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Two Weeks Later

Day One - Ryder maneuvered the Jeep to the rear of the Tyler & Mack Center. Riding along with him were Wren and Bella Rose, while Thomas and Grace followed in a Chrysler Sebring, and Terry, Sam, Celeste, and Luther trailed in a Chevy Tahoe.

Once everyone parked their vehicles and got out, Ryder guided them through the back entrance. Reaching the holding pens, Ryder and Wren inspected some of the bulls that could be their possible draws for the week, pointing out a few to Thomas and explaining the differences between them.

Navigating through the vast tunnels, they entered a doorway that led into a massive arena. Stepping onto the dirt-covered center stage, they gazed up at the immense number of seats surrounding them.

Thomas stood beside Ryder, placing a hand on his shoulder. "This is quite the spectacle, Son."

"Yes, Thomas. It's an incredible feeling being down here when the stands are packed. There's nothing quite like it."

"Hey, Ryder. We need to head up and check in," Wren said.

"Alright," Ryder replied. He turned to address the group still marveling at the arena's enormity. "Do you all want to join us? Wren and I need to get checked in."

"I would love to," Celeste responded, looking at Luther. "Would you like to come?"

"Yes, absolutely. I'm fascinated by all of this. I've only ever watched from the stands."

Ryder took Isobel's hand and nodded at Wren as everyone followed them down another tunnel leading to the registration office.

After completing their registration, Ryder and Wren rejoined those waiting just outside the door.

"Hey, Ryder. There's the list of bulls," Wren said, pointing at a bulletin board opposite the office.

They walked over to review the list of bulls for that week as their family waited nearby. As their eyes scanned through forty names, both stared intensely at one name before exchanging glances.

"Is it?" Wren asked.

Ryder nodded solemnly. "Yes, it is."

"I didn’t expect him here."

"One must have been bumped. He wasn’t supposed to be on this list."

Ryder looked back at the list with a frown etched on his face.

Noticing this interaction, Isobel wondered what was troubling Ryder.

Terry too observed their exchange and approached them. "Is something wrong?"

Ryder pointed at the name his eyes were fixed on.

Terry’s expression mirrored Ryder’s concern. "Is that...?"

"Yes."

The brothers turned to face their mother with unchanged expressions.

"What is it?" Celeste asked anxiously as she walked toward them.

Clearing his throat, Ryder stepped closer to his mom. "A descendant of Hannibal’s Fury is one of the bulls here this week."

Celeste approached to see for herself; her eyes scanning until they landed on Hannibal's Wrath. Memories from eleven years ago flooded her mind as tears filled her eyes.

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Celeste and Terry watched in horror as Tyler collapsed to the ground, and Hannibal's Fury, the menacing bull, trampled over him. Tears streamed down their faces, paralyzed by the devastating sight before them.

A hush fell over the crowd; even the announcer had lost his voice. The only sounds breaking through the silence were the squeaky gate closing behind the bull and the agonized screams of an eighteen-year-old boy being dragged out of the arena.

Desperate and powerless, Celeste watched as Ryder fought against the men restraining him, preventing him from rushing towards the tragic scene in the dirt. Enveloped in the warm embraces of friends trying to shield her from Tyler's lifeless body, she felt crushed by grief.

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"I need to get to my son!" she screamed upon seeing Ryder being pulled through the arena gate. Grabbing Terry's hand, she yanked him along through the stands toward where Ryder had been taken.

Turning the corner at the end chute, Celeste spotted Ryder. Held down by Jim, he was inconsolable as Alex, another friend of Tyler’s, tried to soothe him with gentle words.

Celeste rushed over, and Ryder scrambled to his feet as soon as he saw her, stumbling multiple times before collapsing into her arms. Unable to bear his weight alone, Celeste sank to the ground with Ryder clutched tightly. Terry joined them soon after, enfolding both in his arms. Celeste extended an arm around Terry, pulling him closer. The trio remained bound together in their grief, mourning their pillar of strength who now lay lifeless in front of them.

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Terry stepped up beside his mother, with Ryder moving to her other side. The grown men encircled their mom in a protective embrace as she continuously read and reread the name in front of her.

Ryder gently turned his mother to face him and wiped away her tears.

"Ma, if you want to leave, I fully understand." He held her tight, whispering, "Trust me, I get it."

Celeste gazed into Ryder's sorrowful eyes, "I'm not leaving, Ryder. I came to watch you ride, and that's what I'm going to do. I'm just sorry it took me all these years to come back."

"Don't worry about it, Mom. I know the reasons you couldn't."

Meanwhile, Isobel’s parents approached her; her father rested a hand on her shoulder. "Do you know what's happening?"

Isobel shook her head slightly. "No, I'm not sure. They were looking at the bulls list, and then something upset them."

Sam and Rose moved closer too, their eyes fixed on the Hayesses and Wren.

"What happened?" Rose asked softly.

"I'm not certain," Isobel replied.

At that moment, Ryder left his mother’s side to join Isobel and the others. "Sorry about that."

"What’s wrong, Ryder?" Isobel asked as she wrapped an arm around him.

Ryder sighed deeply before speaking. "There’s a bull here named Hannibal’s Wrath. He’s a descendant of the bull that killed my father."

"What does that mean for you?" Thomas questioned. "Will you have to ride him?"

Ryder described the draw process: each night riders draw from forty bulls for the first four rides among forty riders; then only the top fifteen riders and bulls compete on the final day.

Isobel placed her hand on Ryder’s chest. "How are you holding up?"

"I’m okay. Mom took it hard though. This is her first rodeo since Dad died."

"That must be incredibly tough for her," Grace remarked.

Luther had been observing from a distance but now approached Celeste and gently placed his hand on her back.

"Are you alright?" he asked gently.

"Oh, Luther. I’m so sorry for walking off without you."

"It’s alright, Celeste. I totally understand."

She turned towards him with a tender smile. "Yes, you do," she said softly as she stroked his arm.

Luther nodded and wrapped his arm around her as she leaned into him for support. Hand in hand, they rejoined the group that had been waiting for them.

"Sorry about that everyone," Celeste said while wiping away a lingering tear. "It’s been an emotional week."

"It’s okay, Celeste," Grace said reassuringly as she rubbed her arm. "I can’t imagine how difficult this is for all of you."

"Yes, I thought I was fine but seeing that name...it brought back many memories. But I’m alright now," she smiled encouragingly.

"Are you sure, Mom?" Terry asked with concern.

"Yes, Terry dear, I’m fine," Celeste assured him before clapping her hands together enthusiastically. "Now let’s get this party started! You guys ride soon, don’t you?"

Ryder and Wren had descended to the riders' holding area, eagerly anticipating the start of the opening ceremony. Isobel and Rose led the group to their customary spot to the left of the chutes. However, with their favorite area already occupied, they moved a section over.

"We'll have to get here earlier tomorrow to snag our usual spots," Rose suggested as they settled into their new seats.

"These are good too, though," Isobel reassured her.

As everyone made themselves comfortable, conversations filled the air. Celeste and Grace excitedly discussed wedding plans while Terry and Luther explained various bull riding rules to Thomas so he could follow the evening's events more easily. Sam, Isobel, and Rose buzzed with excitement as they mapped out plans for the rest of the week.

The arena darkened and the announcer's voice boomed through the speakers.

"Welcome to Round One of the Built Ford Tough Series Championship at the PBR World Finals!"

Flames and sparks erupted from different points in the arena, igniting letters that blazed across the dirt. Grace and Thomas watched in awe, smiles wide with anticipation.

"Las Vegas...are you ready? Let's meet the greatest bull riders in the world!"

The crowd roared louder as smoke billowed from the flames and music pounded through the speakers; light beams swept around like a dance floor spectacle. Isobel perched on her seat's edge, a familiar ritual as she waited for her husband's name. Grace and Thomas glanced at her before refocusing on the arena, eager to hear their new son-in-law’s name called.

Two announcers alternated introductions.

"Folks, say hello to our first rider from Australia, Pete Farley!"

"From Montana, Beau Hill!"

"Canada's Aaron Roy!"

Each named rider entered the arena amidst sparks and flames, taking his place in line as his photo appeared on massive screens above.

"From Mexico, Rocky McDonald!"

The announcers continued down the list of forty names. With each one, Isobel held her breath, waiting for Ryder’s name.

"From Georgia, Wren Coulter!"

Their entire group stood up, clapping and cheering as Wren strutted into the arena in his black Wrangler-sponsored outfit. He looked up to find them in the stands and waved.

As more names were read off, Isobel's anticipation grew palpable.

"From Texas, Elliot Jacoby!"

"From Kansas, Reece Abigayle's!"

"The defending champion from Brazil, Guilherme Marchi!"

"A two-time world champion from Georgia, Ryder Hayes!"

The crowd erupted in applause as Ryder entered confidently.