I have the same issue. I’m a 2, short and pretty curvy. I bought a pair of 26S Ariats and they fit okay but gap in the waist like yours do. Even for being a short they’re still long.
The best luck I have had are with Wrangler Retro Sadies. They’re a low rise, which is great for me because I’m short so anything mid rise is just a hair too high and makes wearing a belt difficult. Rod’s Western Wear carries them in a variety of different colors and sub-styles.