by Casey Peeler
“But you did it. Heck, you still love those crazy horses. I don’t see how you can train and ride them and tell me I can’t ride. Who does that?”
“Your dad is who. Where’s this coming from anyways?”
“I don’t know.”
“Bryndle Cole, tell me right now.”
“Fine. I’ve been watching you with them, and I wonder what it would be like to ride one. Not a normal horse, a wild one.”
“It’s dangerous. I can’t have you getting hurt.”
“But Daddy!”
I cut her off, “No buts. If you want to barrel race, fine, but you can’t ride like that.”
“I bet if I were a boy you’d let me.”
“No I wouldn’t.”
“If you say so,” she says as she takes her rod and reels it in before standing.
“You done?” I ask, pointing toward the fishing rod.
“Yup,” she says as she stomps toward the house, mumbling about why did she have to be born a girl. Shaking my head, I cast my line another time. I probably should follow her, but I don’t want to argue. It will get us nowhere.
After spending a little time alone at the pond, I know I need to check on Bryndle. When I get to the house, I call for her, but don’t hear a thing. She’s probably got her earbuds in watching videos or something on that damn tablet. Why did I buy her that for Christmas?
Walking to the refrigerator, I grab a cold beer and take a seat in the living room. As I turn on the TV, my phone rings.
“Hello?”
“Is this Weston Parker?”
“Yes, sir. How may I help you?”
“This is Ollie Strange. I’ve got a horse for ya.”
“Is it at your place?”
“Yes.”
“Great, I’ll come by after church tomorrow.”
“Sounds great. Thanks again.”
Hanging up the phone, I look at the time. It’s still early and I decide to check on Bryndle and make sure she’s okay. When I knock on the door, there’s no answer so I knock louder. After a brief moment, she answers and I go in. She places her tablet on the bed and gives me the go-ahead to talk so I take a seat on her bed.
“Look, I know this is something you want to do. Maybe it runs in our blood, but as your dad, I can’t take that risk with you.”
“It’s because I’m a girl, isn’t it? If it were James asking Forrest it would be totally different. I just know it.”
“No, it’s not. My nerves would be tore up regardless.”
“If you say so.” Maybe she’s right. Maybe if she were a boy I wouldn’t feel so protective, but I couldn’t live with myself if she got hurt in any way, shape or form.
“So Ollie Strange called and has a new horse for us. You wanna go with me after church tomorrow?”
“Sure. I get it Daddy, but one day you’re going to have to let me grow up. I won’t break, I promise. You’ve taught me to be tough.” I pull her toward me as she wraps her little arms around my side. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you more, Sweet Peach.”
Timber
The last two weeks have flown by and before I know it, I’ve got my entire apartment packed up in a trailer ready to cross the country. Dad volunteered to come and help me, but I told him that wasn’t necessary. I’ve been on my own a while now and I don’t mind handling this myself.
Arriving in town, I notice that the only thing that has changed is Brandy’s new neon sign. As I come to the last stop sign before the house, I see my brother coming out of the Parker’s farm. He sees me and flips me off. Two can play that game. I pull out in front of him and shoot him a bird out the window before continuing down the road to the house.
When I see that Daddy is at the clinic, I pull off the road to go see him first. Forrest pulls in right behind me.
“Nice move, sis. I mean, I could have rear-ended you back there.”
“Whatever. That’s what you get for flipping me off. Now get over here and give me a hug. You know you’ve missed my ass,” I say with my arms open wide.
“Yeah, I have to say, things aren’t the same without ya,” he says, pointing toward the clinic. I shake my head as we go inside.
“Daddy, I’m home,” I say as we walk in the front door and the smell of fur and bleach tickles my nose. Still smells the same. Looking around, I see that there is new paint on the walls, a computer at the front desk, and a few other minor updates.
Daddy comes from the back room, “There’s my girl! How was it?”
“Good, but I don’t want to make that trip again anytime soon.”
“Come on, let me show you around.”
I follow Daddy back while Forrest heads to the house. Daddy shows me all the new stuff they’ve added and then locks up for the afternoon. Making my way to the house, I take in the farm and animals on both sides of the driveway. Glancing to my right, I spy Weston down at the pond. I’m totally impressed he’s not working because that’s all I remember about him. He’d work on that peach farm from sunup to sundown and when he wasn’t working, he was training for the rodeo.
After putting my truck in park, I hop out as Mama comes barreling out of the house toward me. “Oh my word! Let me see ya.”
“Mom, you saw me a month ago.”
“I know, but I’ve got to get my hugs in. It’s a mama thang.”
Man, I love her and have missed her more than she knows. There were times when I was in Houston that I wished I could just drive to her house and sit down for a girl talk. Talking on the phone isn’t the same.
Forrest comes in from the back porch holding a twelve-pack. “Brought you a welcome home present,” he says, placing it on the counter.
“Awe, isn’t that sweet?”
“Actually, it’s for me, but I’ll share.”
Rolling my eyes, he tosses me one. Mom stands there with her hands on her hips. He starts to laugh and then hands her one too.
“I brought you into this world, Forrest Kane, and I can take you out.”
“Mama, I was just pickin’. You know I wouldn’t leave you out, but I’ve got to head home in a few.” She takes her beer, puts her hand out for one more, and walks out to meet Daddy.
“Where you off to?” I question.
“The guys and I are going to Brandy’s. Wanna go?” he says, taking a gulp of his can. I look like a hot mess, but I’d love to have a night out.
“Sure. Can I meet you there? I need to chill out a few minutes and get settled.”
“Sis, it’s still early. Plus, Mandy is going too. She’s taking James to her parents. I was going to run home and shower while she did that. I have been working most of the day.”
“How’s the crop lookin’?
“One of the best ones yet. The profits are easily going to surpass last year’s.”
“That’s awesome. You don’t have any peaches in the truck, do you?”
“What kind of question is that?”
“A good one. So you got one or not?”
“Yup, an entire half bushel. I’ll grab you a few,” he says as he walks back outside and brings them in. I waste no time sinking my teeth into that juicy peach. It’s even better than I remember. Nothing is better than a Parker peach.
“So, you want to swing by and get me or meet me there?”
He sets his can on the counter and then braces his hands on it. “For real, I mean that’s going out of my way, Timber, and who knows, I might get laid.”
“Ewww, just stop right there. I’ll drive my dang self.”
“I’m married so I can get laid all I want.”
“How ’bout I’ll just walk next door? I don’t want you to go out of the way or anything. Plus, we can drink a couple more before heading out.”
Grabbing a few beers out of the box for Mama and Daddy, I place them in the refrigerator. Forrest helps me grab some of my stuff out of the trailer. We only carry what I need right now. I’ll worry about the rest tomorrow when I move to the loft above the barn.
An hour later, I’m showered with my makeup and hair ready to go. My only problem is that I have no clue what box of clothes we brought in from the trailer. It’s humid as all get-out so I need a nice cool outfit. Opening the first box, I find my winter clothes. Oh that’s great. Then I open another box, and right on top is my go-to outfit. It’s a mint short romper with see-through lace sleeves. I know exactly where my matching headband is. Now, I’ve got to find my shoes. Looking in a large plastic container, I spy my tan booties. I quickly put them on and grab my purse before going down to talk to Mama and Daddy before I leave.
“Where you off to looking like a million bucks?” Daddy questions.
“Brandy’s with Mandy, Forrest and the guys.”
“If you say so,” Daddy says under his breath and Mama brushes his shoulder.
“You look beautiful. Be careful and call us if you need us.”
“I’m sure we’ll be fine. See you in the morning.” I give them a hug and kiss before walking next door to Forrest’s house.
I don’t knock. I just walk in, “Hey bro! I’m here.”
“In the kitchen.” I turn toward the kitchen and as I walk in Forrest turns, choking on his beer.
“Damn, girl,” Mandy says.
“Oh gawsh, I’m gonna go change,” I say as I do a one-eighty toward the door.
“Nah, I guess I was expecting tomboy Timber. Plus, it’s just Brandy’s,” Forrest says.
“Ha ha very funny. Now, give me a damn beer.”
Growing up, I was always the girl that hung out with the guys. I guess I can thank Forrest and Weston for that. I didn’t have any girls around me to play with except for at school. I also didn’t like all of that girlie mess. I’d rather go mudding or fishing any day of the week. Who am I kidding? I still love to do those things when I get the chance. The fact that I’d rather spend the day on the farm or at the clinic than get a manicure kind of made me an outcast. Most of the time, the girls in high school only wanted to be my friend to try to get close to one of the guys. I always saw right through that shit. Well, except that one time I befriended Hannah Cole. Bless her heart, she needed a friend, but I soon realized it was to get close to Weston. I kind of kick myself in the ass on that one, but oh well. It is what it is, and that little girl of his is precious.
“So who all’s comin’?” I question.
“Right now it is us, Skooter, Jimmy, and Banks.”
“Gotcha. Couldn’t talk Weston into getting out for the night?”
“Hell no. Bryndle has him wrapped around her little pinky. I swear, he needs to get out. He’s had a short fuse the last few months. Today he was telling me all this shit about what she’s doing, and trying to be all grown up. I was like, thank you sweet Jesus I’ve got a boy.”
Mandy and I both laugh. “It can’t be that bad.”
“Oh, it’s bad. He said she’s taking showers for hours and has an attitude to boot. I don’t even want to think about what she’ll be like in another year or two.”
We take a few minutes to finish our beers, and then we load up in Forrest’s truck and head over to Brandy’s bar.
As Forrest parks, I gracefully get down from the truck and make sure I don’t give anyone a full moon.
He holds the door open for us as we walk inside. Damn, it feels like I’ve gone back in time. The rustic walls and tin ceiling are still the same. The pool tables are still in the exact same spot, but I do notice they’ve upgraded the jukebox to one that is more modern and the bar stools are covered in animal hide.
Looking at the end of the bar, I spy the guys before they see me. Sneaking up behind them I place one arm over Skooter and Jimmy. If I did that to Banks it’s likely he’d kill me. One thing I’ve learned is to never sneak up on a deaf man.
“Care to buy a lady a beer?”
They glance over their shoulders and in unison say, “Holy shit, Batman!”
“Dang, not the reaction I was expecting. I just need a beer,” I say with a wink.
“Timber, Houston does a body good,” Skooter says.
“You think? Now buy me a beer.”
“Beer for the lady,” he says as they all stand to give me a hug. Damn, I’ve missed these guys.
Chapter 4
Weston
As the sun begins to set, I take the steaks from the refrigerator and walk to the grill on the back porch. Firing it up, I look into the sky and have a few moments to myself. Damn. All of my friends are out tonight, and I’m at home with my daughter. Shaking my head, I think about how my life has changed. Ten years ago, I would have been out with the boys, shooting the shit and talking a big game to whatever girl walked in our direction.
Placing the steaks on the grill, I close the lid and walk back inside. Bryndle is cutting potatoes at the kitchen counter.
“What are you doing?”
“Helping you out. That okay?” Attitude much?
“Of course. What would I do without you?”
“Your life would be super boring.”
“You’re probably right. How ‘bout we get those in the fryer?”
Bryndle and I enjoy a quiet night at home while all of my friends are at the bar. Shit. I know I should be used to it by now, but for some reason I wish I could get a break. Don’t get me wrong. I love my daughter. I wouldn’t trade her for the world but talking about boys, makeup and clothes when everyone I know is out having a good time at the local bar, I can’t help but get a little jealous. Some days I wish we could still talk about fishing and the rodeo like we did when she was little. I think about calling Dad, but change my mind. I know he’d come and watch her, but I feel so guilty.
As the steaks begin to sizzle, I pull them from the grill and Bryndle sets the table for supper. Once Bryndle fixes her plate we take a seat. We enjoy a nice meal while we talk. The conversation feels like old times. When we finish, we clean up and head toward the living room to watch the newest hunting show.
Once it goes off, I look to my daughter. “Want to grab some ice cream or something?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
“Are you sick or something?”
“No Daddy. I’m just stuffed. That steak was so good. No one can beat yours, that’s for sure.”
“Thanks, Sweet Peach,” I say as my phone pings.
Glancing down, I see it’s a text from Skooter. This can’t be good. He has made it a ritual to send me pictures of skank hoes when the gang goes out. I hate to see what barfly he’s sent me. As the picture comes into view, I see the backside of a freaking country Barbie. Damn. Quickly, I text him back informing him there’s no way that girl is a local. He sends some random emoji back with a bunch of trees. What in the world? I toss my phone on the table.
“Daddy, what was that for?” she asks.
“Skooter being Skooter.”
“Oh, okay.” She turns her attention back to the TV and I’m thankful she still enjoys these shows with her old man, but as the clock approaches ten I can see that she’s struggling to stay awake. Soon, she is fast asleep on the couch.
I walk to her and notice how, in this moment, she’s still my little girl. She’s growing up so fast but I still have some time left before she’s a full-fledged teenager. I whisper her name, trying to wake her enough so that she can walk to her bedroom. She doesn’t budge so I quietly bend down and scoop her into my arms and carry her to her room.
I gently lay her in her bed and cover her. As I begin to step away, she moves. I pause as she whispers, “Night, Daddy.”
“Night, Sweet Peach,” I say as I walk to the doorway and glance at her once more. Damn. It doesn’t matter how much she drives me crazy, I love that little girl more than life itself.
I walk back to the living room and take a seat on the couch and flip through the channels. Nothing like a Saturday night at home while everyone else is having a night out.
Timber
The evening at Brandy’s has been like a mini reunion. We all hang out and dang, I realize how much I’ve missed them. The girls w
hoop the guys in pool, and I’ve had far too many beers than I need. As the bartender asks if I want another, Forrest shakes it off. What the heck?
“Seriously? What’s wrong with you?”
“We’ve got to get the kid early and you don’t need any more.”
“Whatever. Skooter, grab me one more.”
He shakes me off and I’m afraid I might have misjudged this group. When did they get so old?
As it approaches midnight, Forrest insists that we head home. I try my best to hold off a little while longer, but I know it’s no use. I’m sure I could catch a ride with someone else, but honestly, I think I’m afraid if I stop that I’ll crash.
Arriving back at my parents’ house, I kick off my shoes. I carry them as I soundlessly walk up the porch, waving bye to Forrest and Mandy as they drive home.
Quietly shutting the door, I tiptoe inside when I hear that voice - the one that used to catch me all those years ago.
“Miss Timber, sneaking in are we?” Daddy questions.
“No, only trying to keep it down and not wake ya.”
“No worries, I’ve been up watching the latest fishin’ show. I start watchin’ and can’t quit. Not to mention, it’s time for my midnight snack. Wanna join me?”
“Absolutely.”
Following Daddy into the kitchen, he grabs two spoons then opens the fridge and pulls a large rectangular container from it. Setting it on the table, he pops open the lid and the smell of Cool Whip and bananas hits my nose as I take a seat.
“Um. Nothin’ like your mama’s nanner puddin’.”
“You got that right. Give me a spoon.”
We both dive in without a word, and he’s right, it’s so dang good.
After a few minutes, he stands and fixes us a glass of milk. “I got a call tonight.”
“What kinda call, Daddy?”
“Ollie Strange has a wild one. He wants it checked out tomorrow. You want to go with me?”
“Yeah, but why’s he got a wild one anyways?”
“Who knows. I’m not even sure about the entire situation, but if he needs to be checked it’s not like it’s our first rodeo.”