Page 91 of A Montana Rodeo Star

After showering and dressing in new clothes, he drove to the arena. Tonight’s events were geared toward the masters in their fields. They hadn’t had one like this in at least five years. If the cash prize wasn’t enough to draw cowboys from all parts of the continent, then the prestige of going against the best of the best would.

Brent hadn’t had to deal with so much ego in a long time. The only reason he’d been allowed to compete today was due to his win last year. He didn’t expect to win or even place against the champions and honestly, that wasn’t his reason for entering.

After a few words with the organizers of the event, they were more than happy to give him the spotlight for a few minutes after his turn.

“Where have you been? You realize you were supposed to be here a half hour ago?”

Brent looked up from his phone as he entered the locker room to find a pair of angry twins. He flashed them a grin. Not even they knew what he was up to.

Someone’s hand came down hard on his back then his shoulders were grabbed and he was shaken. “Ease up, guys. You’re talking to the Brent Gilley. He’s rodeo royalty.”

Brent turned as Jacob came into view. “Nice to see you, man. You already go up?”

Jacob shook his head then reached for his helmet on a nearby bench. “Nah. I go on right after you. But from what I understand there’s going to be an intermission.”

“Intermission?” Tate barked. “What’s that supposed to mean? This isn’t Broadway.”

Jacob chuckled then gave a short nod. “See you out there, Gilley. Make your folks proud.”

That was also something that had drastically changed. Brent had competed a handful of times over the last year but always locally and just to feel closer to the dad he’d never known. The fact that his parents were here meant everything. It had taken a lot to get them to even step foot in the stands again. But they were here.

He heard his name come from a walkie talkie and a man rounded the corner. He pointed his clipboard at Brent. “You go on in ten.”

That got his heart pumping. Shoot. He still had to get his gear on and convince one of the twins to help him out. They were still standing there, watching him with curiosity or confusion, he couldn’t tell which.

“Look, I know you expect me to ask you before I go through with it,” he cut a look to both of them, “but frankly, I’m over it.”

They both stiffened and he almost let out a laugh.

“I’m going to ask your sister to marry me. And ultimately, it’s her decision. So don’t bother trying to convince her otherwise.” He rose to his full height and crossed his arms as he stared them down. “I love her and I’m not going to hurt her, so you can save that argument. We’ve come a long way and⁠—”

The twins glanced at each other and then they laughed. Brent couldn’t remember the last time he heard such a sound come from Jason. But it was Tate who spoke. Of course it was. “We already knew this was coming, man. Actually, we were wondering why it hadn’t happened sooner.”

His brows rose. “Really?”

“Really,” Tate confirmed.

Brent pulled out the ring from his pocket. “Then will you bring this to me when I get off the horse?”

The surprise that filtered through Tate’s eyes was worth it.

Brent turned to Jason. “And can you get Faith to come out as well? Don’t tell her what’s happening.”

Jason nodded curtly.

Then Brent smiled and pulled them both in for a brief hug. “Thanks guys. I owe you.”

Those eight seconds on the back of the horse lasted an eternity.

Brent hadn’t gotten his footwork quite right, but at least he’d stayed in the saddle. At least he’d held on.

Now, as Tate ran out to him with a microphone and the ring, Brent wondered if he was going to collapse. His legs felt like jelly. The adrenaline coursing through his body was fading. His hands were slick, and he half wondered if he should have kept his gloves on.

But then she appeared, flanked by her brothers and all those thoughts faded into nothingness.

The crowd went deathly still and he brought the microphone to his lips.

“Faith, you are like a guiding star in my life, showing me what I’m capable of and what paths I should take.” His voice trembled as she approached him, her brothers staying back.