Lucaya One-Shots

She's The One

The song lyrics in this one shot are from She's the One by Brantley Gilbert.

~~~

Lucas joined the National Cowboys Rodeo Association four years ago, right after graduation. He quickly climbed the ranks and became well known within the circuit. He is so close to winning the season title and competing in the National Finals Rodeo (NFR); all he needs to do is score 87 out of 100 or higher tonight to secure his spot. 

I hear the door open and step out of the bathroom; my makeup only half done. Lucas walks in, but I can something is wrong. I can see the tension in his shoulders and jaw. "Hey, baby, everything okay?" 

"hu? Oh, yeah. I'm just nervous." He sits down on the small couch with a sigh. As I join him on the couch, he wraps his arm around me and rest his head against my shoulder. "I'm so close, Maya. If I can pull this off tonight, I'll be in competing in the NFR."

"I know, baby," I rest my hand on the side of his head, "and I am so proud of you. Regardless of what happens tonight." 

Lucas smiles at me, "thank you." 

I know how hard Lucas has worked for this, it's his dream, but that doesn't mean I don't worry. I still hate seeing him in the arena, even though I know he can handle himself. When I ask, "Who'd you draw?" I hold my breath and pray its not...

"Gravestone" 

Well, that's just peachy. 

"Is he related to tombstone by chance?" I laugh, not wanting to stress Lucas out any more.

"Yeah, same lineage," Lucas grimaces. That's not the emotion I was hoping for. Lucas sits up some, "We still going to the barn dance after?" 

"Yes, have we ever missed it?" 

"No, it's always been your favorite part," Lucas nudges my nose with his, "I still remember our first one." Best night of my life.

I laugh, "that was the night we officially started dating."  Key word, officially.

"Yeah, it is still one of my favorite memories." 

"Mine too," I hug Lucas, "I need to finish getting ready. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, sweetheart, I'm okay." I stand. "When you're done, will you help me pick out an outfit?" 

"Of course," I say as I disappear back into the bathroom. He won't be picking out what he wears to ride again... not after the blue and orange disaster.

A little while later, I am by the chutes with Lucas. He has his arm wrapped around my shoulder, as we are waiting for his ride. He is still tense. I am rubbing his back, trying to relax him, but nothing can. There is too much riding on tonight, on his performance. 

One of the rodeo hands walked up over to us, "You ready?" 

No.

"As I'll ever be," Lucas responses, and leans downs to kiss me, "I love you." 

"You've got this," I look into his eyes, pausing to make sure he understands I truly believe it. "I love you too." He nods and gives me a quick kiss before walking away with the rodeo hand. 

Once he has reaches the chutes, I turn and head towards the side of the arena. One in the side chute, that doesn't house bulls, I climb on to the lowest limb of the fence and wait.