Chapter 3

Ryder stepped out of the old barn, his boots sinking slightly into the soft, sun-warmed earth. The sweet smell of hay and the rich, earthy scent of the countryside filled his lungs as he stretched his arms above his head, feeling the tension in his muscles ease. As he turned to face the driveway, the familiar rumble of his best friend's truck reached his ears.

Wren's beat-up vehicle rolled to a stop, its rusty exterior gleaming in the afternoon sun. His dusty boots crunched against the gravel as he hopped out, a grin spreading across his face when he saw Ryder standing there.

"Hey there, Ryder. How ya holdin' up?" Wren called out, closing the truck door with a loud groan.

Ryder shielded his eyes from the bright light, squinting at Wren's form as he approached. "I'm alright. How 'bout you? What brings you out here?"

Wren sauntered around the side of the truck, leaning casually against the fender. "Just thought I'd swing by and see how you're healin'."

Ryder flexed his shoulder, feeling a twinge of pain but also a sense of progress. "Honestly, it's feelin' pretty good."

"You reckon you'll be back to rodeoin' soon?" Wren asked, crossing his arms over his chest, his expression serious.

Ryder's jaw clenched as he spoke, determination clear in his voice. "What kinda question is that? Of course I am."

Wren held up his hands in mock surrender, a rueful smile on his lips as he studied Ryder's determined expression. The sun beat down mercilessly on the two men, casting harsh shadows across their faces. The dust from the dirt road coated their boots and clung to their clothes, a constant reminder of the wild ride they were on.

Ryder kicked at the ground with his worn leather boot, his gaze dropping to avoid his friend's probing eyes. "Well, I ain't ready to get off. Not sure I ever will be."

Wren's voice softened, losing its teasing edge. "You know, Ryder, you don't have to do this."

Ryder looked up sharply, forehead creased and eyes flashing with frustration. "Do what?"

"Keep pushin' yourself to make your daddy proud. He ain't here no more, brother. And when he was, he was damn proud of you." Wren's voice held a hint of sadness as he spoke about the man they both admired so much. "I just don't get what you're tryin' to prove."

Ryder straightened, crossing his arms defensively. "I ain't tryin' to prove nothin' to nobody." His tone was defensive, but there was a hint of vulnerability in his voice. "What makes you think you can talk to me like that? You still ride, and you've been hurt. What're you tryin' to prove?"

Wren sighed and put his hands up, palms out in a gesture of peace. "Look, Ryder, I ain't tryin' to start nothin'. I just mean... ever since your daddy passed, you been chasin' somethin'. Your ridin' style's even changed." Wren gestured towards the horses grazing in the nearby pasture. "You're doin' great, but you're also gettin' reckless. I just don't wanna see you hurt again. Or worse."

Ryder's shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of him as he realized Wren was right. "I know." His voice was quiet and defeated. "I just... after Dad's accident, I feel like I'm chasin' somethin'. Maybe it's the win he never got. I don't know." He kicked at a small rock with his boot, sending it skittering across the dirt. "But I need to get back out there. I need to ride." The determination had returned to his voice, along with a hint of longing for something he couldn't quite put into words.

Wren's understanding gaze met Ryder's, a silent acknowledgement passing between the two friends. "Has the doc given you the green light yet?" Wren asked with concern etched in his features.

Ryder hesitated before answering, his eyes flicking away for a moment. "Not exactly," he admitted with a slight shrug. "But I've already registered for the rodeo in Shelbyville next month."

Wren's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "So soon? Are you sure about that? And what did the doctor say?"

With a deep inhale of the crisp country air, Ryder slowly exhaled, breathing out the scent of fresh hay and determination. "The doc told me I shouldn't rodeo again. He thinks the strain on my shoulder could do permanent damage. But I don't care what he says. I'm riding."

A look of understanding passed between the two men as Wren nodded, his own experiences mirroring Ryder's. "I get it, man. Been there myself."

Ryder's voice softened as he acknowledged Wren's empathy, feeling grateful to have such a supportive friend by his side.

Their conversation flowed easily, like water gently trickling over smooth stones. They laughed and reminisced about old memories while walking towards the barn, a sturdy wooden structure that provided much needed shade from the warm sun. As they entered, Wren's eyes were immediately drawn to a magnificent horse standing in one of the stalls.

"Who's this beauty? Did you get yourself another one?" Wren asked, marveling at the horse's powerful form.

Ryder smiled with pride. "Nope, she belongs to a girl from Carlisle. She rescued her from an auction, saved her from being sent to the slaughterhouse."

Wren chuckled, shaking his head in admiration. "Ah, one of those kind-hearted souls."

"Yep, one of those," Ryder confirmed with a grin.

"Is she cute?" Wren prodded with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Ryder rolled his eyes playfully and laughed. "Man, can't you think about something other than girls for once?"

Wren laughed heartily. "Why should I? What's the point?"

Ryder shook his head, still chuckling. "Sometimes I wonder about you, Wren. And yeah, both the girl and her friend were pretty cute."

Wren's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "There were two of them? Ryder, you better let me know when they're coming back. I need to meet these lovely ladies."

Ryder laughed again, the sound reverberating through the walls of the barn. "Let's just saddle up Harley and Duke and go for a ride."

"Now that sounds like a plan," Wren agreed eagerly, grabbing a lead rope and heading towards Duke's stall. "A ride is exactly what we need."

Isobel stood behind her student, Lily, guiding her through the strokes of a magnificent sunset painting. The eighth-grader's brush moved with a skilled touch, blending bold oranges and soft pinks on the canvas like a seasoned master. Isobel scanned the bustling classroom, checking on each student's progress with a mix of pride and encouragement.

Teaching at Gordon County School for over three years had woven Isobel into the fabric of this quaint rural community. She adored her role as the K-12 art teacher, where every day brought new colors, shapes, and stories to life. Today's chosen medium was acrylics, her personal favorite for its versatility and vibrant pigments.

A hand shot up in the air, and Isobel made her way to Laurel's desk where an enchanting landscape was taking shape. "Is this how it's supposed to look, Miss Wright?"

"Laurel, it's absolutely stunning. The way you've blended those hues is truly impressive," Isobel praised, her finger delicately tracing the sky in Laurel's painting. "Here, let me show you a little trick." She dipped a fine brush into a soft green and gently added highlights to a tree. "See how this brings it to life? Adds a touch of depth, like sunlight dancing on the leaves."

Laurel's eyes lit up with newfound understanding. "Oh, I get it now. Thank you, Miss Wright."

With a nod and a warm smile, Isobel returned to the front of the room as the class continued their creative endeavors.

As the clock ticked towards the end of the period, Isobel checked her watch. "Only five minutes left, everyone. Let's clean up our brushes and stations now."

The classroom buzzed with activity as paints were carefully capped, brushes rinsed with care, and stations tidied up. When the bell chimed, signaling the end of the day, students began to shuffle out, offering cheerful goodbyes to their beloved teacher.

"See you tomorrow, Miss Wright!"

"Thanks for the awesome lesson, Miss Wright!"

Once the last student had exited, Bella Rose burst into the room with an excited grin. "Ready for our next adventure?"

Isobel raised an eyebrow, playfully crossing her arms. "What's the plan now?"

"To Ryder's place. He messaged me about Delilah and some round pen action tonight. He said we could swing by."

"He mentioned me?" Isobel's curiosity piqued.

"He sure did," Rose confirmed with a nod.

Isobel pondered for a moment, then broke into a bright smile. "Alright, count me in."

Bella Rose clapped her hands together. "Perfect. Let's go catch some breathtaking sunset vibes with Delilah and Ryder."