“What is he competing in?”
“Team ropin’ for sure.”
“Is that dangerous?”
“All rodeo events are dangerous, honey.”
“Is there a chance he’ll get hurt?”
“Yes.”
Suddenly, the fun afternoon took on a more ominous slant. “Then why would he do it?” Sky couldn’t fathom the idea of Kade purposely putting himself at risk. She couldn’t stand it, dammit, it’d hurt her to watch the big, tough cowboy get injured.
“I don’t know. I’m thankful neither he nor Kane were obsessed with being a rodeo star like some of his cousins. Kade dabbled in events. Nothing serious like Chase is doing now and Colby and Dag done.” A stark look flashed in Kimi’s eyes.
Skylar placed her hand on Kimi’s arm. “Sometimes I have zero tact. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up painful memories.”
“Thanks, sweetie, but it’s unavoidable, especially on a day like today. Dag’s death was hard on all of us. Then Dag’s father, my brother Harland, died not a month later.”
“Really? I didn’t know. How awful for your family. That’s so sad.”
“It was a mess. Colt was in rehab. No one could get a hold of Cam. Chase was competing in a special PBR event in Mexico and he couldn’t get home. Kade had only been up north for two weeks so Kane had to drive up there to give him the bad news and bring him home for the service. Poor Chassie was a zombie. Everything between Dag’s funeral and Harland’s funeral was kind of a blur.” She shook her head as if to clear it. “Been a really rough year for the Wests and McKays, which is just another reason we were all so tickled about Eliza.
“So to take the long way around answering your question, I suspect Kade is competing because Dag isn’t here. Lots of Dag’s rodeo friends are showing up today to lend support and engage in a little friendly competition.” All at once an enormous grin lit up Kimi’s face. “Speaking of…Chassie. Over here.”
Skylar turned and watched as the woman sauntered toward them—saunter being the operative word. Her gait screamed one hundred percent cowgirl. So did her clothes, she was no rhinestone belt wearing buckle bunny. She wore battered lace-up boots, skin-tight faded jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt emblazoned with, “Real Cowgirls Do It Best in the Dirt”. Dark brown hair as long and glossy as a horse’s tail was plaited in a single, thick braid that fell past her butt. An angular face—apple cheekbones, pointed chin, broad forehead and a generous mouth that hinted of Native American ancestry.
“I tried calling you, but Uncle Cal said you were already gone. Is he coming?”
“I expect him any time now.”
“Oh wow, is this who I think it is?”
“Yep. This is Eliza Belle. Isn’t she a doll?”
“Absolutely precious.” Chassie bent closer. “We girls are few and far between so we gotta stick together. Man. She does look like Kade. Bet he’s struttin’ around like cock of the walk.”
“That he is.”
Chassie straightened. Her liquid brown eyes sparkled, and her sweet, wide grin was infectious. “Ah. You’d be the vessel who brought forth the long-awaited McKay girl baby?”
Skylar smiled. “Aptly put.”
“Skylar Ellison, this is my niece Chassie West.”
“It’s Chassie Glanzer now.” She wiped her hand on her jeans before she offered it to Sky. “Nice to meetcha, Skylar. Congrats on the wee one and welcome to the family.”
“Thanks.” Chassie wasn’t much bigger than Kimi and Sky felt positively Amazonian next to the petite, skinny women.
“Chassie just got married in February. She and her husband Trevor took over Harland’s ranch after he passed on. How you doin’ today, honey?”
Chassie’s smile faded. “It’s weird being here without them. I keep expecting to see Dag hanging on the fence behind the chutes, waiting to ride. Or Daddy standing in line for a beer.”
Her look of sadness prompted Sky offer, “I’m so sorry for both your losses.”
“I appreciate you sayin’ so.”
“What all is Trevor competing in today?” Kimi asked.
“Everything. Poor delusional man thinks he can win the all around title. I know he’s doin’ it in Dag’s memory, which is unbelievably sweet, and yet stupid, because he’s going up against hungry pups in their late teens.”
“It’s not like Trevor is old.”
“True. And I ain’t gonna complain about seein’ him in tight chaps, sexy rodeo gear, swingin’ a rope and buckin’ hard.” Her brilliant smile reappeared. “But they’re still gonna kick Kade and Colt’s ass in team roping.”