Page 191 of Lost Trust

“What does it feel like to win a gold buckle after six years away?”

“Are you staying on the circuit?”

I smile politely and answer every question and thank everyone. I do all the things I’m supposed to do. But inside, I’m counting the seconds until I can get away because all I want in this moment is to make it to Royce and Ryder. I want my people.

Eventually, a reporter asks for one more question, and I laugh.

“I’m sorry. I really have to go.”

I don’t wait for an argument. I turn and push through the crowd.

The gold buckle is still clutched in my hand, and I look down at it as I walk.

Holy shit. I actually did it.

Eight months ago, I wasn’t even sure I’d ever compete again. I wasn’t sure the woman who used to fly around barrels with the whole world watching was still in there.

Royce was.

He believed in her before I did. He pushed when I needed pushing and stood beside me when I was scared.

And here I am.

A gold buckle in my hand.

My heart skips a beat when I see them. Royce and Ryder stand with Shelby and Axle, who’s still glowing from his own win, Jovie tucked happily against his side.

Ryder sees me first. “Mommy!”

He comes flying.

I drop down just in time to catch him.

“You were so good!”

He wraps his arms around my neck so tightly that I can barely breathe.

“I knew you would win.”

My eyes burn.

I squeeze him harder and bury my face against his neck and cry. Not sad tears. Happy ones.

Ryder pats my back. “Why are you crying?”

I laugh through the tears. “Because I’m happy, baby.”

He nods solemnly. “Me too.”

I kiss his cheek before finally looking at Royce.

He’s standing there with that crooked smile I love.

His shoulder is secured against his torso in the immobilizer, still healing from the surgery he put off for too long.

But his eyes?

They’re fixed on me.