Page 76 of Bull Riders Don't Swoon

Dad’s lips quiver again, and I hold his gaze. Miles and all the stuff I read online advised me to be truthful, and this is one of those times where the truth hurts. A whole fucking lot. “I only told you I was graduating. I never told you the day or invited you because I knew you wouldn’t come, and I didn’t have it in me to deal with that. So I just left it out.”

He sighs and nods, taking a moment to find the words.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, but I want to be now.”

My smile is genuine, and Dad returns it. “I’d love for you to come to the Kissing Ridge rodeo next week. You can watch me be a bullfighter and Jamieson ride a bull. It would mean a lot to me.”

“I’ll be there, but I need a ride, I think.”

“I’ll arrange it for you.”

Dad nods, and we watch the birds fly around from the feeder to the trees and into some sunflowers. We still hold hands, and for a moment, I imagine this as a little boy, holding my dad’s hand in the park or crossing the street. He did that once, and even though I’m close to thirty and we’ve barely hugged over the years, this is something I’ve missed.

“So, this Jamieson. He seems like a nice fellow. How did you two meet?”

My smile comes easily when I hear Jamieson’s name. “At university. I was bored and went to the rodeo team practice during my first year. Someone asked if I wanted to be a bullfighter, and it paid a bit of money, so I tried it. Turns out I’m pretty good at it, and Jamieson was a bull rider.”

“But you never said you were dating. Did I miss that, too?”

“No, that’s new. He’s been my best friend since that day. I’ve loved him for years, but only just told him this summer.”

Dad shifts to look at me, still holding my hand.

“That’s a long time to carry a torch for someone.”

I shrug a little and sigh. “I know, but I was scared. I didn’t want to lose him as a friend if I told him I liked him, and he rejected me.”

“But he didn’t, and now you’re together?”

“We are. Moving in together soon. He bought a house and I’m going to see it tonight.”

Dad’s face is the happiest I’ve seen it in the last twenty years, and I hope to see more of that. “That’s wonderful! Congratulations! I can’t wait to visit you there.”

The crunch of gravel alerts us to someone, and we both turn to find Miles approaching. He taps his watch and turns back to the residence.

Dad and I stand and stroll the path back, still holding hands.

“I’m really happy you came today, Griff. I know we have a long road ahead of us, but I can’t thank you enough for giving me this gift and staying with me all these years. Jamieson better treat you right because you’re something special, son.”

My throat tightens, and I nod. “Thanks, Dad.” I open the door for him, and Miles stands waiting.

“Did you two have a good visit?”

“We did, and he can still come to the rodeo next week, right?”

Miles nods and pats Dad on the shoulder. “Definitely with some stipulations, but we will work out the details and get him there.”

After hugging my dad, he leaves me with Miles to attend his therapy session. I stare after him for a few beats, still in a bit of disbelief that we got this far.

“I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done. He’s not a hundred percent, but it’s the closest I’ve been to the dad I know I have for a very long time.”

“He’s putting in the effort, Griff. You should be proud.”

Miles and I discuss the rodeo part and getting dad to the venue before I leave, and when I exit the building, Jamieson waits for me. He’s leaning against his truck, scrolling on his phone, but puts it away once he sees me.

“Hey. How did it go?”

I fold into Jamieson’s arms and take a moment to enjoy being there. The fabric softener outdoorsy scent still clings to his shirt, and I breathe it in along with everything else Jamie.

---