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Delilah’s heart was in her throat as the last few cowboys were getting ready to ride. It was the final round of the event. The cowboy that won this round went home with a shiny new Montana Silversmith buckle and a pile of money. The people on either side jostled her. She pulled her bulky coat close to her and stamped her feet. Chicago was cold in January and the wind whipped around the stadium.
The funnyman was on the arena floor, lighting sparklers and pulling pranks on his partner bullfighters. The crowd roared with laughter as one of the men’s pants exploded, sending sparks into the air. The smell of sulfur and burnt cotton wafted to the stands. A concession man walked up and down the stairs hawking cotton candy and peanuts for sale. Delilah couldn’t think about eating at this moment. Nerves fluttered in her belly and she twisted her hands in her lap. She sat on the edge of her seat as the announcer called Kade’s name to be the final bull rider for the night.
“Please keep him safe.” She murmured and clutched her seat
“Ladies and gentlemen, our last contestant for the night is our current champion, Kade Kisment!” The announcer called.
The crowd roared to life. Delilah leaped to her feet.
“He drew the big black bull named Hades, who has never been ridden. Can he do it?” Queen played over the speakers as the crowd stomped and clapped to the beat. Delilah strained to see Kade.
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THIS PART ALWAYS PUMPED him up. The crowd cheering, clapping, and stomping. He slapped both thighs before throwing his leg over the chute. Hades was a big bull and filled up the chute from nose to tail. Kade settled his rope and crouched over his back. As he sat down, he slid his hand into the rope, tightening it down. Hades shook his horns and blew out snot.
“Alright, big fella. It’s just you and me.”
He ran a hand over Hades neck and shoulder. The bull stood still. Kade nodded. The chute swung open. Hades jumped two big jumps out, twisting his back to the side. He landed on the left lead and spun into a tight circle to the left. Kade kept over his hand, moving his free hand in time with the jumps. Hades reared straight up and kicked out before landing and spinning to the right. Kade moved his hips over to keep time with him. The sweat poured down his back and over his eyes. The buzzer rang out. Kade jumped free, landing on both feet. He tossed his hat into the crowd. A little girl caught it and beamed down at him. Delilah stood a little way down the fence. He climbed the gates and placed a big kiss on her lips.
“Folks, that was a 92-point ride! The winner is Kade Kisment!” The speakers crackled with his voice.
Kade was escorted to the top of the bull pit. A couple of girls in bikinis presented him with an oversized poster board check and a belt buckle and the announcer held the microphone in front of him.
“Congratulations, Kade. How does it feel to be the first person to ride Hades?”
“It felt great. He is a great bull who is cared for by a great stock contractor. I can’t wait to ride him again.”
“What can we expect in the up and coming months?”
“I’m working to stay at the top with good bulls and great rides.” Kade paused and looked around the stage. He saw Delilah beaming at him from out in the stands. “None of this would’ve happened if it weren’t for the dedication and love from my family...Delilah, sweetheart, I can’t thank you enough for being my strength in the time of my greatest trial. Without you, I would be riding the couch eating potato chips and whining about my life.” The crowd oohed and ahhed. Kade reached into his pocket and knelt on one knee. “I needed you in my life. It just took me a while to figure it out. I want what we have now to last forever. Will you marry me?”
Tears streamed down Delilah’s face when the camera panned to her. She nodded her head vigorously. With a whoop, Kade vaulted from the stage and climbed the panels.
“I have loved you for as long as I can remember.” He took her face in his hands and drew her in.
“I love you too.” She murmured as his lips met hers. Fireworks erupted from the arena and the crowd cheered.