Page 117 of Relentless

She listened to the hiss of the radio, feeling relieved when she heard Maeve’s voice loud and clear. “We heard the gunshot, everyone good?”

“We’re fine,” Oakleigh said, still trying to keep her voice from shaking. “It was a bear.”

There came a long pause.

“And what is the condition of the bear?” Maeve asked.

“Just a warning shot,” Oakleigh said. “All clear.”

Even through the loud crackle and hiss of static, Oakleigh could hear relief coat Maeve’s voice. “You just saved me a mountain of paperwork.”

“Mom did,” Oakleigh admitted, giving credit where it was due. “She took the shot.”

“Well done, Harp,” Maeve said. “Why don’t you all head back, and I’ll send the boys out for repairs.”

“You heard the boss lady,” Oakleigh said, taking one last glance into the ravine. Seeing no sign of the bear or the cubs, she pulled on the reins, directing her horse back down the trail.

The ride home went by quickly. Oakleigh couldn’t help but continue to replay the harrowing ordeal. Her thoughts wildly spun over what could have happened if Harper hadn’t taken charge.

Riding up to the barn, she didn’t spare a moment dismounting from her saddle. Her hand shook as she pushed her beanie cap off her brow, finding it damp with anxious sweat.

Harper leaned her palms on the fence beside her, gazing out across the long pasture.

“We almost died out there,” Oakleigh choked out.“Davenport Women Mauled by Wild Bearwas not the viral post I had planned today.”

Harper laughed.

The lighthearted outburst caused Oakleigh’s head to swivel. It had been longer than she could remember since she had witnessed any true joy in her.

“This is what you find funny?” Oakleigh exclaimed.

“Oaks,” Harper replied, shaking her head. “The two of us together wouldn’t have been much of a snack — she was just protecting her babies.” She bit the side of her lip as she scuffed her boot across the icy ground. “It was all a big show, so we’d leave them alone.”

Oakleigh thought she recognized a flash of regret in her mother’s expression.

“I’d love to hear the rest of your story,” Oakleigh ventured. “The one about the scars?”

Harper ran her thumb across her lips as she appeared to consider her daughter’s sincere request.

“If you don’t mind, Oakleigh —” Harper exhaled with a quick shake of her head. “I don’t think I’m quite ready.”

Chapter 32

You Don’t Say

Oakleigh stood on the platform, watching the stadium fill with rowdy fans who were bursting with excitement to see their favorite riders in action. The day of the competition had arrived, and the energy in the arena was thick with anticipation. She had settled into the prime seating overlooking the bull chutes, reserved exclusively for bull owners and the rider’s close family and friends. Oakleigh was proud to check both of those boxes that evening.

Leaning on the iron rail, she observed the last-minute preparations in the dirt below. With the cold weather in play, it wasn’t typical for the riders to compete during the off-season, but the cowboys were always good sports for the sake of charity.

Oakleigh finally heard Maeve’s boots clanging up the metal staircase with Harper following closely on her heels. She had been entirely preoccupied that afternoon, meeting with the team to ensure the Slims were pampered, fed, and ready tocompete. Maeve took her place beside Oakleigh, propping her boot on the lower rail.

“She decided to come, huh?” Oakleigh remarked, giving a discreet nod to Harper.

“Yep,” Maeve answered.

There had been a fragile peace between them over the last few days. Oakleigh couldn’t pinpoint if it was the dose of humility from her upcoming divorce or maybe a bit of introspection. Regardless, Oakleigh remained cautious to protect herself, unsure if the change in their dynamic was something she could rely on.

“There’s our competition,” Maeve gestured down the line at Tucker Clay. The thin cowboy casually leaned his elbows on the iron fence rail beside the Melody Fields team. She tipped her hat to Tucker, who noticeably ignored the gesture.

---