poured three capsules into her hand.

Jack took them, tossing them into his mouth, and swallowed without the need of water. "Thank you."

"I'm going to get some ice."

"No, wait!" Jack turned and grabbed her arm. "Please wait until everyone goes to bed. I don't want my mom freaking out over this.

"Okay, Jack." She stepped to him, running her hands up and down his arms. "How are you doing, really?"

"I'm feeling really good, except for my hip of course." He grinned, flashing his dimples.

"I love those," she said, touching his cheeks.

She stretched up onto her toes and kissed his lips. Meaning for the kiss to be small and gentle, it quickly grew to more, filled with the fire of desire as the newlyweds wanted to be with each other, but had held back since the families arrived.

Jack, with his lips still covering hers, scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

"Wait, what about your hip?" She asked after he lowered her to the bed and slid in beside her.

"It's fine. I've already forgotten about it." Covering her lips again, he rolled her to her back, laying his body over hers.

"What about our family?"

"We'll be quiet," Jack grinned, pulling his shirt over his head.