Page 185 of Lost Trust

Ryder bounces but stays centered.

One second.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Then he comes off.

He hits the dirt and rolls once.

For one heartbeat, my heart stops.

Then his little boots hit the ground.

He jumps to his feet like nothing happened, rips his hat from his head, tosses it into the dirt, and throws both hands into the air as he spins toward the bleachers.

The crowd erupts.

Everyone jumps to their feet, cheering and whistling as the sound rolls through the arena.

Beside me, Ryder pumps his fist before beating his tiny hand against his chest, his knuckles thudding against the leather of his vest.

He looks every bit like a miniature cowboy celebrating a championship.

“Mommy! Did you see me?”

Marina is already standing.

“I saw you!”

Ryder races to the rails.

“I stayed on!”

“You did!”

He turns toward us, grinning so hard his cheeks look like they might split.

“Again!”

I laugh.

“Again?”

Micah shakes his head.

“This kid is nuts.”

I look at Ryder.

“Okay. We’ll give you another one.”