Page 87 of Bull Riders Don't Swoon

We end up changing, with me removing the tape off my ankles while having several conversations at once with other rodeo cowboys. Some even express their happiness to know we’re a couple, but most just want to fanboy over Jamieson and offer their sincere wishes for a great national final.

And I couldn’t be happier about that.

He’s still chatting with one of the bull riders when my frequent bullfighting partner, Mitchell, plops into the seat beside me.

“So…it finally happened, did it?” Mitchell grins and my answering smile is probably all he needs for confirmation.

“Yeah. It hasn’t been a secret. It was after I broke my arm, but I didn’t think he’d kiss me in the ring like that.”

“I knew something was changing when he was waiting for you at the hospital. Call it a hunch.”

“I didn’t know you were at the hospital.”

“I brought Jamieson food, because I knew he’d be hungry. He was…more upset than seemed normal for a broken arm, and when I asked him if he was okay, he said he would be when he could hold you again. Not usually something a friend might say.”

I don’t know what to say to Mitchell as he slaps me on the shoulder. “I’m thrilled for you, Griff. I like Jamieson, and I hope this answers questions you never found the answers to.”

Mitchell is far more observant than I’ve ever given him credit for.

“Thanks. I’ll still be around. You won’t be losing me as a partner forever, maybe just sometimes.”

He grins back. “I like the sound of that.” With another slap on my shoulder, he says goodbye and heads out.

“Hey, we should go find your dad, right? Isn’t the shuttle coming for him soon?”

Glancing at my phone, I’m shocked at the time and throw my things in my bag quickly. “Yeah, thirty minutes. Riley said he’d wait with him.”

Jamieson and I speed walk around to the stands and find everyone still waiting for us. Jamieson’s family is the first to congratulate him, and his sister gives me a punch to the shoulder with a firm nod. That’s Kara language for ‘good job protecting my brother.’

“Dad, did you have fun? Jamieson did great, didn’t he?”

“It was a lot of fun, Griff. You did great, too.”

“I don’t really do much most of the time.”

My dad looks at me with an expression I’m not familiar with. “You keep them safe, Griff. That’s a lot. Maybe it’s only one bull a night that gives you trouble, but without you, those riders might not be so confident if they didn’t know a guy like you was out there to save their butts.”

“I’ve never thought of it like that.”

“You should. You do more than just stand around in the sand, son. I’m proud of you. Thank you for giving me a chance to see you like this.”

Dad’s eyes shine with unshed tears, and I feel like in the brief time he’s been active in my life again, he’s seen more than anyone ever has. Which is doing all kinds of things to how I’m feeling.

“You’re welcome. I hope it’s not the last time you’ll watch me.”

Jamieson interrupts and slings his arm over my shoulder while offering his hand to my dad. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Shepard.”

“You had one hell of a ride, Jamieson. And I told you, call me Charlie.” Dad shakes Jamie’s hand, and Jamie’s arm around me relaxes.

“Thank you, sir. I couldn’t have done it without Griff.”

I don’t know what to do with that. Jamieson is a talented rider by his own merit. I didn’t force him to practice or do his strength training. That’s all on him. Thankfully, nobody waits for me to reply to that, and Dad says his goodbyes to his new group of friends while we walk him to the entrance to wait for his shuttle.

“Uh, so, Dad there’s something I have to talk to you about.” I glance at Jamie, and he nods. “Have you thought about what you’d like to do after the rehab program finishes?”

Dad stuffs his hands in the pockets of his too-big overalls and stares at his feet. “I’ve thought about it, yes. But I don’t know what to do about it. Miles said I should attend meetings and keep up with my therapy at the centre, but I’d have to move here, and I don’t know if I can find a place I can afford with my pension.”

“I’ve thought about that a lot, too, Dad.”

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