Page 189 of Lost Trust

My woman.

Her little boy.

The family I never knew I wanted until they were standing right in front of me.

Five months ago, I was a man who thought he had everything figured out.

I thought I knew what I wanted.

Then Marina Kincade rode back into my life and knocked every damn thing I thought I knew on its ass.

Now I know better.

I know home isn’t a place.

It’s the woman waiting for you.

It’s a little boy yelling your name when you come through after a long day at work.

It’s laughter in the kitchen, boots by the door, and somebody you love warming your bed at night.

It’s knowing exactly where you belong.

I watch Marina and Ryder disappear down the darkened path toward the house.

And for the first time in my life, I don’t wonder what comes next for me.

I already know.

Because there goes my future.

Royce

Eight Months Later

The national anthem starts, and every conversation in the arena dies at once.

I look down at Ryder.

The kid stands on the bleachers beside me, his little boots planted wide, one hand clutching his cowboy hat. He pulls it off his head and holds it over his chest.

The hat nearly covers the entire damn thing.

I bite back a laugh.

It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

Jovie catches my eye from across the row and grins. Shelby presses a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh too.

Ryder doesn’t notice any of us. He’s watching the flag. Watching the arena and waiting patiently to see his two favorite cowboys and his momma.

The second the anthem ends, Ryder drops his hat back onto his head. “Is Mommy next?”

I glance at my phone. “Nope. It’s gonna be a while, little man. We got bareback and saddle broncs up first.” I grin. “You like those events. They’ll be fun to watch.”

He groans, but as soon as the bareback riders hit the arena, he becomes mesmerized, and time flies as we watch the action below.

Then the announcer’s voice rolls through the arena. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, we come to one of the most anticipated returns of the season.”