The Perfect Frame

8

"Bye, Jett, I love you," I called out to my horse.

"He'll be here when you get back," The sarcasm dripping my brother's voice.

I rolled my eyes and looked down the barn way to see a man waiting for me.

Jacoby had said he would take me to Eden's horse show today. I usually spend the day after a show with Jett, but I had wanted to see Eden's show.

Contesting, anything rodeo,  had always been a favorite of mine. Then again, anything horse related I loved. But, contesting is what my father had wanted me to do. He wanted to be that father that went to rodeos, helped the fair people, and lived on the road. Even as a child, I preferred to not listen to my father.

I walked out of the barn, missing my horse already.

"Ready?"

Jacoby was leaning against his Jeep. His arms crossed, his left wrist covered in his usual bracelets. His jeans were nice and fit him well. The white shirt he was wearing was loose but formed to his arms.

"Yeah!"

I jumped to greet him, having him catch me and spin me with him. I couldn't help the fit of giggles that escaped my throat. When he stopped, he kissed my forehead, not stopping my laughter.

"Let's go then,"

The ride to the show was kinda long. We filled it with our normal screaming, I mean singing.  Jacoby, being the smart boy he is, brought me snacks and quiz books to keep me occupied. I really think these books were just a chance to get information out of each other seeing  as they were personal questions.

I studied him. He wasn't huge, but his muscles were defined. He was lean and clean. His bracelets stayed on his wrist at all times. His jaw line was strong and sculpted by God Himself.

We pulled up to the show. There were many trailers, bling, and quarter horses. I jumped out, excitedly. I looked back to Jacoby who was busy taking it all in.

I grabbed his hand, gave him a reassuring smile, and dragged him to the arena and trailers.

I feel like sometimes he needs that reassurance. He needs someone to tell him things were going to be okay. That he could relax. I've noticed he tenses up in certain situations but once I redirect his attention to me, things aren't so bad in his eyes. 

We found a show bill and started to figure out where they were at. Eden was going to be soon.

"Let's go get some food and find a spot, we have enough time," Jacoby suggested quietly.

Another habit of his, in public, he speaks quietly and gets close. I didn't mind, but I wish he would relax.

"Okay, I want a pretzel," 

Again, I grabbed his hand and let him walk me over to the food. I tried to pay, but he wouldn't allow it. I took our food and walked us over to the bleachers. 

Jacoby went up to the second level and took a seat in the corner. I followed and sat close to him. I passed him some food and ate mine. I left my hand on his knee and started to watch the events. 

The horses were fast and the girls were mean. Competition was stiff and everybody wanted to win. 

Eden had ran her horse, and they ran well. I just wasn't sure if she was the fastest. She did well and earned points and I guess that's all that matters. 

"Hey!" 

Eden found her way to Jacoby and I .  I smiled and stood up to give her a giddy hug.