Rodeo Hearts

Chapter 4

*Aurora's POV*

Everyone was shocked to see me. I hadn't told anyone I was coming home.Being away from those I love have made me realize how much I missed everyone.

After my parents gave me a bone crushing hug and most of the excitement died down, my grandmother walked up to me.

She is a woman of tiny stature, at 5"3 she barely came up to my shoulders. Her red hair was short and graying. Her piercing green eyes were bright with excitement. At 70 years old, she was still beautiful and full of life.

I have always wanted to be like her. She is the most strong-willed, brave, and kindest person I know. She is like a mother to me and she makes sure to remind me that she is always there when I need her.

Her and my grandfather raised tobacco for a living when they were younger. Once they became too old to work in the fields Jake and my father took over the operation.

The Lamar's had a rich family history in Plum Grove. Our family was one of founding families that settled the town all those years ago.My grandmother's family came from Scotland and my grandfather's family were mainly Cherokee.

My grandparents on my mother's side moved to Georgia after she got married. I try to visit them every time I'm near their town.

"My beautiful little Aurora." She said in admiration.

" Mamaw, I've missed you so much." I gave her a hug being careful not to squeeze her too hard.

We talked a few moments about my travels and about my stats for barrel racing. I started to take my seat at the picnic table that they had set out, but she grabbed my arm.

"Have you talked to your Aunt Beth?"

"Yeah. She talked me into hosting a clinic. Why?"

"I actually mentioned it to her. The kids around here could use someone like you to help them"

"What's this I hear about you giving a clinic?" another voice joined in.

I looked up at my father. He was much taller than me and took after my grandfather in height and looks. His personality however was something he inherited from my grandmother.

"Aunt Beth wants me to have a clinic like the ones I use to give." I said.

"It would do you some good to get back into the swing of things." My father's blue eyes danced with excitment.

After a few minutes talking back and forth to my grandmother and father, Jake interrupted us.

"Aston is going to say the blessing and then we'll eat." Jake nodded at my father to begin giving thanks.

The cookout went really well and it was great to see everyone again. I sat beside my grandfather and he filled me in on everything that had happen while I was gone. Most of it though my mother told me over the phone. I loved to hear everyone reminisce about the old days. It gives the younger kids insight about how life use to be when our parents and grandparents were kids.

Everyone was packing up their dishes and began to leave. I took my grandparents dishes to their truck. Then, I said my goodbyes to everyone and walked to my truck. As I was getting into the truck, Jake ran over.

"Ally wait!" He ran over to the truck breathless.

"Jake, you really need to keep in shape. You know your not getting any younger." I laughed.

He put his hand over his heart then smirked.

"That really cut deep. I'm over it though, because I think I see a couple strands of grey hair."

Dad walked by about the same time overhearing our conversation, he smacked Jake on the back of the head. Jack whined in protest.

"If she decides to beat you up don't ask me to hold her back." amusement was clear in my father's eyes as he walks away,

"She loves me to much to beat me up, bro." Jake yells to my father.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Jake." Jake's smile disappears and his face turns serious.

"Are you going to the Founder's Day Ball?"

Founder's Day was one of my favorite events, especially since my family is one of the few founding families left. On Founder's day they always have a community breakfast. Then there's a dance where Miss Plum Grove is crowned. A banquet dinner follows honoring the founding families.

I've never competed in Miss Plum Grove, because honestly I never thought I had a chance. The last time I was at Founder's day was the day I found my boyfriend, Mark, cheating on me. Every since that awful day I've found it hard to go back.

Do I really want to reminded of the painful memories?

I look at Jake and he's giving me the stupid puppy dog face. I groan and palm my forehead.

"I'll take that as a yes. I'll pick you up at 9 a.m and take you to dress shopping."

"I need to get a tux anyways." he added.

I really need to learn how to say 'no'. It's a simple word ,but it's hard for me to say and it always comes out sounding like 'yes'.I nod my head and climb into my truck. Jake and I said our goodbyes and I drove home.

Later that night, I lay in bed thinking of three things; the dance, the clinic I'm hosting, and the rodeos in Wyoming next month. Will I be able to get everything done before I go? With those thoughts I drifted off to sleep.

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I hope everyone is enjoying reading my book! 😊