Tutus & Cowboy Boots (Part 2)

by Casey Peeler

  Aaron and I stand around and when I can’t stand to watch Cadence from a distance any longer, I excuse myself and make my way to her. She smiles and her face glows from the light of the fire.

  As the radio from the barn begins to play a slow song, I take her in my arms and dance like we’re at The Loft. When the song ends, I place my forehead on hers as she smiles.

  “I think I could get used to this bonfire thing,” she whispers.

  “Why’s that?” I question.

  “That’s easy. I get to be here with you. Even though there are people around, I feel as if it’s only me and you under the stars,” she says as I lean in to kiss her lips.

  Chapter 16

  Cadence

  Today’s my birthday! I lie in bed reminiscing about my magical night with Barrick. He just makes everything better. When my alarm clock rings, I get dressed, slide on my paisley galoshes and head to the barn.

  Barrick is already here and I’m excited that he’ll be the first sight I see. When I open the door, I’m shocked. The entire barn has been decorated with balloons and streamers and Barrick steps out from a stall with a bouquet of flowers and a wrapped present in his hand.

  “Happy birthday, Cadence,” he says with a smile and I start to cry. If this is the beginning of my day, I can only imagine what’s to come. “Are you okay?” he says, hurrying to me and I nod my head. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I’m just shocked. When did you…” I start to say as Mom and Gran appear and it all begins to make sense.

  “I might have had a little help,” he says with a wink.

  “Thanks,” I say with a smile as he hands me the flowers and then the box. I look at Mom and Gran, who are smiling from ear to ear. “Mom, will you take these?” I ask as I pass her the flowers.

  I unwrap the present, and my heart beats out of my chest. What could he have gotten me? As I begin to pull the lid from the box, an overpowering leather aroma tickles my nose. I’m speechless when I look at the gift. Boots. He bought me a pair of boots? I take them from the box and look at them. Oh my gosh, these are the boots from Buckle. They cost a small fortune. Boots?

  “What do you think?” he asks.

  “Barrick, they’re too much,” I say.

  “No, they’re not. I know boots aren’t really your thing, but if you’re going to hang around here you can’t wear those galoshes out in public.”

  “Do you think I’m country enough to wear them?” I ask hesitantly.

  “How ‘bout you hold onto them, and wear them when you think the time is right?”

  I start to laugh because he’s exactly right. Boots aren’t my thing, and I’m not sure I’ll ever wear these. The thought behind this gift means more to me than the actual gift itself.

  I place them back in the box and look up at him. “Thank you so much, Barrick.”

  “You don’t like them, do you?” I don’t want to hurt his feelings.

  “No, I like them. You knew that when we looked at them in the store, but I’m not sure I’m ready for this step.”

  “Step?”

  “Yeah, like, completely signing up for this country girl stuff,” I say, looking up at him. He starts to laugh.

  “It’s okay. I get it, but one day, you’re gonna rock those boots,” he says and I can’t do anything but hold them in my hands while I quickly kiss his lips.

  He kisses me again, but quickly retracts when we hear someone clear their throat. Gran. I look over at her and she shakes her head.

  “Y’all two. You’ins forgot we were even in here. You better watch those two,” she says to Mom.

  “I think everything’s fine, Mother,” she says before giving me the mom stare. “Let’s get these cows milked, shall we?” Mom says as they move toward the milking station. I look at Barrick and he pulls me in for another hug before we get our chores started.

  As we finish up, I take a few minutes to talk to Daisy. I show her my new boots from Barrick, and even ask her opinion. She moos and I assume that means she likes them. I take a minute and look around the barn. I want to remember this moment, surrounded by the people and cow that I love.

  “Watcha thinkin’?” he asks.

  “How lucky I am,” I say.

  “Nah, I’m the lucky one,” he says as he stands behind me and wraps his arms around me. We don’t say a word for several minutes and I wonder where the future leads and if I’ll ever become a true country girl.

  As we walk into the house, we head straight to the washroom to wash our hands and get ready for breakfast. When we walk into the kitchen, I do a double take when I see my favorite croissant on the table with a candle in it.

  “Mom! How’d you get that?” I say, pointing toward the table.

  “I had Lauren’s mom buy them and express mail them,” she says and it makes me happy to know they’d do that for me.

  “Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m digging in,” I say and as my fork is about to touch the flakey goodness, Mom stops me.

  “Not before we sing.” I shake my head, but there’s no use. They all begin to sing “Happy Birthday” to me and I even have to blow out the candle on top. The ooey-gooey goodness is well worth the wait.

  We sit around the table while Mom and Gran tell Barrick stories about me as a kid and embarrass me to no end. Then Gran gives me the rest of the day off, and tells Barrick he can leave after lunch. Today is going to be an amazing day.

  I veto not working at the barn the rest of the day. Instead, I go and help Barrick because the sooner he finishes, the sooner we can celebrate. I lead Daisy into the pasture when we finish, and ask Barrick how much longer she has until she delivers. I’m shocked when he says any day now, and questions start to flood my mind about what will happen once the calf arrives.

  Barrick

  I can see the wheels turning in Cadence’s mind about Daisy’s delivery. It’s going to be an experience for her, to say the least, but one that I believe will make her fall hard for the country way of life. There’s something about seeing a new life being born. It will change her.

  Once we finish, I tell her not to worry and to go and get ready while I run home to change. We have a fun-filled day ahead, and I can’t wait to get it started.

  Arriving at my house, I shower, shave, and get ready. I feel like there is so much more riding on today than just Cadence’s birthday. We haven’t been on a date in so long, and I just want her by my side. I know the competition season isn’t over, but at least we don’t have to worry about it tonight.

  Sliding on my jeans, I take a moment and scan my closet for the perfect shirt and I have no doubt when I select the shirt that Cadence insisted on buying me. I grab my ball cap and slide it on before stopping by my sister’s room.

  “Jade, you in there?”

  “Whatcha need, Bare?” she questions as she pulls the door open, and I’m shocked to see she’s dolled up.

  “Where are you going?” I ask her.

  “Helloooo. You didn’t think that after planning this whole shindig, I’d let you take all of the credit?” I should have known. “Nah, I’m just kiddin’. I’ve got a hot date with Aaron.”

  “It better not be too hot,” I state, giving her the protective brother look.

  “No worries. We’re going to supper then will meet you later tonight. That’s still the plan, right?” she questions.

  “Sure is,” I say.

  “So what did you need?” she asks and I suddenly realize why I had walked to her room in the first place.

  “Does this shirt look okay?” I ask, needing confirmation.

  “It’s bad ass. You didn’t pick it out, did you?” she questions and when I don’t reply she has her answer. “She’s got great taste. Hello? Did you see what she bought me for Christmas? Now get out of here and go have fun. I’ll see you later tonight.”

  Shaking my head I walk out of my sister’s room, say goodbye to my parents and walk out to my truck.

  Chapter 17

  Cadence
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  After I get ready, I spend some time with Mom and Gran. They figured I’d be out late tonight and decide to give me their gifts early. I’m super excited about the new dance apparel and shoes. Gran also gives me a hairpin that was her mother’s. It looks like old yellow gold with a line of pearls. It’s breathtaking and when she tells me the story about how her daddy gave it to her mother, I love it even more.

  I ask her to help me place it in my hair, and when she takes a step back I see her eyes glisten.

  “It’s beautiful just like you, Cade,” she admires.

  “Thanks, Gran.”

  As I wait for Barrick to arrive back at the house, my stomach flutters as I wonder what he has planned. I think back to our trip to Asheville and how much fun it was. Excitement runs through my veins when I hear a knock on the door. I glance out the kitchen window hoping it’s Barrick, but it’s a mail carrier instead. Gran opens the door and then I hear her mumble under her breath. This can’t be good. She walks toward me and hands me the small package. Looking at the handwriting, I know it’s from Dad.

  I toss the package on the counter and stomp to my room. I don’t even want to bother opening it today. Today’s my day. He almost ruined New Year’s and I’ll be damned if he’s going to ruin my birthday.

  “Cadence, don’t you want to see what it is?” Mom asks as she follows me to my room.

  “Nope,” I say bluntly.

  “Well, I’ll leave it here on your dresser for later. You might want to see. Who knows? Maybe it’s a peace offering,” she says as I whip myself around to her.

  “Peace offering? Are you kidding me right now? Mom, this is what he does. He disappears from my life and just as I’m moving on he shows back up. Who does that?”

  “He’s your father. I don’t know why he does what he does. I gave up trying to figure him out, but you still need to be respectful,” she states.

  “Well, he needs to learn how to be considerate and quit trying to buy my love,” I say as I turn around and wipe the single tear from my eye. He will not ruin today. He will not.

  Barrick

  I take a deep breath as I walk toward Ms. Mae’s front door. I knock and Ms. Mae answers the door with a flustered look on her face.

  “Everything okay?” I question as I take a step inside, and that’s when I hear Regina.

  “Mother! What am I going to do with her?” she says, rounding the corner and stopping in her tracks when she sees me. “Oh, I’m sorry, Barrick. Cadence is in her room. Hold on, I’ll go and get her.”

  Seeing the pleading in Ms. Mae’s eyes, I do something that’s not typical of me. “Can I go and check on her?” I question.

  “By all means,” Regina states, moving out of my way.

  I walk in front of her and down the hall until I reach Cadence’s room. The door is open and I can see her standing in the mirror with her arms crossed. Knocking, I wait for her to answer. She glances up and sees my reflection in the mirror, and that’s when she gives me a tiny smile.

  As Cadence turns around, I enter her room. She doesn’t say anything but the look on her face shows relief and thankfulness.

  “You okay?” I question as I place my hand on her cheek.

  “I will be now,” she says as she places her head into my chest and I hold her tight.

  I don’t ask her what happened, but if I were a betting man, I’d say it was her dad. He’s always the culprit of her emotional rollercoaster.

  “Whatever it is, let’s not worry about it until tomorrow. What do you say?” I ask her.

  “That sounds like the perfect plan to me,” she says as I drape one arm over her shoulder and walk toward the front door. We stop and talk to Ms. Mae and Regina. They are relieved that Cadence feels better. Cadence gives her mom an extra long hug. Then Regina tells us to have a fabulous night and to call if we are going to be later than planned. I’m ready to give my girl the night of her life.

  Chapter 18

  Cadence

  Walking out the door with Barrick by my side makes me happy. A part of me wants to know what’s in the package Dad sent but I will deal with it tomorrow. Today is about me being happy.

  Barrick opens the door for me, but when I take a seat I notice a cutout star on the seat. I look to him, then take it in my hand and read it quietly, “Cadence today is your day. Take this star and make a birthday wish. Keep it with you and watch your wish come true. Love, Barrick.”

  I pull the star to my chest and look at him. “Thank you,” I say as he smiles and I know everything is going to be perfect.

  Barrick turns the ignition and we make our way to an unknown destination. Within thirty minutes, we’re on the interstate heading toward Charlotte. When we pass the exit for the airport, I take a deep breath. I don’t think I could handle a surprise visitor. He continues toward downtown Charlotte, until he parks in front of a restaurant that looks like a hole in the wall.

  “I know it doesn’t look like much, but it’s the best Italian food you will eat this side of the Mason-Dixon line.”

  “Well, let’s see about that,” I say with a wink. Barrick opens my door and we enter the quaint restaurant. The lights are dim and Italian music softly plays through the speakers. A middle-aged woman seats us at a corner booth. Barrick waits for me to take a seat and then does the same. The waiter appears and takes our drink orders.

  As he walks away, Barrick smiles at me. “Well, what do you think so far?” he asks.

  “I feel like I’m in Lady and the Tramp,” I state.

  “So it feels like a fairytale?”

  “Absolutely. How did you know about this place?” I question.

  “It’s been around for years. My parents visit here when they want to get away. They would bring Jade and I here every once in a while.”

  The waiter reappears, takes our order, and then we enjoy a sweet conversation while we wait for our food. After our main course, the wait staff brings me a small dessert and sings what I assume is “Happy Birthday” in Italian.

  As the candle is extinguished, I wish for a perfect night with Barrick and whatever else he has planned.

  Barrick

  Watching Cadence enjoy her meal made me extremely happy. She smiled, laughed, and even made a few jokes. I feel as if we are the only two people in the world right now and I wouldn’t trade this time with her for anything.

  After her birthday dessert, we leave and I take her to Center City. It’s still early and the plans for the remainder of the evening are still in the works. Cadence and I explore the shops, people watch, and even stop to listen to a guy playing his guitar on the side of the road. As we approach the Center for the Performing Arts, I see her face light up when she sees there’s a performance tonight.

  “Barrick, is this my surprise?” she questions.

  “Maybe,” I state as I wrap my arm around her waist and lead her toward the door. “You can also thank Ms. Mae, your mom, and Jade.”

  “You mean you’re not taking all of the credit?” she asks with a nudge.

  “They helped me decide on a show and find the tickets. Jade is super resourceful when I need her to be,” I say with a laugh.

  “Thank you,” she says as she pauses and looks me in the eyes. I kiss her forehead as we make our way to the ticket booth and enter the auditorium.

  Cadence’s emotions are all over her face as she watches the ballet. I am so captivated by her that I end up watching her instead of the stage. When it ends, she stands and applauds as a tear falls from her face. As the house lights rise, she smiles at me. I think she liked her surprise.

  As we drive back to Delight, she keeps her hand locked in mine. When we are almost to town, Jade’s name lights up on my phone. Please tell me you have everything ready. Cadence gives me a questioning look, but I don’t give anything away. I just keep driving to our spot. When I pull onto the gravel road, Cadence knows exactly where we are going and she smiles from ear to ear.

  As we pull up to our spot, there is a soft glow in the darkness.r />
  “When did you do this?” she questions.

  “Jade and Aaron took care of it for me.”

  “Where are they?”

  “Hopefully not still here,” I tease.

  Cadence lets out a soft gasp as she takes in the lights and I know she likes what she sees.

  Cadence

  Mason jars, with lights inside each of them, are hung from a line between the trees. They twinkle in the night sky as the air moves them gracefully, but what I notice most is the enormous gold star hanging in the center with the word “Prom?” written on it. When I look down there is a blanket spread out on the ground with a basket sitting next to it. When I look back up at Barrick, he’s holding a small box. He opens it and displays a gold ring with a single cutout star in the middle.

  “Barrick. It’s beautiful,” I say.

  “Cadence, as I look into the night sky, there’s not a star that shines as bright as you. Can I be your date to prom?” he questions and I suddenly realize the amazement of this moment. A boy, who has no desire to go back to high school, is willing to go to prom with me.

  “I wouldn’t want to go with anyone else, Mr. Carpenter,” I say as he takes my hand and slides the small star ring on my right index finger.

  “Cadence, each time you look at this ring, know that your wishes can come true as long as you lead the way,” he says.

  “Right now, I only want to be in this moment with you,” I say as he pulls me in and our lips crash together. I can’t get close enough to him and I can’t express my thoughts, so we let our lips tell each other how we’re feeling. Suddenly, I hear a squeal and jump away from Barrick. I turn and see Jade jumping up and down next to Aaron.

  “Oh my gosh y’all, that was the sweetest moment ever!”

  “Yeah, that you totally ruined,” Barrick mumbles under his breath and I start to giggle.