“You think? You’re just pissed that you aged out, cowboy.” He winked at Charles, because he hadn’t even done that.
“Older and wiser, kid. Older and wiser.” He could hear the amusement in Sky’s voice.
Charles nodded sagely, grinning. He was obviously enjoying the banter. “Indeed.”
“Older, that’s for sure. Wiser? I guess y’all got that grampa thing going on…”
“Hey!” He wasn’t sure which one hollered, but someone did.
“Now, y’all. Let’s not start a fistfight in the family section.”
That was followed by a lot of laughter, all the way down the row.
“Roper’s up next.” He nodded toward his brother, who was having Buck Daniels pull his rope these days. He was sad, and for a minute he wanted to be over there helping.
“Oh. I can’t wait.” Charles set the fries down and put a hand on his knee, giving it a light squeeze as if he knew how Ryder was feeling.
Roper searched for him, and he lifted his chin, waiting for their eyes to meet. When they did, he whispered, “Good ride, Bubba.”
Roper grinned wide, then gave him the thumbs up.
Okay. Okay, it was going to be okay.
“Look at that smile.” Charles’s hand was still resting on his knee, warm and solid, grounding him.
“Yep. He’s ready.” He never yelled when Roper rode. He watched, and he willed his brother to stick.
The gate opened, and Mister Charlie leaned forward, not yelling either, but watching intently. He could tell Mister Charlie was sending good energy Roper’s way.
One. Come on. Come on.
The bull was going into Roper’s hand, which was good for him, and the son of a bitch was spurring to beat the band.
Two. Don’t you slide.
Three. Correct! Come on, Bubba.
Four. Five.
“Hang on, you son of a bitch!” Sky hollered. “Don’t you dare let go!”
Six.
Roper was going down in the well, the bull spinning like a damn washing machine, those heels snapping toward the lights.
Seven.
Eight.
He stood up, bellaring at the top of his lungs. “Yes! Get off! Get off, Bubba! You did it!”
Charles stood with him, whispering, “Careful, Roper.”
Roper’s hand was caught in the bull rope, and for a wild minute, he thought his twin wasn’t going to be able to get out.He was already moving, climbing over the empty seats in front of them, when Roper’s hand popped out and he went flying.
“No.” Charles reached out and grabbed his shirt, pulling him back. “Not your job.”
“I—” His heart was slamming against his rib cage, rattling his bones.