Page 109 of Stockman's Showdown

‘Me too. No, wait, Ryder gave me the big brother's speech.’ Sophie then said in a deep voice as if to imitate Ryder, ‘Hurt my brother and I hurt you.’

‘That sounds nothing like Ryder.’ But it had them giggling like teenagers on the bleachers.

After introducing all the rider’s names, the MC tucked the clipboard under his arm, as he spoke to the crowd over themicrophone that bellowed through the speakers surrounding the arena. ‘Before we begin tonight…’

‘Here we go,’ said Bree, on the edge of her seat.

‘I’d like you all to welcome a local legend. A three-time Australian Bull Riding Champion, with a trophy case full of awards to prove it. Please give a round of applause to our very own local champion, CharlieSplinterSplint.’

Hot tears peskily blurred her vision as she watched Ash and Dex help push Charlie into the arena. With that bandy-legged swagger of a rodeo rider who’d lived in the saddle for most of his life, Charlie waved to the crowd.

Bree clapped harder and cheered louder for her grandfather as he walked past the younger rodeo riders who clapped for him, to stand between Ryder and Craig.

In Charlie’s lifetime, he’d done many amazing things, and bull riding was one of his passions that he shared with many a rider over the years, many becoming champions themselves. But this moment, among his local peers, was priceless.

Again, the MC’s voice boomed over the speakers. ‘I only recently learned that Charlie’s brother, Harry Splint, whose remains were found in a cave, was proven innocent in a sixty-year-old murder mystery—solved by our very own Senior Constable Porter.’

It was easy spotting Porter patrolling the crowd in his police uniform, and the way he dropped his head, getting all humble when his name was mentioned. Porter deserved the public recognition, especially among the locals.

The MC addressed the crowd: ‘I’d like to extend our condolences to Harry’s family, especially his brother Charlie, and ask you all to join us in a minute of silence to honour the passing of a fellow stockman.’

In an arena filled with wide-brimmed hats, the crowd rose to their feet and removed them in unison. Men, women, andchildren all took part, as their excited voices, cheers, and conversations all became silent.

Not even a horse nickered, nor a bull made a sound, as the seconds passed, and the entire arena bowed their head in silence for Harry Splint.

Charlie had never wanted to give his brother a funeral, in fear of the local backlash. This was so much better.

Bree sniffed, dabbing at the tears threatening to trickle down her cheeks and ruin her make-up, her heart glowing for those in the centre arena where her grandfather stood beside Ryder and Craig.

Charlie looked up at her and gave her a nod—his silent way of saying,Thank you, kid.The gesture filled her with a warmth that almost started a gush of tears. Her feeling of guilt for not supporting her grandfather over Harry had finally been put to rest, and her grandfather could lift his head proudly with their family name now publicly cleared.

But when Ryder caught her gaze, his nod communicated so much more. She felt it, deep within her chest, even deeper in her heart, and into her soul.

Then a much more terrifying thought charged at her like bull, leaving her both breathless and terrified over Ryder, in his rodeo rigging, preparing to throw his life away for an eight-second ride. It had every muscle inside her body coiling with tension.

She recognised that feeling all too well. It was the same fear that had haunted her nightmares when she was younger—the fear of losing someone you loved. Only this time, it was a thousand times stronger than she had ever felt before.

It was only then she realised… She was falling in love with Ryder Riggs!

Thirty-nine

The siren sounded, the crowd cheered, and the rodeo arena was soon cleared except for the rodeo clowns, where Ryder found himself in the chutes, sliding his legs over the large back of a big bull named Chainsaw.

‘Slide your hand along here and heat the rope until that rosin clings,’ Craig instructed, with Dex beside him.

‘Got it.’ The flat braided rope was smooth, solid, and his only lifeline.

‘Now, son, listen up.’ Charlie pushed his hat back, speaking close to Ryder’s ear. ‘You’ve gotta be quick from here on out. The longer you sit here, the longer the bull will read your feelings. And if it smells your fear, it’ll have you.’

Ryder sat firm on the bull, feeling the beast’s power beneath him. No fear, just focus. This wasn’t combat, but it was a different kind of battle—one he was ready for. It wasn’t about the ride, it was about Bree. He tightened his grip, the world narrowing down to eight seconds and one chance to win her over. ‘Let’s get on with it, then.’

‘When you give the nod, they’ll open that gate and the bull’s gonna rear up.’

‘Just be careful, mate,’ said Craig. ‘That first jump out of the chutes will be this bull’s biggest. It’s where Chainsaw has flicked off all his other riders with that first jump.

‘Right.’ Ryder heated the rope with the rosin until the grip became glue. He punched his gloved hand, doubling up the grip. And he was in.

‘Use your legs, lean forward, using your arm in the air for balance,’ called out Charlie. ‘And for heaven’s sake, son, keep that back straight. You get all hunched over, and Chainsaw will whip your spine around and crack it like a Christmas candy cane.’

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