Page 20 of Coming Home to Maverick

Nash was about to argue, but Maverick cut him off. “I said I’d do it. If you want Bailey involved, though, you need to give her some time.”

They high-fived each other, and as his brothers walked away, Nash’s voice carried back to him. “Maverick Dawson, back in the saddle.”

He sure liked the sound of that. He liked being on the rodeo floor. That’s why he agreed to emcee the county rodeos as often as he did. He loved the energy. He loved the whole show, and if he could be a part of it, he was not gonna turn down the opportunity. But ride a bull? Gracie’s wide eyes looking up at him floated back across his mind’s eye. He’d told the little girl he would ride. So he was gonna ride.

He made his way down a long hall and into the costume shop. Somewhere in here was his old gear.

“What can I get for you, darling?” Nellie sat at a table, mending clothing. She’d been here as long as he could remember. She’s what kept them looking good.

“I’m looking for my old gear. Or any costume, something to wear out there.”

She jumped up out of her seat and rushed to the back. Then she returned, carrying the costume he’d worn during his last two rodeo circuits.

“Wow, it still looks like new.”

“I’ve been taking care of it for you.”

“Someone else could have worn it. I donated it.”

“And here you are, needing it again. You just trust that Nellie knows her stuff.” She pushed the glasses up on her nose. “Besides, no one would ever wear your gear. It’s yours, same as that record of yours no one can touch.”

He chuckled. “Well, thank you. I appreciate you taking care of this for me.”

She nodded and went back to work, but her small smile told him how happy she was. She was a dear old lady, an icon of the rodeo.

He slipped into a dressing room. He used to have one with his name on it. The dim lighting, the wall full of mirrors, the smell. He closed his eyes. Horses, manure, popcorn, and barbecue. What a mixture.

As soon as he had himself all spiffed up, he took a moment to review his mental game before getting on the bull. Be lithe, be soft, grip the straps, move with the animal. Know when to let go.

He stepped out of the dressing room feeling more alive than he had in a long time. Since the day of his almost wedding.

Nellie whistled at him as he walked by her.

He rested his fingers on her table. “I’ll have these back and washed.”

“Keep ’em. I have a feeling you’re gonna be needing them.”

He didn’t try to contradict her, and he wished she were right. His days on the circuit had been some of his happiest. Even though it made finishing college difficult, even though it took him away from Bailey, he had fit in everything that was important and was still able to compete. He exited the long back hall, and immediately people took note. Phones came out, and kids called out to him.

“You gonna ride, Maverick?” the man behind the hot dog concessions called to him.

“I sure am.”

“Folks, I’m closing up shop early,” the man announced. “If Maverick’s gonna ride, I gotta get out there to see it.”

Maverick smiled. It sure felt good to be remembered.

Then he made his way to the bull pens. He quieted his mind so he could focus.

The announcer came on to call for the last barrel racer. He announced all the upcoming rodeos that would be passing through Willow Creek. And then he paused.

“Now, folks, I have a special announcement for you. For the first time in over five years, our very own, professional, world champion…”

As soon as he said those words, the crowd erupted, and Maverick laughed. He loved this. Was that wrong? How could it be? Those stands were full of the people he loved, people he worked with side by side, people he went to church with, and here they were, happy that he would ride.

He climbed up on the fencing surrounding Pepper, the bull he would be riding tonight. His hands were wrapped. Then he bowed his head. Before every ride, he asked for protection. When he opened his eyes, a familiar peace had settled over. He was ready.

He lowered himself on the back of the massive animal and was lost to the moment. The crowd quieted. The huge arena went still. And he and the animal waited. He could feel the powerful gulps of air as the bull shifted beneath his thighs. He measured his breaths.

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