He took off toward them, galloping across the last field. As soon as he got close enough, he pulled up on the reins. “Is that my famous brother-in-law?” He cupped his hands and did their family cheer for the pro hockey player. “Roccccoooo Delucca is in the HOUSE.”
“Eric.” Rocco got close enough to lean across and grab Eric in a hug. The guy was more touchy-feely that way. And Eric had gotten used to it.
“Sister.” He nodded to Summer.
“What. No, Summer DeLucca is in the HOUSE?”
“That’s just understood. You want me to start cheering every time I see you?”
“Forget it. It’s good to see you brother.”
“You guys staying for a couple days?”
“Yep. But we heard you were leaving same time as us. You going down to Lost Creek?” Rocco asked.
“Sure thing. They’ve got the Christmas in July rodeo and then another streak of shots at some bigger national opportunities.”
“That’s excellent.” Summer’s eyes beamed with happiness. She’d married well when she and Rocco had tied the knot. Every time he saw her, she smiled more than anything else. Eric was glad. And not quite envious. But he’d sure like to have some of the same.
“We all going to watch the Steers tonight?” Eric knew the Davises would not miss their ‘at the glass front seats’ for anything. They were the Steers’ most loyal fans. Truly. His dad was the president of their fan club. Fifteen years running.
They rode back together at a walk. Rocco nodded at him. “So, you ever consider taking up residence in Lost Creek?”
Eric shook his head. “Nah. But it’s nice to visit for part of the year. Rodeo’s been good to me.”
“And you’ve been good to it. Hey, I looked at the schedule. I’m coming to Dallas in a month, and then I have a few days off. Come up and see me with Summer, and then we will come down to catch the rodeo.”
“Excellent. I’ll plan on it.” Eric eased into the slow, loping gait of his horse. “I noticed you have a better seat on a horse.”
“I’m a Davis now, how could I not?” Rocco laughed.
“You spend so much time on the road and the rest of the time in Boston.” Eric shook his head. “But I’m glad it’s sinking in.”
“As soon as your pond freezes, I’ll be out on that again. This is just temporary.”
“Naturally. Kyle would not have it any other way.” Their youngest brother just might be the Davis member to finally make it big in hockey.
“I hear he’s rocking his team. Everyone in the tri-state area wants him.”
“Thanks to his new brother Rocco.”
“Or Summer. We all know she’s the real hockey star around here.”
They laughed. And Eric again appreciated Summer’s huge smile. It was awesome that the first time the two of them really met, she’d scored off of him in a half-time show at a Steers game. It was still talked about, much to Rocco’s pride. Eric knew it was awesome for Rocco to have a wife that was so good on the ice.
When they got back to the house, everyone was gathered, and dinner was just about on the table. He kissed his mom on the cheek. “Mom, looks delicious as always.”
“We can’t have you heading out to Texas again without a real meal.”
Dad clapped him on the shoulder. “Is the trailer all ready to go?”
“Yes. I had the whole thing flushed and tuned. It looks great. Thanks for letting me take it again.”
“No problem. Every time you do a rodeo, our name gets out there more. I think it might even be helping us sell beef.”
“That would be something.” Eric laughed.
“And we are a proud sponsor of our Rocco, here.”
Everyone sat together at the table, and soon conversation turned to hockey, as it always did. “So, do the Steers have a chance tonight?”
Eric listened with half an ear, his mind already thinking ahead to his horse and packing the rest of the trailer.
The rest of the evening went as many Davis family evenings often did. Family dinner then a hockey game at their Steers Mountain Center. And he spent the next day prepping to head to Texas.
When he was at last in his trailer, driving back to Lost Creek, he felt ready. The ranch was in good hands. The twins were also going on tour for rodeo. Kyle was deep into Hockey and high school. But the others were each tasked with chores, and it would be good for them. Eric didn’t have to be the one doing