Page 58 of Lawless Ride

While they did that, Harlan sat on the sofa fiddling with his phone. Lucy was texting him.

“Is Jacks there?”

“Yep, he’s here. We just got back from the airport.”

“I’m so nervous for him watching us tomorrow.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s so good. He’s a calf roper and Rowdy trained him.”

“You’ll be good too when you finish the course.”

“Maybe. Is Mommy there?”

“Yep. Sure is.”

“You think she’s pretty?”

“Sure do.”

“Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

“Me too. It’s gonna be fun.”

Dry Run Roadhouse.

The three boys were engrossed in a video game competition, so Annie and I drove down to the roadhouse to listen to the Friday-night band for an hour.

I’d filled her in on how Jack had been acting since he and Savanna broke up and she thought it would be best if we sat near the band and not near the bar where Jack could see us.

I ordered a pitcher of Coors and it felt like our first date. I held Annie close while we danced to all the slow songs, and I was pretty elated to have my beautiful wife in my arms again.

We sat out a couple of fast songs and it wasn’t long before Tina brought another pitcher of Coors for us.

“Jack sent this over with his compliments.”

“Thanks, Tina.”

“This is his way of apologizing,” said Annie as she refilled her glass.

“He should apologize to Savanna,” I said. “She was the one crying.”

“Breaking up is hard to do,” said Annie. “We should know.”

I felt that arrow go right through my heart.

Wild Stallion Ranch.

We were only about a mile from the ranch when I got a call from Harlan. “What’s up? I thought you guys would be in bed by now.”

“We can’t go to bed. That bear is on the front porch again, and she’s growling and scratching at the door. Max and Sarge are on the inside of the door scratching to get out, and they won’t stop barking. She’s been out there for about half an hour.”

“I’m almost at the end of the lane. My shotgun is under the seat. Stay inside and keep the boys in. Don’t let the dogs out no matter what.”

“Yeah, I won’t. I know that.”

I turned to Annie-girl. “There’s a bear on the porch and thedogs are barking. The kids are still up.”

---