Heya guys!

Before you start on this chapter, head back to chapter 59. Yep, that's right! Double update time!

Whose excited for season 15!? I know I am! I can't wait to see what's in store for Jack and Lisa, sure hope we get some brilliant scenes with the two of those together. How about the clip in the trailer where Jack tells Lisa to stay in the car with the girls? Or when Amy yells he's not leaving and Jack shoots... Wonder what he's shooting at... Guess we'll just have to wait and see!

I apologise for my delay in uploading, things in my life have been rather disorganized lately. The family house is under renovation from storm damage we sustained last year and everything is a mess. My computer is packed up so I haven't been able to sort or edit any further chapters which has also accounted for the delay...

I haven't been well either, some old flare ups of my health problems so I've been a bit run down and just not myself. The new trailer for season 15 got me thinking of my story however so here we are...

I'll add a little more here about this chapter... I wrote this chapter a couple of months after my grandmother died to kind of help with the grieving process through Jessie and Lisa. I know greif is a very individual thing, we all greive differently but I wanted to insert a kind of scenario that happened with me personally. Memories. They can be both beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time.

There was an incident where I was almost hit while crossing a carpark with my service dog. Luckily I was uninjured as was my dog but the lady driving the car was really upset. It was a manual car, she didn't know how to drive it as it was her husbands car and she didn't drive it regularly. She stalled to avoid hitting me and couldn't start it again. My mom helped her out and got the car running for her, the lady was so excited she clutched my arm. A total stranger. In that moment it was like I was with my Nan again, she did that all the time and it really hit me then that she was gone.

We left, have never met the lady again but she was so alike to my Nan they could have been sisters. My mom was a little shaken by the event, I wasn't at the time, my mind was just on the fact the woman was so alike. It took me days to get over, crying when I was alone (I'm very private when it comes to that, I NEVER cry around anyone, even family) and I realised I hadn't dealt with her passing. I still haven't. It's like I'm still in denial, believing that she's still in the nursing home and I can still go see her (we weren't allowed to visit with Covid) yet at the same time knowing she is gone... It's hard, so I wanted to try and bring that scenario into my story. You have a great day then such a little thing can cause so much pain.

Anyway, thought I'd add that little note. I'm sure you're going to be asking about Lisa and the hints I keep adding about her past. Patience. All will be revealed in time (I add a sprinkle of myself to Lisa, stubbornness and being hesitant to speak my inner thoughts even to people I'm close to) but your welcome to guess! You might even give me some ideas for additional storylines.

Till next time, enjoy!

Chapter 60

The ranch grounds were a hive of activity when they pulled up, Lisa choosing a quiet spot further away from the other competitors and far enough away from any spectators so Warrior didn't get frightened. She was a little concerned how Warrior was going to react to new surroundings so she'd already organized beforehand to be further away from the action for both his sake and Jessie's. 'Okay, we're here.'

'I must have dozed off.' Jessie chuckled as she yawned, looking around as Lisa parked the truck and turned off the engine. 'I think I needed that.'

Lisa shook her head in amusement as they got out and headed to the back of the trailer to unload the horses. 'Just don't fall asleep in the middle of competing.'

'As if I would.'

'Should we get Cruze out first?' Cindy spoke up, standing to the side as Lisa and Jessie lowered the ramp. Already Warrior was slightly on edge, pawing the floor of the trailer and knickering. 'It might help him.'

'I'll go get him out.' Jessie replied as the ramp touched the ground. 'I don't know how Warrior is going to react and I don't want you getting hurt getting Cruze out. I'll bring him out to you then get Warrior.'

'Okay.'

'Just be careful Jessie.' Lisa cautioned, a little concerned as the girl walked into the trailer between the two horses.

'I am.' She patted Warrior's neck with one hand as she untied Cruze with the other, speaking to him softly all the while. Cruze nibbled at her hair as she fumbled with his leadrope then finally managed to get it undone. 'Okay Cruze, back boy. Back.'

'Good boy.' Cindy praised as Cruze calmly backed off the ramp and Jessie handed his leadrope to her. 'Thanks Jessie.'

'No problem. Now for my boy.' Warrior pawed the floor again as she walked back in, turning his head as far back as his lead would let him to look at her. 'Easy boy. Easy.' She grabbed his lead, quickly untying it. Warrior started back as soon as he felt the lead go slack, prancing and half-rearing in excitement. 'Woah! Steady boy.' She took firmer hold of his lead, hoping he didn't try to rear in the trailer. Warrior snorted, standing still as his attention diverted to her. 'Good boy. That's it.' She soothed, rubbing his face. 'Alright, now we're going to slowly back up, okay. Back boy, back.'

The stallion stepped back cautiously, finding his footing on the ramp as the girl slowly guided him. Finally they were on the ground and she breathed a sigh of relief. 'That's my good boy. Good boy.'

'Well done.' Lisa praised, thankful that the exercise was over. 'I'll be back in a moment, I'll just go get a program and your competitor numbers so you guys don't have to worry about that.'

'Thanks Lisa.'

'What do we do now?' Cindy asked, tying Cruze up to the trailer. 'What's next?'

'That's why I'm going to go get the program so we know when you guys are up. Right now though give Cruze another brush over, it'll help calm the both of you.'

'Okay.'

'I won't be long.'

'What did your Grandma say about the photo?' Jessie asked as she tied Warrior up beside Cruze, the stallion looking around intently at his surroundings.

'She said we looked like genuine cowgirls.' She grabbed the grooming kits from the front of the trailer, giving her a brush for Warrior. 'I think we do, don't we Cruze?'

'I think you do Cindy.' She mimicked a deep voice again much to her amusement. 'You look quite dashing if I do say so myself.'

'Jessie, cut that out.'

'Oh alright.' She laughed, undoing the neck rug straps to take the combo of her stallion. 'There you go boy.'

'Hey Jessie.'

She turned around at the voice, a smile breaking across her face as she saw who it was standing beside her. 'Scott! Hey!' She gave him a hug without thinking then suddenly pulled back. 'Sorry, I don't know if you like that or not-'

'It's okay Jessie.' He chuckled with a smile. 'I don't mind at all. What are big brothers for?' The girl giggled and he gave her a hug back then looked over at Cindy. 'Morning Cindy.'

'Morning Mr. Cardinal.'

'It's just Scott, Cindy.'

'Okay then, Scott.' Cindy smiled. 'Jessie's been telling me all about you.'

'I have not!' She protested with a laugh, her cheeks going red as she glanced up at him. He seemed mightyly amused and she rolled her eyes at his expression. 'Okay, maybe I did mention my big brother once or twice.'

'Alright, we've got the program and here are your numbers.' Lisa announced as she walked back over, smiling as she saw Scott with Jessie. 'Morning Scott.'

'Hi Lisa.' He was about to say more when the radio on his hip crackled into life. 'Ah, I better go. I'll catch you around though Jessie and good luck to both of you.'

'Thanks Scott.'

'See you later.' Jessie smiled, walking back to Warrior as he left. She glanced back at Lisa as she quickly ran a brush over his coat. 'So, what does the schedule say?'

'Well-' Lisa began looking it over. 'It looks like the Queen of the Rodeo contestants start the rodeo, they're supposed to be ready at Gate E1 at eight-fifty.' She glanced down at her watch. 'You've got half an hour to get ready.'

'Eak!' She exclaimed, starting to brush Warrior over slightly faster. 'Then what's next?'

'It's just the introductions and such at that time, then a quick interview that's done by the judges and Mrs. Bell. Don't worry about that, you'll be fine-'

'Okay.' She nodded. 'And then?'

'Then there's a couple other events and-' She glanced further down the page. 'Nothing for you till eleven which is the Horsemanship class. You're third to do that.'

'And where am I?' Cindy interrupted.

'I'm just finding that Cindy, one moment. Ah, here. Junior's barrel racing. One pm, and you're the second to compete.'

'Ah, I've got plenty of time then.'

'Plenty of time to help me.' Jessie half teased, half being serious as she handed Cindy a brush. 'Can you please do his other side?'

'Sure.'

'And for me with the barrel racing?'

'Your after the juniors, and the last to compete.'

'Okay, at least I have a break in between then.' She chuckled shakingly, exchanging Warrior's brush for his hoof-pick to quickly clean out his hooves. 'Can you grab the tack out Lisa please?'

'Sure honey.'

The girl glanced down at her watch again as she cleaned Warrior's near foreleg hoof. Twenty minutes. She placed his leg down, starting on his hind. 'How's that brushing coming Cindy?'

'It's going good.'

'Once you've finished can you start on his mane and tail please?'

'I'm on it.'

'Here you go.' Lisa placed the tack down near Warrior, double checking that everything was there and in order. 'You want me to oil his hooves?'

'Yes please.' She replied, going to the next hoof. Warrior sighed as she picked his leg up and she laughed. 'Yeah yeah, your real bored of all this pampering aren't you?'

'Alright, he's brushed over. I'll do his mane now.'

'Thanks Cindy.' Second last hoof done she went to the last one. Quickly she cleaned it out then patted his shoulder. 'Alright, that's all done boy.'

'I'll be finished with his hooves in a minute Jess.' Lisa exclaimed, glancing up at her. 'Once that's done we'll let them dry for a couple minutes and tack him up.'

'Okay.'

'I'll do his mane, you do his tail.' Cindy handed her Cruze's comb so they could finish Warrior off quicker. 'Your looking really nice Warrior.'

Jessie chuckled as she started a quick go over of the stallions mane, thankful she had Lisa and Cindy there to help her get ready. Quickly but efficiently they worked in silence until Warrior was groomed to perfection. She stood back to get a good look at him and nodded. 'Don't you clean up good boy?' Warrior knickered at her and she chuckled. 'Oh you know you're handsome.'

'Ten minutes.'

'Right. Let's get you tacked up.' She grabbed her saddle blanket, lifting it over onto the horses back and sliding it into place then picked up the saddle as Lisa handed it to her and placed it in position. 'Cindy, can you fix up his breastplate?'

'Sure.'

Warrior sidestepped a little as she did up his cinch but quickly settled down and she fastened his flank cinch then checked to make sure that the saddle was secure. 'Alright, I think that's tight enough. You got his breastplate on properly?'

'Yep, and the fringe is the right-side out too.'

'Your brilliant Cindy.'

'I know I am.'

Jessie chuckled as Lisa handed her the bridle, undoing the stallion's noseband and pulling the halter back over his neck in preparation to put his bridle on. 'And so modest at the same time.'

'That's me. Brilliant and modest.'

The stallion tossed his head a little as she went to put the bit in but settled down and accepted it once he realised the girl meant business. He chewed at the bit, flexing his neck as she pulled the headpiece over his ears and did up his throat latch. 'Good boy.' She ran her hand down his neck, undoing the halter and placing it aside then turned to Lisa and Cindy. 'How do we look?'

'Brilliant.' Cindy exclaimed.

'Gorgeous, just as always.' Lisa replied, giving the girl a hug and a kiss. 'You'll do great.'

'Thanks.' She giggled, glancing at her watch again. 'Alright, I better get over there. Where's the flag?'

'You go on, I'll bring it over. Give Warrior a chance to have a look around before you have to go out in the ring.'

'Okay.' Jessie smiled nervously, placing the split reins over Warrior's neck. 'Wish me luck Cindy.'

'Good luck!'

She reached for the stirrup, mounting in one fluid motion. Warrior snorted, stretching his neck and back under her weight and she gave him a moment before she turned him towards where the gate she had to be at was.

Warrior's ears flicked back and forth as he walked past other horses, trailers and people, his head up high as he looked around at the surroundings. 'Easy boy, you're okay.' She gently soothed him, her left hand on his shoulder as the reins sat loosely in her right. 'Your okay. I know it's all new but it's alright. I'm here and you're okay. We're going to go have some fun, what do you think?' He snorted, tucking his head in as he played with the curb bit. She chuckled, running her hand firmly across his shoulder then glanced up to make sure she was still going towards where she was supposed to be.

'Name and sponsor Miss?'

'Jessica 'Jessie' Hawkins.' She replied to the man at the gate, Warrior prancing in place since she'd asked him to slow. 'And FairField Stables.'

'Ah yes.' He found her on the list and nodded. 'Alright, proceed to the waiting area and good luck Miss.'

Jessie smiled, urging Warrior forward. 'Thank you.'

'Hey, I didn't know you were entering.'

She chuckled as she guided Warrior towards Kit, slowing the stallion to a stop. 'Well, I wasn't until a couple days ago. Turns out Lisa had a feeling I'd end up entering and so she went and signed me up anyway, which was rather good considering.'

'Well good luck.'

'Good luck to you too.' She smiled, patting Warrior as the stallion played with the bit again. 'And thank you again for the help with barrel racing. I was able to give my friend Cindy some pointers from what you shared with me, she's competing in the Novice class today.'

'Well I'm glad I could help. I better go collect my flag.'

'Oh yes, I need to do that too. Thanks for reminding me.'

'Hey, first rodeo. I know how it feels.' She gave the girl a high-five as she walked her horse past. 'See you out there.'

'Yep.' Jessie glanced around then guided Warrior over to the fence as Lisa walked over with her flag. Warrior snorted at the flapping fabric and she rubbed his shoulder, pulling him to a halt. 'Good boy, easy.'

'Here you go.'

'Thanks Lisa.' Warrior snorted again, she could feel his muscles tense under her hand. 'Can you let him sniff it? I know we did the flag training yesterday but it wouldn't hurt if he knew it won't hurt him.'

'Alright. There you go Warrior.'

'See?' She asked as Lisa held to flag out to the stallion, letting him sniff the fabric. 'Nothing to be scared of.'

'Do you want me to wait here with you?'

'No, I think I'll be okay.' She smiled nervously. 'Where's Cindy?'

'Back at the trailer, I was looking around for Amy to see if she could watch her for a moment but I couldn't seem to find her.'

'Go join her and find a good place in the grandstand.'

'You sure you'll be okay?'

'I'm sure!' She laughed. 'I'll be fine. Go find a seat.'

'Okay, okay. I'm going, I'm going.'

'And don't forget to take a video for Eleanor.'

'I won't.'

Jessie shook her head in amusement as Lisa walked off, chuckling as she picked up her flag and turned Warrior around to get ready to line up to enter the arena. She saw Soraya glance at her and she smiled, urging Warrior forward so she could speak to her. 'Soraya! You look wonderful!'

'Hey Jessie. You do too.' She complimented, looking at her and her horse. 'Wow Jessie! That tack is gorgeous! Where on earth did you get it?'

'Lisa brought it for me.' She brought Warrior to a stop, patting his shoulder. 'She was able to get my saddle fixed in time for the rodeo too, and got me the tack and everything.' She glanced down at the ground, feeling bad for coming across like she was bragging. 'I didn't even ask for it.'

'Well it looks really nice, and it suits Warrior really well.'

'You think so?'

'I do.'

'Your outfit is really nice, I think that colour suits you very well.'

'Thank you Jessie.' Soraya smiled then heard her mother calling her over at the fence. 'Got to go get my flag. Good luck.'

'Good luck to you too.'

'Hello Jessie dear.'

'Mrs. Bell!' She smiled, turning around at the voice. 'How's Sugarfoot?'

'Oh he's right as rain, cheeky little thing.' She chuckled. 'I'm glad to see you entered Jessie, it's nice having younger girls competing. Unfortunately the number of girls your age entering have been dropping the last few years so I'm really happy to see you here.'

'I'm happy to be here, even though I'm nervous as anything.'

Sally smiled, placing her hand on the girl's knee. 'Can I give you a little suggestion?' The girl nodded. 'Have fun out there. There's a first for everything so just go out there and have fun.'

'Thanks Mrs. Bell.'

'Your welcome honey.' She glanced around then checked the time again. 'It's almost time, you've got everything ready dear?'

'Yep, I think so. I've got my flag.'

'Brilliant dear. Go join the line-up then.'

'Alright.' Jessie smiled, scratching Warrior's withers. 'Thank you for the advice.'

'Anytime honey.'

She glanced down at her watch as the lady walked away, taking a deep breath to calm the butterflies in her stomach. Five minutes to go. She looked up, seeing the other contestants lining up and gently urged Warrior forward, taking a place at the end of the line. The stallion snorted as she halted him again, flexing his neck as she placed her hand on his shoulder again. 'It's okay boy, it's alright.'

'Jessie! What are you doing here?'

She looked up to see Lou in front of her and chuckled. Oh, the look on her face. 'Hi Lou. I'm competing.'

'You have to be joking. You can't be serious?'

'Well, the guy at the gate confirmed that my name was on the list as a contestant so yeah-' Oh, her smile widened at the look of shock on Lou's face. 'I guess that says I'm pretty serious.'

'I don't believe it.' She huffed looking away from the girl then back at her. 'Who on earth sponsored you?'

'Lisa.'

'That figures.'

'What's that supposed to mean?' Jessie asked, a slight tone of abruptness in her voice. 'Lou, I was more than happy to enter and represent Heartland for you and you refused. Lisa was more than happy to sponsor me, in fact she thought it was a great idea.' She contained her annoyance at Lou, deciding that they could have words later and not in the line-up for the introductions. She urged her horse closer to Lou's, lowering her voice slightly. 'Maybe next time you won't be so quick to say I can't do something. I really have to thank you, I wouldn't have entered at all if it wasn't for your blatant out-right refusal of my offer.' She smiled sweetly at the look on her face, backing Warrior up so he was in the line-up properly. 'Good luck.'

Lou huffly turned back to the front and she chuckled, halting Warrior. She was still quite mad at her for what she'd said but the look on her face was worth it. She wasn't a girl that looked for revenge or deliberately set about dishing out justice but she felt justified in her actions. She'd prove to Lou that she was definalty suitable to be a rodeo Queen contestant.

'Would all contestants please prepare for the Introduction Lap.' A man announced, walking up the line to check everyone was in place for the start of the rodeo. 'Flags up and places please.'

Jessie steadied Warrior as everyone got ready for the entrance into the arena, soothing him with quiet words as she placed her flag in its holder against her stirrup. 'Easy boy, easy.' Warrior snorted, turning his head to look at the flag flapping in the breeze and she ran her rein hand down his shoulder to quieten him. 'Easy boy, it's okay. You're okay.'

'Howdy everybody-'

Warrior snorted again, tossing his head up as the loudspeaker just off to the left infront of them crackeled into life. 'It's okay mate. It's okay.' She steadied him, reins in one hand, flag in the other. 'Easy boy.'

'And welcome to the 51st annual Hudson Heritage Rodeo.' The people in the grandstands errupted in excited clapping and shouts in anticipation for a long day of rodeo events. 'And to start it all off, here's the first Hudson Queen of the Rodeo, Mrs. Sally Bell.'

Sally smiled, taking over the microphone in the middle of the arena. 'Let's give a warm Hudson welcome to this year's Queen of the Rodeo finalists.'

The other contestents started forward, there was no turning back now. 'Let's go boy.' She tapped him with her heels, the horse bolting forward in excitment as he followed the other horses into the ring. Please don't shy or spook, please don't shy or spook. She pleaded as they followed the other contestents galloping around the ring, keeping a smile on her face and her flag flying high even though her stomach was twisted into absolute knots. The crowed clapped and cheered as they went around another lap and from the corner of her eye she could see Lisa and Cindy sitting in the stands cheering her on. She lifted her head high, urging Warrior on with a smile. She could do this.

Tim stared in amazment as the riders did the lap around the ring, motioning to Jack who was standing beside him at the chute preparing the first event. 'Did you know about this?'

'Know about what?' He asked, glancing up from the papers he'd been reading. There, second last rider was Lou. 'What was she thinking?'

'And that last horse looks awefully like that crazy mustang of Jessie's.'

He took a closer look as they went around again, shaking his head in disbelief. 'That's because it is.'

Tim laughed. 'It can't be. No one else can ride him but Jessie, isn't that right.'

'That's because that's Jessie riding him.'

'Proudly carrying the Tractorland Flag, Katherine 'Kit' Bailey.' Sally continued as the competitiors started lining up in the middle of the arena. 'And from Maggie's Feed Store and Diner, Soraya Duval.'

'Easy boy, easy.' Jessie soothed Warrior, slowing him down to join the line up. The stallion shook his head, prancing in place as the girl asked him to halt. Finally he stopped, his head tucked in as he played with his bit. 'Good boy.' She praised with a huge grin, thankful that the worst he'd done was give everyone a show of prancing as he galloped. She chuckled, patting his shoulder. He'd pranced around the ring like he was showing off for a new mare. 'Good boy.'

'Representing Frontier Tack and Western Wear, Ashley Stanton. Representing the Heartland Equestrian Connect, Lou Fleming. And representing Fairfield Stables, Jessica 'Jessie' Hawkins.'

Jessie smiled widely, a shiver of excitment running up her spine as the spectators clapped and cheered for the contestants. Warrior shook his head again and she chuckled. 'Yes, yes boy. We'll get moving in a moment.'

'Thank you Mrs. Bell and we wish the best of luck to all of our Rodeo Queen contestants. For our first event-'

The other contestents started out of the arena and the girl urged Warrior on to follow after them, still smiling with pride at her stallion's behavior as they trotted, no, pranced, after the other horses back to the waiting area. She chuckled as she pulled the stallion to a stop next to the other contesnts, beaming with excitment. 'You were great out there boy, you love showing off, don't you?' The stallion knickered softly and she laughed, scratching his withers. 'You were awesome.'

'That was great honey.' Lisa encouraged as she walked up to her, Cindy beside her. 'You were great out there?'

'You think so?' She asked hesitantly as she handed her the flag so she could dismount.

'You were.'

'I thought you looked brilliant.' Cindy added, rubbing Warrior's withers. 'And this guy, well he put on quite the show. He was letting the rest of them cow ponies know he's the top guy in town.'

Jessie chuckled as she dismounted and gave her stallion a well earned pat. 'He can really show off, can't he?'

'He did. He looked absolutly breathtaking out there.'

'Jack is going to be most surprised.'

'I can't argue with that Cindy, I think he definatly will be.'

'Well, regardless of what place you get-' Lisa placed her arm around Jessie as they started towards the trailer to give Warrior a break till he was needed again. 'I am so so proud of you.'

'Thanks Lisa.'

'Your welcome honey.' She glanced down at her watch, checking the time then back up at the tent where the other contestents were lining up for their interviews. 'You should probably go join them to wait for your turn.'

'After I look after Warrior-' The girl chuckled, taking off Warrior's bridle and placing his halter in its place. 'I was last in the line up so I can be last to have my interview and Warrior comes first anyway.' She glanced around, looking for Warrior's bucket. 'Can you please fill his bucket up? I'll give him a drink and take his rug off then give him a quick brush over and head for my interview.'

'I'll do it.' Cindy offered, picking up the bucket. 'Won't be long.'

'Thanks Cindy.'

'I'll take that.'

'Thank you.' She handed her the bridle and started unbuckling Warrior's breastplate. 'I don't think Lou is too happy I'm competing against her.'

'I can't imagine why.' Lisa laughed. 'Don't worry about her though Jess, just have fun.'

'Oh I'm having fun. You should have seen the look on her face when I pulled up behind her.' She pulled the saddle and saddle cloth off, placing them on the stand then grabbed a brush and quickly wiped her horse over. Warrior nudged her gently with his muzzle and she smiled, patting him as she placed his brush aside. 'There you go boy. I'll just grab you a treat.'

'Here's the water Jessie.'

'Thank you Cindy, just place it out of his reach for the moment-' She went to the trailer to find Warrior a sugarcube and handful of oats. 'I'll give him some in a minute.'

'Okay.' She turned to Lisa. 'Can I go watch the Broncos?'

'Sure honey, just don't get lost. You've got your phone on you?' The girl nodded. 'Okay then, go have fun.'

'Here you go boy.' Jessie rubbed the stallion's neck as she gave him his treat, the stallion eagerly snatching the sugarcube up. 'That's nice, isn't it?'

'Just a suggestion, you should probably start moving towards your interview.' Lisa exclaimed as she checked the time again. 'It looks like Lou has just went in.'

'Okay, I'll just give him his drink then I'll go over.' She picked the bucket up, offering the water to the stallion. He dipped his muzzle in the bucket and took a drink, then playfully shook his head, softy spraying her with a little water. 'Warri!' She laughed, taking the bucket away before he could wet her anymore. 'That's naughty.' She put the bucket down, patting his shoulder. 'No more, okay?' He knickered softly, almost teasing her and she ran her fingers down his neck again, taking a deep breath. 'Alright, I better get over there and get ready.'

'You want me to come with you?'

'I'll be fine Lisa.' She plastered a smile on her face despite how nervous she was. 'And besides, you need to enjoy the rodeo too.'

'Alright, if you're sure-'

'I'm sure.' She laughed, walking off. 'I'll be back soon and then we'll join Cindy in the grandstands for a bit.'

'Your a little late Jessie, we've been waiting for you.'

'I'm sorry Mrs. Bell, I thought I had more time.' Jessie apologized as she walked up, smiling as best she could at her and the other judges. 'I had to look after my horse first, I wanted to make sure he was happy and looked after.'

'Spoken like a true horsewoman.' One of the men smiled as Sally took a seat next to him. 'Have a seat Jessie.' The girl nodded, taking the seat across the table from them. 'I'm Daniel Peirce and this is Don Write and I guess you already know Sally Bell.' The girl nodded again, smiling. 'Alrighty then Jessie, tell us a little bit about yourself.'

'Um-' She chuckled, trying to think. 'Well, I'm twelve. I love horses, I've been around them all my life and I like being out in the country working with cattle and doing things on the ranch.'

He nodded, taking notes that would be used for her introduction during her horsemanship demonstration later in the morning. 'What are your parent's names?'

'I um, I don't have parents, as such.' She looked down at the ground. 'I have guardians.'

'That's okay. What are their names?'

'Lisa Stillman and Jack Bartlette.'

'And where are you from Jessie?'

'I live here in Hudson.'

'And do you go to school here?'

'I do distance education through the University of Calgary.'

'You do?' He asked and the girl nodded. 'I did my studies through them, a very long time ago.'

Jessie laughed, some of the knots inside her stomach starting to dissipate as she started to enjoy the conversation. 'I like it, I have good teachers.'

'That's good, school is a lot easier if you like your teacher.' He chuckled, writing down a few more notes. 'Now Jessie, what's your background?'

Her eyes dropped to the floor, her cheeks starting to blush. 'It's probably not something that is good to read out about me.'

Daniel nodded, reading the expression on the girl's face. 'Maybe just tell us some things you like to do instead.'

'Sure.' She smiled, pushing her emotions back inside herself. 'Well, I love going for horse rides in the forests and on the plains, especially at dawn. It's so gorgeous watching the sunrise, it's my favorite time of the day. I love helping Jack out on his ranch and working with the cattle. I really enjoy reading and I also like doing leather craft and sewing when I get a chance. Oh, and cooking. I'm a really good cook, or so I'm told.'

'Your a girl of all trades.' The girl chuckled at his exclamation. 'Tell us about your horse Jessie.'

'Oh where do I start?' Jessie laughed. 'How much time have you got to listen to me talk about him?'

'As long as you like.'

'Well, okay. His name is Warrior, he's a stallion and he's around four years old. He's a mix of Mustang and Thoroughbred-'

'Mustang?' He interrupted and the girl nodded. 'I would never have guessed. He's very tall and solid.'

'That's from his dam, she was a racehorse that someone dumped in the mountains and joined the herd his sire was the band stallion of. He's got his dam's height and speed and his sire's build and endurance.'

'How did you come to get him?'

'I saw him as a six month old, some people were trapping mustangs illegally and I helped set them free again then found him and his brother as two year olds when they were pushed out of the herd. I broke Warrior in myself, we've been together ever since. He's my best friend.'

'Wow, that's quite an accomplishment. Breaking in a wild horse.'

'It's not really, when you know how. I don't believe in breaking a horse's spirit, I believe in being their friend. Riding a horse is like any relationship. It's two-way, it's not a dictatorship. You have to build a relationship with your horse, a relationship of trust.'

'You just answered the next question.'

'I did?' She chuckled. 'I guess I'm one step ahead.'

'You are.' He laughed, checking through the notes again. 'So what's your rodeo experience?'

'This is my first rodeo.'

'Wow. What made you want to enter for the Queen of the Rodeo contest on your first rodeo?'

'Well, I thought if I'm going to enter the rodeo I might as well make a splash and have some fun at the same time.' Mentioning that it's because of Lou probably wouldn't be the answer they're looking for. She thought to herself. 'And I've always wanted to enter a rodeo ever since I was little and now I have the chance to do so.'

'And what events are you entered in today?'

'Just barrel racing for today. I didn't want to enter too much and stretch myself thin. I'd love to get into other events one day soon though.'

'Just a couple more questions and your free to go enjoy the rodeo.' He smiled, writing a couple more notes down. 'What would you like to do when you graduate from school?'

'Anything with horses or work on a ranch. I love ranch work and horses.'

'And if you had one wish, what would it be?'

'Fix the foster-care system.' She replied after a moment, looking down at the ground. 'I've been there, I know what it can be like. I wish that every child had the opportunity to be loved and cared for like I am now with the family I have been welcomed into.'

'Anything else you want to add?'

Jessie thought for another moment, wanting people to take something away from her 'speech' they would read out about her. 'I am thankful for the life I have, I am thankful for the people that make up my family. My guardians, Jack, Lisa. Jack's grandchildren Amy and Lou. My best friend Cindy, my friends Ty and Mallory, my brother Scott and my wonderful horse Warrior. I am thankful for the opportunity to compete here, to have the chance to make one of my dreams come true. Follow your dreams, follow your heart. Live life with no regrets.'

'Well Jessie-' He smiled, writing down a few more notes then looked up at her as the interview concluded. 'It has been an absolute pleasure to speak with you. We all wish you the best of luck and can't wait to see you compete later today.'

'Thank you.' She smiled widely, getting up from her seat.

'I'll walk you out.' Sally announced as she stood up, walking the girl out of the tent. She smiled, placing her hand on the girls arm to stop her once they were outside the tent. 'You were wonderful in there Jessie.'

'Was I?'

'You were. And I thought what you said about following your dreams and live life with no regrets was exceptional.'

Jessie smiled again, blushing. 'Thank you Mrs. Bell.'

'I mean it Jessie, it was a pleasure to interview you and I wish you good luck.' She glanced back at the tent. 'I better get back in there before two men make decisions. You know how well that normally turns out.'

She laughed. 'Okay. See you later Mrs. Bell.'

'Bye Jessie.'

'How'd it go?'

'Well-' She smiled at Lisa as she stopped beside her and Warrior, giving the stallion a pat as he nudged her. 'I think it went pretty good.'

'That's great honey. I know you could do it.'

'Thanks Lisa.' She looked up at her as Lisa placed her arm around her. 'Now, how about we go join Cindy and enjoy the rodeo?'

'How are you feeling Jessie?'

Jessie smiled, turning to Scott as she waited in line at the food van to grab a snack before she prepared for her horsemanship display. 'Nervous and excited at the same time.' She chuckled. 'But Warrior is being an absolute angel.'

'You two looked awesome out there during the introduction lap, just as good as any other rodeo queen contestant.'

'Thanks. I don't think Lou thinks I should be here though.'

Scott sighed. 'Yeah, I know what Lou is like. I've already had one run in with her today.'

'It didn't go too well then I take it.'

'Not quite.' He glanced around as the girl picked up her order, walking with her back to the trailer. A call came over the radio, something about a lame steer and he replied that he was on his way before turning back to the girl. 'Your going to ace it out there, I just know it.'

'Thanks Scott.' She smiled. 'That means a lot.'

'You will. See you later.'

'You ready to prepare for your horsemanship class?' Cindy asked as Jessie joined her, Lisa and Amy back at the trailer. 'You don't have much more time till it starts.'

'I know, thanks for reminding me.' She took a quick sip of her milkshake then sat it down in the back of the truck, turning back to Warrior. 'How's he been while I was gone?'

'He's been good.' Amy replied, giving him a pat. 'Would you like a hand getting him ready?'

'No, it's okay. Thank you for watching him while Lisa, Cindy and I watched the broncs.'

'No problem. Happy to give you a hand.' She glanced around, apparently looking for someone. 'Did you happen to see Ty by any chance?'

'No, I didn't.' Jessie grabbed a brush and began to run it over Warrior's neck again. 'Caleb was off with a couple mates though, he might be somewhere near them.'

'Thanks, I'll go have a look.'

In hardly anytime at all Warrior was efficiently groomed to perfection that his coat fairly shone. The girl nodded, smiling as she stepped back and went to grab his tack, looking at her watch. 'I'll be fine to get him ready, why don't you two go find a couple seats?'

'You sure?' Lisa questioned, Warrior nuzzling at her hands as the girl saddled him up again.

'I'm sure. Go on.'

'Come on Lisa-' Cindy replied, taking her hand. 'The girl has spoken.'

'Oh alright.'

Jessie chuckled as Lisa and Cindy walked away, leaving her in peace to prepare herself for her horsemanship display. Warrior nudged her gently as she did his cinch up, lipping at her belt with his soft lips. 'Warri.' She chuckled nervously as she pushed him away, fastening his breastplate and fixing up the fringe. 'Quit it boy.'

Her hands fairly shook as she began to bridle him, her nerves starting to get the better of her. Calm down Jessie, it's just a simple horsemanship performance. Nothing you can't handle. She assured herself, trying to fasten the throat latch despite her shaking hands. It's just for fun, there's no need to work yourself up about it.

Warrior nickered gently, nudging her again as she placed the reins about his neck, running her hands down his shoulder. 'I'm alright boy, just got a case of the pre-event jitters, that's all.' He blew softly on her face, nudging her cheek with his muzzle and she giggled. 'Man buddy, your whiskers are long! When's the last time you shaved hey?'

His little antics however helped ease her nervousness slightly, giving him a pat then reached for the stirrups to mount. He stretched as she found her seat, walking on proudly as she nudged him gently towards the waiting area. It's okay Jessie, you're going to ace this. She reassured herself, guiding him towards the other contestant entrants waiting for their turn in the arena.

He snorted softly, raising his head to look at the other horses as they walked through the gate but she quietened him quickly with a pat and gentle word. Glancing up she could see Soraya going through her paces as the announcer read out about her. Lou was next to go from memory, then it was her turn.

Soraya joined the other competitors in the yard as Lou headed out to start her turn, the girl smiling as she nudged Warrior forward so she could speak to her. 'Great show out there.'

'Thanks. This guy was on the wrong lead though during our last figure-eight.' She replied, running her hand down her gelding's shoulder. 'Weren't you boy?'

'It couldn't have been as bad as Lou.' She nodded towards the arena, watching as Lou sloppily tried to get the horse to canter for her figure-eights. 'I hope Warrior is okay with running the pattern, it's our first time performing for a crowd.'

'I'm sure you'll do fine. Besides, you and Warrior are probably the best match I have seen for sometime. You'll do great out there.'

'I hope so, I don't want to look silly.'

'Honestly Jessie, you'll do fine.' She chuckled as Lou tried to get the horse to do a sliding stop and a roll-back. 'I think Lou managed to get herself in a little above her ability though.'

'Lou is stubborn and it's biting her big time.' The horse half-bucked as it came to a sloppy stop and she shook her head. 'You know I offered to enter for Lou after you quit?'

'You did?'

Jessie nodded. 'And she refused. That's why she entered herself. Apparently I wasn't a rodeo queen type.'

Soraya shook her head as Lou finished her pattern, pulling up in front of the judges so they could inspect her and her horse. 'She should have just called it quits and cut her losses. I think she's more comfortable behind a desk then in a saddle.'

'I don't want to be mean but yeah, I kind of have to agree. I really was happy to enter for her but she threw a big hissy fit about it.' She sighed, looking down at her saddle horn. 'I don't think I can do this though.'

'Sure you can! Look at it this way, you're already more than halfway there. You only have this class then the barrel racing. You can do this.'

'Would Jessica Hawkins please prepare to enter the arena?'

'Good luck.'

'Thanks.' She smiled nervously as she gently urged Warrior forward, halting him at the gate to wait for Lou to finish. Warrior flicked his ears back and forth, watching the arena and she ran her hand down his neck as Lou mounted to ride out. 'Easy boy. You're okay.' She soothed him gently, feeling him tense as the crowd respectfully clapped for Lou's performance. 'You're alright.'

'Good luck Miss.'

'Thank you.' She smiled nervously as the man opened the gate for Lou and took a deep breath before nudging Warrior into a walk to enter the arena. 'Let's do this boy.'

'Entering the arena is Jessica 'Jessie' Hawkins.' The announcer read out as Warrior stepped forward into a relaxed but prancing walk. 'She's twelve years old. Her hometown is Hudson. Her Guardians, Jack Bartlett and Lisa Stillman.'

Lisa smiled with pride, watching Jessie perform. The girl had a smile on her face, her eyes sparkling with enjoyment as she gently urged him into a rolling canter to start her circles. That's it honey, keep him moving. Nice and relaxed.

'Her high school, University of Calgary Distance Education. Her rodeo event, barrel racing.'

'Easy boy, easy.' Jessie gently reassured him as they cantered close to the stands again, the stallion flicking his ears back at her. 'Good boy.'

'She enjoys spending time with her horse, taking rides in the forest and on the plains at dawn to watch the sunrise. She works on the ranch with her guardian Jack and enjoys working with cattle. In her spare time she likes to read, practice leathercrafting, sewing and cooking.'

'Steady boy.' She gently encouraged as she asked him to change leads, the stallion complying immediately with her request as she started him on the left lead for the circle. 'Good boy.'

'Her horse's name is Warrior, he is a four year old mustang thoroughbred cross that she befriended when he was two and broke in herself.' The announcer continued as she changed leads again, following the pattern for her second and last figure-eight. 'In her words 'he is my best friend.' If she had one wish-' They came out of the second circle and she started to slow him for a halt in the middle of the arena. 'it would be to fix the foster care system so that every child has the opportunity to be loved and cared for as she is now with the family she has been welcomed into.'

Jessie ran her hand down Warrior's neck as they stopped for the required time, listening as the announcer finished off reading her introduction. 'In closing, in her words. 'I am thankful for the life I have, I am thankful for the people that make up my family. My guardians, Jack and Lisa.'

Jack and Lisa both smiled from their respective places, pride in both their hearts as the girl started Warrior forward again for the second half of her performance.

'Jack's grandchildren Amy and Lou. My best friend Cindy, my friends Ty and Mallory, my brother Scott and my wonderful horse Warrior. I am thankful for the opportunity to compete here, to have the chance to make one of my dreams come true. Follow your dreams, follow your heart. Live life with no regrets.'

The girl urged her stallion on into a gallop as the crowd clapped for her introduction, gathering Warrior underneath her as she slid him to a stop. Sand went flying as the stallion executed the perfect sliding stop, pausing for a brief moment then spinning around and galloping forward to perform a rollback. She let him gallop on, then asked him to stop again and performed her second rollback of the pattern. 'Good boy.' She praised, slowing him to a stop in the middle of where she'd done her rollbacks in front of the crowd. She turned him to face the crowd and the judges, pausing for a slight moment to prepare him for the spins. Warrior eagerly went into a spin, three times on the left then a slight pause then three to the right. She smiled in exhilaration as he halted, patting his shoulder with a huge smile on her face. 'Good boy.'

'Great performance Miss.' Daniel started, joining the girl in the arena as she dismounted for inspection. 'Well done.'

'Thank you.' She smiled again, rubbing Warrior's neck. He snorted softly, turning his head to sniff at her hands as she held him so the judge could carry out his inspection of both of them. 'Good boy.'

'Just a couple questions now Miss.' He started, standing beside her again as he wrote down a few things on his clipboard about their presentation. 'What is another name for Bulldogging?'

She thought for a moment. 'Steer Wrestling.'

'Good. How many gallons of water does a horse need every day?'

'Between ten to twelve. Way too many when you have to fill troughs by hand.'

He chuckled, writing down that she'd got the correct answer. 'Oh yes, I remember doing that myself. Alright, last question. What is a score line?'

Jessie raised her eyebrows, trying to think of the answer but she couldn't think of what it was.

'I don't know, sorry.'

'That's alright.' He smiled kindly at her. 'You did well. Don't forget to go vote for Miss Congeniality once you exit.'

'I won't and thank you.' She smiled again as he exited and she mounted again, Warrior playing at the bit as she found her seat and turned him back to the gate to pick up her flag for her lap. He snorted as she stopped him, the gate assistant handing her the flag and she placed it in its holder then urged him forward into a gallop. Warrior sprung forward, eager to get running and she smiled widely as they galloped around the arena, the flag flying in the breeze.

She halted him at the gate again, handing the flag back to the assistant then urged the stallion into a gallop. He stretched forward once more, pounding his legs into the ground as she waved at the crowd, the crowd clapping as she galloped past. Coming back to the gate she slowed her horse once more, patting his shoulder as he lifted his tail, prancing out of the arena instead of walking. 'You were such a good boy.' She cooed, patting him again. 'Good boy.'

'You think you're just it, don't you?'

'Pardon?' Jessie asked, turning Warrior as the next competitor entered the ring, looking at Lou. 'I'm just happy that I had a good run and that Warrior was exceptional.'

'You looked terrible out there.'

'What is your problem?' She finally snapped, glaring at her. 'Lou, I have done nothing for you to act this way towards me and frankly, I've had jack of it. When you cut it out and get back to normal, then you may speak to me and not beforehand. Thank you.'

'That was a good run Jessie.'

'Thank you Kit.' She smiled, then glared back at Lou before walking Warrior towards the exit. Stopping him at a rail next to the tent she tied him up then quickly went in to vote. She glared back towards Lou as she held the paper with the other contestants' names. There was no way she was voting for her. With a determined look in her eye she checked the box next to Kit's name and placed it in the jar. Heading back outside she collected Warrior and made her way back to the trailer, deep in thought. What was Lou's problem? Seriously? Why did she have to act like an idiot?'

'You were great honey.' Jack exclaimed as he walked up to her, placing his arm around her. 'That was an amazing performance and I am so proud of you.'

The girl blushed, leading Warrior on towards the trailer. 'Thanks Jack. That's nice of you to say.'

'Well I mean it honey, that was one brilliant run you had out there. It was poetry in motion, you and Warrior aced it.' He looked down at her, smiling. 'And you look gorgeous honey, absolutely stunning.'

'Awe Jack-' Her cheeks were going even redder. 'Thank you. I hope you're not upset with me that I didn't tell you that I was going in the queen of the rodeo, I just didn't want to cause more problems then I've already created.'

'I'm not mad at you honey, I'm proud that you entered.' He assured her. 'What problems?' The girl looked down at the ground and it didn't take long for him to figure it out. 'Lou.'

'I didn't want to say anything-'

'Did she say anything to you?'

Jessie kept looking at the ground. 'Kinda. But Jack, I don't want you to say anything to her. I can fight my own battles, I've already put her in her place and if I need to I'll do it again. I just can't wait for things to get back to normal.'

'I'll second that.' He agreed. 'Don't you worry about her though honey, if she says anything else though let me know and I'll have words with her.'

'Okay.' She nodded, smiling a little at his protectiveness of her. 'I bet you were surprised though when she rode out there.'

'Surprised is an understatement.'

'There you are.' Lisa exclaimed with a huge smile as Jessie halted Warrior beside the trailer, Jack with her. Jack walked over to her, slipping his arm around her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. 'Hi.'

'Hi.'

'Wasn't our girl amazing?'

Our girl. She knew she'd never get tired of hearing them call her that, smiling as she tied her stallion up to untack him.

'Yes, she was. I'm very proud of her.' He replied, kissing her cheek again. 'How have you been looking after these two rascals?'

'I'm fine and they've been very well behaved.' Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him. 'I trust you haven't been run off your feet too much with organising this rodeo.' He rolled his eyes and he chuckled. 'I'm guessing that's a yes.'

'I can't wait for it to be over for another year.'

'I can't either, I've barely had a chance to see you.'

'Well, I'm sure we can fix that. How about I skip the party tonight and come have dinner with you all?'

'I think that would be lovely.'

'Oh come on.' Cindy mock groaned, teasing evident in her voice. 'You guys.'

'What?' Jack chuckled, turning to Cindy. 'Oh, I get it.' He turned back to Lisa. 'She wants to see us kiss.'

'No, it's gross.'

'Gross?' Lisa laughed then turned back to Jack. 'I don't know, is it gross?'

Jessie giggled, brushing the sweat marks off Warriors back. 'Cindy you really are something sometimes.'

'And what's that meant to mean?' She asked, flicking her hair over her shoulder.

'Just that.' She replied with an amused tone, looking at Jack with his arm around Lisa out of the corner of her eye. Watching them two together wasn't gross and it wasn't something she ever got tired of. She loved seeing the two of them together, they completed each other. She glanced at her watch then back at Cindy. 'It'll be time for your barrel racing class soon, you best start to get ready.'

Jessie made her way to the grandstands a little later, chips in one hand and a drink in the other. Cindy's class was about to begin, Lisa was helping her with some last minute preparations but the girl had insisted that she go find a seat and get ready to record her ride so she could show her grandmother. She chuckled, trying to find a spot then smiled as she saw Ty sitting down next to an empty space. 'Mind if I sit down here?'

'Not at all.' He replied, patting the seat. 'What's up?'

'Cindy's class is about to begin, she forced me to go find a good spot so I can record her run then I have to go get ready for my turn.' She replied as she took a seat, the last competitor of the previous event exiting the arena and the assistants setting it up for the next. 'Where's Amy? She was asking for you earlier.'

'Probably off with Caleb someplace.'

She nodded but couldn't help hearing the slight tone of jealousy in his voice. 'Their roping class is after the barrel racing isn't it? They're probably practicing someplace.'

'Probably.' The first competitor of the class started their run and he glanced up for a moment then turned back to the girl. 'I have to say you looked pretty good out there, you really did a great performance.'

'Thanks Ty, everyone keeps saying that.'

'Didn't I tell you that you could do it?'

'Yes-' She laughed. 'Yes you did.'

'I think Cindy's up next.' He interrupted, nodding towards the arena as Cindy appeared in the waiting area for her turn.

'Looks like it.' She grabbed out the camera Lisa had lent her from her pocket, turning it on to start recording as the previous finished her run. Quickly she started to record and not a moment too soon for Cindy started to race towards the first barrel. Come on Cindy, come on. Slow him, turn him. That's it! She encouraged in her mind, following the girls run with the camera. Towards the second barrel they raced, Cindy's hat blown back off her head, bouncing on her back by the strings. Easy, slow him, slow him. Gather him, now go! On towards the third barrel, the girl encouraging the pony to give all he had. Come on, come on. That's it, that's it. Turn, turn. 'Go Cindy! Go!' She yelled as the girl came out of the last turn, the crowd cheering her on as she raced towards home.

'A brilliant run with a time of twenty-four point three.'

'Yes!' Cindy was elated, punching the air as she slowed Cruze, turning him towards the gate to exit the arena. 'Good boy, good boy.'

'I've got to go get ready now-' She turned the recording off, standing up. 'I'll catch you later Ty.'

'Good luck Jessie.'

'Thanks.' She hurried out of the grandstands, making her way back to the trailer. Cindy was just getting off Cruze as she made it back to the trailer, giving the girl a hug. 'That was awesome honey! You did so good out there! That was a brilliant run!'

'Your- squeezing- me.' Cindy complained with a laugh and the older girl let go. 'Did you get a video for grandma?'

'Yep, I did.'

'Thanks. I told you you'd do good. With a time that good you should get something.'

'You think?'

'I think it's highly possible.' She glanced at her watch again. 'Why don't you go watch the rest of the competitors and I'll take care of Cruze.'

'You sure?'

'Yep. I don't have a chance to be nervous if I'm busy.'

The girl chuckled with a nod. 'Okay then. See you out there.'

Jessie nodded as the girl hurried away again, racing past Lisa on her way.

'Woah. Someone is in a hurry.' Lisa exclaimed as Cindy headed past her to the grandstands then turned back to the girl. 'You okay honey?'

'Yeah, just nervous.' She replied as she took the saddle off the gelding. 'So I'm going to look after this guy, then get Warrior ready so I don't have time to worry.'

'Sounds like a good idea.' She agreed, patting the gelding. 'You'll be fine honey, it's the last event for you except for the awards. Just go out there and have fun.'

She chuckled, giving Warrior a pat as he nudged her, asking for attention since she was giving it all to Cruze. 'Yes, I'll get you ready in a moment then we're going to go have some fun.'

Jessie patted Warrior's shoulder, running her hand down his fur as she prepared to mount. The last event of the day, her stomach was churning and doing backflips as she tried to calm her nerves. The stallion snorted waringly, catching onto her anxiety as she reached for the stirrup and he moved his hindquarters away from her. 'Easy boy, easy. It's okay.' She ran her hand over his neck, steadying him until he was standing still again. 'Okay boy, I'm hopping on now.' She reached for the stirrup then quickly hoisted herself up into the saddle. The stallion snorted, tossing his head and she patted his shoulder again. 'Easy boy, good boy.'

Gently she urged him on to the warm-up area, the stallion prancing out into a trot as he started to wind up. Carefully she let him into the yard, urging him on into a canter to warm him up for the run.

Once he was warmed up she walked him towards the waiting area, halting him at the back of the line. Ashley Stanton was next to go, Warrior snorting and quivering with anticipation as he watched the last rider come around the final barrel.

'And here she comes around that third barrel, heading for home. Wow! Gonna stop the clock with a tremendous run.'

'Easy boy.' Warrior threw his head up as the woman pulled her horse up past them, the stallion sidestepping away from them as Ashley moved up to take her run.

'You okay with him Jessie?' Kit asked, observing the stallion's behaviour.

'Yeah, I'm alright. He's just excited, he loves running the barrels, don't you boy?' She asked as Ashley started her run, the announcer loud over the speaker with his commentary. Warrior pawed the ground in frustration, eager to get out there to run. 'Easy boy.' '

Nice run by Ashely stanton. How about this? Checking in at 18.50.' We've got our work cut out for us boy. 'That's gonna put her at the top of the leaderboard. Let's go now to our next cowgirl.'

'Good luck.' She called after her as Kit went up for her turn, Warrior tossing his head as Ashley returned. 'Good job Ashley, that was a great run.'

'Thank you Jessie. It's going to be hard to beat. Hope your cowpony can keep up with the pace,'

'Oh, he can.' She smiled sweetly, noticing Mrs. Bell sitting on the fence not far from them. Warrior tossed his head again, this time half-rearing. 'Woah, easy boy. It's not our turn yet.'

'This is local favourite Kit Bailey. All right, Kit too is underway. That's a nice turn to the right as well. Now on to that left-hand barrel.'

Warrior started backing up, tossing his head as he snorted and she ran her hand down his neck again, holding him in. 'Woah, steady mate, easy. It's almost our turn.'

'Once turn to go. Oh, no! Tough break right there. Knocked that barrel down.'

'Yes! Yes! Yes!'

Jessie rolled her eyes at Ashley's enthusiasm for Kit knocking the barrel down, chuckling a little as Ashley realized that Mrs. Bell has seen her. Jack confirmed to the judges that her penalty was five seconds once she was across the line, Kit coming back to the area as the crowd clapped for her attempt. 'That was a good run Kit, it really was. I wish you hadn't hit that barrel, you did really well.'

'Thanks Jessie, just wasn't my day perhaps.' She replied as she dismounted, the girl starting forward to the gate. 'Good luck.'

'Our next and last competitor to compete in this class is Jessica Hawkins on Warrior, another homegrown first timer right here from Hudson.'

'Easy boy, easy.' She encouraged, the stallion tossing his head and his front feet dancing in anticipation. Suddenly he reared up, the girl leaning forward over his neck to counteract the movement. 'Steady boy! Easy! I know you want to run-' He landed only to rear again, this time spinning around mid-air. 'In a moment.' She gathered the reins, holding his head in and trying to get his attention back to her. The stallion pig-rooted then leapt forward, spinning around and around.

'It seems like she's having problems, let's give her a moment to get her horse under control folks.'

Be careful Jessie. Jack pleaded, watching the stallion's antics as he spun around again.

'Warrior!' Jessie barked, the stallion suddenly coming to a stop at her tone. She ran her hand down his neck as he huffed and puffed, his ears back to listen to her. 'Good boy.'

'I don't know what she's done but it seems like she's managed to get him under control.'

The girl blocked out the announcer voice, the crowd, even Jack at the starting line. It was just her and her horse as she continued to sooth him, speaking softly to him. 'We're going to start, it's just you and I boy. We're going to give this our best shot and have fun. Okay?'

Warrior's ears flicked back again, relaxing a little and the girl shifted her seat, gathering the reins. 'Ready boy?' He nodded, backing up a couple paces as she gathered him underneath her. Suddenly she dug her heels into his sides, giving him his head. 'Go!'

The stallion leapt forward, rushing towards the first barrel. The announcers commentary rang in her ears as she slowed him but she ignored it, spinning him around the barrel. On to the next barrel, changing leads mid-stride in the middle in preparation for the turn. Around they went, so tight around the barrel the sand kicked up by his hooves made pinging noises on the metal. Towards the third barrel they charged, sending sand flying as they spun around it then she let him go and the stallion fairly flew towards home, barely coming to a stop before they hit the fence. 'Good boy.' She praised, exhilarated by the run as the horse halted. 'Good boy.'

'And with a time of sixteen-'

'What?' Jessie whipped her head around, looking up at the announcer.

'Flat, Jessica has managed to go straight to the top of the leaderboard!'

Her mouth dropped open in amazement as the stallion knickered softly, turning to look at her. They'd won the barrel racing?

'Good job!' Kit praised, bringing the girl out of her daze. 'That was a totally awesome run!'

'I don't know what to say.' She ran her hand down Warrior's neck, absolutely ecstatic with their win. Warrior snorted, flexing his neck as she urged him out of the waiting area so that the next class could prepare. 'Good boy, good boy.'

'I knew you could do it Jessie!' Cindy exclaimed, running over to her from the grandstands where she'd watched her run with Lisa. Warrior shied, spinning away from her and she held back, apologetic for her enthusiasm startling the horse. 'Sorry.'

'It's okay, he's just a little high strung right now. Easy boy.'

'Sorry.'

'It's alright.' She replied, getting the stallion under control and they started back to the trailer. 'You want to hop on?'

'Can I?'

'Up you come.' She gave the girl her arm, helping her onto the back of her stallion. 'Well, how'd you like competing?'

'It was awesome, absolutely awesome and Cruze is just amazing. I wish he didn't have to go back.'

Jessie said nothing in reply to the girl, halting Warrior beside the trailer. Cindly slid off back over the stallion's rump then gave him a pat as the older girl dismounted. 'Alright, let's get you untacked and go watch the rest of the rodeo Cindy.'

The senior team penning event was well underway by the time Jessie, Cindy and Lisa returned to the grandstands to watch the remaining classes of the rodeo. Jessie had her head on Lisa's shoulder, blinking sleepingly in the evening sun as the team roping started. She was exhausted, but it was a happy exhaustion. Lisa chuckled, kissing the girl's head. 'You tired, my baby girl?'

Jessie nodded. 'Mmhmm.'

'My poor girl.' She chuckled again, her arm around her. 'It won't be long now and we'll be heading back home.'

'Mmhmm.'

'Looks like it's Caleb and Amy's turn.' Cindy exclaimed as the next competitors stepped up, preparing for their run.

Caleb turned to Amy as they waited on either side of the crush for the steer to be released, nodding that he was ready. Amy took a deep breath then looked down at Tim who was controlling the gate and nodded. The steer jumped forward, the two riders hot on his tail as it bolted across the arena. Amy had her rope swinging, timing her throw then let it go, the noose settling nicely around the steers horns. Caleb's lasso wasn't far behind, grabbing both of the steers legs as Amy and him halted the horses. Jack waved the flag for the timer to stop, a smile on both his face and theirs.

'Yes!' Jessie shouted as the crowd clapped. 'Go Amy and Caleb!'

'They're perfect on both ends of that steer.' The announcer called out as they both unwound the ends of their lassos to turn the steer loose. 'And the time for Amy Fleming and Caleb O'dell is eight point two seconds. Good for third place.'

Jack winked at Amy, a smile on his face.

'Hey Jack!' Tim called out at the crush, Jack turning his horse towards him. 'What can I say? Must run in the family.'

'Yeah, the Bartlett side.'

'They had a really good run.' Jessie exclaimed as the next team started their turn, glancing at Cindy. 'You and I should try that out sometime.'

'Me?' Cindy asked in surprise. 'I could never do that.'

'Awe, come on. All it takes is practice.'

'But I don't know how to use a lasso.'

'I can teach you.' She looked up at Lisa. 'Might as well teach the two of you at the same time.'

Lisa laughed. 'I'm not sure roping is really my thing.'

'Doesn't hurt to give it a try, you've roped Jack good and proper.' The girl teased, her eyes sparkling. 'And you didn't need a lasso for that either.'

'Oh you.' She blushed, turning her attention back to the arena as the last team for the roping finished their run and the first of the senior class broncs were started to be loaded into the chute. 'Next you'll try to convince me to ride broncs.'

'Yeah, na, that's not my kind of thing.' Jessie chuckled. 'I can ride a bucking horse, Warrior certainly has taught me how to do that but I prefer my horses keeping all four hooves on the ground.'

'I couldn't agree more.' Cindy interjected. 'I don't like falling off at the best of times, let alone be on a horse that's bred to buck.'

'And now, that crazy cowboy from Okotoks, Caleb Odell, on everyone's favorite bucking horse, this is Rocky Road.'

'Nice grey.'

'Yeah.' Jessie agreed, watching the horse in the chute as Caleb mounted. 'He's a nice looking horse.'

Caleb nodded and the gate opened, the horse leaping out of the chute, bucking frantically. 'Looking real good right now, making a solid ride. Caleb Odell.' The horn blew and he sat a couple more bucks before jumping ship and landing on the ground with both feet. 'Going the eight seconds right there and check this out. The judges say seventy-eight points for Caleb O'dell, putting him solidly in second place overall.'

Lisa looked down at her watch as the next competitor prepared, turning to Jessie. 'You better go get ready for the Rodeo Queen awards Jessie.'

'Right, I'm off.'

'You want me to come help you?'

'No, I'll manage. You and Cindy enjoy watching the rest of the broncs.' She called back over her shoulder, making her way back to Warrior. Warrior snorted then knickered to her as she walked up and she chuckled, patting his neck. 'Last time today buddy then you get a nice long rest and oats, I promise.' Quickly she ran a brush over him then tacked him up again and turned him towards the waiting area again. Lou was already there and she glanced at her then nudged her stallion on and pulled up beside Kit. 'Are Rodeo's always this exhausting?'

Kit laughed. 'They can be, it's all part of it. You've done great though, for your first rodeo. You should be very proud of yourself.'

'I'm more proud of this boy.' She patted the stallion's shoulder with a smile. 'He's come a very long way. You should have seen us the first time we tired doing barrels.'

'Everyone has to start somewhere.'

'Alright ladies, you may enter the arena.'

Jessie waited back, letting the others go ahead then gently urged Warrior into a trot to follow them in for the results. Warrior flicked his hooves out, prancing into the arena with his tail up and she chuckled. He certainly liked showing off, he really liked showing off. They did a lap around then pulled up in the center of the arena, lining up to listen to the results. Nervously she patted the stallion's neck, running her hand along his fur as she took a deep breath.

'And now, our rodeo queen results.'

Sally stepped into the arena as the crowd cheered and clapped, waiting a moment for them to quieten down a moment. 'The third runner up…'

Jessie sat with bated breath, patting Warrior's shoulder as he sniffed at her boot.

'Ashley Stanton.' Ashley half-heartedly smiled, more then a little deflated at coming last as she dismounted and the previous years Queen handed her her sash. 'You ride beautifully dear but it was your attitude that cost you the crown.'

Warrior snorted, heaving a sigh and the girl chuckled, patting his neck again. 'Not long now boy then you can have a nice long break and feed.'

'The second runner up and this year's Miss Congeniality is-' She paused for a moment. 'Jessica Hawkins.'

The girl dismounted, a huge smile on her face as she patted Warrior then accepted her sash and crown. 'Thank you.'

'You did well Jessie, and your horsemanship was excellent.' Sally praised with a smile. 'You just need a little more work on your rodeo knowledge and a little more experience and you'll make it to the top.'

Jessie nodded, still with a huge smile on her face. Second was more than she'd ever wished for. 'Thank you so much, it's been such a privilege to be able to compete.' She saw Lisa and Cindy clapping in the stands and waved at them as Sally walked away. Warrior nudged her, sniffing at her sash and she laughed. 'Hey, it's mine! You'll get your reward later.'

'The first runner-up… Soraya Duval.' The crowd again clapped and cheered, Maggie sitting on the fence cheering loudest of all as Soraya received her sash. 'And this year's queen of the Hudson Rodeo is… Katherine Kit Bailey.'

'Whoo-hoo!' She punched the air then dismounted, the crowd cheering as she hugged the previous Queen and received her crown. Sally turned to Lou, the woman looking quite deflated as the crowd continued cheering for Kit. 'Your horsemanship wasn't quite up to par, Lou. But your sportsmanship has really improved. You remember last time? You trampled that poor girl's flag into the mud.'

Jessie patted Warrior again, her face radiating with happiness. 1st in the barrel racing, 2nd in the rodeo Queen and Miss Congeniality to boot! After a short time the other contestants mounted up and started to leave the arena, the girl doing the same. Lou sulkily hurried off, as well as Ashley but Soraya and Kit stayed behind. Warrior shook his head as he was halted again, the girl shaking hands with both of them. 'Congratulations guys. Well done.'

'Thanks Jessie.'

'Thank you Jessie.' Kit replied as she shook her hand. 'You did well yourself too, congrats.'

'Thanks. I had a good teacher for barrel racing.'

The other girl laughed. 'Yeah, fair enough.'

'Well-' She spotted Lisa and Cindy near the fence, the girl waving frantically to her trying to get her attention. 'If you'll excuse me I think there are some other people who want to speak with me.'

'Oh Jessie-' Cindy started as the girl rode out of the yard, her and Lisa going to meet her. The older girl dismounted and she threw her arms around her. 'I knew you could do it!'

'Thanks Cindy.'

'I am so proud of you honey.' Lisa added, giving the girl a hug after Cindy had stepped back. 'You did so well out there and I am so so proud of you.'

Jessie smiled, looking up at her with their arms wrapped around each other. 'I could never have done this without you, you deserve as much credit as me. You're the one who made this possible for me. I can never thank you enough.'

'The look on your face and that sparkle in your eyes is enough thanks for me honey.' She replied, placing her hands on either side of the girl's face and looked into her eyes. 'I am so proud of you.'

'You've said that three times now, it must be true.'

Lisa laughed, hugging the girl again. 'It is true!'

Warrior knickered then nudged the girl with his muzzle, breaking up the moment. The girl laughed, turning to her stallion then gave him a hug. 'Yes boy, I'd never have done it without you.' He brushed her cheek with his muzzle again and she giggled. 'Okay, I promised you a treat. Let's go get you one.'

The bull riding was the last event of the day, Jessie and Cindy heading to the arena to watch before they left while Lisa was on a phone call. The first bull for the first rider was being loaded into the chute as they stopped at the fence, a huge black bull that was snorting as the rider prepared to get on.

'There's no way I'd be getting on that thing.' Cindy exclaimed, nodding in the direction of the bull. 'It looks like a sure-fire way of getting yourself six-foot under on an express train bound for Chicago.'

Jessie chuckled with a smile. 'I've ridden a bull before.'

'What?' She turned at her, her mouth open. 'When?'

'Oh, a few years back. I used to tend to a small herd of cattle and there was this bull called Big Lick. I named him that because he was just an absolute puppy dog, he would try to lick your face whenever you went near him. I used to hop on and ride him around in a halter.'

'Yeah-' She didn't sound convinced. 'Right.'

'No, I did. He was the gentlest bull I've ever met. Not at all like this guy-' She nodded at the bull in the chute. 'He's bred for this purpose, this is his job. Big Lick was bred to just breed quiet progeny and so he was quiet.'

'And next up, riding Reverb, a brand new face on the circuit, first time out.'

'Oh, this is going to be interesting.' She exclaimed as the rider mounted the bull.

'But if he wants to win, he's got to stay on for eight seconds, just like everyone else. That's what rodeo's all about folks. Guts and heart.' The announcer continued as the rider settled in, taking hold of the rope. 'So let's have a big, warm western style welcome for Ty Borden.'

'What?'

'Ty?' Cindy squeaked in surprise. 'As in ranchand Ty?'

'The same.' She replied, catching the look on Jack's face. Suddenly the gate was opened and the bull flew out, the girl holding her breath.

'Look at this. A spin to the right. This bull is really charged.' The bull kept bucking and spinning, sand flying into the air as he kicked up a fight. 'How about a clap this time? Look at this bull go and Ty Borden nicely in control. This guy's making a heck of a ride. Oh no-' The announcer exclaimed as Ty fell off, the bull charging at him as the rodeo clowns tried to get him under control. 'I thought he was going to make it. What a tremendous effort. Don't you let him get out of here feeling bad, folks. Say something right now to Ty Borden. Heck of a try.'

'Well that was a damn stupid thing to do-' Jack exclaimed as he walked up to him, Ty talking off his helmet. 'Reckless, irresponsible. Could have gotten yourself killed.' He shook his hand. 'Reminds me of me.'

'Hey-' Tim interrupted. 'First time out. You didn't get killed. Give me that.' Ty threw him the helmet for the next competitor.

'Hey thanks.'

'Nice job.'

'Ty-' Caleb walked up to him to shake his hand. 'That belly roll and the way he dropped his front end real bad, nobody could have rode that.'

'Ty-' Amy angrily walked up to him. 'What the hell were you trying to prove, hmm?'

'She was just worried that you would get hurt.' Kit interrupted. 'But you didn't. Way to go cowboy.' She added, giving him a hug.

'Thanks.'

'Girls, I think it's time to be moving.' Lisa walked up to them, placing her hands on the girls shoulders. 'It's getting late.'

Cindy and Jessie both nodded at the same time, the younger girl covering her mouth as she started to yawn. 'I think that's a good idea.'

Jessie chuckled. 'Is Jack coming for dinner?'

'Yes, he will be.'

'Great. What are we having?'

'No idea yet but I'll think of something.' She assured them as they walked back to the trailer. 'What would you girls like?'

'Pizza?'

'Pizza?' Lisa repeated Cindy's reply. 'What do you think Jessie?'

'Lasagna maybe but pizza sounds good.'

'How about both? We can pick up a couple pizza's in town on the way through and I've got makings for lasagna at home. We can have that with veggies.'

'Sounds even better.' Jessie chuckled, patting Warrior. 'Alright Cindy, load up Cruze.'

'Okay.' She untied his leadrope, pushing the horse's face away as he tried to nibble on her hat. 'Cruze, quit that. Come on.'

Warrior snorted, watching as he walked onto the float then the girl gently urged him forward and confidently led him into the float. The stallion dug into the haynet as she tied him up, patting his shoulder again as she left the float and helped Lisa lift the ramp. 'We won't be long boy then you'll be home.' He stamped his hoof and she chuckled, hopping in the car. Lisa started the truck as she put her seatbelt on, and she glanced back at Cindy, chuckling as she saw the younger girl had already closed her eyes. 'She's tuckered, poor thing.'

Lisa looked around at her as they started pulling out of the rodeo grounds, smiling as she saw that she was already asleep. 'It's been a big day, for all of us.'

'Probably the best day I've ever had.' She replied, turning to look at the rodeo as they pulled out, resting her head on her seatbelt as they headed back into Hudson. It wasn't the best day because she had won, rather, it had been a great day since she'd been able to spend it with people she loved. She'd had fun, she'd loved watching Cindy compete and being in the rodeo queen contest had been even better then she'd imagined. All in all, she relished the day she had as her eyelids started to get heavier, staring at the scenery for a few moments then quietly drifted off to sleep…

Jessie chuckled as Warrior took off across the grassy paddock with Cruze at his side late in the evening, smiling as she watched him buck and play with the gelding. The sun was just starting to set as she leant against the wooden post and rail fence, her arms crossed on the top rail with her chin resting on top. She was exhausted, but it was a happy exhaustion. Even with the anxiety and worry of competing, now that it was over, she was able to relish in her achievements. First in the barrel racing was more then she'd ever expected to get and she was still surprised she'd come second and had received Miss Congeniality, especially as it was her first time out.

'Whatcha thinkin of?' Cindy asked as she bounded over, jumping onto the rail to sit beside her. 'You look deep in though.'

The girl smiled sleepingly and thoughtfully, the sinking sunlight cascading over her long hair. 'Just how thankful I am to have had the opportunity to compete in the rodeo- She placed her hand on the girls knee, looking up at her. 'And about how much I enjoyed watching you compete. You really aced it out there Cindy and I am so proud of you.'

She chuckled, blushing as she picked at the paint on the rail. 'Thanks for saying that Jessie. I just wish Grandma could have been there to see it.'

'I know but she was with you in spirit. And you get to show her the little trophy you won. Don't forget your video too.'

'I know, but it's just-'

'Different?' The girl nodded. 'I understand sis, there are people I wished could have watched me today too.'

That sparked Cindy's interest and she turned to her as the girl watched the horses in the field. 'Who?'

'The lady who taught me to ride, Lillian. She did a little bit of rodeo in her day, she used to tell me stories about it when I was little.' She glanced towards the sun then patted the girl's knee. 'Come on, dinner will probably be almost ready by now and we need to go get cleaned up.'

'Alright.' She jumped off the fence, falling into step beside Jessie as they walked back to the house. 'You've mentioned Lillian a few times now, what happened to her? Why aren't you still living with her?'

'It's-' She paused for a moment. 'Complicated, and a story that isn't one I want to repeat when we've had such a good day.'

Cindy realised that Jessie wasn't going to say anymore and gave up pushing her to tell her, glancing around as Jack's truck came up the drive. 'Jack's here!'

She chuckled as the girl took off, wondering how on earth she had any energy left to run after the day she'd had. Jack gave Cindy a hug then spoke to her for a couple moments before the girl continued on inside, turning to look at her as she walked up to the house.

'How's my girl?'

'Exhausted.' She replied as he gave her a hug, holding onto him as she closed her eyes. She breathed in, taking comfort in his hold as he kissed her head.

Jack could tell that she wasn't just tired, there was something else. She seemed to be more sober than usual, her eyes glistening with a type of sadness held deep inside. 'What's wrong honey?'

Jessie shook her head, stepping back. 'I'm okay, it's nothing really.'

'You sure?'

She nodded. 'I'm sure. Just some old memories.'

'Okay.' He placed his hand on her shoulder. 'You know I'm always here.'

'I know.' She smiled. 'Thank you Jack.'

He smiled back as they started walking up the path to the house, glancing down at her. 'That crown looks good on you.''

'Well, I don't think it would suit you.'

He laughed, opening the door for her then followed her inside. 'I highly doubt it would.'

'Hey.'

'Hey.' He smiled as Lisa walked up to them, giving her a kiss on the cheek. 'Mmm, dinner smells good.'

'It's nothing fancy-' She started with a chuckle. 'Just lasagne and veggies like Jessie requested and Cindy wanted pizza so that's what we've got.'

'Sounds nice.' He noticed Jessie watching them out of the corner of his eye, grinning like the cat that caught the canary and turned to her. 'Care to explain what's so funny?'

'Oh come on-' She laughed. 'I don't mind if you two kiss, I've seen you do it before.'

'Apparently she doesn't mind if we kiss.' Lisa raised her eyebrows at him cheekily then looked back at the girl. 'Your starting to sound a lot like Cindy.'

'Well, we are kinda sisters in a way.' The girl glanced around. 'Where is she by the way?'

'In your room, changing. You should probably go clean up as well, dinner won't be long.'

'Alright.' She started out the doorway then stopped, peering back at them around the corner. 'You can kiss now, you know. Jessie 'spying' Hawkins has left the vicinity.'

'Go on.' Lisa laughed, throwing a dishcloth she'd carried in from the kitchen at her and the girl hurried away giggling. 'Man, she's impossible sometimes. With Cindy around she's even more cheeky.'

'And how long did you say Cindy was staying?' He asked with a teasing grin then glanced around. 'Well, I don't think either of them are spying on us now-' She chuckled as he pulled her in for a kiss. 'How's that?'

'I'd say that's pretty darn good.' She replied, her eyes sparking as she looked up at him. 'I've missed not seeing you, you being so busy with the rodeo and all.'

'Well now that's over we can have more time together, not that we're going to get much alone time with those two around in the foreseeable future.'

'And I have to go back to France in a couple weeks too.' She sighed. 'I should be there this week but I promised Eleanor that I'd keep and eye on Cindy but it may look like Cindy will be here longer than expected.'

'Oh?' He asked as they walked into the kitchen, Lisa heading to the stove to check on the vegetables cooking.

'I'll tell you later.' She replied, hearing the two girls coming up the hallway. 'Alright you two, dinner's almost ready so why don't you set the table?'

'Yes mam.'

'Sure.' Jessie headed to the cupboard, passing her the plates. 'I'll grab the cutlery and glasses.'

'Alright.'

Grabbing the knives and forks she placed them on the bench as Jack helped Lisa put everything into serving dishes, then went back to get the glasses. It didn't take long before the table was set, the aroma of the cooked food making her stomach growl as she sat down. 'I'm starving.'

Lisa chuckled as Jack pulled her chair out for her, smiling up at him then turned back to the girls as he sat down. 'Well, it's not here to look at. Dig in.'

It didn't take long for the dishes to be emptied, polite small-talk happening around the table as they ate then Jessie stood up, picking up her plate and the empty serving dishes. 'I'll take care of that.' Lisa interjected. 'I don't mind.'

'No, it's okay Lisa. I'll do it.' She smiled, heading into the kitchen with the dishes. Heading to the sink she placed them in then began to fill it up, a dish in her hand as she stared absentmindedly out the window into the night. Lillian.

'Did I ever tell you about the time I competed in the Calgary rodeo, year of nine-teen seventy-three?'

An eight year old Jessie shook her head, glancing up at her from her sewing for a moment. 'Tell me about it.'

'Well, I was entered in both the team roping and barrel racing that year. Chigger, Cherry Blossoms great-granddam, was my horse for that event. Well, anyway, as we came around that first barrel I realised something was wrong.'

'What?'

'Well, my saddle began to slide and I began to think to myself as we raced to the second barrel, 'Lillian, you're going to eat sand here' because it was really starting to slip. Somehow we managed to get around the second barrel, it was the third when things started to get really tricky.'

'What happened?'

'Well, as we came out of the turn I realised that instead of looking straight between my horses ears the saddle was sliding right underneath my mares belly-'

'What did you do?'

'I did what any self-respecting cowgirl would do. I grabbed hold of her mane, clinging onto her neck for everything I was worth.' She chuckled, glancing up at the clock. 'When we finally made it across the finish line I was right underneath her neck, and her saddle was twisted all the way around her stomach. You know what the moral to the story is?'

'Nope.'

'Always check your cinch! I realized after that I hadn't double-checked my cinch and it almost cost me the rodeo. You know what else I learned that day?'

'What?'

'If you want something so bad, never ever let it go. I got second that year, if I had let go I'd have been disqualified but I managed to hold on.' She placed her sewing aside, looking up at the girl. 'It's bedtime now young missy.'

The plate she was holding slipped out of her hands, shattering on the tiles with a loud crash as tears started running down her face. Lillian, I miss you so much.

'Jessie honey, are you okay?'

She heard Lisa's concerned voice behind her and didn't reply, instead she ran out of the kitchen and to the front door, running into the night without even stopping to put her shoes on. Tears poured down her cheeks as she ran down the drive, not even caring where she went. Finally she stopped, sinking to her knees on the grass next to an old oak tree.

Lisa looked at Jack in bewilderment, at the door the girl had hastily ran out of then the floor where one of the serving dishes lay smashed in a thousand pieces. 'I better clean-'

'It's okay, Cindy and I'll manage. Go find Jessie.'

She nodded, heading to the door. Quickly she put her shoes on then went out into the night, looking around the quiet yard for the girl. It didn't take her long to find her, the moonlight illuminating the silhouette of the girl kneeling next to a tree. Cautiously she approached her then knelt down beside her. 'Jessie. Honey. You don't have to be upset that you broke a plate.'

'It's- not- the- plate.' She sniffled then turned to Lisa, throwing her arms around her as she buried her face in the woman's shoulder. 'I- miss- Lillian.'

Lisa held her close, rubbing her chin on top of the girl's head as she cried. 'It's okay honey, it's okay. I know.'

She cried for a few minutes then pulled back, forcing herself to get her emotions under control. 'I'm such an idiot.'

'No you're not honey.' She stroked the girls cheek gently. 'When someone you love passes on it's only natural to miss them. Sometimes the slightest thing can start you grieving again, its only natural.'

'I still feel silly.'

'Your not honey.' Lisa assured her, smiling. 'I know she would have been proud of you. You did so well today honey, so so well.'

'I know.' She looked down at the ground, her eyes glistening with tears again. 'Does this pain ever get any easier?'

'In time honey, in time.' The girl started sobbing again and she pulled her close, tears coming to her own eyes. It wasn't true, regardless of how much time passed, when you loved someone as much as they had both loved people they had lost the pain of losing them felt raw forever. She closed her eyes, feeling tears slipping down her cheeks as the girl cried and she laid her cheek against the girl's head. 'It's going to be okay honey, it'll be alright.'

Lisa snuggled up to Jack later that night on the couch, the house quiet and still since both of the girls were asleep in bed. Her eyes were closed, holding onto the feeling of Jack's arms around her. It was okay, she was okay. He was here with her.

'Lis-' He looked down at her, kissing her head gently. Something was wrong, he could sense it and guessed it might have had something to do with Jessie. When they had come in he could see they both had been crying but neither of them had said anything, Jessie had headed off to bed and Lisa had went to go tell them a story and tuck them in. She hadn't said a word to him since she had joined him on the couch half an hour ago. 'Sweetheart. What's wrong?'

'Jessie just said some things-' She started softly, her voice barely above a whisper. 'It brought some memories back for me.'

'You want to talk about it?'

She shook her head, tears coming to her eyes. 'I can't Jack, I can't.'

'Oh honey.' He kissed her head gently. 'It's okay.'

She shook her head again, a tear running down her cheek. 'How on earth did you manage losing both your wife and your daughter?'

Jack was silent for a moment, a little surprised and caught off guard by her question. 'I- I don't know. I've never really thought about it. There was always something that kept me busy from thinking about it. When I lost Lyndy, I had a ranch that needed to be run and a daughter to be raised. It was the same with Marion, I guess.' He kissed her cheek gently, wiping a tear from her eyes. There was something, something in her eyes. Something that told him she wasn't telling him something. 'What is it Lisa?'

Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as she shook her head again, crying without a sound. She didn't reply, just let him hold her in his arms as she broke down. The pain, the grief, it felt too much to carry anymore yet she couldn't find the words to speak. She could feel his arms around her, heard him speaking softly to her yet nothing could heal the aching in her heart. Nothing could take away the pain of losing someone you loved with your whole heart, someone you were happy to lay down your life for without a second thought if only it meant they could have lived.

Jack continued holding her, wondering what she hadn't told him that was affecting her so much. He knew Lisa, or so he thought. He also knew she kept a lot of things to herself, she was a very closed person, even to him she very rarely let herself be vulnerable in his presence. Oh Lisa honey. He wished there was something he could do, something he could say. It broke his heart to see her like this yet there being nothing he could do to fix it. What wasn't she telling him? Something told him that it was over her losing someone close to her but nothing made sense. Time passed, Lisa's silent crying and sobs slowly abated as she succumbed to exhaustion, drifting off into a fitful sleep in his arms. He glanced at the clock, it was getting late but there was no way he was leaving her with the way she was. She needed him, he would be there for her. Gently he kissed her cheek then carefully grabbed a blanket off the back of the couch and placed it over her to keep her warm. Even in sleep she looked troubled, it pained him to see her in so much pain but there was nothing he could do. The only thing he could do was be there for her and there, with Lisa sleeping, he made a promise to himself that her would always be there for her….