Page 128 of Relentless

The crowd began to boo loudly around them.

“Better a coward than a dead man!” he declared.

“Hey, Stetson,” Crew hurled out, catching the bull rider’s eye. “Afraid of a big bad bull namedLil’ Slim?”

“You look in the mirror lately?” Stetson growled. “I likekeepin’ my teeth.”

No amount of convincing could persuade the arrogant rider to mount that bull. Soon enough, the judges called it a forfeit, causing Sam to furiously stomp away, flinging sharp insults as he went.

Harper couldn’t help but relish in the horrible man’s childish temper tantrum.

With Stetson out of the running, the winner was clear. The announcer made his way to the center of the arena and spoke loudly in the microphone, driving the audience to their feet.

“First place rider,” he announced. “Creeeew Beckett with a monumental eight second ride on Big Slim.”

Maeve made her way over and patted Crew hard on the back, causing him to let out a painfuloof.

“And winning bull,” the announcer went on, biding his time to build energy in the crowd.

“Big Slim — Callaway Ranch!”

Tucker Clay pounded his fists on the top rail of the fence.

Maeve went down the line, hugging each of the Callaway Ranch team. Making her way over to the Melody Fields, she offered them each a firm handshake.

“Well played, Maeve,” Tucker congratulated.

“You keep doing what you’re doing,” Maeve said, giving his shoulder a firm squeeze. “You’re keeping me on my toes.”

Tucker’s expression lit up at her gracious words.

Harper stood by the sidelines and observed while the Callaway Ranch team made their way out to the center of thearena. That night’s winning cash prize went to charity, but the accolades from their fans seemed satisfying enough.

Maeve took the microphone to give credit where it was due. “We have the dream team here at Callaway Ranch,” she began. “Like my son, Sawyer Callaway,” she gestured, putting her arm around his shoulders. “We wouldn’t be here without his hard work and dedication.”

She searched him as though wondering if the moment was the right time. He responded with a sentimental smile, and a nod.

“We’re losing him to the love of rodeo,” she announced. “He’ll be coaching Crew full-time next season.”

The crowd went wild.

Maeve let out a burst of laughter at their robust reaction to the news. “We better see some big wins out of Crew.”

Sawyer leaned into the microphone. “Guaranteed.”

The cheers reignited around them.

“I’m excited to announce someone on our team who will hopefully be taking his place,” she said. “Her vision for the ranch is unmatched, as is her hard work and pride in what we’re building together.”

Maeve beckoned to Oakleigh — who, for once in her life looked speechless.

“Me?” she stammered, pointing at herself.

Maeve nodded, giving her a warm smile as the young woman stepped beside her.

Harper looked at the cohesive family unit in the center of the arena. They shared an unbreakable bond of love and admiration. No matter how much they bickered and argued, it was clear they loved each other.

Maeve hadn’t become a mother the same way she had, but she couldn’t deny that her younger sister was incredibly blessed.

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