Chapter 74

Day Three - "We're like a family here. Despite riding against each other and aiming for the highest score, our real competition isn't with one another; it's with the bull," Ryder explained, responding to Thomas's remark about the impressive sportsmanship among competitors.

"It's truly remarkable to witness, Ryder. You just don't see that kind of camaraderie in any other sport."

"No, rodeos are a unique world," Celeste added.

The group huddled around the chutes as Ryder offered them an insider's perspective on bull riding. Thomas was captivated by the intricate mechanics and teamwork involved as he and Luther wandered across the platform, peering into the chutes below.

After guiding them through and introducing them to several riders, including Guilherme, everyone departed to find their seats except for Isobel, who lingered for a few moments with Ryder.

Leaning against the wall, she watched as he interacted with a group of young boys eagerly seeking his autograph. Ryder kneeled down to their level, offering advice and signing their cowboy hats with a Sharpie.

A broad smile spread across her face, filled with love and pride, until a tap on her shoulder snapped her back to reality. She turned to see who it was.

Standing behind her was Polly—the woman Isobel had hoped never to encounter again. The smile vanished as she locked eyes with the woman responsible for her worst nightmare.

"Before you say anything, I want to apologize," Polly began, holding her hands out in plea. "I am deeply sorry for what I did. I had no idea those men would go that far. That was never my intention and I hope you believe me. I wouldn't wish that kind of treatment on any woman; I know how it feels."

Polly's eyes clouded with fear and regret as she recalled that dreadful night, her voice breaking under the weight of the memory.

"I was angry, jealous, and felt rejected. But that doesn't excuse what I did." Polly stared at the dirt, kicking it absentmindedly with her boot. "I'm so sorry, Isobel. I've felt sick ever since seeing what they did to you."

Isobel remained silent as Polly spoke, gauging her sincerity.

Ryder noticed Polly talking to Isobel and immediately rushed over. "What are you doing down here, Polly?" His voice was low and harsh.

Isobel raised her hand against his chest to hold him back. "Ryder, stop. I've got this," she said quietly but firmly. She felt him grip the fabric of her shirt at her waist from behind, his rage barely contained.

Glancing back at Polly, who once again had her gaze fixed on the ground, Isobel extended her hand toward her. Polly looked up, noticing that Isobel was patiently waiting with an open hand. With a trembling gesture, Polly placed her hand into Isobel's, who gave it a gentle shake.

"Let's just pretend it never happened," Isobel said softly. She placed her other hand over their joined ones and tightened her grip, meeting Polly's eyes. "I believe you didn't intend for it to happen. I believe you are genuinely sorry. And I forgive you." Isobel gently squeezed Polly's hand.

A tear rolled down Polly's cheek as she looked at Isobel in disbelief. "How can you just forgive me for something so horrible?"

"Because I have God in my heart. We are meant to forgive, not to judge. There is only one Judge. I don't know what was in your heart then or now; that's not my role. What I do know is that I see sincerity in your eyes and hear it in your voice. Forgiving makes us more like Jesus. God loves you, Polly."

Ryder's grip on Isobel's shirt relaxed, and he moved his hand to the small of her back.

"And Polly, I'm very sorry for whatever happened to you in the past."

Polly nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Thank you," she said with a cracked voice, "Thank you." She glanced at Ryder standing behind Isobel's shoulder, clearly admiring his wife. "I'm sorry, Ryder."

Polly slowly turned and vanished into the dark tunnel that seemed to swallow her whole.

Ryder turned Isobel to face him, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her tenderly. "You are an incredible woman, Isobel Hayes. Absolutely incredible."

Isobel found her family in her favorite spot, just a few rows up and on the end nearest the chutes. It was the ideal location, offering her a clear view of the arena and a glimpse of the back area where Ryder prepared for his rides.

As the announcer began, the audience was updated on Caleb, the rider who'd been stepped on the chest on the second night; he was recovering well. The same went for another rider who had been knocked out. However, both of them, along with a few others, would not return to ride due to their injuries.

The third evening's competition saw even more riders eliminated with injuries ranging from broken ribs and concussions to a broken hip.

Despite Guilherme achieving a high-scoring ride on the third night, the fourth night was brutal; he was thrown from Hannibal's Wrath and barely dodged the bull's hooves as it turned back to attack him. Ryder observed and studied the ride carefully, noting similarities with Fury that were still fresh in his memory.

Wren faced his own challenges; he was thrown during his third ride and knocked down by the bull as he dashed toward the fence, escaping with just a bruise on his back. Rose watched in suspense as the bull charged at Wren and hit him, finally exhaling only when she saw him get up and run out. His performance on the fourth evening earned him his highest score of the week so far, bumping him up slightly into the top fifteen for the final ride.

The last two evenings were particularly tough for Ryder as he battled through hip pain. He managed to score high with both bulls he rode but ended up needing medical attention for pain relief afterward. An x-ray cleared him of any fractures, and the medical director prescribed a stronger painkiller, advising him to keep icing his injury.

Later that evening, as they gathered around the dining room table in their spacious suite, Sam brought in a plate of brownies and placed them on the table.

"You're the only rider to have scored on all four nights, right Ryder?" Luther asked as he reached for a brownie.

"Yes, that's me," Ryder said with a slight smile.

"So tomorrow, all you need to do is stay on and you've got it, correct? Regardless of your score?" Thomas inquired.

"Exactly. I'm high enough that even with a low score, I'll still come out on top. But if I don't score at all, Guilherme only needs a 79 to take first."

"That's awesome, Ryder." Luther added. "Watching you ride has been a real pleasure. You too, Wren. You both are incredible riders."

"Thank you, sir," Wren replied gratefully.

"What time does everything start tomorrow?" Luther asked.

"It begins at 11:30. Only the top fifteen riders and bulls compete. It'll go quickly followed by a short closing ceremony."

Celeste turned to Ryder and placed her hand on his, "Is Hannibal's Wrath among the fifteen?"

Ryder nodded at her, "Yes, Ma. He made it."

Celeste gave his hand a gentle squeeze before pulling back. Luther placed his hand behind her and rubbed her back.

After a brief silence, Thomas chimed in, "So both of you have your final rides tomorrow?"

"Yes, sir. It's going to be bittersweet." Wren tightened his grip on Rose's hand and smiled at her. "But like Ryder said, it's time."

"They're starting team roping though," Isobel added enthusiastically. "That's going to be thrilling and fun to watch."

"What's involved in team roping exactly?" Thomas leaned forward with curiosity.

Ryder picked up the tablet next to him, found a video, and handed it to Thomas and Grace to watch.

"Well, that looks fun," Grace remarked, "and much safer."

Ryder chuckled, "Absolutely much safer." He put his hand on Isobel's knee and gently rubbed his thumb across it.

They lingered a bit longer, delving into the intricacies of team roping as Ryder and Wren clarified the rules. Grace and Thomas listened intently, absorbing every detail about this once foreign sport.

The women eventually excused themselves, migrating to the front room where they became engrossed in lively discussions about their plans for the following evening after the event concluded—including shopping, dining, and visiting the shark reef aquarium within the hotel.

Ryder, feeling a growing throb in his hip, excused himself to call it a night. Lying on top of the bedcovers with his hands behind his head, he stared at the ceiling, lost in thoughts about the possible outcomes of tomorrow's events. Isobel entered with a fresh bag of ice. Sitting at the bed's edge, she gently pressed the ice against his hip.

"Thank you," Ryder murmured, sliding his hand down her arm.

"You're welcome," Isobel replied, leaning in to kiss him softly on the lips, tasting traces of Sprite and Crown. "How are you feeling?"

"I'll be fine. It just hurts a bit."

"I meant about tomorrow."

"What do you mean?"

"How are you feeling about it being your final ride now that it's imminent?" She gently ran her fingers through his hair, brushing it to one side.

"I think I'm alright. Might feel different tomorrow when it's over. I'll miss it because it's been my life for so long. It defined who I was." Ryder cupped her cheek with his hand and pulled her down for a kiss. "But now I'm your husband; that's who I am. And this," he pointed to his hip, "confirms I made the right decision."

They laughed as she lowered herself to meet his lips again.

Ryder intertwined his fingers with her hair. "Have I ever told you that you're the best thing that's ever happened to me?"

Isobel giggled, "Yes, several times."

"Well, I'll probably say it many more times because it's true." Ryder kissed her again. "I need to take a shower."

"Okay," Isobel said as she stood up and helped Ryder to his feet. She sat back down on the bed and watched him walk towards the bathroom.

Turning around, he extended his hand and asked, "Join me?"

Isobel slipped her hand into his and followed him to the shower.