Thunder Morgan. The best bronc buster in history, in Sam’s humble opinion. He hadn’t always won, but he’d always given the audience a good show. The man had style. Too bad he’d retired a few years back.
“Amber won’t be single much longer. Next week, after she crowns our new rodeo queen, she’ll become Mrs. Harper Bay!”
More thundering applause.
“Congratulations, Amber,” Mark said.
“Thank you so much, Mark. I’ve enjoyed being your queen for a year, but I’m going to love being Mrs. Bay for the rest of my life.”
“Well said, Amber. Mr. Morgan, it’s an honor to have you here at our small-town rodeo. But I understand you’ve been here before.”
“Yup,” Thunder said. “Busted broncs here fifteen years ago and won a large purse. Thank you, Bakersville!”
Thundering applause again. Amber and her father left the stage as Mark introduced the grand marshal of this year’s parade, Sam’s brother-in-law, Zach McCray.
Sam stopped listening as Mark and Zach traded jibes. Zach was a good man. He took amazing care of Dusty and their son, Sean. Sam could never repay him for that, and the beauty was that Zach didn’t expect repayment. He adored his wife and son.
“Hey, Sam, look who I found.”
Zach turned to see his sister and a gorgeous black-haired beauty enter the box.
He gulped.
“You remember Sydney, don’t you?”
Sydney Buchanan.
She hadn’t changed one bit in five years, except maybe she was more beautiful.
“Of course,” he said. “Hello.” He held out his hand.
When she took it, sparks sizzled up his arm. Those brooding dark eyes seared into his own.
“It’s wonderful to see you again, Sam.”
“Isn’t this great?” Dusty took Sean’s hand. “Thanks for watching him.”
“No problem. You know I love the little guy.”
“He’s adorable.” Sydney squatted down. “How old are you, sweetie?”
“I’m almost five,” Sean said.
“You’re almost a grown-up.” Sydney touched the little boy’s cheek and stood. “You must feel incredibly lucky.”
Dusty smiled. “Only every minute of every day.”
Was that a hint of sadness in Sydney’s dark eyes? Sam wasn’t sure. Did she know about Dusty’s cancer, and that little Sean was almost a miracle? It wasn’t common knowledge outside Bakersville. At least he didn’t think it was.
“Are you competing this year, Sydney?” Dusty asked.
“Sure am. That’s why we’re here. Are you?”
Dusty shook her head. “Nope. I haven’t competed since that ill-fated race against you back in Denver all those years ago. I ended up pregnant with Sean and never went back to racing.”
“You gave it all up? Even bull riding?”
Dusty laughed. “Especially bull riding. Zach wouldn’t hear of it, and I actually agreed with him. We were lucky to get Sean. It’s unlikely I’ll ever get pregnant again.”