Page 18 of The Chances We Take

“Ladies and gentlemen, our next team roping duo comes all the way from up north. They were your RodeoHouston team roping champions last year and NFR Average champions,” the announcer’s voice started in a low rumble. “Let’s give them a big welcome! Colter Carson and Reid Lawson, folks!”

Rock music began playing out of the speakers as Colter and Reid entered the boxes on the sides of the roping chute. They wouldn’t be able to see us from our spot in the stands—we could hardly make them out—but I watched Reid’s expression on the jumbo screen as it morphed from relaxed and casual to a trained focus.

Is it hot in here?Warmth crept up my cheeks as I watched him toss his rope over his shoulder, prepping for their run, the brim of his cowboy hat covering his eyes.

Colter nodded, and the steer was released from the chute. Team roping wasfast, but I was absolutely engrossed in every second of it as Colter roped the horns of the steer and Reid followed, roping the legs perfectly.

“Now, that’s how it’s done, folks!” the announcer called out. “Four-point-eight seconds for Colter Carson and Reid Lawson!”

“Let’s go find the guys.” Ellison grabbed my hand after the bull riding and buckle presentation was over. “I saw you watching the screen when Colt and Reid were roping. You should tell him how you feel.”

“W-what do you mean?” I almost stumbled walking down the stairs.

“Please. I have eyes. I saw you guys dancingat the bar the other night,” she commented when we got closer to the arena floor where the guys said they’d wait for us.

“I don’t know, Ells. All I’ve ever been is hurt and?—”

“Guys, seriously. We’re just friends, nothing more. There’s absolutely nothing there.” A familiar voice rang through my ears, the tone edging on annoyance. “She’s great, but no. Isabelle and I aren’t going to be together.”

We came around the corner, and there was Reid, rolling his eyes at the guys, arms crossed leaned up against a gate.

He whipped his head toward me, and a sadness that looked a lot like regret crept into his eyes. “Is?—”

“Yeah, no. We’re just friends. I can’t believe you guys ever thought there was anything more to it.” I forced out a laugh before biting the inside of my cheek until the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. It was all I could do to stop the tears from welling in my eyes.

I thought we had a connection, that the other night in the bar wasn’t just my imagination and he felt something too.

But I was clearly wrong.

I usually was, and that’s what led to my heart always getting hurt.

The guys all nodded, seemingly forgetting the entire conversation. And just like that, the fantasy I’d made up in my head—one that guaranteed me a happily ever after like the ones in the books I’d always loved—shattered in front of me.

I truly believed in love and happy endings, but a new fear rose in me that day: fear that maybe I was always meant to be alone.

CHAPTER EIGHT

reid

LAST MAY

Isat on my couch waiting for a phone call or text to come in. Colter was in Glacier National Park with Ellison so he could finally pop the question. I was happy for him—ecstatic, really. I liked Ellison, really liked her. They were good for each other. Sophie had done a number on Colter, so I was glad he was able to find the type of love he and Ellison had.

He’d told me back in late June, when he was home with an injury, that he loved her. I was honestly surprised he hadn’t told her before then, he was so gone for her.

He kind of sprung this trip on me. Normally, we’d be on the road, but he told me,“If I don’t propose to her soon, Reid, I’ll either implode or spoil the surprise.”

So, I took one for the team, saying I was ill after the Bucking Horse Sale, even though I figured Ellison would be suspicious that Colter wasn’t going on the road by himself like a normal person would. But he insisted that missing one week wouldn’t be a big deal—it really wasn’t—and I don’t think she thought too much of it.Besides, they weren’t huge rodeos we were missing, so we’d be able to catch up once they were back.

The rest of the guys had gone already, so we’d meet them after Colter and Ellison got back from their trip. This time last year, Colter wasn’t competing because of his injury, so at least this year his absence was for a happier reason.

My phone started ringing as I was about to get up, Ellison’s name popping up on the screen for a FaceTime. I accepted the call and immediately heard squealing on the other end of the line.

“Oh. My. God! I’msoexcited for you two!” A bubbly voice—one I remembered distinctively—celebrated. It was a three-way call—with me, Ellison, obviously, being the one who called me, and Isabelle.

“Hi, guys.” I waved into the camera.

“Reid, look!” Ellison flashed me her ring, the diamond shining almost as bright as the grin on her face.

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