My curiosity is instantly piqued. This is Kayden’s home town, where he grew up, played high school football, then college football. Where he had so many amazing things happen to him, but also some of his worst memories are from there too.
“So are you going to tell me what we’ll be doing, or are you going to make me wait until we get there?” I tease, trying my best to seem perturbed.
Kayden doesn’t answer me; his big ass grin says it all. He let’s go of my hand momentarily pushing the button to put the top down and cranks up the music.
Shifting gears, Kayden presses his foot down on the accelerator causing my head to press against the leather headrest. I slide my eyes from the road ahead over to the speedometer and see we’re inching close to one-hundred-and-twenty miles per hour.
“Oh my God! Kayden, are you crazy!?” I scream, gripping the cool leather seat beneath me.
He gives me a sideways glance and lets out a chuckle, “Yeah, crazy in love with you.”
A nervous laugh escapes my lips, “You are insane! You’re going to get a speeding ticket, you idiot!” I can’t help but giggle, as the adrenalin courses through my veins.
“Baby, there ain’t a cop in Texas who’d give me a ticket! Now sit back and enjoy the ride darlin’; I gotta open this baby up.” His voice is laced with amusement and I love seeing him so carefree. The roar of the engine, mixed with the sound of the wind whipping over us, and the music blasting out of the speakers is exhilarating.
I shake my head, and focus back on the road watching the cars and scenery as it passes by us in a flash. Thank God we have the road almost to ourselves; he’s passed pretty much every other car that’s on the highway this morning.
Lady Antebellum’s American Honey comes on and I can’t help but sing along with it. Kayden soon joins in as he slows the car down to eighty-five. Our voices harmonize perfectly without even trying. I love when we’re like this, carefree and living life in the moment. I can’t wait to spend the entire weekend away, just him and I.
The next few hours go by quickly. We spend the entire time singing along with the radio. Nothing is sexier than Kayden singing; his voice is raspy with a slight twang that just makes me instant putty in his hands. If he cut a record today, he would be topping the charts.
I gave up trying to pry our plans for the weekend out of him, so I did my best to contain my curiosity. He is enjoying torturing me way too much.
Pulling up to The Knox Hotel, Kayden turns the engine off and grabs my hand as I start to unbuckle, “We’re not staying; I’m going to give them our bags to bring up to the suite. I’ll be right back baby.”
Kayden slides out of the car and smiles down at me while shutting the door. I flash him a ‘what’ look and stay seated. I watch as he goes around to the trunk, removes our bags and gives them all to the bell hop to load up on his cart.
Even though the parking lot of the hotel is full of cars driving up to the valet parking, I don’t see anything but Kayden. He’s wearing his favorite faded jeans, boots, and tight fitted plaid button up t-shirt and black cowboy hat. A cocky grin stretches across his face as he walks over to the passenger side of the car. Gripping my door, he leans down and plants a delicious kiss on my lips.
Pulling away from my mouth, he flashes a small smile and asks, “Ready to get outta here?”
“I guess, even though we just got here.” I laugh. “Where are we going now?” I ask, spinning my head around, following him with my eyes as he makes his way back around the car.
Sliding back into the driver seat, he clicks on his seatbelt, fires the engine, flashes me a cocky grin and burns the tires as he pulls out of the hotel.
“It’s…a…surprise.” He tells me slowly, with amusement on his face. God I hate and love this man with a passion. He knows how to drive me completely and utterly insane.
“You’re impossible!” I mumble, and turn the music back up; he spots the small smile on my lips and pokes me playfully in my side.
“Patience baby; we have a big day ahead of us.”
~~~
After driving for twenty minutes, the scenery has changed from the fast paced city to spread out fields and single lane roads. Kayden slows down and turns onto a long dirt road lined with trees. A sign at the beginning of the road says, ‘Melody’s Ranch’.
I feel as if all of the air has been sucked from my lungs as my eyes take in the sign. I read about this place when I was researching Kayden for the Envy article. He has this ranch where kids come and ride horses for therapy; whether they have cancer or a disability, they come here and ride. Some of the older ones work the stables by pitching in to wash and feed the horses at the end of the day.
Kayden rests his hand over mine as we slowly drive down the dirt road; he gives it a gentle squeeze and I try my best to hold back the tears. I can’t believe the date is just dawning on me. Today is April 20th, which means tomorrow is the anniversary of Melody’s death. It breaks my heart knowing she died so young, but I love that Kayden donates to cancer research in her name to help find a cure.
The words are spoken between us without either of us having to actually voice them. We both glance at one another locking eyes momentarily. I love that he would bring me here on this weekend, of all weekends. Usually when it comes to Melody, Kayden is closed off, so for him to want to spend this weekend here in Austin with me, instead of being alone, means the world to me.
“Are we going horseback riding?” I finally ask, unbuckling and stepping out of the car. I fix my tank top and stretch. It feels good to finally be out of that damn car. My legs feel like jelly from sitting for over three hours. I stomp my boots and try to wake my legs up by getting the blood flowing to them again.
We meet at the front of the car and Kayden takes my hand into his, saying, “Yes, we are. I planned this a few weeks ago, so I’m glad we lucked out with the weather.”
I look around and take in the surroundings. There’s a massive barn off to the left with fencing that seems to go on for miles. There’s a small area where kids are running around with their parents, petting or riding the horses.
In the center of everything is a large log and stone cabin that I imagine is the main office to the Ranch.
Kayden opens the door, and my eyes immediately take in the high ceilings and the large rustic chandeliers hanging down on each side of the office. In the center of the room is a large counter where an older looking gentleman is sitting behind a computer, busy typing away.
The gentleman looks to Kayden with a gentle smile, “Good afternoon Mr. Knox; the horses are ready for you out at the stables.”
“Thank you Harrison, we should only be gone with them for an hour or two.”
We quickly make our way to the stables and knowing Kayden, I doubt this is his only surprise. I am bursting with excitement as we enter the stables and walk past kids cleaning stalls or walking horses out to the fenced in area for the other kids to ride.
“We’ll be riding these two,” Kayden says, stopping in front of a stall with two chocolate brown Quarter horses. The one I’ll be riding has a little white blotch of fur between her eyes reminding me of Brooklyn’s horse, Whiskey. They are absolutely beautiful. It’s just one more thing I love about Kayden: our shard love for horses. The fact that he runs the ranch for children just makes me love him even more.
“It’s beautiful outside, a perfect day to go riding. These horses are gorgeous, what are their names?” I ask, petting the horse’s nose.
“This is Garth,” Kayden says, as he walks his horse out of its stall. “And the one you’re riding today is Loretta.”
I can’t help but laugh at their country music legend names. “Of course that’s their names.” I say sarcastically, taking Loretta’s reigns and walking her out of the stable following behind Kayden.
~~~
Kayden
I made it clear to the staff here at the ranch to not allow anyone to go riding outside the fenced in areas; I want complete privacy with Savannah today. T
his is the first time in seven years I’ll be spending Melody’s anniversary with someone.
My mother buries herself in her work by traveling to third world countries with Doctors without Borders. My father used to visit Melody’s grave here in Austin, but the last two years he’s stayed in Nashville. It breaks my heart going to her grave and being the only one to decorate it with flowers.
I’m trying to open up more to Savannah, and I think this is a big step for us. I could tell earlier, when we were pulling in here the date clicked in her head. Savannah understands me better than I understand myself most of the time. She silently acknowledged why we’re here, and didn’t press me to talk about it, which I appreciate.
Baby steps…I am taking baby steps. I’m used to living my life only worrying about myself, and not having to tell someone how I’m feeling. Since Savannah’s come into my life, all of that’s changed.
“At the end of this trail we’re going to head off into the clearing.” I yell over my shoulder, back to Savannah.
Flashing me her gorgeous smile, she yells, “All right, baby.”
She looks absolutely breathtaking. Her long blonde hair is down in light curls stopping at the bottom of her back. She’s wearing cut off shorts that stop just below her ass, making her tanned legs look like they go on forever and she’s wearing a V-neck tank that’s giving me a peek at her gorgeous breasts. Then there’s her boots…I love my baby in a hot pair of boots. I’d love to have her lying in the field naked, pressed beneath me, wearing nothing but those fuckin’ boots.
Clicking my tongue and tapping my heels into Garth, I get him to speed up from a trot to a full on gallop. Savannah is laughing and the sound is echoing around us like the most beautiful music. I knew bringing her here was exactly what we both needed: us alone, away from all of the crazy shit that we have to deal with on a daily basis. This weekend I’m going to do nothing but focus on her. She’ll help make getting through this weekend a little less painful.
Leaving the trail, we enter the wide open field. This is my favorite spot to come and just clear my head. I’ve sat in this field with Garth every year and let the memories of my baby sister and me flash through my mind. It’s getting harder now to remember her…Her voice, her laugh, and the way she loved to drive me absolutely insane.
I have some home videos I took from my parents’ house when they sold it after their divorce. My mother packed the rest in storage, because like me, it’s too hard watching them, knowing we’ll never see her angelic face again.
I brought one with me from my first football game for The University of Texas as the starting Quarterback. I had it transferred to a disc so that I can watch it with Savannah tonight at the hotel. It will be the first time since her memorial service that I’ll actually hear her voice.
Pulling on the reigns I get my horse to come to a stop beside a blanket I had one of the staff lay out for us, along with a pitcher of sweet tea, some fresh fruit and my guitar. I wanted some private time with Savannah and I know how much she loves it when I sing to her.
Jumping off our horses, I attach them to a tree. “Surprise, baby!” I say enthusiastically, flashing a big smile. “Here, come sit.” I hold my hand out, taking hers into mine and walking her over to the blanket.
Savannah’s eyes are big as she takes in everything, “Wow. This clearing is absolutely gorgeous Kayden.” She spins her head around, looking at the field of wild flowers.
Sitting down beside me, she pours us each a glass of sweet tea while I open the Tupperware of fruit. “Yea, I come here every time I’m in Austin. I love sitting here and just do nothing. I use to take Melody here a lot when she was sick. We’d come to the ranch, go riding and then come out here where I’d watch her run around picking flowers. For those few hours, it was as if nothing was wrong; she could escape all the doctors and treatments, and just be a kid.”
It feels good talking to Savannah about Melody. I was afraid it would feel weird or be too painful, but it actually feels great to think back to the great times with my sister. Sharing those memories with Savannah, I feel at peace.
“That’s so sweet. I’m honored you brought me here, baby; I know how special it is to you. I can’t even begin to imagine what you go through everyday dealing with losing Melody, but I’ll always be here for you. Whenever you need me…I’ll be right there to listen.” Savannah sets the small solo cups down and climbs up onto her knees, taking my face in her hands and straddling my lap she presses her berry flavored lips against mine.
I slide my hands along her sides, feeling her soft, silky skin that’s peeking out of her tank top. She moans into my mouth making my cock stir to life. I’d love nothing more than to fuck her right here, but I don’t want to risk someone discovering us.
Mentally cursing at myself, I pull away from her kiss before we get too wrapped up in one another and there’s no chance of stopping. “Fuck, baby. You taste so fuckin’ good.”
Savannah flashes me an impish grin and bites down on her bottom lip; fuck me, she’s looks irresistible right now. It’s taking every ounce of strength to not toss her back onto the blanket and rip her clothes off.
“We’re in the middle of nowhere Knox.”
A deep chuckle escapes me, “Darlin’ I’d love nothing more than to be buried inside of you right now, but you know how teenagers can be; you tell them not to come out here, and that’s exactly what they’ll do.”
Sliding off my lap Savannah plops down beside me and pops a grape into her mouth. She has a small smile on her lips as she chews her fruit and pops one into my mouth. I shake my head as I chew the green grape.
“I guess we have no choice than to keep things PG.” She says, lying on the blanket and resting her head on her hands in my lap.
I scan my eyes over her body, and slowly drag my tongue over my bottom lip as I pick up my guitar. “Yup. But believe me, we’ll definitely be rated XXX when we get back to the hotel tonight. I’m going to be ready to burst by the time we make it back there.”
Her eyes light up and sparkle in the sunlight. I don’t know how I ever got so fuckin’ lucky. It’s been a rough road, but Savannah and I are finally happy and content. Who knew I’d love settling down? I thought one woman for the rest of my life was fuckin’ insane. Now, I look forward to growing old with Savannah by my side.
“Well, that gives me something to look forward to.” Savannah’s voice is husky and laced with sex; damn she knocks me down to my knees with just a look and a few words.
Tuning my guitar, I gaze down at Savannah, “I’ve been thinking for weeks what song I wanted to play for you that would be perfect. After a lot of fuckin’ searching I finally decided on one. Baby, I love you more than the moon and all the frickin’ stars in Texas; this song says it all for me.”
Leaning up on her elbows, Savannah focuses completely on me. As soon as I start playing, she closes her eyes and a small smile dances across her lips. I decided on Brad Paisley’s, Then.
I can’t help but get lost in my thoughts as I sing the lyrics. The first line alone sends goose bumps over my skin as I sing and think back to the very first moment I laid eyes on Savannah Livingston. She immediately took my breath away.
Over the last six months we’ve been together, so many times I thought I loved her then, but then she’d do something else that would shake my entire world, knocking it off of its axis, and I’d say I couldn’t love her any more than I do at this moment. But time and time again she makes me fall even deeper in love with her.
I whisper the last line, “I thought I loved you then.” and notice a tear escape the corner of her eye.
“That was amazing. I loved that song before, but now, I am completely obsessed with it. I felt every word you sang Kayden, right down to the very depths of my soul. I love you so much.” She flicks the tear away and smiles sweetly at me.
“I love you, baby. More so as each day goes by.”
~~~
Riding back to the main area of the ranch, Savannah and I bring G
arth and Loretta back into the stables. I have my guitar hanging on my back because Savannah insisted I take her to meet all the children here today. She convinced me that we should sing for the kids as a treat to celebrate Melody.
She knows I can never tell her no, so now we’re walking hand in hand down to the fenced in area where a few kids are riding horses with a staff member assisting them. A couple of older children are brushing the horses, and immediately take notice of Savannah and me as we approach them.
“Aww, they look like they’re all having so much fun. This is amazing, Kayden.” Savannah says with awe in her voice, as she takes in the fun around us.
“Yea, it’s a great way for the kids to forget about the outside world and just enjoy themselves.” Squeezing her hand, I open the fence; we both wave hello to everyone.
“Hey! Savannah has convinced me to do a little concert. What do y’all think about that?” I ask, sitting on a hay bale. Savannah sits down beside me and smiles as a young girl in a big fluffy skirt, cowgirl boots and a cowgirl hat covering her bald head, climbs up onto her lap.
Seeing the little girl reminds me of Melody. She looks to be about eight; around the same age Melody was when she was first diagnosed. I take in a sharp breath and push the sad thoughts to the back of my mind.
“Are you his girlfriend?” The little girl asks, as she beams a big bright smile up at Savannah.
“Yes, I am. Soon, I’m going to be his wife.” Savannah laughs, glancing momentarily at me then focusing back on the little girl.
Nudging Savannah with my elbow, I chuckle as I say, “Okay, first I want to sing a song for my girl here, and then I’ll let y’all make some requests. How’s that sound?”
Everyone’s either standing or sitting in the grass in front of us. They all nod their heads or vocalize their excitement and eagerly agree with my plan.
“I heard this song a few days ago, by Thomas Rhett, and as soon as I did all I could think about was Savannah.”
I begin strumming my guitar and humming the melody before I begin singing the lyrics, “Hey girl, you make me wanna write a song.” I can’t help but sport a big ass grin as I sing. Savannah’s smile is stretched from ear to ear, and she’s swaying along to the song with the little cutie on her lap, who’s singing along with me by the time I sing the last words of the song.
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