“I guess I don’t see the problem. You broke up with your fiancé. You’re a free woman now.”
“But I neglected to tell Sam I was engaged.”
“So?”
“Well…we spent last night together.”
“You told me that. And yes, the guy showed up. But you can just explain to Sam that you were planning to break up with him, which is the truth.”
“Still—”
“My big brother is a great guy, Syd. If he’s interested in you, don’t let him go.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Then don’t. Whatever’s going on, be honest with him. If he cares for you, and I think he does, he’ll help you. He was there for me all those years when I needed him. He sacrificed his own happiness so I was taken care of.”
Sydney nodded. She’d known for a while that Dusty had been ill when she was younger. “Your leukemia.”
“Yeah. It’s also the reason I can’t have more children. It left me nearly infertile. Sean was a gift from heaven.”
“Oh, Dusty, I had no idea. I’m so sorry.” Here she was complaining. How selfish could she be?
“Don’t be. I’m fine now. I’m ten years out and considered cured. But my point is Sam was there for me when I needed him. He took care of me. My father passed away during that time, and Sam was all I had. So when I tell you he’s a special man, I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother.”
Sydney looked at her lap. Sam was wonderful. She’d always known that. Sometimes she looked back at her life and wondered why she’d made the decisions she had.
Perhaps he’d forgive her for not telling him she was engaged.
But other things could never be forgiven.
“I’m sorry to keep you so long,” Sydney said, rising. “I need to get to the rodeo and warm Sapphire up. I’ve got a race this afternoon.”
Dusty took her hand. “I’m glad you came over. Whatever is bothering you, I promise it will work out. Trust me, I’ve hit rock bottom before and come out swinging. You will too.”
Sydney wasn’t so sure, but she smiled halfheartedly. “Thanks.”
“And I’ll be there cheering you on in the stands this afternoon. Good luck.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.” She walked out the door and drove away.
* * *
Sydney took a deep breath and smoothed Sapphire’s soft white mane. She hadn’t hit her personal best of 14.1 in seven years. She was last to go in the competition, which only made her more tense. But at least she knew what she was up against. So far, the fastest time belonged to a local girl at 14.5. She could still take first, but it would require intense concentration and perfect form.
She had to win. She needed the money. Especially now that Rod was out of the picture for good.
One more deep breath and she closed her eyes. In her mind, she and Sapphire ran like the wind, skating around every barrel with perfect ease.
She opened her eyes, signaled to the judge, and then kicked into high gear. She and Sapphire crossed the electric eye and raced toward the first barrel. Sydney clenched her teeth as she set the mare up to turn the first barrel without knocking it over. Then, in a whirlwind, Sydney took Sapphire around the first barrel perfectly. Pursing her lips, she looked straight ahead and galloped toward the second, taking Sapphire around in the opposite direction. Excellent. One more to go. Running toward the backside of the arena, she and the mare aimed toward the third and final barrel, the sweet rush of adrenaline empowering her.
Yes, yes, she was doing it! Sapphire was in fine form as she rounded the last barrel.
Thundering applause echoed from the stands. She ignored it. Only the race mattered. She and Sapphire were alone in the universe. Alone to conquer the world.
A microsecond later, Sapphire rounded the final barrel and they headed back down the center of the arena.
She crossed the electric eye but didn’t see her time.