Contents
Chapter 13: Emmett
Overview
While removing cactus spines from Julia, Emmett opens up about his past: his legal surname is Brandt, not Bush, and he adopted “Bush” for rodeo under his volatile biological father. He recounts losing his mother and stepfather, the custody battle, and his split identity. Julia listens without judgment, strengthening their bond and signaling a shift from banter to trust.
Summary
In the aftermath of Julia’s cactus mishap, Emmett carefully removes the spines, trying to ease her embarrassment with conversation. To distract her from the pain, he shares a guarded truth: his legal name is Emmett Brandt, though the world knows him as Emmett Bush.
Pressed gently by Julia’s curiosity, Emmett explains his family history. His biological father, Carl Bush, was unreliable and verbally abusive, so Emmett took his mother’s last name and was raised by her and a devoted stepfather. Tragedy struck when his mother and stepfather died in a Christmas Day collision, leaving ten-year-old Emmett the eldest of four.
After their deaths, Carl resurfaced, fighting Emmett’s grandparents for custody and pushing him into rodeo. Emmett became known on the circuit as “Emmett Bush,” a name he describes as a coping mechanism rather than his true self. He admits the grief still hurts at milestones, even if he claims he’s used to it.
Emmett reveals he has one season left in the WBRF and plans to leave the Bush identity behind. Throughout, Julia listens without pity, offering quiet understanding. Her empathetic response and his vulnerability transform their dynamic from teasing strangers into allies, deepening trust and attraction.
Who Appears
- Emmett Brandt (publicly Emmett Bush)Opens up while tending Julia’s injuries; reveals legal surname, family losses, custody fight, and rodeo persona origins.
- JuliaInjured by cactus; endures painful spine removal and listens empathetically, encouraging Emmett’s vulnerability and deepening their connection.
- Carl BushEmmett’s biological father; unreliable, verbally abusive, pushed Emmett into rodeo and the ‘Bush’ name.
- Oma and OpaEmmett’s grandparents; fought for partial custody and provided stable, loving care.
- Emmett’s motherGave Emmett her surname, protected him from Carl; died in a car crash.
- Emmett’s stepfatherA steady father figure until his death; never legally married to Emmett’s mother.