Page 34 of Lost Trust

I blink. “What kind of proposition?”

He glances at Charli. She gives him a tiny nod.

Then he looks back at me. “We had a full summer last year. And this year, the demand is even higher.” He gestures around us. “Word got out. We’ve got more students coming than we can comfortably handle with the staff we have.”

I listen.

“Shelby helps whenever she can, but she’s got her responsibilities at Wildhaven Storm. She can’t be everywhere.” He pauses. “We need another instructor.”

Something in my stomach shifts.

“Okay.”

“A professional barrel racing instructor.”

Understanding washes over me, and my mouth opens. “For the summer?”

He smiles. “No. We’re open year-round. Summers just tend to get flooded with teenagers getting out of school. So, we’re in need of a full-time instructor, and I want you.”

I shake my head as my eyes go back to the barrels in the arena.

“The job’s yours if you want it.”

The words echo inside my head.

A job.

Here.

Doing what I know, what I love.

Charli steps closer. “Bryce told me about your situation.”

I turn my attention to her, and she takes my hand.

“I know it’s a big move. Dallas to Wildhaven.”

I swallow.

“But we have a great school system here,” she continues. “And the pay is decent; plus, it includes room and board.”

I stare at her. “Room and board?”

She nods. “The staff cabins are studio-style though, and that won’t work for you and Ryder long term.”

I look between them. “Right.”

Charli smiles. “Bryce and I are moving out of our current cabin after the wedding. We’re moving into our new house.” She points back toward the farmhouse. “The cabin sits in a private spot behind the main house. It has a living room with a huge stone fireplace, full kitchen, a master suite, and a second bedroom and guest bath. Plenty of room for you and Ryder.”

I try to speak, but no words come out.

“And before you say anything, yes, we’re serious.”

My eyes begin to burn, and I turn away quickly. I don’t want them to see the tears gathering. But I’m sure they do.

They’re offering me a lifeline. A job. A home for Ryder. A connection to my former community. A future. It’s everything we so badly need.

Bryce’s voice softens as he says, “And we have room for Rowdy.”