Las Vegas, Nevada
I pulled up to the Thomas & Mac center in my six-horse trailer. The extra room for things I might get at the trade show.
I unloaded my four horses and got them settled.
Wyatt's POV
"Rylin, you're probably going to have to travel home with Cassi," I told her. She nodded as I backed the trailer in next to Cassi's. With all that's happened this summer, I want to marry her.
Yes, it may be a little too soon, but while I'm deployed, I'll have something to look forward to besides my family to come home to. I'll have her too. "Why don't you get the horses situated. I've got a few errands to run." I told her.
She didn't question it as we got out. I unhitched the trailer while she unloaded the horses.
Cassi's POV
I helped Rylin with the horses, and we went to the hotel where we're staying. I got our room keys then we went over to the trade show.
"If you've noticed, I only brought two saddles," I told her. "And just my bits," I added. Once we got to the stand with the good-quality saddles, I looked over them.
"Hey, Cass, check this one out." I walked over to it. "Nice," I said, running my fingers along it. The person wasn't around the booth. I found the two I'd been looking at all year on the website.
"These are the two I've had my eyes on," I told Ry. Then the guy appeared. "Hello, Ms. Smith. How are you this year?" He asked. "I'm good. Thank you."
"I see you eying these beauties." He said. "Yes, sir. I've had my eye on them all year long." I told him. "Well, I thank you for showing off my brand of saddles and tack." He said. "No, thank you for sponsoring me," I replied.
He marked the saddles as purchased. "See one you like, Ry?" I asked. "I like the one I showed you." She said. "Well, I guess I could sponsor another rider. My budget will put you in." He told her.
"Oh, this is Rylin Ray. Her aunt is Hedli Ray." I told him. "More of the reason to sponsor." He said. I smiled. "Welcome to the Diamond family. Specializing in roping and barrel saddles. Also, custom-made saddle bronc riding saddles. Up to standards of any rodeo competition." The man told her.
"First saddle is half off when you join. The rest are ninety percent off if you stay with us and don't switch brands." He added. "I've been with this company since I tried out one and wanted another. Trust me, they last for years. All the older ones are given to the family for Christmas. All the boys in my family got a new saddle.
"My nephews are getting my two oldest saddles this year," I told Rylin. "And the best part is she's advertising the saddles since she could ride. Anyone who asks her about her saddle, she sends them to my web page to find out more." He told her.
She smiled. "I'll let my family know about the brand. They've been looking for saddles that last years on end." Rylin told him.
"Good to hear." He said. "So this saddle?" He asked. "Yes."
We continued looking after taking our saddles to the truck. I found the bridles for Diamond Tack. "It's a low-profile brand that you have to search for. They only go to the trade shows in Las Vegas for NFR. That's the best way to get business out." I told Ry.
"Hello, Cass. Here for your yearly bridles?" The man's wife asked. "Yes, ma'am, and I have a new Diamond client. Don't worry, we've already gotten our saddles." I told her.
"Their amazing this year, I tell ya. He worked all year on a new type of saddle made the same way after your comment. He loves it when you compliment on the tack." She told me. "So three bridles and a starter bridle?" She asked.
"Yes." Rylin and I said together. "Don't worry, I'll take Wyatt by later," I told Ry. She giggled. I picked up my three and Rylin picked up her's. We went on to protective boots and other tack.
"Diamond Tack is a great quality brand. If a saddle becomes ruined or a strap breaks, I let the owner know, and he meets me with a new one, no pay. So no matter what happens to my tack, I know I've got backup." I told her.
"So if the reins break on my bridle, they'll replace them for free?" She asked. "Yes. Even if it rips, let him know, and it will be fixed." I told her as we walked out with our gear.
"Let's get over there and get our tack good to go," I told her as I put the gear in the backseat of my saddle. "How many days are there?" She asked. "Ten total," I told her. "You'll only ride once against the best of the best," I added.
I rounded each barrel with precision. Then brought Purity into a full-out sprint. Once out, I slowed her down and cooled her off. That's the only comp I have tonight.
I unsaddled Purity and brushed her down. Then blanketed her. She'd get to relax the rest of the week unless we tie with someone for a top place.
Once I was done with her, I cleaned stalls and gave them dinner and fresh water. The boys were blanketed and clean, ready for practice or competition. Rylin came in with Dixie, her barrel horse, and bedded her down too.
We went back out to watch. We watched Wyatt ride bulls, then went back to the room. I ran for the shower once the door was open. I slammed the door in Wyatt's face in the process.
I was almost out of my clothes when he opened the door and closed it behind him. "That wasn't very nice, sweet pea." He said playfully. He picked me up and kissed me hard.
"You did great tonight, pea." He told me. "You did even better," I told him as he took his shirt off. He kissed me again. Then took his jeans off. He kissed along my neck, putting me up higher as he pressed me against the wall.
I tried not to moan or make a sound as he continued downward.
I got dressed and met them in the living area. We walked down to the elevator and then proceeded to the lobby. The truck was pulled around, and Wyatt opened the door for me.
Tonight is his last night to compete. We pulled up to the center and got out. I walked right next to him as we walked to the stalls.
He stopped and kissed me before going into his horse's stall. He was calf roping. Rylin said that if he leaves before I have to bulldog, then she'd help out.
After he roped, I was about to run up to him when he gave Ry his horse, then ran. I walked to Rylin as he ran out.
Wyatt's POV
I ran out and caught a cab to the airport after turning my back number in. Rylin can take the horses home for me while I'm gone.
I should have proposed to....
Cassi's POV
"Come on, let's go back to the room," Rylin said as we finished grooming his horse. Going to sleep without him will be torture.
I can't wait to see him again.