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Desert Flower

Remember Me

Evie’s naked chest pressed against mine. Certain parts of me were dying to be inside of her, to help her ease her pain in the only way I knew how. But she’d asked me to hold her and to hold her only. So I did just that.

Caleb had been a good friend to her. He had helped her through a tough year after her knee surgery, him and Chris. With his help, she had started to feel better about my time overseas. They were good friends, and he had been a good friend to me too. I felt her body wracked with sobs and pulled her closer to my body.

I knew the pain of losing a loved one, of having it cut so deep it seemed you could never feel the same. Caleb was Evie’s Hunter.

Hunter had been the one to encourage Brian and me to join the rodeo. He had stood and cheered us on when we competed in our first junior one. He had been there when Brian and I were in our first real one, while waiting to go overseas.

I often think the only reason I met Evangeline was because Hunter's spirit was telling me to go to the rodeo, to talk to the short photographer, and to continue to see her. I’d never be able to tell Evie that considering she was an atheist, but I remember that day like it was yesterday.

A little over four years ago, one of my best friends had died. Shortly before my second tour, I had done a rodeo with my other best friend, Clay while our other friend, Hunter, had cheered us on. That had been my last rodeo. Without Matt, they didn’t feel the same.

Brian had invited me to his latest rodeo, and for some reason, I said yes. I’m fairly sure it was because Hunter had always wanted to go to this one. It was in Nevada, the state of gambling. Hunter had always wanted to spend time in a casino.


Four years later, Brian had qualified for the rodeo Hunter wanted to see, and I had as well. I have no reason for why I got back on a bull, but it had lead me to this city. Smiling, I knew Hunter was influencing some of my decisions. But this would be my last rodeo. I needed to focus on my men, but I could still support Brian.


Brian came over to me and handed me a PBR shirt. “You gotta look the part since it’s your first big rodeo in a long time. So put on this shirt, your Wranglers, and a hat, it’s time to ride some bulls.” Brian was wearing a light green shirt and a brown hat.


“Yes, sir,” I said and grabbed the plaid shirt he was holding.


When I was changed, we made our way to the arena. It wasn’t the biggest we’d ever been in, but it was still nice. The actual rodeo didn’t start until the evening, but we all got to ride this afternoon to get our spots. All the bull riders for this afternoon lined up to select our ride. Brian glanced at his bull and shrugged, probably one of the tamer ones. I pulled out a chip and saw Ranger as my choice. He was a bull in the middle—not too easy or too hard. He would be the perfect ride for my first rodeo in four years.


The afternoon went by quickly and before the two of us knew it, the evening was here. I could feel a smirk across my face as I heard the crowd cheering. I had forgotten how good this felt.


Time passed slowly while we waited for our turn. I was about to go so I started to tape up my right shoulder and hand, finishing up the process by putting on my hat.


I was ready to ride Ranger. Brian clapped me on the back and wished me luck. I climbed the stairs and got myself ready in the chute. Ranger side-eyed me as I put my legs on either side of him. I was in for the ride of my life.


Taking in a deep breath, I straddled the bull and signaled that I was ready. The chute opened and Ranger bucked and twisted in a desperate attempt to get me off his back. I was in a bubble of silence, just me and the bull. My illusion was shattered when the buzzer sounded. Flinging myself off Ranger, I ran to the side so he wouldn’t gore me.


While they rounded up the bull, the announcer came onto the intercom. “Ladies and gents, let’s give it up for Matthew Sanders. He’s tonight’s new leader with a score of 85!”


Cheers filled the arena, and I smiled. Three rides later, I got to take my victory lap. It was exhilarating to be a part of a rodeo again. Now, I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.

Before I knew it, the first night of the rodeo was over, and Brian and I were asked to stay and sign autographs. We both agreed and smiled while kids and adults alike got their posters signed and pictures taken.

There were two more people in line the next time I looked up, but they looked like the last two. I wasn’t listening to their conversation, I was too focused on the woman with the camera dangling from her neck.


She was very pretty with long blonde hair and eyes so blue it was like staring into the ocean. Then she smiled at her friend, and I felt a shock to my heart. I wanted to make her smile like that.


“You a photographer?” I asked.


Her baby blue eyes met mine. “Yes, sir.”


Her voice was deep for a female, a bit like Scarlett Johannsen’s. It sounded beautiful coming out of her mouth. I smiled at her, flashing a grin I usually reserved for my family.


“What’s your name?” I asked, almost wanting to quote Lynyrd Skynyrd and add little girl to the end of my question. But I resisted the urge.


“Evangeline.”


That was a beautiful name. I nodded and signed her poster. Most people just sign their name, but I wrote something for this woman. It was like Matt was whispering in my ear to do so. I wrote, “Evangeline, thank you for coming out. I hope your pictures are just as beautiful as you. God bless, Matt Sanders.”


“Well, Evangeline,” I said with more confidence than I was feeling. “I’d love to talk to you after I’m done with autographs.”


“Uh… okay,” she said and took her poster back. I liked that young woman already.


Brian looked at me and smiled. Then he looked at Evangeline’s friend. I think Hunter blessed both of us today. I sent him a silent prayer of thanks. He was always looking out for me.

Sighing into Evie’s hair, I shut the water off. I knew if Hunter was here now, he’d be kicking my ass just like Clay was. If he had been the reason I met this woman, I needed to fix what I had damaged.

“Come on, Evie,” I said and pulled us both out of the shower. “Let’s go lay down. You can read the letter from Caleb, and I’ll order us room service.”

She nodded and wrapped a towel around herself. Evie was hurting, that much was obvious.

Notes

Hey guys. I know I have been away for way too long. I wish I had better reasons than what they are. The last few months have been awful to me. I was in and out of the ER with a kidney infection that had been misdiagnosed as a UTI. My nana passed (we expected it) but it's still weird to think I have no grandparents left. I have had to file 2 police reports this past weekend because men are awful sometimes. But, I am back... tentatively, and I will be updating much more frequently.

Comments

More! Give me moreeeeee!

I so need to know what happens next, also very sneaky Matt stealing the ring away while she was showering.

Loved this chapter. I'm gald Matts finally realised why he loves her. I'm excited to see if the plan works!

Looking forward to the next update!! ❤

I hope you get through all this okay. Do what you need to do and stay as healthy as possible. All the best to you!

Kimmie Kimmie
9/1/18

I totally understand where you're coming from Heretic and while I will miss this story greatly you need to do what is best for yourself and for your health. I hope everything goes well for you and good luck in getting your Master's degree.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@HereticBlood6661
No problem, sorry it took so long to see this comment its been pretty hectic lately. I finally got the results back from the exams I had done and I found out that I get to go to university in September. Hope everything is well with you ❤