Page 113 of Forever Enough

“What? She is! She completely handled that like a boss and doesn’t even have a single hair out of place. She came back to the table and she’s as cool as a cucumber. Her hand isn’t even shaking. Like I said. Bad. Ass.”

Mackenzie’s cheeks turned bright red.

Uncle Ty cleared his throat, held up his glass of water, and said, “Here’s to new beginnings.”

Everyone followed his lead. Glasses gently clinked as everyone said, “To new beginnings.”

I watched as bull rider after bull rider got thrown before the buzzer. It seemed like today was in the bulls’ favor.

My father stood next to me as the scenes played out. I drew in a deep breath, and we both looked at each other. When he smiled, all I could do was return one of my own.

“You know what you have to do, so there won’t be any pep talk from me.”

I nodded.

“You drew a beast again. He’s going to come out with all his might, so the best advice I can give you is to hold on for dear life.”

Laughing, I shook my head. “That’s the ‘best advice’ you’re gonna give me, Dad?”

He faced me. “You ride better than me, Brock, Blayze, Ty, all put together. You don’t need no damn advice.”

“Have I ever told you how proud I am to be your son?”

My father’s eyes widened a bit and he looked away, tipping his cowboy hat some before he looked down at the ground. When he finally lifted his head, I saw the tears in his eyes.

“There isn’t a day that’s gone by that I haven’t loved being your father. You were a blessing I never knew I needed, Bradly. And whether you’re riding a bull or riding a horse next to me checking fence lines, I know for a fact I have the best son a father could ever ask for. I wish your grandfather could have been here to see the man you’ve become. I know I’ve said this to you kids a thousand times, but he truly would have loved you and Avery so damn much.”

I put my hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “I feel him in here, Dad,” I said as I placed my other hand over my heart. “I’ve always felt him.”

He pulled me in for a quick hug, then pushed me back to arm’s length. “Whatever happens with this ride, just know I’m so damn proud of you, Bradly Michael Littlewood.”

With my uncle and father right there with me, I climbed over the fence and onto the back of Viper. He was twelve and zero. The way he stood so calmly in the chute nearly made me laugh. It was like he wasn’t the least bit worried because he knew he was going to win, and I was going to lose.

I ran my hand over the rosin, got my rope and hand in position. Stood, moved down to the position I wanted, then sat back down. One last deep breath, and I gave the head nod.

The gate flew open, and the ride of my life began.

Viper bucked, twisted, jumped, and did everything he could to get me off his back. Everything my father and uncles had ever taught me about bull riding came back to me in a flash. I would never be able to explain the next eight seconds of my life, but it felt like the bull and I became one. I could anticipate every move he was going to make, and he was the same.

When the buzzer hit, he gave one hell of a buck. My hand got caught for a moment, and a sharp pain ripped through my shoulder, but I got my hand free and felt one of the bullfighters helping me to get out of Viper’s way. I’d hit the ground pretty hard and was stunned for a few seconds.

I could hear the crowd going wild. I ripped off my helmet, faced my father and Uncle Ty, and yelled out. They were both cheering along with the crowd. Then I turned and searched for her. Mackenzie was cupping her mouth, screaming something. I pointed to her, and she pointed back.

Micky, one of the bullfighters, handed me my bull rope, and I made my way out of the arena. Dad met me and handed me the black cowboy hat I always wore. No one else knew it except for Mom, but it used to be his hat. I wore it every time I had an event.

Then the score came, and the entire place erupted again. Dad pulled me in and hugged me so hard, I thought I was going to pass out.

“It’s a score of 92 for your winner, ladies and gentlemen!”

Viper scored forty-four and a quarter, and I scored forty-seven point seventy-five.

“I did it, Dad! I won,” I said with a laugh.

He pulled me in for another hug, with Uncle Ty doing the same the moment my father let me go. I could see the reporter standing to my left, waiting patiently to get a word with me. Other bull riders came up to shake my hand, as well as stock contractors. It was a whirlwind.

“Bradly Littlewood, we talked yesterday about what a great weekend you were having, and here we are again! You’re starting out this season on top. How does that make you feel?”

I exhaled and nodded. “It feels great, and I’m blessed to say I get to go out on top.”