Page 17 of Titus

“The sale was fast, so after I finalized the papers, I came back. Yelena wants to go to the concert tonight and see Kevo perform. I needed to handle some ranch business before we get ready,” he says, referring to his wife.

One of his trainers walks over with a pretty Appaloosa. She’s caramel with white splotches right above her tail. Althoughvery beautiful, Appaloosas are also fast which makes them an expensive breed. When he walks her to the huge Phoxes Den branded trailer, I turn to Beauden.

“Where’s he taking her?” I ask.

“I sold her. Destry Callahan purchased her this morning.”

“The bull rider?”

“Yeah. He wants a horse to help someone train for barrel racing.”

“Well, Appaloosas are fast as shit. If the racer has skills, he will win,” I say and he nods in agreement.

“You need them to handle Phoenix? They are about to wash and feed my horses. They might as well take care of her.”

“That’s much appreciated. She deserves to be pampered like yours,” I say, almost teasing. Beauden’s horses are in equine heaven. From the stables, the feed, and the daily care, they’re well taken care of and groomed. My girl deserves that treatment, especially after my nine point six today. He motions to another trainer and he runs over. Beauden tells him to take care of Phoenix and he grabs her reins quickly. “Thanks, man.”

“No thanks needed. We’re family. Plus, I’m proud of you. Manning up and handling business is harder than people think.”

“’Preciate that, real shit,” I say while nodding. Changing my mentality and learning a new skill was hard as fuck. I struggled a lot when I first got out but I eventually got my shit together and found my way. It feels good to hear my cousin acknowledge my hard work. I’ve always looked up to him. There aren’t too many black cowboys sitting on land like this. Twenty-two thousand acres and it’s all his. This is what this shit is all about. He’s straight and his family will be straight for years to come. This is what I want for me and mine, a fucking legacy.

“When do you compete again?”

“Thursday evening. Last one 'til the finals. I’m going to chill a little ’til then. Maybe enjoy the rodeo.”

“Or maybe spend time with Quinn Jaxson,” he says and my eyebrows furrow.

How does he know about me and her?

As if reading my face, he says, “I saw you two today and at the barbecue last night. She’s a good one for you.”

“I agree and I need to do something with her tonight to celebrate. Maybe a nice ass restaurant or something.”

“Or you can plan something around here. The kitchen can prepare anything and the ranch hands can set anything up. We plan private events for the lodgers, just talk with them.”

“Bet. Thanks again, Beau.”

“No problem. Just keep repping. The Phoxes Den doesn’t sponsor just anybody.”

We dap it up and he gets back to his horses. I walk through the stable and see the trainer washing Phoenix. When I make it back to my truck, Lab and Rini are still inside. I hop in and drive us back to the lodge. As soon as I’m inside, I speak with the lodge manager.

CHAPTER

EIGHT

Quinn

I expected dinner, in town, or maybe in the lodge, but this was not even something I could have envisioned. My cowboy roper has arranged a beautiful private dinner for us by this breathtaking lake. Thanks to the lights encircling the tent, I can clearly see our final destination from the ATV.

“Is that for us?” I ask, impressed.

“I hope so ’cause if not, I came to the wrong damn spot,” he says while flashing his handsome smile.

He pulls the ATV right up on the edge of the lake, about twenty feet from the tent. After opening my door for me, he grabs my hand and helps me out. Then, hand in hand, he leads me to our tent. Under the moonlit dark sky with streaks of yellow hues and just a few feet away from the still lake is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner.

The tent is actually a structure made from four large wooden beams creating the square and four additional beams on top. Beige linens and beige ropes drape it to give the illusion of a Moroccan style tent. Centered under it are a dining table for two, the chairs all draped in beige linen and accentuated with lavender bows. The centerpiece is a beautiful bouquet of purple calla lilies. Also on the table is an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne, two champagne glasses, and two silver covered platters. And if this isn’t already perfect, there’s a bonfire burning in front of the tent right on the shoreline.

“This is absolutely beautiful,” I gush as I squeeze his hand. “Truly beyond my expectations.”

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