“Yeah, beautiful girl?”
“I’m sorry I ever compared you to Harris. You’re nothing like him.”
Bullet wished Tristan hadn’t said that. There’d been a time he was, and he was ashamed of that part of his life. If it weren’t for his two precious babies, he’d go back and do it all differently.
Even though he couldn’t change his past, he sure as hell could make sure his future would be very different. He’d be a better man, not just for her, but for himself. He was committed to it. When Pearl and Grey were older, he wanted them to look at him with love and respect, and be proud of their daddy.
1980
“Where would you like to celebrate our anniversary this year?” Bill asked Dottie.
Bill had continued competing on the rodeo circuit, and the two traveled often, especially around Colorado and the mid-west. Sometimes, Clancy and his mama would travel with them. But he never entered a rodeo the week of their anniversary.
Every year for the last eight, Bill planned a trip just for the two of them. Being home only reminded him of Dottie’s terrible accident two days after their wedding. He was sure Dottie thought about it too.
“I want to stay home this year, Bill.” Dottie was looking out the window, toward the main house, where Clancy and Jane still lived.
“Why don’t we go to Gunnison? I’m sure some of your high school friends still live in town.”
“Bill, I need you to sit down.”
“Why?”
“Just sit. There’s something I need to tell you.”
Bill’s heart went into his throat. “What is it, sweetheart?”
20
“Will you be at the rodeo tomorrow night?”
Tristan smiled. “Of course I will be. I’ll be here all week.”
“What do you say just the two of us go someplace quiet for dinner after? I promise I’ll bring you home safe and sound before curfew.”
She was a twenty-seven-year-old woman. She shouldn’t need a curfew. It wasn’t as though she really had one, but since she was staying at Lyric’s house with her father and grandfather, she had to show them respect, and that meant not staying out all night.
“I’d like that very much, Bullet.”
Buck Bishop couldn’t be at the rodeo tonight, but he told Bullet he’d be back the following night, and he expected to see his name on the short go. To move on to the next round, Bullet had to cover his bull again tonight. He sure hoped he did, especially with Tristan watching.
“Hey, Simmons,” Bullet heard someone shout. He turned his head to see Harris Jones approaching him. Bullet threw his rosin and leather straps down, on the ground. “What the hell do you want?”
“Just wanted to give you a heads-up; I’m here to win her back.”
“I’m afraid you’re in for a disappointment, son. The lady has a date with me later on tonight, and every night after.”
“I’m sure she’ll change her mind once she knows I’m here.”
“She already knows, and I get the impression she doesn’t give a shit.”
“You never forget your first. Ain’t that what they say? And I’ll tell you, after the first time, she turned into a real wildcat in bed. Woohee, she was some kind of—”
Bullet had heard enough. He turned his back on Harris and watched as the next rider rosined his bull rope.
“She’s a damn fine piece of ass, but my guess is you know that. She been makin’ the rounds of the bull riders here? Is that her thing now? I got her started—”
Bullet jumped off the back of the chute and took a swing at Harris, then another. Stormy and some of the other guys from the Flying R team ran over and pulled Bullet off of him.