Page 15 of Filthy and Fierce (Stone Cold Cowboys #1)

FAITH

Four Years Later

I’m leaning on the rail, holding Dixon Junior on my hip and holding my breath the whole time. Dixon is the top of the leaderboard, and his event is happening now.

“There’s Daddy,” DJ screams.

I bounce him on my hip. “There he is.”

I can’t take my eyes off the man that has become my everything these last four years.

I never thought I’d say it, but getting caught by my dad was the best thing that could have happened.

I’m not sure what we would have done if we hadn’t.

Would Dixon have pushed me away? I’ve asked him, and he said he knew we would be together, but he definitely would have gone another way of telling my father.

We built our house on the land my dad gave Dixon. It’s exactly what I dreamed of and more.

The sound of the horn has me holding our son tighter, and I’m glued to what’s happening in front of us.

DJ is cheering, but all I can do is hold my breath and watch as the steer takes off first. Dixon gallops after him on his horse, and at the perfect moment, he jumps from his horse, grabbing the steer’s horns, and then Dixon is in the air, wrestling the steer to the ground.

It’s only a few seconds, but it feels like a lifetime until the steer is flat on its side.

As soon as he has him down and the buzzer rings, Dixon is up and heading straight for us.

He climbs the railing, and DJ is going crazy at his dad’s antics. “You did it, Daddy! You did it!”

He kisses his son’s head. “I sure did, buddy.” He looks at me. “What about you, Momma? You see that?”

I roll my eyes. “Of course I saw that. I’m proud of you. You were amazing.”

He laughs and kisses me before whispering, “I think you said those same words to me last night.”

I smack him playfully, and then he’s climbing down the railing.

The crowd is going wild, and everyone is cheering us on.

DJ is eating up all the attention.

We stay in our seats, but soon my dad joins us, taking DJ from my arms. “Our boy did good.”

I had worried in the beginning if Dad was really going to be okay with me and Dixon, but he’s taken it all in stride. Plus, when he found out he was going to be a grandfather, he’s been as happy as the time he won his national title. “He did good, Dad. Of course, he’s got a great trainer.”

My dad shakes his head. “Nope, I can’t take credit. Dixon’s always been natural talent. Just like this one. He should be down there performing. ”

My dad tried to convince me to let DJ enter into the sheep riding event, but I want to wait a few more years. “Soon, Dad. Promise.”

I turn to look for Dixon, and he’s making his way toward us. He has a huge smile on his face, and even though there are people stopping him for autographs, he barely takes his eyes off me. When he reaches my side, he lifts me up, and I kiss him. “Congratulations.”

He nods to the arena. “I haven’t won yet. Dustin is up next.”

We sit on the bleachers, and I take a moment to just enjoy my family all being together. I still can’t believe that my dad thought I wouldn’t want this life.

We all watch as Dustin performs, and as the buzzer rings, I look at the clock and choke back a cry. Dustin’s time is two seconds less than Dixon’s.

I turn, mouth hanging open, to Dixon. I thought for sure he had it in the bag. DJ is patting his arm. “Awww, Daddy, it’s okay. You’ll win next time.”

Dixon nods. “I sure will, buddy.”

My dad hollers, “Who wants a hot dog?”

“Me!” DJ cries.

My dad stands up with DJ in his arms. “We’ll meet you two at the food tent, okay?”

I nod. “Okay, Dad. Thanks.”

I turn to Dixon and put a hand on his chest. “I’m sorry.”

He is still smiling. “I’m not.”

I loop my arms around his neck. “I don’t know if you were watching or not, but you just got second. ”

He shrugs. “It’s okay. Dustin needed this win. His wife left him.”

I gasp. “Oh my, that’s awful.”

He nods in agreement. “Right. So he can have this win in the arena. As long as I have you and DJ, I’m happy, princess.”

I lean into him. “I’m already yours. You don’t have to keep up the flirting.”

I expect him to laugh, but he shakes his head seriously. “You make me happy, Faith, and I love this life we have together.”

“Me too.” I had planned to tell him after he won, but I guess now is as good as time as any. “I think I have something else that might make you happy too.”

He kisses my neck and whispers, “What’s that?”

I pull back and look into his eyes. “I’m pregnant. We’re going to have another baby.”

His eyes widen in excitement, and then I’m lifted off my feet and he’s swinging me around. He’s holding on to me and laughing when he pulls away. “Come on. Let’s go celebrate.”

He’s pulling me through the crowd, and I’m trying to keep up with him. “But Dad and DJ…”

He stops, towering over me. “Can wait. Your dad will love to show him around the place. I want to celebrate with my wife.”

There’s a pause as we look into each other’s eyes, and I know I’ll give in because that’s what I want too. “I want to celebrate with you too, Dixon.”

He pulls me through the crowd of people, and I couldn’t be happier. I have everything I want, and life just keeps getting better. My husband kisses my neck. “Even when I lose, I’ve won.”

I sigh against him. “I was just thinking the same thing. I love you, Dixon Chase.”

He presses his lips to mine. “I love you too, princess.”