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"Wren has to place tonight to be in the money. He needs that to qualify for World's," Ryder remarked to Isobel, settling onto a bench as he buckled his spurs around his boots.

"Do you think he'll make it?" Isobel queried, taking a seat next to Ryder.

"He's got a solid shot." Ryder shifted to his other boot, fastening the second spur. "He drew a really good bull."

"That's reassuring. And what about you?" she asked, her voice laced with barely-concealed anxiety.

Ryder lowered his foot and faced her. "I drew a good one too," he said, lifting her hand to kiss the engagement ring on her finger. "But I might forfeit."

"What! Why would you do that?"

"Wren rides before me. His performance will dictate whether I ride."

"I'm not following."

"If Wren falls off or scores low, I'll ride. If he scores well, I might forfeit or ease off to keep him ahead in the standings."

Isobel nodded slowly. "Do you think Wren would be okay with that?"

"No, probably not."

"So, he doesn't know your plan?"

"He doesn't."

"I don't think you should forfeit. If you decide to hold back, don't make it obvious. It would just make Wren feel bad."

Ryder nodded thoughtfully. "You're right." He leaned forward and kissed her softly. "You're not only beautiful but also the smart one in this soon-to-be marriage."

"Very funny, Ryder."

Ryder caressed Isobel's thigh and leaned in for another kiss.

"Just one more week, Isobel."

"One more week, Ryder."

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"This might be my final ride, Ryder," Wren said, leaning over the gate as he stared down at the bull, reality sinking in.

"No way, brother. We're going to Vegas together. I can feel it."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ryder."

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"Just focus, Wren. You've got this."

Wren bit down on his mouthguard, zipped up his vest, and secured his safety helmet. With Ryder's assistance, he settled onto Perfect Storm, preparing himself.

The gate swung open and Perfect Storm bolted into the arena. Wren held his breath through each powerful buck and kick until the buzzer sounded. He exhaled in relief, released his grip, and gracefully flew off the bull, landing on his feet before tucking and rolling away from the danger.

Wren quickly scrambled to his feet and darted to the nearest gate, climbing up to avoid the bull. Once it was clear from the arena, Wren returned and anxiously awaited his score. As the dust began to settle and the cheers mellowed out, the announcer received Wren's score.

"Wren Coulter scores an 88! That puts him in first place!"

The crowd’s cheers swelled once again as Wren threw his helmet into the air. He turned towards Rose and blew her a kiss before pointing at Ryder in gratitude. Ryder raised a triumphant fist into the air to congratulate his friend.

Wren climbed out of the arena to join Ryder.

"Great ride, brother," Ryder said, enveloping Wren in a hug.

"Thanks. Your turn is coming up; you'll probably surpass me."

"Oh, I doubt it! That was a flawless ride."

Several riders had their attempts but were bucked off before Ryder's turn came. He was set to mount Silver Bullet, considered an easier bull to ride. He had mapped out a plan to score just below Wren without being obvious about it.

Before getting into the chute, Ryder scanned the stands for Isobel and found her next to Rose. Mouthing "I love you," he then descended into the chute.

With bull rope in place, hand strapped tight, helmet secured and mouthguard in place, Ryder nodded and the gate swung open.

Ryder had meticulously studied all kinds of bulls over the years; Silver Bullet was no exception. Predicting its moves made it easier for Ryder to perform just enough for a lower score without raising suspicion.

When his ride concluded and he waited for his score, Ryder located Isobel and sent her a knowing wink. She grinned back at him, privy to their shared secret intended for Wren’s benefit alone.

Ryder Hayes ascended to second place with an impressive score of 86. Dropping to his knees, he whispered a quick prayer of thanks and flung his helmet skyward in celebration.

In the chute area, Ryder and Wren watched as the rest of the riders attempted to beat their scores, but none came close. With victory in hand, Wren accepted his championship buckle and an enormous check. The two couples then made their way back to their trailers for a quiet celebration.

After a small, intimate celebration amongst themselves, they all turned in for the night anticipating an early start the next morning. They needed to get home so Isobel could meet her family, who had arrived that evening. Fancy had already picked them up and taken them to Isobel's place for the night.

Ryder walked Isobel to Rose's trailer, giving her a tender goodnight kiss. "I really hope this week flies by," he murmured, cupping her neck and gently brushing her cheeks with his thumbs.

"Me too, Ryder," Isobel replied eagerly, stretching on her toes to meet his lips once more.

As Ryder took a step back, still holding her hand, he said softly, "Good night, Isobel."

"Good night," she whispered back.

Their hands lingered until the very last moment when their fingers finally slipped apart, falling to their sides. Isobel stepped into Rose's trailer, where Bella Rose was cozily tucked in bed with a book.

"Ready for next weekend?" Bella asked playfully as she set her book aside.

"You have no idea," Isobel grinned widely.

With a knowing look and a sideways smile, Bella Rose retorted, "Oh, I think I might just have an idea."