Page 6 of Cowboy Wolf's Secret Baby

Several other people greeted him, asking him how he was feeling. Everyone told him how much they missed him on the circuit and that they were glad that he was back.

There was a familiarity about the scene that was comforting. The group that Conner had come with a month ago had completed its circuit and come back around. Sometimes Conner competed in local rodeo circuits and sometimes the national ones. He liked this particular circuit that stayed mostly in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Utah, and South Dakota because he liked the people who ran it and the regulars who competed. He also had absolute trust in the clowns, especially Gideon, who was a great friend.

The three-hour drive to Colorado Springs seemed to take longer than normal. Gideon’s question haunted Conner. “Beth? Why did that name sound familiar?” It was like bait on a fish hook that dangled in the back of his mind. “I guess she must have been one of the nurses at the hospital who took care of me.”

He thought about Gideon’s reaction when Conner asked who Beth was. It wasn’t like him to be so disapproving.

Conner was upset because he couldn’t remember being in the hospital. His head hurt from the confusion. He knew that the bull had trampled him when he was bucked off right at the eight-second mark. That was it. The last month seemed to be a complete blank. He vaguely remembered going to the rodeo grounds to take care of Zephyr when he was able to walk but wasn’t well enough to ride. He knew that Gideon had taken care of his horse before he was able. However, he didn’t remember anything else.

“Did I hit my head that hard? Did the bull stomp in my brain so much that I can’t remember a full month of my life?”

The thought worried Conner. “What else am I forgetting?”

As he pulled into the rodeo grounds in Colorado Springs a weird feeling came over him. He was positive that he had forgotten something very important in Cheyenne.

“Maybe I need to find a witch or a hypnotist who can help me remember what it is that I’ve forgotten.” He laughed.

He called Zac when he got to Colorado Springs. “Zephyr and I are going to compete tonight.”

“Are you sure that you’re up to it?” Zac asked. “You had some pretty serious injuries.”

“I feel great,” Conner said.

“What does Beth say?” Zac asked.

“Beth? I honestly don’t remember anyone named Beth.”

“Oookay,” Zac said drawing out the word. “Well, just be careful tonight. If you feel tired, remember that there is no shame in bowing out of some of the events. You were hurt pretty badly.”

“I’m good.”

Conner checked on Zephyr one last time before he got ready to do the bull riding event. “Why does everyone keep asking about Beth?”

The horse neighed and nudged for an apple.

Laughing, Conner gave Zephyr his treat and headed over to the arena. His heart lurched a little when he saw that the bull he had been assigned was Demon. That bull lived up to its name.

“The best way to do this is to get back in the game. It’s just like riding a bike. You have to get back on as soon as you fall off or you’ll spend the rest of your life terrified.”

Conner had a successful night. He won prizes for bull riding, steer wrestling, bronc riding with a saddle, and bronc riding without a saddle. As normal, some groupies crowded around the cowboys after the competitions.

One of the women caught his eye. She walked up to him and grinned. “You’re one sexy cowboy,” she cooed.

“Thank you,” he said. “Are you looking for an autograph?”

“Why, sure I am,” she said. “And a whole lot more if you’re up to it.”

Her intentions were quite obvious. A vague image flashed in his mind. He couldn’t quite capture it. The desire that had a certain part of him standing at attention a minute ago was gone.

“I wish I could, Darlin’, but I have to take care of my horse and get some shut-eye. We’re leaving out of here first thing in the morning.”

She got an ugly look on her face and she flicked his crotch. “Suit yourself,” she snapped as she walked away.

“How could I have wanted that?” he asked. “I think I need better taste in women.”

Over the next few months, Conner’s body fully healed, although when there was an abrupt weather change, he felt a twinge in his arm and leg. The vague memories of a soft laugh or gentle touch faded away until Conner was sure that he just had a nice, lingering dream. No one mentioned Beth again, so her name was forgotten. Cheyenne no longer tugged at his soul. It was simply another stop on the circuit. It was another cash prize, belt buckle, or saddle.

Life was easy this way. Life was good.

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