New State New Life **Editing In Process**

A year later

Who knew building a house would mean a lot of meetings with people. I didn't. But it is fun being included in the building process, and making something that you've always dreamed of. Don't get me wrong, Marie's house is one of my favorites and I love how she designed it. But this one, the one me and Connor are building, just feels right.

"You ready to kick ass tonight?" Marie asked

"Oh of course. Black jack loves this shit" I laughed

"Can you believe we are the top 5 barrel racers!" Marissa yelled

"No I can't. But I love it" I smiled

"Alright girls y'all are up. Don't fall off so you stay clean when they do the ride out" Marie said

Nodding, I hopped up on Black Jack while Marissa got on her horse and we rode down to the arena. I really cannot believe i'm in the top five barrel racers here. I started doing this about a year and a half ago with Black Jack and here we are. Granted I grew up doing this shit, on different horses, mostly at the last minute but still. Catching Marissa's eye, she was beaming as well as the ropers finished up in the arena. Connor of course, had a huge smile on his face as he rode out and fist bumped me as he passed. Backing Black Jack up, Connor walked Chevy over to us and leaned over to kiss me.

"Kick ass out there Becca" He smiled

"I do every time" I smiled back

Getting a pat on the leg, we were lined up and Black Jack was first tonight. Getting his tippy taps out of the way, we were announced over the loud speaker and the gate was opened. Keeping him along the gates for the bulls, we got to the middle, did our circle, then took off towards the first barrel. I will never get tired of this. Riding full speed, trying to stay on, and feeling Black Jack fly underneath me. Out in the arena I pretty much have tunnel vision. I see the barrels and everything else is just gone. No people, no bright lights, no people waiting by the gate or behind the chutes. Just me, the horse, and the barrels. Rounding the third barrel, we raced back and trotted out of the gate.

"Good job Buddy" I smiled patted Black Jack's neck.

Walking him away, I met Connor and the rest of our group down by the dirt road 300 feet from the gate. They are doing the intermission right after barrels tonight. Where they are apprently commemorating the top five from each category tonight. So Connor is also up here, not just to watch me, but he's in the top five for roping. His parents are here tonight to, along with Marie, Blake, Braxton and the girl Braxton has been dating for the last 9 months. Her name is Kiara and she's actually really nice. Knows how to ride horses but just for fun, not the rodeo stuff Connor and I do.

"You ready to get a spot light on you?" Connor asked

"I mean, it's going to be on a bunch of people" I shrugged

"Still, your name is going to be called too" Connor smiled

Chuckling, Marie was rubbing Chevy's nose and smiled at me.

"Do they usually do this top five thing in the middle of the season?" Kiara asked

"Sometimes" Connor shrugged

"I'm just glad were near the food" Braxton sighed

"Fat ass" I replied rolling my eye

"You love me though" Braxton smiled back

"Sadly I do" 

"She loves me more though" Connor added in

Shaking my head as those two started bickering, I caught Kiara's eye and she smiled while shaking her head. She actually fit in really well with Marie and me. We can be ass holes, especially to females who try and pose a threat, but she was nice from the get go. A little scared of us, but once we had a girls night, way to much wine, and some bomb snacks, she warmed up. Admitted to being scared of us that night and we all laughed about it. It still gets brought up. I'm pretty sure that girl is in it for the long haul, which I'm grateful for. Brax deserves a good girl.