Finals had come and gone this week without any issue. She’d taken the last one Friday night, and if it hadn’t been for tonight’s meeting, she and Travis would’ve left already. Rachael had eked out a B average which was outstanding considering the chain of events that had transpired. She breathed a sigh of relief and was just glad it was all behind her now.
Rachael had a lot to accomplish back home. Aunt Margaret had a therapist that came in three times each week, but Rachael knew she needed Rachael’s help with cooking and cleaning. Travis acknowledged he’d have his hands full keeping Michael on the straight and narrow in his newfound freedom with the truck. Rachael reminded him that he’d helped create this monster and Michael would need his guidance more now than anything. Michael respected Travis, seeing him as a role-model and big brother.
Mr. Harte had gone back to work and seemed to be fully focused on regaining his career path that had been so badly marred by his criminal record. He poured himself into his work and Rachael had to remind herself that it might be exactly what he needed right now. In time, she was sure he’d slow his pace and find balance once more.
Rachael crossed the shell parking lot to her own car and climbed through the window. She glanced in the rearview mirror at the welcome sight of Travis and winked at him. He carefully pulled out onto the road, following her all the way home to Baxter ranch where they’d agreed to spend most nights in the privacy of the guest house. It was small and cozy- and while Travis wanted more seclusion and privacy, Rachael was sure if she knew him like she thought she did, he had all sorts of private getaways planned for the two of them. She smiled at the thought of exploring those back, twisting, winding roads further with Travis. With him at her side, the ride may get rough and at times go a little bit sideways, but they always seemed to find their way back to what was important…each other.
#
Rachael stood in the Baxter’s Barn, her hair hanging in long, champagne curls. Her make-up was light and fresh. Cotton candy lips and nails set the entire look off to flawlessness. Travis wore his black Stetson, new jeans, boots, and a black pearl snap Western shirt. A cow lowed in the back pasture and a warm summer breeze carried the scent of roses throughout the large, center aisle of the barn. Bales of hay lined the stall doors, creating additional seating, while rows of chairs placed directly in front of them provided ample seating for their fifty guests.
Rachael’s peasant dress hung off her shoulders. It’s fitted bodice and loose flowing skirt was cool for an evening vow renewal. It had three-quarter length sleeves that tapered elegantly to the forearms. The rose pink hue brought out the soft blush color of her cheeks and brilliance of her eyes.
Travis’s green eyes focused intently on Rachael’s blue ones. She couldn’t remember a time when she’d seen him look more handsome. His tanned hands and face set against the black of his shirt and cowboy hat made his eyes pop. He was clean shaven and she desperately wanted to touch his face during the service, but didn’t dare.
The minister was from his church. He’d come out three days prior to the service and met with the two of them. They’d discussed family, children, and raising them in the church. Rachael hadn’t given much thought to all of this, but the meeting revealed that all of these things were of the utmost importance to Travis. Rachael made a commitment to work with him in order to achieve it all.
Mr. and Mrs. Baxter were there, seated in the front row, alongside her very own father. Aunt Margaret held her cane between her knees. She had walked in on her own and looked stronger with each passing day. Her scars had healed and her hair had grown back in where it had been shaved. Mr. Harte had taken it upon himself to mow her lawn and clean her barn every week.
Wade and his family had driven in from Lake City for the service. It was the first time Rachael had met his parents. Linda and Wade, Sr. were kind, good-natured people and she hoped to spend more time with them over the years to come. Shannah’s hair was cut in a long shag, tapered layers framing her face. It wasn’t what Rachael would define as short, but it certainly made her look much older. Perhaps twenty-three or twenty-four years old. It gave her that college-girl look every girl sought to have once they went off to school. There was one thing for certain. She'd gotten Wade’s attention- every ounce of it. He’d graduated early, just as he’d planned, and gone home for the summer. Shannah would return to school in the fall- and he’d drive in to see her regularly.
Michael and Levi looked very fetching in their Western shirts, Levis, and boots. Both guys had styled their hair just so, therefore ruling out hats of any kind. They had dates with them. Kara, Michael’s date, was new and Rachael had never met her before. She was tall and had jet black hair. It was sleek and long. She held his hand and Rachael wondered how long they’d been an item.
All of Travis’s crew was there. Jason, Adam, Clay, and Gabe. Of course, Ty had not been invited. Rachael’s friends, Ellery, Amber, Alex, and half the dance team had made it. Of course, Honey and Misty hadn’t been invited. Brittany, on the other hand, had been invited but had chosen not to attend. While that hurt a little, Rachael now realized that just because she’d offered her forgiveness it didn’t mean things would ever go back to the way they once had been. It wasn’t possible.
Maysie’s belly looked like she was going to pop. She was due any day and Rachael figured a late June baby equaled hot and miserable in the warm Florida climate. Tristan held her hand, watching her more closely than the actual ceremony taking place around them.
Rachael repeated her vows, and while the only thing that could’ve made this day brighter was her own mother’s presence, she knew deep down that she was there. She could feel Mrs. Harte’s presence around her and in her. Her mother was smiling down on her- Rachael knew it. She looked forward to the day that they could relive the moment together. For now, things were on pause in her relationship with her mother- but as she learned before, pause is merely a hold- not an end.
Travis leaned down, kissing Rachael’s cotton candy lips, pulling her into his warm embrace. Rachael kissed him back, gently binding their lives together in front of God, family, and friends.
Acknowledgements
To Brandi, my diamond sister and trusted friend of twenty-plus years. God put us on a path together. We’ve seen each other through many things and still we ride on. I love you and always will!
To Leslie, my outspoken, courageous friend. You were always the voice of reason for many of us. You kept us grounded and centered. I’m so happy to have you in my life- now and always.
To Kerrie, we’ve laughed together and cried together. You were strong when I was weak. You were there to listen and provide timely advice. Distance can’t separate us- it never has.
To Alpha Delta Pi, you don’t know how much you’ve changed my life. More than a sorority, you were a group of women who helped me become who I am. I cherish my days in the Zeta Omega Chapter.
About the Author
JENNY HAMMERLE is a sixth-generation Floridian and grew up on a working cattle ranch. She’s been bucked off more than a few times and lived to write about it. The Redneck Debutante® Series revolves around rural Florida and ranch life. “My favorite place to be is at the hunt camp, sitting around the camp fire and listening to, or in some cases telling funny stories! I also love to work cows in the cow pens- branding, tagging, marking, legging, and parting out calves to keep or sell!”
Jenny is the mother of two wonderful little boys and lives in Florida. On any given day, you can find her building fence on one of her family’s ranches or working on her latest novel at home.
The Redneck Debutante® Series is a series about girls who are a mix of country and city, balancing two very different worlds. From cotillion to cowgirl, this is the story of one Redneck Debutante’s life!
www.jennyhammerle.com
Twitter @jennyhammerle
The Redneck Debutante® Series:
Redneck Debutante, book 1
Cowgirl Down, book 2
Cowgirl Strong,
book 3
Cowgirl Coed, book 4
Cowgirl Coed (Redneck Debutante Series Book 4) Page 23