then looked at me. “I was going to talk to you about it. It was just a friendly lunch, but I do like Molly. She’s…nice.”
“Nice?” every woman said at the same time.
“Yes. Nice.”
“Frank, have I not taught you anything yet about these women?” Ty Senior asked.
“Oh hush, Ty,” Stella said, then motioned for my father to keep talking. “Tell us more, Frank.”
My father blushed, and I was hit right in the middle of my chest with a happiness I hadn’t realized I could experience.
“Daddy,” I said softly as I took his hands in mine. “You don’t have to talk to me about dating anyone.”
He nodded. “I know, but I wanted to let you know first. Guess I better move faster than the gossip chain next time.” He shot a quick look at Stella who pretended not to hear him.
I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. “You don’t need my permission to date anyone. I’ve met Molly. She’s very nice.”
“Not to mention, hot as hell for her age. You know she teaches the spin class at the community center and she kicks ass,” Kaylee said. Dad’s face turned even more red with embarrassment.
“Enough about me, how are you feeling, sweetheart?” Dad asked as he walked over and kissed Kaylee.
“Great!”
Then he turned to Lincoln and gave her a sympathetic smile. “You look radiant, Lincoln.”
She kissed him on the cheek and said, “Liar. But thank you.”
“Frank! You made it!” Tanner called out from atop his horse.
Dad gave Tanner a thumbs up and shouted, “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Miss what?” I asked as I looked between them.
“Can we stop talking and do this? I feel like this is gonna be my lucky run!” Ty shouted.
Tanner laughed. “By all means, brother. Go for it.”
“What do we have here, the Shaw brothers competing?” Everyone turned to see Dirk walking toward the corral.
“Dirk, what happened?” Kaylee cried out as she rushed over to him. His arm was in a sling.
“It’s nothing, a torn ligament.”
“Ouch,” Brock and Ty said in unison.
“Bull riding?” Kaylee asked.
Dirk frowned. “Don’t get me started.”
“I’m so glad you’re home though,” Kaylee said as she kissed him on the cheek.
“My God, woman, you’re huge!” Dirk leaned down to talk to the baby. “Hey, baby girl Shaw!”
“I am not huge. She’s huge,” Kaylee said as she pointed at Lincoln.
Dirk’s eyes grew wide, and he walked over to Lincoln. “Wow. You look…”
“Like a whale.” Lincoln sighed.
Dirk laughed. “I was going to say like a stunningly beautiful woman who is ready to pop.”
She laughed. “I am. One month to go.”
“Don’t let me stop you gentlemen from your roping session,” Dirk called out as he turned and kissed me on the cheek. “Hey, sweetheart, how are you?”
“I’m good. I’m sorry about your injury.”
“It is what it is,” Dirk said with a wink, then walked over and started shaking hands with everyone.
Once Dirk made his rounds, things got back underway.
Tanner and Ty Senior were partners, while Ty and Brock had paired up. Ty nodded for Jimmy to open the gate, then took off.
“He almost broke the line early,” Tanner stated.
We all watched as Tanner roped the calf’s head and Brock got his back leg.
“Five seconds,” Jimmy shouted.
“Damn it all to hell, Brock!”
“Me! You took forever to rope the stupid thing.”
“Last time up, Tanner and Mr. Shaw!” Jimmy cried out.
Tanner looked back at me, and I smiled and blew him a kiss. He winked, and I suddenly couldn’t wait to get the man alone.
They got into position, and a calf was loaded in the shoot. “This is it, Dad. Let’s show him how it’s done.”
Ty Senior tipped his hat toward Tanner, and Trigger stomped around, anxious to be let loose. Tanner gave the nod, and they took off. It was a blur how fast Tanner and his father went.
“Jesus! Holy shit! Oh my gosh!” Jimmy shouted as he looked at the timer in his hand.
Ty groaned, then shouted, “For the love of God, Jimmy, what was their time?”
Jimmy looked at Tanner. “Three-point-two seconds.”
I let out a scream, as did Stella. Kaylee and Lincoln both cried out in celebration.
My father looked around. “What are we screaming for?”
“You broke the record! You broke the world record!” I yelled as I climbed over the fence and ran toward Tanner.
He laughed, as did Ty Senior.
“Damn, old man! Who knew you still had it in you?” Brock said as he rode up and shook his father’s hand.
Tanner leaned down and kissed me.
“You did it, Tanner. You did it and no one will know,”