The Rodeo Cowboy's Return by Cathy McDavid

Author:Cathy McDavid
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2024-05-03T14:59:50+00:00

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MACY HADN’T BEEN to the rodeo grounds in Cave Creek for years. She used to frequent it in those days to watch Brody compete. Everett, too. He and Brody had been inseparable as friends and roping partners.

“See all the horses, Mommy,” Joey chimed from the back seat and pointed with his chubby finger.

“Yes. There are lots of them.”

She shifted in the truck’s front passenger seat to check on her son. He’d handled the ninety-minute drive from Wickenburg well. She’d expected him to nap, as they’d risen earlier than usual. But no. Joey had been a chatterbox the entire drive, washing down his bites of dry cereal with a sippy cup of milk.

Everett maneuvered the truck and empty horse trailer through the crowded parking lot. Macy didn’t bother telling him where to park. He was more familiar with the grounds than her.

“How are we doing on time?” he asked, studying the side mirrors as he eased into a space, reversed, adjusted and then pulled forward.

“Great. It’s only seven forty-five.”

Their goal had been to arrive well before the sale started at nine, affording them plenty of opportunity to walk the holding pens and inspect the hundred-plus horses being offered for sale.

Sheriff Andy parked his sedan alongside them, and he and Kinsley emerged. They’d taken two vehicles rather than cram the five of them together in Everett’s truck. Sheriff Andy carried a travel cup of coffee, which had been filled at the start of their trip at the gas station on the outskirts of town. Knowing him, thought Macy, he’d be refilling the cup at the concession stand.

“At least we have beautiful weather,” the older man commented as he skirted the truck to join Macy.

“The rain the other day helped. It’s not quite so hot.”

She opened the rear passenger door and removed Joey’s portable stroller before lifting him from his car seat. He preferred to walk, but in case he grew tired, she’d have the lightweight stroller available for him to doze in. Her little boy had grown too big for her to carry around for long periods of time.

“Where to first?” Everett asked. He’d locked the truck after making sure Macy had everything she needed.

“The registration booth.” She slung her backpack onto her shoulders. It contained Joey’s emergency necessities, including snacks and drinks, boredom buster toys, disposable underpants and a clean shirt, along with her wallet and keys. She shoved her phone in her zippered shirt pocket. She needed her hands free and without having to worry about losing anything. “First, we get our bidder number.”

They started out. Macy pushed the empty stroller, already having trouble with Joey who refused to listen.

“Don’t run ahead, honey. Here, hold on to the stroller. No, don’t touch that. Come back, Joey. Right now. I mean it.”

She worried she’d lose her voice by the end of the day.

“Hey, sport.” Everett motioned to Joey. “Why don’t you walk with me. I need someone to point out all the good horses.”

Joey didn’t hesitate. He ran to Everett and grabbed his hand.

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