Chapter One Hundred Forty-Four

The Jack Bartlett Rodeo

A/N – Well I guess I would have to say it was really fun living through Amy and Ty's getaway. But as I wrote I felt that I should spend time with what was happening at home with Lilly and our fledgling bronc rider. I think Lyndy did Ok and I expected everyone is waiting for the conversation between Amy and Lyndy and to be forewarned, Ty will also speak with Wyatt. Don't worry, I will be nice. For those of you who have followed the story from the beginning, I have begun to develop the individual family members like Addie and her mechanics storyline. I have really used a lot of the ideas you all have sent so don't stop. I may not use them verbatim but the context of the idea is in play for sure. After the rodeo, I have a whole bunch of fun ideas from you I will incorporate. But the plan is to spend the entire chapter on the rodeo – well that is the plan. I hope you are continuing to enjoy the story because I know I am. Let me know what you think and send me what you would like to see. Mature Content Enjoy!

Ty and Wyatt went to sit on the porch after they dropped the bags in their bedroom. After what felt like hours, Wyatt had to say something. "Ty, dad, were didn't do anything that would upset you and mom. I guess Lyndy heard me groaning and wanted to help. Lyndy was amazing and the oils she used really helped my aches and pains. Heck I fell asleep and the next thing I remember was waking up." Ty pondered his comment and answered, "Well Wyatt, you know that Amy and I trust you both but did the massage help anything else." Wyatt was shocked and responded immediately. "I have too much respect for you and Amy but most of all I respect Lyndy. I will not lie, we have each experienced some feelings that are a challenge right now but I would never do anything to hurt her or anything she didn't want me to do. I love her too much." He stopped realizing maybe he was a little too honest with his girlfriend's father. Ty sat for a moment to let him sweat a little but also having a little fun. "Wyatt when Amy and I were not much older than you guys we were challenged as well and several times we were really close to moving forward. And as you know we were caught more than once. When I had my bike accident Amy did the exact same thing for me. She massaged my damaged muscles with lavender and had no problem announcing what she did at the dinner table, talk about embarrassing. These Borden women are something. Besides being beautiful they are committed and passionate to a whole other level. They will always be here for us. We are really lucky guys." Wyatt smiled and was about to speak when Ty continued, "Wyatt we are not upset but just remember, be patient and love her completely, even when is it tough." Amy and Lyndy sat talking about the massage. Amy laughed, "Honey, I did the same thing for your dad after his bike wreck. We were lucky though because there weren't as many eyes on us and he was staying in the loft while he recovered." Lyndy giggled, "Is that why daddy said that a lot of good things happened there." Amy blushed, "Don't change the subject. Like dad and I have always said, respect each other and be patient. Trust me your father really had to be patient with me when I was young, my emotions were all over the place. But like Wyatt, your dad is kind and loves me completely. He never forced me to do anything I didn't want to and when things happened it was even more special. I have to ask, where did you get the idea on the lavender and coconut oil?" She laughed, "Mom I got them from your journal, you actually made an entry about what you did for dad." They laughed, stood up and hugged, "And one more thing. Mallory told me that you fell asleep in Wyatt's room a couple of times. We are Ok with that but I don't think dad or I are ready for cohabitation yet. Again in fairness I definitely snuck out a few times to the loft but always made sure I was back before GG woke up." Lyndy blushed and Amy continued, "But no worries, we love you little nugget." They headed over to the house and Lyndy looked warily, "Oh no dad is talking to him." As they stepped up the men stood and hugged their ladies. Ty laughed, "All good with you to because we are good as well. Let's go get dinner started." Lyndy and Wyatt were so relieved until her dad had to get one more plug in. "Hey Lyndy, I need some coconut oil for something I want so make, do you have any?" Amy smacked his arm and Lyndy smacked the other. They all laughed and went into the house.

Over the next week and a half, the Miracle Ranch was buzzing, in fact the whole company was. Besides being really busy, preparations were underway for the Company Rodeo and Family Picnic. It was going to be a major event for sure. Several hundred people were expected and like last year it would be held at the Miracle Ranch main outdoor arena as it had all of the equipment needed. They rented some portable stands and had both the large and small tent set up for lunch and a place to cool down. They were planning to use the Day Care playground for the kids and added several blow up games for them. The entire facility had to be cleaned as well since they also invited all of their vendors and clients who were there at that time. Many of the vendors donated goods as well which helped supplement the cost. The University made a substantial financial donation as well due to the strong relationship that had been forged between them. Marnie was providing all of the sides and deserts and the men were BBQing a lot of things. By Thursday, everything was set up and the weather was going to be cooperating. Alex and Sam called and asked to do a live broadcast on Friday morning from the grounds and Lisa, Amy and Ty were on board. Their goal was to just include staff and their families but they considered them a part of the group as well. Clint and a few of his team were going to be there as well since the youth program was still going strong. A renowned rodeo announcer volunteer to handle the program for them and more than enough local cowboys volunteered to be judges and wranglers, so the staff could just enjoy the event. Caleb, Rusty and several of the ranch had made sure everything was set up and ready to go. On Friday, the Good Morning Calgary team with Amy, Ty, Caleb, Jack, Lou, and Lisa walked the grounds live on the air making sure everything looked ready. Alex and Sam were impressed and asked a lot of questions. As they walked into the arena Jack spoke for the group, "Well everything looks great, I like the vendor signs. It's not too much but still nice." He looked at the main announcer's booth and saw there wasn't a sign for the Rodeo like last year. "Where is the main sign Lou?" She bit her lip, "Well it will be here early tomorrow, there was a few problems with it." He shrugged it off as they continued their tour. Lou looked at Lisa and Amy wide eyed, happy he didn't pursue it more. The surprise was safe and to be honest it had been a hard one to keep. Through all the mayhem the horse healing team still had clients and client horses to work with and the vet team was as busy as ever with check ins and surgeries. Both clinics were swamped as well as the reputation of the company continue to grow not just in notoriety but in scope. The Heartland Equestrian Experience was continuing to expand their reach as clients were coming from long distances to take advantage of their variety of services. Lisa, Lou, Scott, Ty and Amy had been talking amongst themselves about expansion ideas as the existing facilities were busting at the seams. At the next Board meeting they hoped to have some ideas to share with everyone. With all that the plan was to shut down the operation around midday on Friday so everyone could get ready for this company event. They had a lot to be thankful for and would celebrate on Saturday.

The night before the rodeo the Borden's sat at dinner enjoying the meal and the conversation even more. The massage story had died down and most of the talk was about the next day's activities. Amy and Ty had been holding off to tell the kids some big news but figured they could do it now. Amy spoke up to get their attention, "Dad and I have something to tell you and you are have to promise you will keep it a secret." Each of the kids stopped eating and looked at them thinking different things from pregnancy to breaking up and even that they might move. As he watched Ty laughed, "First off mom and I are great and she is not pregnant." JT seemed relieved, "Whew, I was worried you might be pregnant. One of the kids said her parents went on a trip by themselves once and 9 months later she had a brother." The kids all laughed amazed at the perceptiveness of their little 5 year old brother. Amy smiled, "Like dad said we are good. What we want to tell you is that we have decided to name the rodeo after GG. We are going to call it the 'Jack Bartlett / Heartland Equestrian Experience Company Rodeo' and look at this cool logo." She pulled up the picture on her phone. It was a picture of GG looking up at the mountains, something he always does with the image of the Heartland sign at the gate above him. It was a perfect shot of him and showed the mountains and the entry to his family's home for generations. Lyndy smiled, "GG told me why he does that. He said it was because he always want to look up there to remember Grandma Marion, GG Lyndy and his sister. He wants to make sure they are happy with everything going on in our lives. He said the mountains is his connection to them." The table went quiet when JT spoke up softly, "Mommy is GG Ok. Don't you name something after someone if they are dead or really sick." With tears in her eyes she pulled him into her lap, "Sweetie, he is good and I think will be with us for a long time." Dinner continued and they had desert on the porch, looking over the grounds all set up. Maddie spoke up, "Is that why there is no banner yet, that is sneaky." Ty laughed, "Well little miss inquisitive, that is correct, in fact after we finish we will show it to you, it is in our room. As they finished on the porch they notice Katie and Clay walking around looking things over. Katie was about 6 weeks away and had become pretty big. Lyndy yelled over, Katie you need some help, you seem to be waddling more." Clay's eyes got big as it seemed the last week or two she had become more and more uncomfortable. Katie looked at her cousin with a pained face yelling over, "One day this will be you, little miss smarty pants." They laughed as JT spoke up, "Oh my, I hope you helping Wyatt with his aches and pains doesn't get you pregnant Lyndy." You could have heard a pin drop as the group figured out how to respond. Ty was the most in control so he took the ball, "Buddy, don't worry, she didn't use the oil that causes that so all is well." He looked so relieved and content, "Great job Lyndy using the right stuff." After a few more seconds the group broke out into a controlled laugh and his sisters began to tickle him. Amy and Ty watched smiling brightly at their family and how lucky they were. She reached up and kissed him whispering, "I love you."

After an early bed time Amy and Ty went to say good night to everyone. They chatted with each of them about tomorrow reminding them about the secret. JT seemed pass the pregnancy questions and fell asleep quickly as Amy rubbed his back. Maddie was going over a few list she had for tomorrow but yawned heavily as they walked out. The twins were giggling about the whole, massage and pregnancy thing. Ty laughed, "You two be nice to your little brother and when did you grow up so much." Annie grunted, "Daddy, we are going to be 14 soon, we aren't kids." He smiled a little forlorn realizing she was right. Addie noticed his look and got up to hug him, "Daddy, we will always be your little girls." He smiled tearily as they said good night. As they walked to Lyndy's room Amy hugged him a little tighter, "Are you Ok Daddy?" He just smiled and kissed her forehead giving his answer. As they lightly knocked on the door the quiet conversation inside stopped and Lyndy called them in. They were seated on the edge of the bed facing each other and looked up as they entered. Lyndy smiled, "Mom and dad, sorry about all of this. It seems our siblings can't stop reminding us." Amy smiled as Wyatt stood up as she went to her side. "You two don't have to be sorry. We expect that your brother and sisters will continue to express their opinions as you guys get older. Dad and I are Ok with what happened and are comfortable with the maturity you both have towards your relationship. Be patient with them and each other." She smiled as Ty put his arm on Wyatt's shoulder for support. They said goodnight as Ty tapped his wrist lightheartedly. As they entered their bedroom Ty barely had the door locked when he felt his wife grab him tightly around the waist planting a deep kiss on his lips. She pulled back and smiled, "Well at least we don't have to be discreet too much. Now let's hop in bed, this girl needs some pre rodeo loving." They both discarded their clothes quickly as tonight Amy didn't want to go through her bedtime routine, she just wanted him. Once disrobed they embraced and kissed each other with excitement. They didn't need a reason to make love but tonight they both were in desperate need of each other. Amy became the aggressor and used her hands and lips to stimulate him into a frenzy. Her touch was magical as he arched his back and moaned out her name in a hushed tone. There were times when she made him feel like he was on a wild ride and tonight was definitely one of them. He struggled trying to compose himself but for some reason she was relentless. Finally after she let up, Ty returned his love with the same vigor that he received. As he met her needs he couldn't help but think about how lucky he was and how much Amy meant to him. He brought her to several body shaking orgasms as he moved to the areas that made her moan calling out his name. As always she was overwhelmed with how he cared for her needs always putting her first. When he finished she rolled on her back opening up for him to make love to her. As he looked in her eyes no words were needed and the completely in love couple joined as one in a rhythmic and passionate tryst. As the moved as one their eyes never left the other's gazing deep into their souls. No matter what obstacles they had faced, the one thing that always was there was a true love for each other. They were each close as Amy moaned, "Ty, please I want you." He obliged and matched her in the crescendo of their lovemaking. After several minutes of their release they laid back panting and perspiring a bit. She rolled over with that smile only meant for him and giggled, "Well, I have to say Dr. Borden, for an old guy you still have it." Ty was quiet and it worried her, "Hey where are you honey." He smiled, "Sorry, I am just still thinking about Lyndy and Wyatt and that we had to have a 'massage' discussion with them." She giggled tentatively, "Well I recall a few massages when we were young that you seemed to enjoy. I know we can trust them, Lyndy and I talked it through." They sat quietly and he smiled, "Just another reason why I love you forever, you are amazing." They fell asleep quickly happy about their life and looking forward to tomorrow.

Lyndy didn't sleep that well so she decided to get up and get a light breakfast ready for everyone. There was a lot to do and lunch was going to be pretty large as it was going to handle several hundred staff and family along with some additional guest. Each of the kids had something to do so as soon as they finished they went out to the picnic grounds. Lyndy was planning to stay close to Wyatt as much as she could until his competition. The event started at 10:00am with some kids fun stuff. So the families with kids would arrive then and the others needed to be there by 11:00 when the roping competition would start. Everyone would be asked to move to the eating tent for a quick meeting led by Lisa and the Board. After that the bronc riding would be held and the rodeo would finish with the bulls. After that competition, the tent would be set up for snacks, drinks and dancing. The expectation was that the families with kids would most likely head home, although a kid care area was set up in the Day Care Center with a bunch volunteers to take care of the kids including some of the college kids, youth program kids and some adults form the Day Care team. Amy and Ty sat with Georgie, Steven, Katie and Clay watching the kids activities. The Borden girls were all actively involved in the program and JT, Trent, Noah and Hannah were taking part it all the fun stuff. The six adults sat with huge smiles on their faces watching the program. They cheered heartily for JT, Trent and the Weber twins. There were a little over 30 under 5 year-old kids participating. Caleb, Rusty, Wyatt and several of the ranch hands kept the kids and helpers focused on going through the circuit that was created. Caleb smiled brightly when his boy, Ben and daughter Rosey went through the events and were laughing and smiling broadly. The parents and others who had arrived were loving the event as the kids were just having a fantastic time. When it was over, the crowd applauded as each competitor received a buckle that was made just for them. The kids were on top of the world, especially when rodeo legends, Jack, Tim and Caleb gave them their buckles. They all were so proud and as soon as they could they ran to their parents to show them what they had all received. JT ran to Amy and Ty so excited showing his buckle and was joined by Noah and Hannah as well. The Walsh's, who were considered family, and Mallory had joined the group so Trent jumped on his mom's lap hugging her tightly. Amy and Ty watched as she whispered in his ear adding a kiss on the cheek, "This is what it is all about, look at all of those kids, they are on top of the world." The crew quickly got the arena ready for the roping competition. The announcer called everyone to the stands letting them know that the competition was about to begin. There were a limited number of teams they decided to do it before lunch. Caleb had teamed up with one of the ranch hands and were considered the favorites. Rusty and his partner were also contenders. As Caleb made his run, Ty, Cass, Amy and the kids hooted and hollered. They finished with the best time so far with only Rusty and his partner left. When they started, Haley, Lyndy and Wyatt were screaming out their support. They broke out strong as Rusty was the header getting his rope around the calves horns. Like a dance the trailer hooked his legs quickly and the pulled the calf into the correct position. The crowd exploded as Haley and Lyndy held each other waiting for the time to come up. When the time popped up they saw that they had won beating Caleb by 3/10 of a second. The crowd went wild and Caleb went over to hug him in congratulations. The announcer called the top three finishers to the arena floor and again Jack and Tim gave out the buckles. It had been a great morning and he directed everyone to the big tent for some announcements and then lunch.

Everyone was seated and Lisa took the podium. "Welcome everyone to our annual company rodeo and picnic. The Board and I are all so happy that everyone could make it including some invited guest that mean so much to us. Our company continues to prosper and grow. Many of you know that we are finalizing the merger with the Briar Ridge operation and are also looking at some expansion of several properties, as the bottom line is, we need room to grow. I could list countless reasons why we have been so successful. Our amazing horse healing team, wet team and all of the support people we have on board. But only one thing means the most to all of us up here on the stage. We are where we are because of you. Not just the staff but the families that support them. This is hard work and not one of you has ever complained, in fact you continue to give us more and more." The Board all stood and gave everyone a round of applause as Lisa continued, "Thank you all for everything you do every day. The future is bright and the legacy of this organization is set for many more generations." Everyone applauded loudly. She smiled, "Now we only have one more thing to announce and then we can eat. We have to get ready for those crazy bronc and bull riders, right Lyndy." She blushed as everyone looked her way. "I would like to bring up Lou and Amy as they have a big announcement." The crowd applauded as the two sisters approached the podium. Lou started, "Amy and I have had the fortune to grow up in a loving environment. I'm not going to lie but we had a few hiccups but overall there has always been one stable part of our lives that has always been here for us, no matter what. And we love this person with all of our hearts." Those who knew along with the Borden kids were on the edge of their seats as Amt settled to the microphone and Ty stepped up as joined her. She smiled, Ty is here in case I lose it. So here we go." Ty put his arm around her waist. " A few weeks ago we had an idea, actually Lyndy did." She glanced over to her grandpa as her eyes began to moisten and her voice was struggling. "Like Lou said we have all had an amazing role model and patriarch for our family, our grandpa, Jack Bartlett. The Board has decided that from this day forward this event will be named the Jack Bartlett / Heartland Equestrian Experience Company Rodeo. Grandpa that is why we didn't have a sign up yet." A resounding applause and standing ovation followed as Lyndy, Wyatt Georgie and Katie carried out and displayed the new banner. Only a handful of people had seen it and the audience was in awe of how amazing it looked. Jack looked it over and teared up hugging his granddaughters and Lisa. He looked at Ty and pulled him in for a big hug as well. Then he hugged Katie and Georgie as tightly as he could without hurting the babies growing inside them. Finally he picked up JT as Wyatt and the Borden girls came in for a group hug. Camera phones were clicking wildly but Clay was capturing everything for the family. He came stoically to the podium with Amy and Lou on either side. He cleared his through and spoke, "Well I guess I know where the banner is now." The crowd laughed and cheered again. "In life you experience highs and lows. As a family we have had our share of both but to be honest the good has always outweighed the bad. When my great, great, great grandpa bought this ranch I don't even think he would have imagined where we are today. Like Lisa said it is all because of you. I am honored to have this named after me and JT don't worry, I plan to be around for a while longer. As many know I am all about family, and these two young ladies are a part of that family. When Marion passed the last thing I ever expected to do was to have these two by my side, even though they were hurting as much as me. The three of us relied on each other for support. And all of the rest of this growing family continued to be there for me and actually we support each other." He pulled the girls in tighter, "Thank you for this honor, I am humbled and appreciate it, I truly do. I love all of you very much." As Amy and Lou kissed his cheeks the crowd erupted in a loud applause and a lot of tears. He motioned for Ty to come over and the four of them stood unified. He pulled them in and whispered, "I love you three like no other. You are the foundation of this family now and I couldn't be prouder of each of you.

Lisa announced lunch was ready to serve and the schedule for rest of the afternoon so everyone began to eat. As they all sat together as a family, stories were told and laughs were had. Ty retold the story of how when he first met Jack he sternly told him that he needs to stay away from his granddaughters or a limb would be removed. Jack laughed, "Ty you were such a punk kid back then but look at you now. You turned out Ok." JT smiled, "GG you called my dad a punk, that's funny." Lilly smiled at her best buddy, "Well honey your dad was kind of wild, like the wild horses you guys have. He just needed some taming and your GG, Mom and Aunt Lou broke him down and look at him now." Jack smiled, "Your grandma is right JT, he was a handful." Ty put his hands in the air, "Hold on, I thought we were telling Jack stories?" Jack looked at him. "Ty, our stories are intertwined and I am proud to have you in this family and my step grandson." Everyone smiled warmly as he added." Even though you were a pain in the butt." JT giggled, "GG you said punk and butt, that is really funny. Everyone laughed as Clint came up excusing himself. "Hey everybody, hate to interrupt but I wanted to congratulate you Jack. It is an honor well deserved. You know over the years what you have done for young people is astounding, I mean look here. We have Scott and Ty who you daughter brought here and you and your family helped them turn their lives around. And then Georgie. I'll never forget how devastated you were when we denied your foster care request. I was never so upsent about anything and protested vehemently. But is worked out in the end and I watched how you bonded with her and look at her, well all of them now." Everyone smiled as he continued, "Jack you are a role model and fatherly support for so many. Two vets and an Olympic Champion. I use you a lot as an example in my daily work and am proud to consider you a friend and the rest of you, my family." Clint smiled with a rare tear in his eye. Jack stood up and shook his hand strongly and spoke up, "Duly noted Clint." Those that know what that meant burst out in laughter as the others were a little confused. Amy smiled, "I'll explain it later." Scott laughed and asked, "So Clint which one of us was Jack's greatest achievement? He smiled and laughed, "Well you all are amazing but I always liked Georgie the most." After a little uncomfortable silence, he laughed, "Just kidding, maybe." Others approached the tight family group. Mallory and Soraya came over to congratulate a man that meant so much to them over the years. The ranch hands all came over led by Rusty and shook his hand, cowboy to cowboy. Caleb came over with Cass and the kids. Caleb was very quiet and simply came over and gave him a hug. He spoke shakily, "Jack you have been a big part of my life. I never really had parents and you stepped in and took me under your wing. You were tough but I know you did it out of love and respect." He pulled Cass and the kids close, "We are forever indebted to you Jack and the rest of you as well." Amy, Lou, Georgie and Lisa were tearing up as Ty added, "Caleb, I always knew you were a softie." They all laughed as Jack whispered into Lisa's ear, "I am the luckiest man in the world, I love all of these people." He was interrupted when JT yelled out, "Come on, it's bronc time right Wyatt!"

Everyone settled in for the highly anticipated bronc riding competition. There were 12 contestants who would have two rounds and Wyatt would be up 4th. Lyndy was unusually silent as she clung to her boyfriend. He whispered to her, "Babe, it's gonna be Ok, you saw me practice, I got this." She smiled weakly and leaned into him tighter, unable to talk. When he had to go get ready she didn't want to let him go. She felt a set of hands on her shoulder and looked to see her smiling dad, "Honey, Wyatt has to get ready, come on and sit with us." She clung to him and went to give him a big hug, "You be careful and hold on. Wyatt, I need you so I will see you when you are done. I love you so much." Wyatt smiled and kissed her, "I love you too." She reluctantly let go and was gathered into her father's arms as she needed him now more than ever. They walked up to the family section and she sat between her parents. In front of her were her sisters and little brother and behind were Georgie and Katie forming a cocoon of support around her. Katie leaned down and whispered, "We are all here for you." Lilly glanced over and gave her the thumbs up and along with Max, Jack, Lisa, Tim and Casey all gave her the thumbs up as well and Jack mouthed, "I love you." The competition and the first three riders did well. As with last year, Rusty was the favorite, but there were a few other ranch hands that were expected to do well also. In the first round, Rusty went right before Wyatt and had a great run, clearly the one to beat. After his run he immediately went to help get Wyatt ready. In fact Caleb and several other ranch hands were there to help. Wyatt settled in and remembering everything he was taught. He glanced over and saw a slightly smiling Lyndy and he knew she was there for him. Caleb asked, "Ready man?" Wyatt grabbed on tight and shook his head yes. The bell rang and the chute opened starting Wyatt as he realized this was really happening. Lyndy held her breath as the horse bolted out of the chute. This seemed much different that the practice she watched and the horse bucked violently immediately out of the protection of the chute. She watched Wyatt adjust his grip and hold his arm up for balance. He rolled with the sudden jerking movement by the possessed bronc fighting his need to buck her boyfriend off. To her 8 seconds seemed like 8 hours as many sets of hands were on her as everyone hooted and hollered for him. As the time neared its end the horse made an unexpected turn catching him by surprise. He knew he was falling off and remembering what he was taught, he prepared himself for hitting the dirt. Lyndy's eyes drew wide as her worst fear was coming true. She watched unable to look away as her boyfriend headed to the dirt. The crowd gasped as he tumbled to the ground, rolling out of the fall. Lyndy felt a fear she had never felt before as her mom clutched her tightly.

Wyatt sat on the bronc with anxious anticipation. Everything he was taught was running through his mind along with thoughts of Lyndy. He used her for strength realizing that she was there for him, even though she was scared out of her mind. He noticed a lot of people around him especially Caleb and Rusty, who had just finished his run. The first two riders didn't last the full 8 seconds and were bucked off but Rusty had an amazing ride. He felt good as he set himself and heard the assurances from the people around him. Caleb looked at him and said, 'let us know when you are ready buddy." He smiled and took a deep breath glancing at his love one final time. He shook his head and all hell broke loose. His initial shock was that this was the real thing and the horse seemed much more into his role. The jerk of the horse out of the gate took him a little by surprise but his training and strength helped him past it. As he was told time and time again this horse's sole purpose was to through him to the dirt. He was unaware of time but figured that he was nearing the 8 second goal. As he continued he instinctively adjusted to the jerking movement of the horse. A couple of times he felt like he was going to fall off but a last minute adjustment held him on. His reactions were based on survival and lasting just a few more seconds. Wyatt was focused completely on the 1200 pounds of muscle below him but what was about to happen was something he never would forget. In a split second the horse move in, what he felt was an unnatural way. He couldn't control it but he was losing his grip and felt his body rise in the air and head to the soft dirt of the arena floor. His training kicked in again and he tucked attempting to roll out of it. The last thing he felt was hitting the ground and hearing screams from the crowd. Everyone in the crowd was silent as the scene unfolded. This was a fun rodeo but as the seasoned cowboys would tell you there is still a lot of risk. The chaser horses drew the bucking bronc away along with the rodeo clown as Caleb and Rusty rushed to their young friend. Caleb got their first and looked him over realizing nothing seemed broken. He was pleased with how he rolled out of the fall and called is name. Wyatt's eyes blinked and opened slowly as Rusty was calling to him, "Wyatt are you all right, don't move to fast." Not listening and to Lyndy's relief he sat up shaking the dirt off his cloths and picking up his hat. He smiled at his two mentors and asked, "Did I last 8 seconds." Caleb laughed Rusty smiled, "Spoken like a true cowboy and yes just as the buzzer went off you got tossed, congrats!" He smiled broadly and stood up waving to a relieved Lyndy. She was finally able to breathe as she collapsed in her mom's arms whispered, "He's Ok mom." Amy smiled and pulled her in as Ty rubbed her back. Ty laughed, "So I guess you are not in favor of a rodeo future for your boyfriend? She looked at him seriously, "Absolutely not, but I will not hold him back if he wants to be." She couldn't stop looking at him to make sure he was Ok. The first round continued and all but three riders made 8 seconds. Wyatt was first off the second round and was pitched off again just after a few seconds. This time it was a lot gentler toss to the dirt. When the second round completed, Rusty retained his crown as the 1st place finisher. Wyatt made his way to Lyndy after he was done and she ran to him, hugging him tightly. The rest of the day went really well as Rusty also won the bull riding session and was declared the overall champion. Haley was beyond herself with pride and couldn't wait to celebrate with him. The remainder of the picnic consisted of some dancing, snacks and drinks until everyone headed out in the early evening. For the rest of the day, Lyndy was with Wyatt with no intention of ever letting him go. They would celebrate later when the family got back to the house.