Had she made it?
Had she beaten 14.5?
She didn’t know. But right now it didn’t matter. Sapphire had worked hard and needed Sydney’s attention. She dismounted and petted the mare’s nose. “Great job, sweetie.”
Within a few seconds, the local girl, Sandra something or other, approached her. “Good race.”
“You too.”
“Congratulations. Fourteen-three is a great time. “
I won? Warmth flooded her. “Thank you.”
“It’s a fine purse you’ll be getting.”
“Congratulations to you, too. You had a great score.”
Sandra smiled. “Thank you. See you next race.”
Sydney’s heart leaped. She’d done it! Not her personal best, but as close as she’d gotten in seven years. All those hours working with Sapphire had paid off.
She led the mare to the grooming area and got to work. Soon her parents and Duke joined her.
“That was great, Sassy!” her little brother exclaimed.
Sydney smiled. When Duke had been learning to talk, he couldn’t say Sydney, so he called her Sassy. It had stuck. Though he was five, they all still used the nickname. She pulled the little boy into her arms and kissed his apple-re
d cheek. He was such a beauty, with light brown hair and dark walnut eyes.
“One day you’ll be the best bronc buster in the world.”
Duke turned to his mother. “Can’t I please do the mutton busting, Mama?”
“You’re still a little too young,” his mother replied.
“I’m five. I’m allowed.”
“Now we promised Mama you wouldn’t do it till you were six, “ Sydney said. “Next year will come soon enough.”
“It’s bad enough I had to watch you and Blake fall off animals and nearly kill yourselves when you were older than Duke. Let me keep my baby for one more year.”
All the talk meant nothing to Duke, who sulked in Sydney's arms.
“Don’t worry, partner.” His father patted his head. “You’ll be big enough next summer.”
“Sydney!” Dusty ran forward, dragging Sean by the hand. “You were incredible. Congratulations!”
“Thank you,” Sydney said. Her nerves ricocheted. Now what? It would be rude not to introduce her family. “These are my parents, Roy and Carrie Buchanan, and this is my baby brother, Duke.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you.” Dusty held out her hand. “I’m Dusty McCray, and this is my son, Sean.”
“One of the infamous McCrays.” Roy Buchanan smiled. “Great to meet you.”
“I’m so sorry we missed you at our gathering last night.”
“Yes, well—” Roy cleared his throat. “Duke here wasn’t feeling all too well, but he’s much better now.”
“I’m glad. He and Seanie look about the same age. We’d love you to bring him over while you’re in town. I’m sure they’d get along great.”