Worth the Ride

by Casey Peeler

Chapter 30

  Weston

  I didn’t sleep for shit last night. All I could do was think about Timber saying yes. Getting up, I take a quick shower, peek in on Bryndle and then go out to check on Scarlett, Poncho and the rest of the farm.

  Arriving at the pasture, I see that Scarlett is continuing to adjust well. She walks toward me as I put out the feed and Poncho tries to nudge her out of the way. She isn’t having it. She makes herself known and moves him out of the way. I can’t help but laugh at those two, and how much they remind me of Timber and myself. She’s always been the one to go after what she wants and tell me to get out of her way. She’s always had a drive to succeed in everything she does, but the way she is with words and calling it like she sees it has always been my favorite thing about her. Until now. Now it’s the whole package, from her feistiness to her beauty inside and out.

  “What you up to, Cowboy?”

  Turning, I see my bride-to-be approaching. “Figured if I couldn’t sleep, I might as well get the day started.”

  “I feel ya,” she says as she walks up beside me and wraps her arms around my side. She stands on her tiptoes to kiss me. “Longest night of my life, but just so you know, this won’t stay a secret long. Your dad went straight to my folks last night.”

  “Not surprising.”

  “How’d that go?”

  “Mama’s already planning the wedding, but Weston, I just don’t know.” My heart sinks. “I don’t want a big wedding. I’d be happy with just our families and Bryndle. Something small and fast.”

  “Fast? What happened to slow?”

  She shrugs and looks up at me. “That shit’s overrated.” We both begin to laugh and I pull her into my arms. “So you gonna ride next weekend?” she asks, motioning toward the horses.

  “Might as well. You only live once.”

  “That’s right, Cowboy. Now, let’s go tell our favorite little girl.”

  She said “our.” She’s already taking Bryndle as her own, and that proves she’s the perfect fit for our little family.

  Timber

  Walking back into the house, Weston grabs us both a cup of coffee and I stand back and watch. He hands it to me and kisses my lips gently.

  “So… how’s this going to go?”

  “How’s what going to go?” Bryndle says with a yawn, walking toward Weston and giving him a hug. “Mornin’, Daddy.”

  “Mornin’, Sweet Peach,” he says, kissing the top of her head and assuring her that breakfast is on its way.

  “Timber, when did you get here?” she questions.

  “Oh not too long ago. I stopped by to check on Scarlett and make sure you slept okay.”

  “I did,” she says and then she pauses as she stares at my coffee cup. Damn, I forgot about my hand. “Is that what I think it is?” she questions, looking between the two of us, her excitement clearly building. I look to Weston, and let him handle this.

  “What have I told you about wishes and dreams?”

  “You have to keep dreaming because someday they will come true.”

  “Think about your wish from the front porch.” She closes her eyes like she’s picturing the exact moment.

  “I remember, Daddy.”

  “What if I told you dreams come true?”

  “Really? Timber’s gonna be my mama?” she squeals. Tears begin to fall and I can’t stop them. Crying isn’t my style, but there’s something innocent and pure in her voice. I hadn’t thought of the word ‘mama.’ For me, I was going to be Weston’s wife or better half, and her stepmom. I’d never try and replace Hannah, but knowing that was her wish did something to my soul. It made a piece of my heart open that I never knew existed. One that will fight for this child, love her through the ups and downs, and be there for her when she feels that life isn’t fair.

  I suddenly realize Weston has taken my coffee from my hands. His eyes meet mine. “You okay?”

  I nod. “I’m better than okay.” I look toward Bryndle, and open my arms for her. She smiles and jumps in my arms and I squeeze her tight. “I love you, Bryndle, and I would love to be your mama, if that’s okay with your daddy.”

  We both look to him and I hear him say, with pure confidence, the sweetest words, “There’s nothing that Hannah and I would love more.”

  Chapter 31

  Weston

  After talking to Bryndle, we didn’t have to say another word about it. By the time we got to church on Sunday morning, the entire congregation knew. When we combined our families into one pew, everything felt complete.

  On our way home, Bryndle asked a million questions about the rodeo this week, like what Timber would be doing and if she could go. I knew that I had to tell her about the arena. Glancing at Timber, she gives me a reassuring look.

  “What would you say if we all went to the rodeo for the entire weekend?”

  “Can we please?”

  “What if I told you we’re going to every event there from now on?”

  “You can’t be serious, Daddy. You’ve only taken me there once. Why all the time now?” Her eyes bug out of her head like she figured something out. “Are you going to ride?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ohmygawsh, Daddy!” she squeals from the back seat. Looking to Timber, she laughs and I do too.

  “It gets better, Sweet Peach.” She stops abruptly. “What if I told you we could go there whenever we want because I own the arena?”

  “You’re shittin’ me!” she says, then slaps her hand over her mouth and Timber tries her best not to laugh. “Sorry, Daddy, guess I’ve been around Paw too long.”

  “I’ll let that one slide, but no, I’m not kiddin’ you. It’s ours. You’re going to spend part of the week with Paw and I’m going to go on down there with Timber to make sure things are good to go for the weekend.”

  “But Daddy!”

  “No buts, y’all can come down every afternoon, but school’s important. Plus, I need someone to make sure Forrest handles the peaches.”

  “Oh Daddy, I got you there. Sometimes he’s so silly.”

  “Who? My brother?” Timber says sarcastically and we all laugh.

  Lunch is filled with wedding and rodeo talk, and once it’s finished, both of our families load up and go to the arena. Bryndle jumps out of the truck and hurries to check it out with James right on her tail.

  Opening the arena door, I hear my dad behind me. “Son, I can’t believe you kept tight-lipped all this time.”

  “I wasn’t sure I’d ever be ready to share it, but deep down, I think I knew that I had to. This place has so many memories and there are more to come.”

  “Well, let’s stop all this sappy talk and show me around.”

  I lead them around the arena, and most of it is the same except for out back. As we walk out there, I know they will have the same reaction as Timber.

  “Weston, it’s beautiful!” Jane says, and then she says something I didn’t see coming. “You know, this would be the perfect place for a weddin'.”

  “Mom, hello, we got engaged last night.”

  “Just a thought, but what do I know?” she says and does a grand hand gesture like it’s nothing.

  Once we are finished looking around, I let James and Bryndle play around for a little while and think about what Jane said. It’s given me an idea, but I don’t know if I can pull it off in a week.

  Timber

  The moment the words fly out of my mama’s mouth, it hits me how awesome this place would be for a wedding, but honestly, I don’t care if we get married after church one Sunday or ride to the justice of the peace.

  Once James and Bryndle have had their fun, we rope them back in and tell them it’s time to go. They put up a little fight, but Bryndle steals my heart with her sass.

  “I told you, I’m not going to be a barrel racer. I’m gonna ride saddle broncs like my daddy.”

  “You can’t. You’re a girl.”

  “And…”

  “And what?”

  “What’s
that got to do with anything? Bet I could beat you ridin’ one.”

  “No way.”

  Weston tries to keep his composure. “James, let me let you in on a little secret. The girl’s always right, and she could totally outride you.”

  James looks between us and Bryndle sticks her tongue out at him. Those two remind me of us at that age. Anything he could do, I could do better, except ride broncs.

  Chapter 32

  Weston

  This week I’ve had to bust my ass to make sure that everything is in order at the farm, Bryndle is packed, and I’m ready for the biggest ride of my life.

  Wednesday morning, I drop Bryndle off at school and head toward Timber’s. Pulling into her drive, I back in and attach the camper to my trailer hitch. She makes sure she has everything and tosses it in the back seat. We swing by the clinic for a few last minute items, and off to the rodeo we go.

  As we hit the highway, she stares out the window. “Whatcha thinkin’ about?”

  “A lot actually.”

  “I’d never have guessed.” She turns my way and smiles.

  “It’s a lot to remember when you’re getting ready to be the person looking after all of these animals. The paperwork over the past few weeks has been atrocious. Now, I’ve got to check to make sure that everything is ready to go and pray one doesn’t get hurt.”

  “Has that ever happened?”

  “Nothing major, but I’ve had to deal with a few cuts and scrapes. It’s the fear of what could happen, but man, being in that setting, it’s like nothing else.” I start to laugh. “Oh hush, I know you know exactly what I mean.”

  “Why do you think I’m laughing? Of anyone, you know how much I love being in this element, but you know what I love most about it?”

  “What?”

  “Us. We are in this together, and it’s like all along God knew you were it for me before I ever did. Timber, I don’t mean to get all serious, but it’s true. You were the girl that was by my side through everything. Yeah, you moved away and weren’t around when Bryndle was little, but you have always been there for me.”

  “I’ve thought about that a lot too. Our relationship is different than most. It’s new, but I already know what makes you tick or ticks you off, your favorites, and I’ve always been able to trust you. Isn’t it funny we never crossed this line back then?”

  “There’s no way. Timber, I was so caught up in the rodeo I wasn’t worried too much about girls, except for a quick roll in the hay.”

  “Hold up, I don’t want to hear about all that. I lived it, remember?”

  “My point is back then I wouldn’t have appreciated what we could have been.” My mind starts to think about her back then and a smile spreads across my face.

  “Oh shit, Cowboy. Why you grinnin’ like that?”

  “You do realize that if I would have tried to hook up with you, you’d have called me out.”

  “Exactly. I could always see through your shit. So, let’s talk rodeo. You ready to ride?”

  “Oh yeah I am,” I say, knowing damn well I’m not talking about a horse. When she smiles, I know she’s thinking the same thing.

  Arriving at the arena, we check in with Boss at the gate. He’s kept this place running since it was sold and gives me a look when we arrive.

  “Weston, you riding?”

  “I am and Timber here is the on-duty vet.”

  “Hey, Boss! Long time no see.”

  He tells us which spot is ours and we park the camper, set it up, and make sure everything is ready to go at the mobile vet clinic. As we work, I steal glances in her direction and she’s stunning. I seriously don’t know how I didn’t notice her back then, but then again, I’m thankful I didn’t.

  Timber

  As we work to prep for the upcoming weekend, I can’t help but wonder how this place functioned without people knowing he was behind it. I shake it off, and steal glances of his perfect ass every moment I can.

  Once I’ve set up the vet clinic, we go back to the camper and take a break. Walking to the refrigerator, I take out ham, cheese, and mayo to make our lunch. Weston follows me inside and looks in the cabinet for plates, chips, and the loaf of bread.

  “Thank you,” I say as he places the bread on each plate and slides them toward me. As I finish making the sandwiches, he adds the chips and grabs us a bottle of water. He takes the plates to the table and as I sit across from him in this little old camper, I realize that this is what life is about. This moment is a tick on our timeline and it’s the little moments that matter most. He takes a bite of his sandwich and as he places it back down and picks up a chip, I stare at him. “I love you, Cowboy.” He stops mid-bite and stares back at me.

  “I love you more,” he says as he picks up another chip and continues to eat. It’s amazing how fast you fall when you let love lead.

  After lunch, we take a walk around and know that this is more than a weekend rodeo. It’s going to be a part of our future.

  Chapter 33

  Weston

  I’m a damn nervous wreck. Timber and I arrived midweek and I’ve been trying to hold my shit together, but I don’t know how much longer I can. Tonight is the kickoff to the rodeo with the annual dance. It’s been a long time since I’ve attended one of these, and tonight is going to be nothing but amazing with her on my arm.

  Bryndle and Dad arrived after school and Timber showed her the clinic. Since then they’ve been getting dolled up. Dad and I throw on new jeans and pearl snap shirts and we are ready to go. We take a seat outside the camper with a cold beer and enjoy the afternoon catching up. He tells me about the farm and says that this weekend is prime time. I feel bad not being there, but it’s time to ride.

  “You ready?” Dad asks.

  “As ready as I’m gonna be, I guess. Funny we’re sitting back here, huh?”

  “Nah, I always knew you’d get that itch again, but I think you’re gonna have your hands full with those two,” he says as he points toward the camper door.

  As the sounds of Timber and Bryndle singing the newest Miranda Lambert song come through the windows, I know he’s right. Now I’m not just wrapped around one girl’s finger, I’m wrapped around two.

  When the music goes silent, I know they are ready. As the screen door pushes open, I do a double take.

  Timber comes out first. Her hair is down and curled and she’s wearing a short tutu-like skirt with a denim top and her boots. I don’t know how that even goes together, but it’s sexy as hell. She smiles my way and I extend my hand to help her walk down the steps from the camper.

  “Damn, you look hot,” I say and she kisses my cheek.

  “Oh wait until you see Bryndle. She’s stunning,” Timber says as she looks toward the door and Bryndle appears in the exact same outfit. In that moment, I don’t have a little girl anymore. I have a young lady. I let go of Timber’s hand and go to help her as well.

  “Sweet Peach, you look beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Daddy. Timber bought it for me.”

  “When?” I turn to her.

  “I have my ways. What y’all say we do some dancing?” she questions with a smile. Paw stands and takes Bryndle on his arm and Timber takes mine as we make the short walk to the dance floor.

  With each step, my heart begins to beat out of my chest and I feel like I’m sweating bullets. Stealing glances at Timber as we walk, I want to etch this moment in my mind forever.

  Timber

  As we get closer to the dance floor, I sense that something is wrong or something’s not quite right. Weston looks like he’s scared to death.

  “Hey, you okay?” I whisper to him.

  “Yeah, this makes it real, you know.”

  “It does, but you know you’re ready to ride tomorrow, and Bryndle is so excited to see you. I mean, I am too, but you should have heard her in there today. You’ve got this, Cowboy.” We both pause and I kiss his cheek.

  As we enter the side of the arena and make our way toward the dance flo
or, he tells Bryndle and his dad to go on in. He turns to me and leans down, placing his perfect lips on mine. “I love you, Timber,” he says with a smile.

  “I love you too, Cowboy. Now let’s go dance.”

  As we reach the threshold of the dance hall, I hear the band playing Kip Moore’s “Hey Pretty Girl” through the speakers. Man, I love that song. Weston looks my way and smiles as we walk inside, but my mind can’t comprehend what I see in front of me. The dance area has been transformed into a country girl’s dream. The twinkling of lights flicker as the sun is setting outside, mason jars are everywhere, but it’s what I notice at the stage that makes my heart skip a beat. It’s Pastor Jim. He’s standing there in a pair of jeans and a pearl snap shirt while everyone around him continues to dance to the music. My hand flies to my mouth as I look between him and Weston.

  “Do you love or hate me right now?” he asks.

  “Oh, Cowboy, I love you. How in the hell did you pull this off?”

  “Your mama,” he says with a wink, and then it hits me. She mentioned Bryndle and me having matching outfits and even helped me order them since I was busy with the clinic. Looking around, I spy her dancing with my daddy and smile. She mouths I love you, and I do the same. “Let’s get married.”

  “Let’s do it,” she says with a smile and as the music plays we walk arm in arm to Pastor Jim, who’s moved to the foot of the stage. The band doesn’t miss a beat as it continues to play and the cowboys and cowgirls continue to dance around us. I face Weston and we take each other’s hands as Pastor Jim performs a short and sweet ceremony. When he says, “You can kiss the bride,” Weston wastes no time and captures my lips.

  As we pull away, it hits me. This isn’t official. Weston must sense something is wrong. “Hold your taters, I’ve got this covered,” he says as a man that looks like he is all business appears with some paperwork. We quickly fill out the information to make it official and he promises to take the signed documents straight to the courthouse.

  Pausing, I look at the man in front of me. “You are amazing, Weston Parker.”

  “You’re amazing, Mrs. Parker.” Hearing those words for the first time makes it real, and I can’t wait to start this life with him. This man has me mesmerized and I wouldn’t have it any other way.