Cowgirl Up (25 page)

Now he
reappeared for a few minutes with an apology and offer to step up to the plate.

Unfortunately,
probably too little, too late. She’d needed him years ago and most certainly
when Lora was at her worst. He wasn’t there. And, now, she couldn’t trust that
he would ever be again.

Better
to be realistic and happily surprised than disappointed when he fell back into
the habits of his old life. Without her.

On that
morose, but honest thought, she stuffed the remainder of her bottled water back
in the cooler, stood, and folded up her chair. Time to quit bellyaching about
the past and feeling sorry for herself. She had a competition to do and Legacy
had to warm up sufficiently first.

Grabbing
the lead rope, she walked into his stall, snapped the clip on his halter, and
led him outside and back to her trailer. No sense in dragging the tack inside
when he much preferred to stand outside and look around while she saddled him.

She
went about the routine of getting him ready while checking him over at the same
time. He lifted each hoof dutifully to allow her to ensure no stones were
lodged under the shoe, which could affect his performance or cause even the
slightest injury. When he stood ready, she petted his soft nose. “This is it,
boy. The day we’ve been waiting for.”

He
chewed on the bit, his ears flicking this way and that.

She
rubbed his forehead and scratched under the leather crossing his cheek. “We’re
going to go in there and have the run of our lives. For Mom.”

He
nudged her chest as if in agreement.

Patting
him once more, she gathered the reins and climbed into the saddle.

Our destiny awaits.

My swan song.

The
oddly sad phrase popped into her mind as she waited patiently for her turn to
run the cloverleaf pattern one last time on the last day of the finals. How
many years had she envisioned this particular scenario? How many miles had she
driven to just get this chance to shine?

Now
that she stood at the brink of fulfilling her dream, she wasn’t sure what to
feel. Nerves had long since vanished along with fear. Instead, an odd sort of
surrealism surrounded her.

Ride like the wind, Trin.

Trinity
heard her mother’s voice as clear as day. Despite the rowdy crowd, the
announcer’s booming voice, and the mumbled voices of the other barrel racers
lined up with her, she easily made out the words.

A
feeling of peace descended over her. For finally, she understood one
thing—she’d been born for this moment. She would meet her destiny tonight after
a lifetime of struggles and heartache. Nothing else would intervene. Not with
her mother riding with her.

The
judge lifted his green flag, the signal for her to start when ready.

Legacy
danced for a few steps before she gave him free rein and squeezed him with her
heels. He went from standing to a gallop in a single stride, making a beeline
for the first barrel.

The
race had always been a blur to her in the past. Not tonight. Tonight everything
moved in slow motion. To give her a chance to savor the once in a lifetime
experience? To allow her mother to watch her from above? Trinity didn’t have a
clue, but she didn’t worry or question. She simply accepted.

She was
carrying both their dreams, after all.

Legacy
ran like the hounds of hell nipped at his heels. He ran with the hot blood of
thousands of years of his ancestors before him. He ran just like his sire as he
thundered down the stretch of the Kentucky Derby leaving all others in his
wake.

Trinity
tapped into her stallion’s energy, leaned forward and called to him as they
surged around the final barrel.

He
responded with great, long strides, tearing into the earth, and eating up the
ground. He leveled out and took flight. She didn’t guide him. Didn’t need to.
After so many rounds, he knew the drill. Besides, this was his day as much as
hers.

The
roar of the crowd faded as she focused on the finish line straight ahead. The
sound of Legacy’s heavy breathing and his hooves meeting the dirt were the only
noise around. Until the melodic voice of her mother spoke again.

I love you, Trin.

Tears
pooled in Trinity’s eyes.
I love you
more, Mom.

She
exited the arena at full speed and gradually slowed before turning Legacy
around. Voices intermingled, but she couldn’t make out anything specific. Her
time had surely been announced, but she missed that as well. It really didn’t
matter, anyway. She had the ride of her life under her mother’s watchful eye.
That, in itself, made her the luckiest woman on the face of the earth.

“Great
run.” Shannon edged her bay mount closer.

“Thanks,”
Trinity answered automatically, still a bit distracted by the unusual moment
she just experienced.

Candy
zoomed past, spun, then trotted to join them, Lacey guiding her along. “Lord,
Trinity. That was the most beautiful run ever. Absolutely perfect.” She tilted
her head. “I’ve watched you do so many races, but this one…” She shrugged.
“There was just something different, something special.”

Trinity
nodded, a lump still lodged in her throat.

Shannon
agreed. “It was like watching his sire all over again as he dashed for the
finish line.” Her voice held awe.

Legacy
danced in place, seemingly discontent with standing. Trinity reached down to
pat his neck. “He’s got the heart of a champion.” She smiled with pride.

“Then
you better head back toward the arena. I think it’s about time for your
champion’s victory gallop.” Shannon gestured toward the waving man standing at
the large exit.

Glancing
up, Trinity saw the judge waving at her. “I guess so.” Lifting the reins, she
nudged Legacy forward and stopped by the man. “Are you needing me?”

He
smiled up at her. “Yep. Soon as they finish their announcements, you get to
make that celebratory circle.”

“Okay.”
She pursed her lips. “Are you sure I won? I didn’t hear my time.”

The
middle-aged man in the cowboy hat bobbed his head. “No question about it. Not
when you smashed the arena record.”

Her
eyes widened.

He
chuckled. “I have a feeling that mark might never be broken.” He motioned her
forward.

She
paused for a long moment, just staring at the crowd. Roaring applause met her,
as did a thousand happy faces. The accolades were nice, but she had her reward
earlier. Now, she just needed to finish what she started, collect her goodies,
and take the first step in the rest of her life.

After
she gave the crowd one more look at Legacy.

“All
right, boy. One more time.”

He
snorted and stamped, signs of his eagerness to get the show on the road.

She
grinned and clucked to him. He shot into a controlled gallop, his ears pricked
forward, his tail streaming behind. Totally in his element, he ran for the joy
of running. Trinity sat back and let him have his moment in the spotlight. He’d
certainly earned it.

Leaving
the large arena, she directed Legacy to the smaller paddock area to let him
trot around for a bit before slipping off and walking him. He didn’t glisten
with sweat, but she still went through the usual routine, ensuring he cooled
down properly and completely. Finally satisfied, he was ready for some stall
time, she changed direction. She stopped by her trailer long enough to unsaddle
her horse and stow the gear in the locked equipment storage area, before starting
for the barn, leading Legacy by a rope attached to his halter.

Madeleine
stood at the stall waiting for her, a wide smile on her face. “There you are.”

Trinity
grinned in return, happy that not only Madeleine had been there to watch, but
had stuck around afterward. “Yep. Sorry to keep you waiting. He needed to walk.”

She
waved her hand dismissively. “You aren’t telling me anything I didn’t already
know.” Hurrying over, she wrapped Trinity in a hug, then stepped back. “I’m so
proud of you. You two had my heart pounding. Just like watching Victory again.”
She patted her chest.

Trinity
nodded, opened the stall door and released Legacy inside. “It felt like that. I
don’t know how to explain. Different somehow, but very special at the same
time.” She gathered up the rope, exited the stall, and shut the door securely
behind her. “All I know is that things are going to be okay.”

Madeleine
studied her for a moment, holding Trinity’s gaze. “You look relieved. Joyous
and relieved. And something else.”

“I am.
It’s a bit odd. All this time I thought of nothing else but reaching this
milestone. Now, I’m at a loss of what to do from here.”

Madeleine
glanced over Trinity’s shoulder. “Perhaps he can help guide you.”

Spinning,
Trinity saw Cody striding down the aisle, his sure strides covering the
distance easily. Dressed in his usual jeans and a western shirt minus the
cowboy hat tonight, he oozed confidence, sex appeal, and capability. Alpha male
in his prime. The cut material showed off his muscles while keeping the details
a secret. He could outshine any Calvin Klein model and have the women flocking
to his side just to touch his superb body.

Oh, my God.

Her
heart stuttered against her ribs as her typically dormant libido sat up and
took notice. Big time.

Madeleine
giggled. “Why don’t you go talk to him? I’ll stay with Legacy.”

Trinity
peered over at her friend. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.
I know you never leave him alone. Besides, you have the awards ceremony in a
few minutes to attend. Might be a bit hard to talk on television while Legacy
is busy trying to eat the reporter.”

Trinity
grinned. The scenario wasn’t as far-fetched as one might think.

“What
if the media shows up here?” She frowned at the thought of all the bright
camera lights, noise, and people trying to crowd in on her horse.

Madeleine
snorted. “Let them try. I’ve had a bit of practice in dealing with demanding
reporters.” Her voice promised anyone who tried to sneak in would regret it.

“Thank
you.” She hugged Madeleine again and handed her the lead. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Take
your time, dear.” Madeleine found the lawn chair and sat down.

Trinity
spun around and collided with Cody. “Oomph.”

Cody
latched onto her arms and steadied her.

She
glanced up at him, found a teasing grin complete with dimple, and smiled back.
“Sorry.”

“I’m
not.” He released her, but continued to stare down at her, his blue eyes
shining under the barn lights.

Cody
couldn’t believe the beauty and happiness radiating off Trinity. Obviously
she’d carried around a hefty load of extra baggage along the way and finally
unloaded her pack by winning the nationals with her final run. She beamed
brighter than the sun and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks.”
Her eyes softened, then widened. “Oh, I almost forgot. Cody, this is Madeleine.
Madeleine. Cody.” She twisted so she could face both at the same time.

“Pleasure,
ma’am.” He inclined his head.

“Nice
to finally meet you officially.” She smiled ruefully.

He
arched an eyebrow at Trinity who remained mute as a pretty blush crept up her
face.

“Trinity
told me the story of how Legacy came about. I wanted to thank you for giving
her the chance. Not many others would have.” He understood the act of kindness
that led to this moment. Without Madeleine stepping up, Trinity wouldn’t be
heading home with the title of barrel racing national champion attached to her
name.

Madeleine
nodded. “I just did what any other person would do.” Her intelligent eyes read
him like a book.

“I beg
to differ. I can’t imagine anyone else giving me such a gift.” Trinity’s voice
carried reverence and supreme respect laced with appreciation.

“My
pleasure.” Madeleine shrugged. “And it turned out just like you said.” She
smiled at Trinity.

“Yes,
it did.”

“Speaking
of winning, you two might want to make your way to the arena. I understand
sponsors get upset if they are made to stand and wait to give their
presentations.”

Trinity
laughed, knowing Madeleine had done just that in the past. “Thanks again. I’ll
be back soon.”

Cody
offered his arm. The moment Trinity touched him, a pleasant zing carried
through his body. He started walking, decreasing his strides in order to allow
Trinity to walk beside him with ease. “That run was nothing short of amazing. I
couldn’t see anything but you two. Doubt anyone else could either.”

“Thank
you. It was definitely my best run ever.”

“Oh,
yeah. I swear Legacy grew wings heading home. Never seen such an awe-inspiring
sight.” He blew out a breath. “People are comparing his run to Another Victory
Gallop’s dash to the finish at the Derby, they’re that impressed.”

“It was
the pinnacle. I don’t think even Legacy can top that one.”

He
heard something in her voice, almost a subtle hint of wandering thoughts away
from the grandeur of tonight’s performance.

“Thinking
of retiring him? Going out on top?”

Her
gaze flew up to his face. “How did you know?”

“I’m
smart like that. Besides, I’ve been around you quite a bit. Legacy comes first
in your book. Always.”

“He’s
only nine, but it’s a tough life. He’s earned some downtime.”

“Then
that’s what he’ll have.” Cody took her hand in his. “You don’t have to plan the
rest of your life this very minute. Soak up the grandeur, take in the
atmosphere. You’re the national champion. Focus on that. The rest will fall
into place soon enough.”

Trinity
squeezed his hand. “What did I do to deserve you?”

He
smiled warmly. “You’re just you, which makes me the lucky one.” Lifting their
joined hands, he brushed a kiss over her knuckles as they entered the back door
of the arena. “The spotlight is yours. You’ve earned it, so go enjoy this
moment.” With a quick nudge, he stepped back and watched as she joined the line
of winners, each awaiting their interview, prize check, and other rewards.

When
her turn came, Trinity held her chin up, smiled brightly, and stepped up on the
small stage area like a pro.

“Next
up is Trinity Crockett, our national barrel racing champion. Congratulations.”

“Thank
you.”

“I’ve
got to ask you the question on everyone’s mind this week. Your stallion,
Victory’s Legacy, is the son of Kentucky Derby winner, Another Victory Gallop.”