No steam alerts on this one...sorry for those that enjoy them! But next chapter...most definitely have your iced water ready! For now...please enjoy a very long excerpt of a day at a rodeo.


April 16th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch

"Happy birthday, Skylar," Elizabeth said into the phone.

"Thanks, Aunt Beth."

"So, how's it feel to be nine?"

"The same as eight."

Elizabeth laughed at the little girl's honesty. "Yes, I suppose it does. Are you doing something fun today?"

"Yes, we're getting ready to go to the zoo. They have a baby giraffe now."

"How exciting. Tell your momma to take lots of photos."

"She will. I don't have to tell her."

"That's true. Any of your friends going?"

"Yes," she answered with excitement in her voice. "Chrissy and Carrie are going, and Rosa, too."

"Chrissy and Carrie, aren't they the twins that live next door to you."

"Yeah, they're my best friends."

"That's wonderful. Best friends are great to have."

"Do you want to talk to Mom?"

"Yes, sweetie. Have a beautiful day."

"Thank you, Aunt Beth. Love you."

"Hey, Beth," Julie said when her phone was returned.

The sisters spoke for another hour about their children and home life. Julie got Elizabeth caught up with the goings on of their high school friends, and Elizabeth shared all about the latest rodeo results.

When Brianna began to cry, Elizabeth said farewell to her sister and hung up the phone. As she started down the steps, she noticed that Brianna had stopped crying. She found her with Jack and Peyton, and the little girl had her baby sister on her lap, holding a bottle to the baby's mouth.

"What a good big sister," Elizabeth said as she walked across the room.

"I'm feeding her," Peyton happily exclaimed.

"You sure are. And you're doing a great job," Elizabeth said to her daughter.

She sat down next to Jack, who put an arm around her, and the couple watched as their oldest daughter fed their youngest. When she was finished, Jack assisted Peyton with moving Brianna to her shoulder, steadied the baby, and demonstrated how to lightly burp her. When Brianna finally got her relief, Petyon began giggling uncontrollably.

"She burped on me," the little girl said between laughs.

Jack shifted the baby back to Peyton's lap, and the two little girls stared at one another for a moment. Jack looked at Elizabeth and smiled while Elizabeth's eyes welled up.

"She's cute," Peyton said as she kissed her sister's forehead. "She's cuter than my baby dolls."

"She is, isn't she," Jack said with a grin.

"Can I go play now?" Peyton asked, looking up at her daddy.

"Of course." Jack lifted the baby and handed her to Elizabeth as Peyton slid off the couch and ran to the dining room, where her brothers were playing a game with their grandparents.

"Little Brianna here is going to be quite spoiled by all her siblings," Jack stated as he looked at his daughter in his wife's arms.

"And grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...daddy."

Jack looked at his wife and grinned until his dimples set in deep. "Well, I do spoil all of my kids just a bit."

Elizabeth scrunched her nose up and smiled. "Just a bit."

…..

Elizabeth was sitting on the bed with Brianna in her arms, having just finished nursing her, when Wyatt jumped onto the mattress. He laid on his belly, and army crawled toward Elizabeth.

"What's the matter, boy? It's okay." Elizabeth said as she tilted Brianna up for him to see.

Wyatt had never been far away since bringing the baby home, but he also hadn't truly met her yet...not up close and personal anyway. He stretched his neck until his nose touched the baby's blanket and sniffed several times. He crawled some more until he was against Elizabeth's leg, then sniffed near Brianna's face.

"A new sister," Elizabeth said as she petted the dog's head. "Another one for you to protect and keep safe."

Wyatt gently licked Brianna's face, then laid his head on the blanket-wrapped baby, already moving into protection mode.

"Such a good boy," Elizabeth said, then laid her hand on the dog's back.

He remained this way, his head on Brianna until Elizabeth moved her into the bassinet. Then Wyatt walked around Elizabeth and laid between her and Brianna, protecting them both.

…..

That evening, Jack and Elizabeth were having dinner at Tom's house when Savannah walked into the kitchen. She picked up an armload of juice boxes and carried them to the sunroom, where all the kids were playing with Nitro, Luke's puppy.

"Is Savannah still messaging that boy?" Jack asked his brother.

"Yep," Tom answered shortly.

"Dakota is a nice boy, Tom," Sam said.

"How do you know?" Tom asked.

"Because your daughter is a very intelligent girl. She was raised to respect herself as well as others. She's levelheaded and knows right from wrong."

Jack and Tom both sat in silence and nodded their heads.

"Can you please go check on the kids?" Elizabeth asked Jack as she looked down at Brianna, asleep in her carrier.

"Yes, dear," he replied with a grin and kissed her cheek.

Jack left the kitchen, followed by Tom, leaving Elizabeth and Sam alone. Elizabeth propped her elbows on the island and looked at Sam.

"So, tell me what Savannah really said about Dakota."

Sam smiled, pulled up a stool, and took a seat. "She had noticed him at a few other rodeos last year and thought he was cute. But this was the first time she'd noticed him looking back."

"Oh, her heart must have just stopped."

"I'm sure it did. He seems like a really sweet kid."

"And polite."

"Yes. Did you see him help her with the saddle?" Sam beamed.

"I did, yes."

"I'm just so happy for Savannah. She's been so worried that a boy wouldn't like her. And now I know why. I just hope she doesn't get hurt."

"She's going to get hurt, Sam. There's no way around that. Unless this boy ends up being the one. But...I highly doubt that."

"Yeah, I know. It's just hard to think about, though. It makes my heart hurt."

"We can't keep them locked inside, though we'd all like to," Elizabeth smiled.

"I'm in total agreement with that one," Jack said as he walked back into the kitchen. "Let's just put up a ten-foot fence around the entire ranch and keep all the kids locked inside." Jack pulled a stool behind his wife, sat down with a leg on either side of her, and kissed her neck. "How's that sound?"

"Sounds like a prison," Elizabeth answered.

"Locking up the kids is not the solution," Sam said as Tom moved in beside her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

"We know, babe," he said. "But we can dream, can't we?"

Jack chuckled at his brother, then nodded in agreement. "Didn't Savannah say that Dakota would be there this weekend?"

"Yes," Sam answered.

Jack grinned at Tom and nodded.

"What are you two planning?" Sam asked, looking back and forth between the brothers.

"Nothing to worry about," Tom said, then kissed the top of Sam's cheek again. "We just want to get to know the boy a little better."

"Oh, Tom. Don't you guys dare try to scare him away. It will break your daughter's heart."

"We wouldn't do that," he responded.

"No, we just want to...talk to him," Jack added.

Elizabeth turned and looked at her husband. "Jack, you better be nice to Dakota. You are a very intimidating man."

"Me? Intimidating?"

Elizabeth cocked her head and raised her eyebrows. "Have you looked at you?"

Jack laughed and wrapped his arms around Elizabeth. "We will be very nice to Dakota. But he is going to answer a few questions."

"Well, there's nothing wrong with that," Sam said. "But don't you embarrass your daughter either."

"I would never do such a thing," Tom replied.

"How did they communicate?" Elizabeth asked.

"She swapped numbers with some of the girls and Dakota, and they texted each other."

"That's clever. Better than writing everything down."

"That's why we finally decided to get her a phone this year. She's been going out to the barn on her own and riding out in the fields. We wanted her to have a way to let us know where she was and that she was alright. We were also hoping it might help her make some new friends," Sam said. "We just didn't know it would happen this fast...or with a boy."

…..

April 17th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch

Jack was placing halters on the three ponies while Lee was getting a young gelding to work on. When Lee stepped out of the barn with the horse beside him, he spotted Jack crossing the lawn to the small side pasture with all three ponies in tow. After setting them loose, Jack returned to the barn to get another horse.

Waiting near the barn, Lee waited until Jack was within earshot. "Hey, if I told you ten years ago that you would own three tiny ponies, what would you have said?"

Jack laughed, then replied, "I would have told you that you were out of your mind, Brother."

"If only our twenty-year-old selves could see us now," Lee joked.

"They would have laughed all the way to the bar," Jack chuckled.

"You're probably right."

"Personally, I don't even want to think about my twenty-year-old self. He was embarrassing."

Lee nodded his head in agreement. "True dat, Jacko."

"Now, get to work," Jack called out flippantly as he walked into the barn.

"Yes, sir!" Lee shouted as he headed toward the round pen.

Jack slipped a halter onto a gelding that had just been delivered last week. He'd already had a few sessions with the horse but wasn't making the progress he'd hoped. He led the horse to the second round pen, released him, then returned to the barn to get his training gear.

Lee was making strides with the mare he was training and had just ridden her for the first time. After several successful trips around the pen, Lee got off and removed the saddle, ending their session on a good note. He returned the mare to her stall as Jack walked out with his arms loaded.

"Going to ride that nasty thing today?" Lee asked, seeing an old saddle in Jack's hand.

"We'll see how it goes," Jack answered with a grin.

When Lee returned to the round pens to watch Jack work his magic, Jack was already struggling with the animal. The horse would either jump toward Jack each time the man attempted to approach him, or the gelding tried to turn his back end to him, preparing to kick. Those were the times Jack pulled hard on the lead rope, jerking the horse's head back toward him, keeping himself out of the line of fire of those back legs.

"He's in a mood today," Lee stated as he took a seat on top of the picnic table. Lee was constantly watching and learning from Jack, improving his own training skills.

"Yes, and I have no idea what his problem is," Jack replied. Then using his whole body, he pulled the horse's head around once more just before the animal kicked out.

He sent the horse into a circle, forcing him to run as fast as possible, hoping to work out some of the energy and aggression. But as the gelding was making his second trip around the pen, he suddenly turned toward Jack and charged. Jack quickly moved back, almost losing his footing, then jumped to the side out of the path of the angry animal.

"You alright, Jack?" Lee asked as he jumped to his feet.

Jack didn't answer but instead got after the horse, sending the gelding into a run around the pen once more. Jack elevated his energy, the movements of his arm, and the volume in his voice as he chased the horse around. Feeling he finally got the animal's attention, Jack relaxed, lowered his arms, and took a step back, allowing the horse and stop and rest.

The gelding stood still, trying to catch his breath, his sides heaving as he turned his head to look at Jack. Jack, too, sucked in a few deep breaths before sending the horse into another run. After a few more trips around the pen, Jack moved back to change the animal's direction when the horse charged him one more time. But having been halfway through turning around, the horse was closer to Jack this time, hitting him with his chest and pushing him back into the round pen panel.

Lee ran to the pen, scaled the six-foot high panel, and jumped down to chase the horse off Jack. "Are you alright, Jack?"

Jack pulled himself up, gripping onto a rail of the pen, then stood. The air had been knocked out of him, and Jack took several deep breaths as he bent over, resting his hands on his thighs.

"Come on," Lee said, steadying Jack by holding his arm. He helped Jack through the nearby gate while never taking his eyes off the horse. Once the gate was secured, Lee guided Jack to the table and eased him down onto the seat. "How are you feeling?" he asked as he knelt in front of his friend.

"I'm good, now that I can breathe. He punched the air right out of me."

"Are you hurt anywhere?"

Jack sat straight, wincing a bit, but didn't feel anything was broken. "No, I'm good. My back hurts a bit from hitting the fence."

"He got you good, Brother. You hit that panel pretty hard."

"I need to get back in there. I can't let the session end like this. He'll do it every time."

"Jacko, if I allow you back into that pen after that, Beth will kill me with her bare hands."

Jack chuckled, then replied, "Yeah, I supposed your right."

"What do you want me to do with him?"

"Leave him in there for now until I decide what I want to do."

…..

The gelding, with the lead rope still hanging from his halter, was standing on the opposite side of the pen, staring at Jack. When Lee arrived with Annie, Jack was still sitting on the picnic table bench. The gelding crossed the pen once Annie was at the gate, and Lee opened it, grabbed the horse's lead rope, and pulled him out. Keeping Annie between him and the gelding, Lee led both horses back into the barn and easily got the gelding back into his stall.

Jack had followed them and took Annie to put her up while Lee unsnapped the gelding's lead and closed the stall door. "That went much smoother than I thought it would," Lee said as he crossed the barn to Jack.

"That horse is fine around other horses as long as you aren't making him work. It's when you try to make him do something is when he acts out." After closing Annie's pen, Jack sat down on a nearby stack of hay.

"Are you okay?" Lee asked one more time.

"Yeah. Just a bit sore. Nothing I haven't felt before," Jack said, grinning up at Lee.

"I can finish up out here. Why don't you go to the house, get some pain reliever, and rest for a bit."

Jack nodded and stood. "I think that's a good idea. I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks, Brother," Jack said as he laid his hand on Lee's shoulder.

"Of course," Lee said. "Are you okay with walking to the house?"

"Yes, I'm feeling much better."

Lee watched Jack as he walked out of the barn, then stepped to the doorway to make sure Jack made it to the house. Once he saw his friend disappear around to the back door, Lee returned to his chores.

…..

Elizabeth was carrying a basket full of clothes when she entered the laundry room. It was shared with the mudroom, and she hadn't noticed Jack standing in the corner.

"Hey, Beautiful," he said in a low, sexy voice.

Elizabeth screamed and dropped the basket of clothes onto the floor. "Jack!" she scolded. "That's not funny."

"Sorry," he said as he unbuttoned his dirt-covered shirt.

Elizabeth picked up the clothes, and when she stood, she saw Jack struggling to get his shirt off.

"What's wrong with you?" she asked as she placed the basket on the washing machine.

"Nothing. I'm fine."

"Jack Ashton Thornton. Still, after all these years, you aren't going to be truthful with me?"

"I don't want you worrying."

"Well, saying that isn't going to make me not worry." She crossed the room and pulled on the collar of his shirt. "Oh, my goodness, Jack. What happened?"

"How bad is it?" he asked, trying to look over his shoulder.

"It's bad. What happened?"

"I was working with a young gelding...and he wasn't having it today."

"What does that mean?"

"He wasn't in the mood to listen, and...he let me know exactly what he thought about me." Jack finished removing his shirt, and Elizabeth gasped.

"Jack," she said as she traced the large bruise that spread across his back. "Did he throw you?"

"No, I never even made it onto his back. He charged me, and I hit the fence."

"Was Lee out there?"

"He was watching me work with the gelding and jumped in to help me out."

"I don't even know what to say about this," she said, gently touching the black and blue marking on his skin.

"It's part of work," he said nonchalantly. "I should have read the horse better and let him rest. But I thought for sure I could get through to him today. Now, I'll have to start all over."

"This looks very painful, Jack. You should lay down and let me put an ice pack on it."

Jack kissed her softly, then replied, "I'm going to soak in the tub with some Epson salt, then you can do that."

"Okay, I'll be up in a little while."

She watched Jack walk away. He was moving stiffly, but he was moving, and Elizabeth was thankful for that. She placed the first load into the washer, then picked up Jack's shirt to add it. She held it to her nose and took a deep breath in. His cologne filled her senses as she closed her eyes and thanked the Lord for keeping Jack safe.

Elizabeth picked up the monitor and moved to the kitchen sink to look out the window. The kids were on the playground, running as the grandpa and grandma reached up through the railings, pretending to grab them. After retrieving two large ice packs from the freezer, Elizabeth went to the bedroom. She turned the monitor off and set it on the dresser, peeked into the bassinet at the sleeping Brianna, then went into the bathroom.

Jack was lying in the tub with the water up to his neck. His head was resting against a folded towel, and his eyes were closed. Elizabeth sat on the edge and laid her hand on Jack's head. Jack opened his eyes, looked up at his wife, and smiled.

"Hey, Beautiful."

"Hey, Cowboy. How are you feeling."

"Much better. A big dose of ibuprofen and a soak in the tub work wonders."

"Good." Elizabeth bent down and kissed Jack.

"Where are the kids and your parents?"

"They are out on the playground."

"Brianna still asleep?"

"Yes."

"Is your phone in your pocket?" Jack asked.

"No, why?"

Before Elizabeth could protest, Jack slipped his arms around his wife and pulled her into the water. She screeched, then covered her mouth so she wouldn't wake their daughter.

"Jack, why did you do that? You're going to hurt yourself."

"Don't you know that you're the best medicine?"

"Well, now I'm drenched," Elizabeth said, looking at her clothes.

"And that's a problem...why?" Jack asked with a grin.

Elizabeth thought for a second, then grinned and shook her head. "I guess it isn't." She put her arms around Jack's neck and kissed him.

…..

April 18th, 2015 – Siloam Springs Rodeo, Arkansas

Savannah constantly scanned the faces of the people walking by as she saddled her horse. Rosemary watched her, then walked over and tapped Savannah's shoulder.

"He'll show," Rosie told her niece.

"I know. It's just that..." Savannah didn't finish her sentence.

"It's what?"

"I'm so nervous. I really like him."

"Have you talked today?"

Savannah shook her head. "Not since last night."

"But he said he was coming?"

"Yes, he's riding today."

"He'll be here," Rosie signed, straightening the young girl's hat. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I might throw up."

Rosemary laughed, then pulled the girl into a hug.

…..

Jack, Tom, and Lee were crossing the rodeo grounds when they spotted Dakota walking with two other boys.

"Ready, boys?" Tom asked.

"Now or never," Jack answered.

Lee wove his fingers together, stretched his hands out in front of him, and cracked his knuckles. "Let's do this," he said as he started walking.

The three men approached the young teen. He was laughing about something with his friends, then froze when he saw the three prominent men walking up to him.

"Good morning, Dakota," Tom started.

"Good morning, Sir."

"Do you have a minute?" Tom asked the nervous teen.

"Of course, Sir." Dakota turned to his friends. "I'll catch up with you guys later."

As soon as the other two boys were gone, Jack, Tom, and Lee, almost circling the teen, crossed their arms and stood with a wide stance.

"What are your intentions with my daughter," Tom asked, jumping right in.

"Sir?"

"What are you planning with Savannah?"

"Sir, nothing. Nothing bad. I just want to get to know her." Dakota's voice cracked slightly, just the response the guys were after.

"How many girlfriends have you had?" Lee asked.

Shocked by this question, the boy looked at Lee. "None, sir."

"How long have you been chasing Savannah?" Tom asked.

"Never. Last weekend was the first time I had the courage to speak to her."

"Why Savannah?" Jack asked.

Dakota looked at Jack now. "Sir?"

"Why do you want to get to know Savannah? There are all kinds of girls around here. What drew you to our Savannah?" Jack asked.

"Because she's amazing. How she handles her horse, even with her...her..."

"Disability?" Tom asked.

"I wouldn't call it that, but yes," the young man replied.

"Yes, my daughter is an extraordinary girl. But she's not a normal girl."

"I know, sir. She's better."

This statement left all three men speechless for a moment as they stared down at this young teen. They could tell by the quivering in his voice that he was nervous, but he answered their questions with conviction and stood tall in front of them.

"She's still only twelve," Tom added.

"I know, sir. I'm only thirteen."

"And how are you able to talk to us so calmly?" Lee asked. "Most kids your age would be running for the hills."

"My mom is a lawyer, my dad is a bareback rider and a veterinarian, and they have always taught us the importance of speaking intelligently. Especially with adults." Dakota chuckled, then added, "If only you knew how I felt on the inside right now."

All three men began to relax and uncrossed their arms. This simple gesture aided Dakota in settling slightly as well.

Dakota shoved his hands into his pockets and dragged the toe of his boot through the dirt. "I just want to get to know your daughter and hang out with her and our friends at the events...if that's okay with you, that is."

Tom looked at Jack, who tipped his head to the side with a slight eye roll. After releasing a hard breath, Tom answered, "Yes, Dakota. That's fine with her mom and me."

"Thank you, sir." Dakota's eyes jumped from one man's face to another as they stood in uncomfortable silence. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Tom answered.

"My family is letting me have some friends over to our campsite tonight to sit around the fire and hang out. My parents will be there the entire time. Would it be okay if Savannah came and hung out with us for a little while? It's only until 10. And your whole family is welcome to join us. Most of the parents of my friends will be there."

Tom looked at Jack again, thinking things through, then looked at the teen. "Sure. We'll all come over after the rodeo ends."

A smile grew across the boy's face. "Thank you, sir...sirs." Dakota was unsure which man he was supposed to address, so he addressed them all. Dakota looked from one man to the other, then rested his gaze on Tom. "I don't mean to be rude, sir. But I must go get ready for my event."

"Of course," Tom said as he stepped to the side. "Good luck on your ride."

"Thank you, sir," Dakota said, then ran toward the arena where his friends were waiting.

"We'll be watching you," Lee called out, but Dakota was too far away to hear him.

"That was fun," Jack joked. "So, Brother," Jack said as he placed his hand on Tom's shoulder, "what do you think of the ole' boy?"

Tom shook his head, still in disbelief that this was his life. "When did she get this old?"

"Sneaks up on you, doesn't it?" Jack replied.

"It sure did."

"But we need to give that boy some cred. He held his ground with the three of us. Not too many would have done that," Jack informed his brother.

"He sure did," Tom replied with a bit of sadness in his voice.

"What's wrong, Brother?" Lee asked.

"I so badly wanted to hate him...but I don't."

The men began to laugh, then stopped, realizing that none of them hated the boy. He'd won all three of them over in one fell swoop.

…..

Savannah and Rosemary were leading their horses toward the practice arena when Savannah spotted Dakota. He was running toward her with a smile on his face. Rosemary saw Savannah grin, then looked in the direction of her gaze.

"I'll meet you at the arena," Rosie signed. When Savannah nodded, Rosemary walked off but glanced over her shoulder a few times to watch the young girl.

"Hey," Dakota said with a wave. And then, as a shock to Savannah, Dakota lifted his hands and spelled her name.

Savannah grabbed her phone and opened her messaging app.

"You learned to sign?"

"I just started. I can spell our names and say a few words."

Savannah stood smiling at Dakota, not knowing quite what to say.

As her phone vibrated, she looked down to read it. "I plan to keep learning more so I can talk to you like normal."

Normal. This single, simple word stared back at Savannah. Normal. She had never felt normal. Though her family never treated her any differently than the other kids and allowed her to follow her dreams, no matter what they were, she had always felt different. And now, for Dakota to want to talk to her like normal, the boy had no idea what that had meant to her.

She was still staring at her phone when she felt a light tap on her arm. She looked to find Dakota watching her with a concerned look on his face.

"Are you okay?" he signed perfectly.

Savannah smiled, one that reached her eyes, and nodded.

Dakota looked back to his phone and began to type.

"I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner. My phone battery was dead, and it was in the trailer charging. My mom just ran it over to me. I saw you texted this morning and wanted to come find you in person."

"Okay," Savannah signed with a smile.

"I have to go get ready to ride. Will you watch me?"

After reading it, Savannah looked back up at the teen and nodded.

"Cool," he said aloud. He looked over his shoulder at his friends, waving for him to hurry. "I have to go. I'll come find you later."

Savannah smiled and nodded, then watched Dakota jog back to his friends.

…..

"Let me hold my granddaughter, please," Grace said as she removed Brianna from Elizabeth's arms. "I only have a few days left with her, and I plan on spoiling her rotten all three days."

Grace sat down on the bench in front of Elizabeth, and Elizabeth leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her mother's shoulders. "I'm going to miss you and Daddy so much."

Grace patted Elizabeth's arm with her free hand and looked down at Brianna. "We'll come back soon for a visit. We can't stay away from these angels for too long."

"Anytime, Mom. And for however long you want."

Blake, in his dirt-covered clothes, climbed up the steps and onto Elizabeth's lap. "I want to do that again," he said with a grin, referring to mutton busting.

"You can at the next rodeo that has it."

"That was fun."

Mutton busting had been the day's opening event, and Blake and Austin had participated, along with twenty other children. Both boys had fallen off within the first few seconds, but they had laughed at each other instead of getting upset about it. Peyton decided that she didn't want to get her clothes dirty, and Colton backed out at the last minute, afraid to give it a try.

"How's your knee?" Elizabeth asked and pulled his pant leg high enough to reveal the minor scrape on his skin.

"It doesn't hurt anymore. That sheep got me," he laughed.

"He sure did. But you're tougher than that sheep."

Blake straightened until he was big and tall and nodded his head. "Yes, I am. I'm tougher than any sheep."

Elizabeth hugged the little boy and held him for a moment. "You're such a good boy. I love you very much."

Blake pulled back and placed his hands on Elizabeth's cheeks. Patting them gently, he said, "I love you very much, Mommy."

Blake slid off Elizabeth's lap and made his way down the bleachers to where Austin was waiting. The boys began joking and laughing again about their falls off the sheep and started dramatically acting out how each of them had landed.

Charlotte, who had been sitting next to Elizabeth and watched the exchange between her and Blake, leaned toward her daughter-in-law until their shoulders were touching.

"You are an amazing mother to that boy," Charlotte said softly to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth looked at her mother-in-law and smiled. "He makes it very easy."

"Still, not everyone would have done what you did, and we are all very proud of you." Charlotte put her arm behind Elizabeth and squeezed her. "We are all the better for knowing you, too."

"Oh, Mom." Elizabeth hugged Charlotte, then cupped her chin with her hand. "You are the one we are all the better for knowing." Elizabeth kissed Charlotte's cheek, then added. "I have the best two moms in the world, too."

"How did my boys get so lucky to find the two of you?" Charlotte asked. "You and Sam are way too good for them," she said in a joking tone.

"I think they had a little help," Elizabeth teased and pointed toward the sky.

"No doubt about that," Charlotte laughed.

Elizabeth straightened and looked at the chutes on the far end of the arena. "Hey, isn't that Dakota?"

Sam stretched and looked toward the chutes. "It sure is. He did say he was riding today." Sam began to scan the crowd and found Jack, Lee, and Tom lining the fence near the chutes. They were indeed there to watch the boy ride. She scanned the crowd and spotted Rosemary and Savannah on the opposite end. They were sitting on their horses and were focused on the activity around the chutes.

…..

"How do you think he'll do," Tom asked Jack as they watched the boys getting ready.

"I'm really not sure." Jack watched Dakota as his father and an older boy helped him prepare for his ride. "That's Dan Ralley's son talking to Dakota right now. Jeremiah is a great rider. If he's mentoring Dakota, then he'll probably ride really well."

"Do you know his father?" Tom asked.

"I've heard of him but had never met him before. I've only heard good things about him, too."

Three boys and his father gathered around Dakota as he pulled his helmet onto his head. His horse was ready, his riggin already in place, and Dakota stepped into the chute over the large animal. He carefully lowered onto the horse as his dad held onto his vest, double-checked his glove, then shoved his hand into the riggin. After pulling his fingers through, bending them around the wooden handle, and pounding them into place, Dakota moved forward and laid back against the horse. With a quick nod, the gate swung open, and the horse burst from the chute.

Jack and the guys watched as the horse began to buck. "Look at him spur," Jack commented, pointing at the boy.

"He isn't missing a beat," Lee added.

The teen remained on the horse as his body was jolted back and forth. Jack had never figured out how bareback riders didn't get their brains scrambled when they rode; the force their bodies went through was astonishing.

"Riding bulls was hard enough on the body, but bareback riding looks absolutely painful," Lee stated as the teen passed in front of them.

"Every one of them has got to have a headache," Tom added.

As the buzzer blew, Dakota yanked his hand from the riggin and was thrown from the horse. He hit the ground on his feet, ran a few steps, then fell forward from the momentum. Dakota got to his feet, checked where the horse was, then unsnapped his helmet and threw it into the air. He pointed toward the sky, like many cowboys after a successful ride, then scanned the audience for his family. After waving at them, Dakota quickly glanced to see if Savannah had seen him. Finding her immediately, he grinned, dropped his gaze to the dirt, picked up his helmet, and walked out.

"Well, good grief," Tom said.

"What's wrong?" Jack asked his brother.

"Now I like him even more," Tom answered with an aggravated tone.

…..

"He's very good," Rosemary told Savannah before turning their horses.

Savannah smiled and nodded. She squeezed Cash into a lope, and they crossed the grounds to the practice arena. Savannah and Rosemary slowly loped their horses around the outer edge, getting them accustomed to their location and the new horses around them. They worked some of the energy out of them, then returned to the trailers where they removed the headstalls, loosened the saddles, and tied the horses. The animals' hay bags were already filled and hanging up, and Delilah and Cash immediately began eating.

As Savannah handed Rosemary her bridle to hang with the tack, Tom, Jack, Luke, and Lee appeared from around the trailer.

"Hi, Daddy," Savannah signed with a huge smile.

Tom gave his daughter a big hug, then stepped back.

"Did you get your horse warmed up?"

"Yes, Cash did great."

"Good." Tom looked at Jack, then back to his daughter. "Did you see Dakota ride?"

She grinned and nodded her head. "Wasn't he good?" she asked.

"Yes, sweetie, he was very good," Tom answered.

All three men looked up and stared at something behind Savannah. The young girl turned around to find Dakota walking up to them. His safety vest was off now, but he was still wearing his chaps, and Savannah noticed a leather cross stitched into them. A huge smile covered her face, and her entire stomach felt as if it was doing flips in her abdomen.

"Hello, sirs, ma'am," he said to the men and Rosemary and tipped his hat. "Hello, Savannah," he signed.

As they watched the boy sign to Savannah, Tom, Jack, Lee, and Rosemary stood with their jaws dropped.

Savannah grinned and gave a little wave to say hello.

"Do you want to come sit with us?"

Savannah turned toward her father, her face pleading for a yes.

"That's fine. But check in with your mother from time to time. And do not leave the arena area," Tom signed

"Okay, Dad. Thank you."

"Text me if you need anything."

"Okay."

"Pay mind to the events, so Rosie doesn't have to come find you."

"Okay."

"Be good."

"I will, Daddy."

Savannah jumped up and kissed Tom's cheek, then walked away beside Dakota. All eyes were on Tom as he released a hard breath.

"This sucks," he said.

"I do not envy you, Brother," Jack informed him. "I feel like that's my girl walking away with him."

Tom put his arm around Jack, laying his hand on his shoulder. "She's all of ours."

With their arms around each other's shoulders, the two brothers watched as Savannah walked away with Dakota. They were thinking back to her as a little girl, running around in pigtails, when Lee's voice brought them back to the present.

"You know, we can take the kid out back and...you know...take care of him," Lee joked.

"Don't tempt me," Tom said with a laugh.

"Sorry to break up the fun, but we need to get our horses ready, Jacko," Lee said.

Jack and Luke turned and followed Lee to the other side of the trailer, where Maverick, Jake, and Cisco waited and began to saddle their mounts.

…..

As they sat on the bleachers along the east side of the arena, Dakota turned to face Savannah. "Ummm," Dakota said, trying to remember the correct movements. "How...are...you?"

Butterflies were doing gymnastics in her stomach at the fact that this boy had begun to learn ASL for her. She smiled and replied, "Good." Pointing at Dakota, she asked, "And you?"

"I'm please you," he signed. Savannah began to laugh as Dakota's cheeks blushed. "Did I do that wrong?" he asked.

Savannah nodded, then showed him 'please' by rubbing her hand on her chest. "Please," she muttered.

"Oh, I was trying to say I'm happy to see you."

Savannah nodded, then took Dakota's hand. "Please," she demonstrated with his hand on his chest. "Happy," she said as she switched his hand to a scooping movement.

"I see," he said, understanding the difference now.

Savannah began typing on her phone. "You did great on your ride."

Dakota smiled at Savannah and signed, "Thank you."

It warmed Savannah's heart each time Dakota signed. She was still in shock that this young man had taken the time to learn something so vital in her life.

He lifted his phone and began typing. "Some of my friends are visiting our campsite tonight with their parents. I talked to your dad and uncles and invited you and them, and he said they would come. Do you want to come?"

Savannah looked at Dakota, smiled, and nodded.

"Good," he said aloud. Looking down at his phone again, he thought to himself that he needed to learn ASL faster so he could stop typing. Once he was finished, he pressed send. "Would you like something to eat or drink?"

"Yes, that would be nice," she typed back.

Dakota stood and motioned for Savannah to move in front of him. They worked their way through the crowd toward the concession stand, then saw his group of friends. Dakota raised his hand and waved at them, and upon seeing Savannah, the girls from last weekend ran over to greet her.

Typing away on their phones, they shared how their week had gone, talked about some cute boys they had just seen and discussed the get-together for that evening. Savannah was in seventh heaven now, feeling like she was indeed part of something. The girls were genuinely interested in visiting with Savannah, making the young girl feel welcomed and thrilled.

After Dakota bought Savannah a Dr. Pepper and a bag of chips, they carried their food back to their seats, followed by the group of friends. Everyone chattered on with what seemed like five different conversations going on at once. Savannah read their lips the best she could but was getting flustered that she couldn't join in.

Seeing this, Lilly took out her phone and began messaging Savannah, filling her in on some of the conversations.

"Thank you," Savannah mouthed to her new friend.

Lilly smiled, then returned to her typing.

Junior calf tying had begun, and Savannah was keeping an eye out for Luke. Toward the end of the lineup, Luke was finally entering the arena.

"This is my brother," Savannah typed to Dakota, then pointed toward Luke.

Dakota told their friends, and the group quieted and watched the boy ride.

…..

Luke and Jake were backing into the corner when the horse suddenly launched forward. The young boy grabbed a rein, pulled the horse around in a circle, and then began to back him again. Jack and Tom watched from the entry gate when Jack leaned forward to see what the horse was doing.

"Luke sure knows how to handle Jake," Jack said.

"That boy and that horse are quite the team. Jake will do anything for him."

"Jake's a little antsy today."

The horse jumped forward once more, anticipating his job too soon. Luke backed the horse up one more time, then Jake stood with his butt pushed against the padding and bobbing his head in short quick motions. Feeling he was ready, Luke gave a little nod.

The calf was released, and Jake launched forward. Expecting this, Luke was holding on tight and never lost his center. With his rope circling over his head, he released it, landing it around the calf's neck. As Jake slid to a stop, Luke was already off the horse and running toward the calf. He gripped him, flung the animal to the ground, and tied his legs. Luke threw up his arms, then quickly moved to Jake and got on.

"He broke the barrier," Jack informed his brother.

"I saw that. I don't think he knows it yet."

"Me neither."

"Ah, folks. What would have been a second-place run has moved down to eleventh. Luke Thornton broke the barrier, which comes with a ten-second penalty. Good try, cowboy."

Luke slapped his hand against his leg, then began to roll up his lariat as he guided the horse toward the gate. He shook his head when he left the arena and joined his dad and uncle in the alley.

"It's alright, Luke," Tom said as he squeezed his son's calf.

"Jake was really hot tonight," Jack added. "He just got overly excited and jumped the gun a bit. We'll work on that at home, and I'll show you how to hold him back a little better."

"Okay, Uncle Jack."

The disappointment filled the boy's voice, and Tom moved to stand closer to Luke, almost leaning against his leg. "You're going to have many times like this. Some things are out of your control, and you just have to roll with it. You and Jake are still getting used to each other in this setting, so you'll have some learning curves to work through."

"I know, Dad," Luke responded, looking down at his dad from the back of his horse. "It still sucks," he said with a little grin.

Tom patted the top of Luke's thigh and smiled. "Yes, son, it does suck. No argument there."

…..

"I'm going to miss this," Willam said to Frank as they watched the broncs begin.

"Yes, this can be addictive when you start going to them."

"That it is," William agreed. "We just might have to start making summer trips every year so we can come to these...and see the kids, of course," he joked.

"I know Beth and the kids would love that very much," Frank replied.

"We will most definitely be traveling to see all of the girls and their families more. We're going to Julie's in a couple of weeks, and I think we will be making a trip to London in a few months."

"Oh, I bet the girls will be excited to see you both."

Peyton was sitting on Grace's lap, lost in a deep conversation with her grandmother, while Elizabeth held Colton against her chest. The little boy had eaten too much cotton candy, wasn't feeling well and had been snuggled up to his mommy for the past hour. He had finally fallen asleep, and Elizabeth shifted his weight on her lap to get feeling back in her left arm.

"Do you need me to take him for a while?" Sam asked.

"No," Elizabeth said, looking down at her son. "He's alright for now."

"Let me know if you change your mind," Sam said, brushed the little boy's hair back, and then looked across the arena to check on Savannah one more time.

Charlotte had just fed Brianna and placed the empty bottle into the diaper bag. She cradled the infant in her arms as she rocked side to side, humming a sweet hymn to the baby. Blake and Austin were standing along the fence to get a closer look at the bronc riders as they either conquered their ride or were thrown into the dirt. The boys pumped their arms each time the buzzer sounded, and the cowboy was still on the animal's back.

Autumn climbed onto Frank's lap. The little girl was obviously tired and hid her face in his chest as he rocked her back and forth. She was soon asleep, despite the roars from the crowd on each eight-second ride. Noel, Stetson, and Rosemary had just returned after getting water for everyone, and the little girl helped her mommy pass them out. When she was finished, she climbed up the bleachers and sat down next to Grace so she and Peyton could play.

Luke had finally joined them after getting his horse untacked, watered, and fed, and sat next to Frank so they could talk about the competitors as they did at each rodeo.

Team roping was next, and the family turned their attention to the end of the arena, watching for their men.

…..

Jack and Lee sat on their horses and waited on the outskirts of the crowd. Jack shifted in his seat, catching Lee's eye.

"How's your back holding up?" Lee asked.

"It's fine," Jack answered.

"So, to translate, it hurts like hell, but you aren't going to say anything?"

Jack looked at Lee and grinned. "Pretty much."

"We can bow out. I won't be upset."

"Nope. No way. We need to build our points. Even if it's only you that gets them."

"Really, Jack. I don't mind if we don't ride today."

"It's just a bruise, Brother. It's mostly this shirt touching it," Jack added as he reached back and tugged on the fabric.

"If you say so," Lee replied.

The pair sat in silence as they watched each team ahead of them try for the fastest time. Jack and Lee moved their horses toward the gate as they were called on deck. Maverick remained calm like nothing was going on, but Cisco knew his job was about to begin, and his energy tripled as they opened the gate in front of the men.

Lee regained control of his horse and moved him toward the pens while Maverick walked across the dirt as if on a morning stroll. Jack let out a laugh at the horse and shook his head. "Mav, you are quite the stud," he said as he patted the stallion's neck.

With both horses in place and Maverick finally perking up for the event, Jack glanced at Lee and gave him the slightest nod. Lee looked at the steer, and seeing the animal set as he should be, he nodded, and the steer was released.

Cisco and Maverick dug deep into the dirt and raced out of their corners. Lee swiftly succeeded at capturing the steer's head, then, as Jack spun his rope, the twisting of his back irritated the bruise, and his face twisted as he had to make an extra rotation that shouldn't have been necessary. He securely hooked the steer's back legs, but it was a full two seconds slower than last week.

…..

"What's wrong with Jack?" Charlotte asked, turning to face Elizabeth.

"He got hurt yesterday while training that gelding."

"Why didn't he say anything? Does Lee know?"

"Lee was there," Elizabeth answered. "You know Jack, no pain, no gain mentality when it comes to his own body."

Irritated, Charlotte turned back around. "I wish that boy would take as good of care of himself as he does everyone else around him."

Elizabeth leaned forward and squeezed the woman's shoulders with both hands. "We all do," she said softly in her ear.

"Last weekend, these cowboys broke the arena record in Joplin with 3.8 seconds. Unfortunately, the same luck did not grace them today. 5.9 puts them in fourth place," the announcer said over the loud system. "Still, not a bad standing for these two at the start of their year. I feel we'll be seeing great things from these two cowboys."

Jack rode out of the arena, shaking his head at himself. He didn't stop Maverick until they were a good twenty feet from the crowd.

"Sorry, Brother," Jack said as he turned Maverick to face Lee.

"Jacko, there is nothing to apologize for. It just makes up for the times I'm going to screw up. And we both know, there will be several of those," Lee joked.

"Still."

"Still, nothing. We win some. We lose some. Isn't that what you tell everyone?"

Jack gave Lee a look and replied, "Always throwing my own words back at me."

"Well, sometimes you need to be on the receiving end of a pep talk and not always the one giving them."

They turned their horses toward the trailers, and Jack moved his horse close to Lee's. Gripping his friend's shoulder, he squeezed and added, "Thanks for the pep talk, Brother."

"Wow," Lee exclaimed.

"What is it?"

"So, this is what it feels like to be the one handing out good advice."

Jack threw his head back, laughing, then smacked Lee's back. They kicked their horses into a lope and quickly got them settled back at the trailers before Savannah and Rosemary were up.

…..

A tap on Savannah's leg pulled her from her phone, and she looked at Dakota sitting beside her, their knees touching.

"Don't you ride soon?" he said as she read his lips.

Savannah gasped, looked up to see what event was going on, then jumped to her feet. Sally and Mackenzie, two of their friends that also barrel raced, were just getting to their feet to retrieve their horses.

"I'll see you later," Savannah texted Dakota.

"Do you need any help?" he asked. "I can go with you."

"I'm fine. My Aunt Rosie and my dad will be with me. But thank you."

"I'll be here when you're done."

Savannah looked up and smiled, nodded, then jogged off toward the trailer.

…..

"This arena is smaller, like last weekend, so the times will be fast. Don't let that intimidate you.," Rosie signed to Savannah.

"Okay."

"Are you ready?"

"Yes," Savannah replied and smiled. Cash was beginning to prance beneath her, and Savannah pulled him back a bit.

"Cash is ready," Rosemary said with a grin.

Tom walked up beside his daughter and tapped her leg. "You're fifth on the roster."

Savannah nodded her head.

"I'm going to watch for a bit, then I'll come back when your time is close," Tom said to his daughter.

"Okay," Savannah replied, then watched her father slide into the crowd. She turned to Rosemary and gave her a look.

"What's wrong."

"I feel sick to my stomach."

"Nerves?" Rosie asked.

Savannah grinned and nodded.

"More than usual?"

She nodded once more.

"Because of a certain young man?"

Savannah just smiled.

"Try to get your focus back, or Cash will feed off that."

"Okay, I'll try." Savannah closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths as she visualized her pattern around the barrels.

A few minutes later, Tom returned and laid his hand on her knee. "Two more before you."

"Okay," Savannah replied, moving her horse closer to the gate.

Cash began prancing around again, and Tom stepped back and watched while Savannah calmed the horse down and kept control of him.

"You are sure turning into quite the horsewoman," Tom proudly told his daughter.

"Thank you, Daddy."

Tom heard her name, then let Savannah know to go in.

As Savannah turned Cash toward the gate, the horse began running in place, preparing for his cue. Savannah slowly moved him forward as he continued to hop. She let the horse go as they passed through the gate, giving him a hard squeeze. Savannah leaned forward as the horse dug in and tore across the dirt, flying around the first barrel. As they approached the second, what everyone else could hear, Savannah could feel. Her foot hit the barrel, and she lifted her leg up the side of the horse, clearing the barrel as it settled back into place. Not letting it distract her, Savannah's eyes were on the last barrel, and the horse turned around it tight, just narrowly missing it, and headed for the gate. Savannah kicked and leaned forward as the horse stretched out and soared across the arena.

She pulled the horse up and spun him around as soon as they passed through the timer eye. On the second time around, Savannah's gaze fell on the bleachers where Dakota and her new friends had been sitting. Each of them was on their feet, their hands in the air twisting back and forth, applauding for her to see. Savannah spun Cash around one more time, her eyes locked on her friends, and she felt tears beginning to sting her eyes.

As she rode Cash out of the arena, meeting her dad and Rosie just past the gate, they were concerned to see her crying.

"What's wrong?" Tom asked, jumping to her side.

Savannah pointed toward her friends, who were still applauding her, and Tom and Rosemary both felt what Savannah was feeling. Rosemary laid her hand on her chest, and Tom felt a lump form in his throat, both immersed in feelings for this young crowd inviting Savannah into their circle and embracing her difference.

…..

"What are they looking at?" Frank asked after seeing Savannah pointing toward the crowd.

"Oh, my goodness," Elizabeth exclaimed, "Dakota and the other kids."

Every adult eye of the family moved to the section the teens were sitting and saw what they were doing for Savannah.

"Oh, my heart," Charlotte stated, covering it with her hand.

Elizabeth looked toward her sister-in-law and saw Sam's eyes glistening in the sun as a lone tear rolled down her cheek.

…..

Savannah was on the ground walking her horse, her father by her side when they stopped behind the bleachers of her friends. Lilly saw her, jumped from her seat, and ran to hug Savannah.

"You were great," she exclaimed out loud.

Hearing this, three more girls and Dakota came around to see the young lady, giving her hugs and acclamations. Slipping in between two of the girls, Dakota hugged her, causing Savannah to blush.

"You were so good," he said aloud.

"Thank you," she signed.

She turned to her dad, signing something to him, then Tom stepped forward and spoke.

"Savannah says 'thank you' to all of you. She has to put her horse up, then she'll be right back."

"Can we go with her?" Lilly asked.

"Of course," Tom answered.

"Can you go and translate for us, sir? So we don't have to text."

"Sure."

Tom's arms were tired by the time they reached the trailer and got Cash settled. The girls and Dakota were going a mile a minute about how awesome her ride was and how cool it was that she'd lifted her leg so high to stop the barrel from tipping over. They talked about that evening and what they were going to wear, as well as what they wanted to go get to eat at that moment.

Tom stifled many laughs at the teens but continued to help his daughter out in any way he could. Once Savannah was done with her horse, with some assistance from Dakota, the group went off as Tom watched from the trailer. When Savannah was out of sight, Tom went the opposite direction to join the family and watch Rosemary ride.

…..

Sitting next to Samantha, his wife put her arm behind him and kissed his cheek.

"What was that for?" he asked, then kissed her lips.

"I saw what you just did for our daughter."

"Oh, that," he said, followed by a laugh. "Those girls talk way too fast." Tom looked at Sam and brushed her hair back from her face. "Did you see what Savannah's friends did after her ride?"

"Yes, we were all in tears."

"I won't lie, I was worried about all of that initially, but those kids have quickly proven themselves and won me over."

"I told you that Dakota was nice."

"I'm talking about all of them," Tom added.

"I know," Sam smiled. "And I'm talking about Dakota."

…..

Rosemary waited outside the gate as the woman in front of her was running her pattern. As the horse turned around the second barrel, it slipped and fell, pinning the woman's leg beneath it. When the horse stood, her foot was hung up in the stirrup, and she was dragged before someone could get the horse stopped.

The sports medicine team was quickly by her side, assessing the woman and getting her fitted with a neck brace. She was rolled onto a backboard and carried out of the arena as the crowd stood and clapped, giving her well wishes.

Rosemary was next, and she scanned the crowd until she founds Lee's face. He was standing, along with the rest of the family, and even she could see the fear and shock on their faces. Savannah and her friends were also on their feet, lining the fence to see things better. Rosemary locked eyes with Savannah, and the two looked at each other with angst.

Rosemary had seen many wrecks in the arena through the years, but she had never had to compete immediately following one. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves so as not to feed Delilah's and make the mare more fired up than she already was.

"Are you ready?" the gateman asked her.

"Rosie gave him a small smile and nodded."

As the gate opened, Delilah ran in. Not ready to start yet, Rosemary pulled the horse back and spun her around in a circle. Trying to go again, Rosemary pulled the horse back once more, but this only aggravated the mare. She reared up, but Rosie leaned forward, forcing the horse back to her feet. Finally, having the horse's attention. Rosemary lined her up and set her loose.

The duo cleared each barrel, shaving hundredths of a second off at each one by keeping the turns tight. As they rounded the final barrel, Rosemary gave her horse the cue to move, and Delilah reached out and ran as hard as the mare could.

At the end of the arena, Rosemary pulled the horse around and looked at the timer.

"Whoa, folks. We have a new gal in first place. Rosemary needed to beat 14.23, and she crushed it with 14.01."

Rosemary petted Delilah's neck as they left the arena, smiling ear to ear. She was back on her game, and she felt great. After making a quick stop to check on the injured rider and hearing she had a broken leg, Rosemary jogged her horse to the trailer. With open arms, Lee was there waiting for her, and she fell into his embrace.

When she straightened, Lee pushed the sides of her hair back and framed her face with his hands. "Are you alright?"

"Yes."

"That wreck got to you, didn't it?"

"Yes. I checked on her. She has a broken leg."

"Oh, that's awful."

"Could have been worse," Rosie said as she looked into her husband's eyes.

"Yes, it sure could have." Lee wrapped her in a hug again and held her for a couple of minutes. "Let me help you with this," he said as he flipped the stirrup up and began to loosen the cinch.