Love And Rodeo

6

Katie stood silently, watching as the paramedics tended to Corbin. Her expression was far from sadness; it was a mix of vindication and a desire for finality. Hannah found her sister moments later, her worry evident in her eyes as she approached Katie and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Katie?" Hannah's voice was filled with concern.

"I want to watch him die," Katie's words were cold, reflecting the depth of her pain and anger.

Hannah recoiled slightly, shocked by the intensity in Katie's eyes. She knew that Katie had suffered at Corbin's hands, but this desire for vengeance was new and unsettling.

"No, don't talk like that," Hannah pleaded, her voice tinged with a mix of fear and compassion.

"Why not? He abused me, and I want him to pay," Katie's voice trembled with raw emotion.

"This isn't you, Katie," Hannah insisted, trying to reason with her sister. "The crowning of the new queen will be up soon, and we don't want to miss it."

Katie's gaze softened slightly, but the determination remained. "I need closure, Hannah. I need to know that he can never hurt us again."

Hannah took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking again. "Rhett and I will protect you and Anthony. No matter what happens to Corbin, you are safe with us."

Katie nodded slowly, her resolve tempered by Hannah's reassurance. "Okay, let's go watch the coronation, and then we can eat."

With a shared understanding, the sisters walked away from the ambulance, leaving behind the chaos and focusing on the support and safety they found in each other's presence.

Hannah led Katie back to their seats, where Kyle was engrossed in telling Lana all about the rodeo events. Lana listened with wide-eyed excitement, absorbing every detail. Hannah smiled as she joined them, lifting Lana onto her lap. She watched with pride as Rhett and Lady made their run in team roping, partnered with Melody Tobly, one of Hannah's friends from the queening world.

Melody was also vying for the title of Miss Owyhee County Fair and Rodeo Queen, and Hannah had high hopes for her. She admired Melody's determination, knowledge, talent, and passion, qualities that Hannah believed made her an excellent candidate for queen. Rhett and Melody's connection ran deep, rooted in their families' longstanding friendship.

After Rhett finished with Lady, he joined Hannah, suggesting they grab some food. However, Hannah expressed her desire to watch the crowning of the queen first. Rhett smirked but agreed, knowing how important it was to her. When Melody was announced as the 2019 Miss Owyhee County Fair and Rodeo Queen, Hannah cheered loudly, filled with joy for her friend.

As they made their way down to the arena entrance to congratulate Melody, Lana couldn't contain her emotions and started crying. Melody, beaming with her new title, approached Rhett and hugged him before turning to Hannah with a bright smile.

"Hannah, I did it! I won!" Melody exclaimed.

"You were more than deserving, Melody. Your hard work paid off," Hannah replied warmly.

"I couldn't have done it without your guidance and support. Thank you so much," Melody expressed her gratitude.

"I'm always here for you, Mel. I'm incredibly proud of you," Hannah said with genuine happiness.

"Thank you!"

Melody's queen coordinator called for her, signaling her time to leave. Melody promised to bring Nash for Lana's riding lessons the next day before bidding them farewell with love. Hannah and Rhett reciprocated the sentiment, expressing their love for Melody as Lana hugged her tightly, not wanting to let go.