When Hollyn finished with her chores, she practiced her routine for the upcoming rodeo. She was participating in a competition she had always wanted to. Bull riding. And yeah, she knew it was dangerous, and yes, she knows it's normally a man's sport. But that didn't stop her. She'd been practicing for months and she was ready. Or at least, she hoped she was. She hadn't told many people, keeping her entry into the competition a secret hadn't told many people, keeping her entry into the competition a secret from everyone in town besides Cole, her family, and the person who ran the event. She knew everyone would flip and she would be the talk of the town. She didn't want that. Especially not a couple days right before the rodeo.

She knew she would get in her head about things, overthink everything and psych herself out, and that's the last thing she wanted. So, she decided to keep her focus razor-sharp. Every spare moment she had was spent perfecting her technique, building her confidence, and mentally preparing for the big day. Hollyn knew this wasn't just about the competition—it was about proving to herself and others that she could defy expectations.

After saddling up Apollo and finishing her warmup, she turned her attention to the practice pen. Bandit, the bull she'd been riding during her training, was restless, pawing at the ground as if he sensed her determination. Hollyn's dad stood by the gate, his face a mix of pride and concern.

"You ready for this, Hollyn?" He asked, his tone serious but supportive. 

He was beyond proud of her for even attempting such a dangerous sport and changing the narrative that only men could do it. But, as a father, he couldn't help but worry. She was his baby girl, and seeing her risk her life like this sent a wave of panic through him. Though she had no problem with Bandit, it didn't change the fact that one wrong move, and she could get badly injured or worse...He didn't even want to think about that.

"Ready as I'll ever be." She replied, her voice calm. Despite her outward appearance, her heart was pounding, her stomach was in knots, and her mind was racing. This would be one of her last practices before the real thing. She knew it would be harder, that the bull would fight more, and that the crowd would be loud and intimidating. She had to prove to everyone she was serious about this, that she was ready, and that she wasn't just some girl playing around. She had started with a mechanical bull to get the feel of it and learn what it would be like. Then she worked her way up to practicing with a real bull, starting with smaller, easier bulls, and working her way up. Bandit was the hardest so far, he was strong, unpredictable, and fast. If she could manage him, she could do anything.

"Okay, but be careful. Let one of us know if you need to tap out if it's too much." James reassured her, referring to some of their workers at the ranch.

"I'll be fine. I've got this." Hollyn climbed the fence and adjusted her gloves, her mind laser-focused on the task ahead. She'd worked too hard to let nerves take over now. Her dad handed her the bull rope, and she wrapped it tightly around her hand, making sure her grip was secure.

Bandit snorted and kicked at the dirt, his power and impatience radiating through the pen. Hollyn met her dad's gaze one last time, drawing strength from his steady presence. He gave her a small nod, silently telling her he believed in her. She lowered herself onto Bandit's broad back, her heart hammering as she settled into position. The world around her seemed to shrink, the only sounds now the steady drum of her breathing and the faint creak of the chute gate. She gripped the rope tightly, her legs tensing as she prepared for the ride ahead.

The gate slammed open, and Bandit burst out with explosive energy. Hollyn's body reacted instinctively, her movements synchronized with the bull's wild bucking. She leaned forward, her free hand gripping the rope for extra stability. Bandit whipped his head from side to side, his muscular body twisting beneath her. Each movement was a challenge, a test of her strength and resolve. She held her ground, refusing to let fear or uncertainty cloud her judgment. Her world narrowed, the bull and the bull rope the only things that mattered.

Time seemed to stretch, each second an eternity. Her muscles ached, her breathing labored as she struggled to maintain her balance. Just when she thought her strength would give out, the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of her eight seconds. Hollyn released the rope and hit the dirt, her body rolling with the momentum. She popped back up, her hands raised in victory.

"Woo!" Hollyn cheers, adrenaline pumping through her veins. Her body was sore, but the thrill of success washed away the pain. "Now if only I can go longer than eight seconds tomorrow to break the record." She huffed out, smiling proudly.

Her dad chuckles, walking over and pulling her into a hug. "You did great, kiddo. You're gonna break that record for sure."

Hollyn grins, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling. "Thanks, dad. That means a lot." She said, leaning against him.

"Anytime. Now, go relax. You've earned it." He smiled, giving her a pat on the back.

"Alright. Thanks, again." She gave him a grateful smile and headed off to shower and change, her heart still racing. Tomorrow was the big day, and she was ready for it.

****

Later that day was the debut run for the rodeo. The debut run was so important, since it was great for first impressions, showcasing skills, and building credibility in the rodeo community. It was the moment Hollyn would step into the arena for the first time, and everyone would be watching. The pressure was real, but she was determined to make a lasting impact. It wasn't just about the ride; it was about showing the crowd, the other riders, and herself that she belonged. 

As Hollyn walked into the rodeo arena, she could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on her. Some were curious, others skeptical, but most were just waiting to see if a woman could truly take on the challenge of bull riding. The loud cheers and nervous energy in the air only heightened the tension, but Hollyn remained calm. She focused on what she knew, what she'd practiced for months.

She was currently double checking her gear, making sure everything was in place and secure. She lost count how many times she checked it, but she wanted to be sure. Everything had to be perfect. As Hollyn double-checked her gear, the sound of rough laughter and teasing voices reached her ears. A group of the local bull riders were gathered nearby, laughing loudly and eyeing her with amused, yet dismissive expressions. They were known for their cocky attitudes, and it was clear they didn't think much of her trying to break into their world.

One of them, a tall arrogant cowboy guy named Jace, smirks as he watched her. "You sure you've got the guts for this, sweetheart?" He calls out, his voice dripping with mockery. "I mean, bull riding's a man's sport. Don't want your pretty little head getting hurt, now."

Hollyn didn't reply, just glared at him and kept checking her gear. She knew he was just trying to get a rise out of her, and she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction. She had a job to do, and she was going to focus on that. While some of his friends left, Jace didn't. She knew he didn't leave. But she kept ignoring him, pretending like he wasn't there. She didn't care what he or anyone else had to say. Jace couldn't believe she was ignoring him. His smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of irritation. He wasn't used to being brushed off, especially not by someone he thought didn't belong. He sauntered closer, his boots kicking up small clouds of dust with each step.

"Hey, I'm talking to you," He calls out, his voice sharper now, cutting through the noise of the arena. "Don't think for a second that you're too good to answer me, princess." She did flinch when she suddenly felt a hand on her hip, his body now uncomfortably close. Her heart began to race, and her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

"Why don't you quit fooling yourself and stick to what you're good at? Sit still and look pretty. Leave the man's work to the men." He taunted, his tone low and condescending. That was it. She whirled around and slapped him across the face, hard enough to send his hat flying.

"Don't touch me," She growls, her voice low and threatening. "Don't call me princess. And definitely don't underestimate me. I'm here to ride, and I'm here to win. So, get out of my way, and quit wasting my time." Jace's eyes flashed with anger, and as she turned around to finish double-checking her gear, he grabbed her arm, yanking her back. She stumbled, nearly losing her balance, but quickly regained her footing.

"Don't forget where you are," He sneers, his grip tightening. "This is a man's sport, and you don't belong here. So, why don't you save yourself the embarrassment and leave while you still can?"

Hollyn's eyes narrow, and her jaw set. Her temper was rising, but she was determined not to let him get to her. "I'm not going anywhere. So, if you know what's good for you, you'll let go of me and walk away." He scoffs, clearly enjoying how riled up she was getting. "Oh, yeah? And what are you gonna do about it?"

"She might not do something about it, but I will." A new voice spoke up, causing both Jace and Hollyn to turn. It was Cole, his jaw clenched, and his eyes filled with anger. His smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of irritation.  

Cole stands in front of Jace, towering over him, anger in his eyes. "You're out of line, man. Let her go. Now."

Jace hesitates, his grip on Hollyn's arm faltering. "Come on, Cole. You're really taking her side? She's just—"

"She's just what?" Cole interrupts, his voice low and dangerous. "She's just not afraid to prove you wrong, to prove everyone wrong? You're pathetic. She deserves a shot just as much as anyone else. Now, let her go. Or we'll have a problem."

Jace's eyes darted between the two, weighing his options. Cole was bigger and stronger, and he knew it. Reluctantly, he let go of Hollyn's arm and stepped back. "Whatever. Just saying, I'm not the only one who feels this way. And she'll learn that the hard way." He glared at Hollyn and stalked off, his posture stiff with anger.

Cole watches him go, his jaw still tense. "You okay, baby?" He asks, turning his attention to her. "Did he hurt you?" Concern filled his gaze as he cupped her cheek gently, his eyes searching for any sign of pain or injury.

Hollyn leans into his touch, her heart still pounding. "No, I'm okay. Just a little shaken, that's all. He made me angry and uncomfortable, but I'm fine."

"If you're sure..." Cole trailed off, his brows furrowed.

"I'm sure." She assures him, reaching up to brush her fingers through his hair, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you for coming to my rescue. My hero." She teased, earning a chuckle from him.

"Always." He confirms, turning his head to kiss the inside of his palm. "I'll always be here for you. You're the strongest, bravest person I know. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

She beams at him, her heart swelling with love and pride. She was grateful he believed in her, just as she believed in him. "Same goes for you." She murmurs, wrapping her arms around his neck. "What are you doing here, anyway? Thought you would go watch Alex's debut run." Cole's younger brother, Alex, had a debut run that would be happening the same time as hers. She didn't mind if he went to support his brother instead of her for this, it was just a debut run. But she was happy to see him.

"I've been preparing most of his gear this morning and we had a good talk too. We're good now. He assured me I can come watch you and wanted me to tell you he said good luck, not that you need it. He's rooting for you, just like I am." Cole explains, a warm smile on his lips. "I couldn't miss your debut, anyway. This is a big deal, baby. There hasn't been a female bull rider in Silver Falls rodeo competition history. You're breaking new ground, and I want to be here to see it."

"That's true." Hollyn agrees, her stomach fluttering with nerves. "Which is why I'm honestly trying not to freak out. This is huge, and I have no idea how I'm gonna handle the pressure. Everyone's watching, and they're expecting me to fail. How can I prove them wrong?"

"You've already proved them wrong." Cole reminds her, his gaze softening. "They expected you not to even try, but you did. And here you are. You've spent months training, preparing, and practicing. You're more than ready, and the only one who thinks otherwise is you. Believe in yourself, and everything else will fall into place."

She gives him a grateful smile, leaning up to kiss him softly. "How do you always know exactly what to say?"

"It's a gift." He smirks, his heart skipping a beat at her giggle. She rolls her eyes but kissed him again. "Do you want me to stay with you until it's your turn?" He offered.

"Please," She murmurs, taking his hand. "I could use the moral support."

Cole intertwines his fingers with Hollyn's, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You've got it. I'm not going anywhere." 

Hollyn smiled, feeling a sense of calm wash over her despite the chaotic energy surrounding the rodeo grounds. The murmurs of the crowd, the announcer's voice over the speakers, and the occasional sound of hooves on dirt felt overwhelming, but Cole's steady presence grounded her. Her nerves didn't disappear entirely, but with Cole by her side, they felt manageable. Hollyn straightened her posture, letting his words sink in. She was ready to show Silver Falls that she belonged, not just as a bull rider, but as a force to be reckoned with.

When her name was finally called over the loudspeakers, Cole leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Go get 'em, baby. I'll be right here when you get back."

With a deep breath, Hollyn climbed onto the fence where the bull was kept, determination blazing in her eyes. This was her moment, and she was ready to make history. The announcer's voice boomed over the speakers, cutting through the hum of the crowd.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, we have something truly historic for Silver Falls Rodeo! Making her debut in the bull-riding competition, the first woman to ever compete here, our very own sweetheart of Silver Falls...Hollyn Bellwood!"

With a deep breath, she climbed over the fence and onto the bull. The bull chute crew were already working with helping her get ready. The bull chute crew moved efficiently, their practiced hands making sure everything was in place for Hollyn's ride. One handler steadied the bull's head, keeping it calm and focused, while another adjusted the flank strap to ensure it was snug but not too tight. Hollyn's heart pounded as she sat astride the massive animal, feeling the raw power beneath her.

"Hold tight, Hollyn," One of the crew members advises, giving her an encouraging smile. "This bull has a reputation for being a handful, so you'll want to keep a good grip. Just hang in there, and you'll do great. Good luck."

"Thank you." She replied, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She tightened her grip on the bull rope, her knuckles whitening as she focused on the task ahead.

The crew worked seamlessly around her, making final adjustments and ensuring everything was in place. One crew member gave her a thumbs-up, while another nodded in silent encouragement. The bull shifted restlessly beneath her, snorting and pawing at the ground, eager to explode into action. Hollyn took a deep breath, her focus narrowing to the rhythm of her breathing and the feel of the rope in her hand.

"Ready?" Another crew member asked, his voice loud enough to be heard over the rumble of the crowd.

She couldn't believe this was actually happening. After months of hard work and preparation, she was finally ready to prove her worth. But everyone was watching, waiting for her to mess up. She managed to hear some loud annoying laughs in the background. Her gaze flickered over her shoulder where Jace and his friends were watching, their eyes filled with mockery and anticipation. Jace was smirking, mockingly tipping his hat to her. 

In response, she flipped him off, surprising him. She was the towns sweetheart and normally she wouldn't resort to such actions, but this was a special case. She couldn't help the smirk at seeing his shocked face, the laughter of his friends filling her ears. She looked at Cole, who was watching her, a proud grin on his face. Her heart fluttered, and she felt a rush of confidence and love. He mouthed to her 'I love you' and she returned the sentiment.

Turning back to the task at hand, Hollyn nodded.

"Ready."

The crew member nodded and someone let the announcer know she was set. The gate puller crouched by the latch, his hand steady as he prepared to release the bull.

The announcer's voice rose with excitement. "Folks, this is it! Hollyn Bellwood is about to make history. Let's hear it for her one more time!" The crowd roared in response, their cheers a blend of support and curiosity. Hollyn tuned it all out, focusing solely on the moment. The bull beneath her was a beast of raw power, a challenge she was ready to face.

"Here we go!" The announcer shouted.

With a metallic clang, the gate swung open, releasing the pent-up energy within the bull. Hollyn clung to the animal, her heart pounding in time with the thunderous beat of its hooves. Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion and fast forward all at once. The sheer force of the bull's movements jolted through her body, every twist and buck a battle for balance and control. Hollyn's muscles burned as she shifted her weight with each unpredictable lunge, her grip on the bull rope unyielding.

The crowd's roar blended with the sound of hooves pounding against the dirt, creating a chaotic symphony that spurred her on. Hollyn's focus narrowed to the feel of the bull beneath her, her instincts taking over as she rode with determination and grit. Her parents and friends from the art club were watching with proud and impressed looks, cheering the loudest along with Cole.

She kept telling herself just eight seconds. She even counted in her head, focusing on each passing second as she held on with everything she had. Just eight seconds. The bull twisted and turned, its massive body undulating beneath her as it tried to unseat her. Her grip tightened on the rope, her fingers aching from the strain, but she refused to let go. With each violent buck, the crowd's cheers grew louder, a rising wave of excitement that pushed her forward. Hollyn's focus was sharp, her body moving in sync with the bull's unpredictable motions. The seconds stretched into what felt like eternity, but the countdown in her mind never wavered. 

One...Two...Three...Four...Five...

She could feel the burn in her muscles, the sweat pouring down her face, but she pushed it all aside, blocking out the pain and the exhaustion. All that mattered was staying on—just eight seconds. The bull shifted into a final, furious spin, its hooves kicking up dust as it tried one last effort to throw her off. Hollyn gritted her teeth, leaning into the movement and pulling herself closer to the bull's back. She could hear the announcer shouting in the background, but her focus was locked on the ride.

Seven...Eight...

The buzzer rang, signaling the end of her ride. Hollyn didn't wait a second longer—she released the rope and launched herself off the bull, landing in a controlled roll to absorb the impact. The crowd's roar thundered in her ears as she sprang to her feet, adrenaline flooding her veins. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat a reminder of the moment she'd just conquered. The bullfighters quickly moved in, guiding the bull back toward the chute, but Hollyn barely noticed. Her eyes were already scanning the crowd, searching for Cole. When their eyes met, her face broke into a broad grin.

He grinned back, his eyes filled with pride and love. He climbed over the fence, picking her up in a tight embrace, spinning her around. Her laughter was pure, filled with the joy and exhilaration of the moment. The rodeo and the world fell away as Cole held her close, his arms steady and strong. She clung to him, her heart overflowing with happiness. In his arms, nothing else mattered. The loud cheering was the background, but all she could focus on was the feel of his arms around her, the warmth of his skin, the beating of his heart.

"You did it, baby," He whispers, his voice filled with awe and pride. "You were amazing. I love you."

The smile never left her face, her eyes sparkling with emotion. "I love you, too."

He set her down on her feet, his arms still wrapped around her even as the announcer got their attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for the first woman to compete in the bull-riding competition at Silver Falls Rodeo. Hollyn Bellwood, everybody! She definitely left her mark."

The crowd exploded into applause, cheers and whistles ringing out across the arena. The energy was contagious, and Hollyn felt a sense of pride she'd never experienced before. It was a rush unlike anything else. She couldn't stop grinning as she basked in the moment, her heart full of joy. She had overcome the odds and achieved her dream. But, most importantly, she had the support and love of her friends and family. Her gaze fell on her parents, who both were cheering loudly and smiling from ear to ear.

"That's our daughter! We love you, Holly Berry!" She managed to hear her dad shout, causing her smile to widen.

"That's our bada** friend!" Areli cheered loudly with the others, all of them up on their feet, cheering and smiling.

She grinned, and glanced back at where Jace and his buddies were, but they were gone. They were nowhere in sight. Her brows furrowed, but she decided not to think about them and focus on the people who mattered. Her gaze drifted to Cole, his beautiful eyes filled with admiration and love. Butterflies danced in her stomach as he smiled, his arms still around her. He was her rock, her safe place, and the love of her life. With him by her side, she felt invincible. She reached up to cup his cheek, leaning up to kiss him.

She didn't care about the crowd or anything else in that moment. All that mattered was Cole—his warmth, his steady presence, and the way his love made her feel like she could take on the world. The cheers of the crowd faded into a distant hum as their lips met, soft and full of promise. When they finally broke apart, Hollyn's heart was still racing, but it wasn't from the adrenaline of the ride anymore. It was from the overwhelming sense of love and pride that filled her chest.

"I did it, Cole," She whispers, her voice thick with emotion. "I actually did it."

"You were incredible," He said, his thumb gently brushing against her cheek. "You've always been capable of amazing things, Holly Berry. I'm so proud of you."

Hollyn smiles, her eyes glistening with the mix of sweat, tears, and joy. "I couldn't have done it without you."

His smile deepens, and he kisses her forehead gently. "You didn't need me to do it. You've always been strong on your own."

She shakes her head, still in awe of everything that had just happened. "But having you by my side makes everything better. You're my everything, Cole."

He chuckles softly, pulling her closer. "And you're mine. Always."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the cheers of the crowd finally reached her again, but this time, they only made her feel proud, not overwhelmed. She had done it—she had shown everyone that she wasn't just the sweetheart of Silver Falls. She was a force to be reckoned with. And with Cole by her side, she was ready to take on whatever came next.

A/N i know little about bull riding so i apologize if i got anything wrong, i just looked up what i could. hollyn & cole <3 new character unlocked, boo jace