Page 75 of Just Say When

As opposed to me, hunched over my knees, both legs bouncing with nerves.

Every competition mattered, but so long as the horse and rider made it through healthy and safe, no single ride could ruin a career. There was always another chance to win, another ribbon to earn. The Futurity Championship was no different. It could make Essie’s career, but it couldn’t break it.

But somehow, I couldn’t convince myself of that today.

Maybe it was that mean little voice in my head that whispered Essie had married me to be here today, and if she lost, she might have regrets about that.

Big regrets.

I could accept losing. But I couldn’t accept that.

“Our next competitor is Ms. Essie Price on Pirate,” the announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers.

“Here we go,” Adam said, straightening in his seat.

I took a breath, trying to calm the storm inside my chest, but it was impossible. I couldn’t have been more nervous if it was me out there on Pirate.

The crowd cheered as Essie entered the arena on Pirate. I didn’t think it was my imagination that the applause was louder and longer than for previous competitors. I had lost count of the number of girls who had caught sight of Essie as we explored the fairgrounds and begged for an autograph or a picture. It was incredible to witness her in her element, and damned humbling to be the lucky bastard who got to take the photos.

Fuck, she was beautiful, sitting so tall and proud on Pirate. They made a gorgeous pair. The white patches of Pirate’s coat gleamed like moonlight against the midnight-black patches. The competition was more about skill than looks, but looks sure didn’t hurt, and Pirate was truly something special to look at.

But then they began, and all I could see washer.

My wife.

Her dark hair lifted as they loped around the ring, revealing a glimpse of rainbow. She looked determined, but more than that, she looked at ease. Like she was having the ride of her life. All her hard work, all the hours spent in Pirate’s saddle, all the hours spent out ofthe saddle, building their bond? It all led to this moment, where it didn’t look like work at all.

It looked like joy.

The audience seemed to know they were witnessing something special. Watching Essie and Pirate together was like watching a dance. They moved in perfect synchrony, a fluid blend of strength and grace that drew a smattering of applause every time they executed a move. Essie’s body melded seamlessly with Pirate’s as she guided him through circles and flying lead changes with nearly invisible cues.

They were a team. A partnership.

As Essie and Pirate executed perfect spins, the crowd cheered. And then it was time for the showstopper, the move that could be dangerous but never failed to draw gasps from the crowd.

My girl didn’t even hesitate. She nudged Pirate into a lope and then a gallop before bringing him to an abrupt halt in the center of the ring. Pirate did exactly what he was supposed to, dropping his hindquarters on the ground and with his legs stretched out in front of him in a spray of golden sand. After a pause, the stallion was back on his feet and doing a rapid rollback.

Holy shit.

It was perfect.

And Essie? Essie was magnificent.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause that only got louder as the judges’ score flashed on the screen,putting Essie and Pirate in first place. Essie leaned down and gave Pirate an enthusiastic pat on the neck. And then she looked up to the stands and waved to the crowd, turning this way and that like she was looking for something.

For someone.

I was on my feet, cheering and whistling like everyone else, but my calls were swallowed up by the raucous crowd.

But still, she found me.

Her gaze hit mine like it was pulled there by a tractor beam.

She grinned, happiness radiating from her like a rainbow.

“I’m going down there.” I was already making my way down the stands when I tossed the words over my shoulder.

“There are still two more riders,” Adam reminded me.

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