Worth the Ride

by Casey Peeler

Within a few minutes, we’re called to the table, and I think how I’d love to share this table every Sunday. Taking a seat between Bryndle and Timber, I say an extra prayer for what our future could hold.

  We all make small talk while we eat, but when Forrest pipes up, I’m scared of what is going to come out of his mouth. I haven’t had time to tell him everything about Timber and me, but I have a feeling she has or he knows enough. It’s weird that my best friend is my girlfriend’s brother.

  “I heard you rode Scarlett,” he says.

  “I did, but that’s it.”

  “Daddy, that can’t be it. You were awesome.”

  I shoot Bryndle a look that tells her not to go any further with this conversation. “Well, if you don’t ride her, I’m going to.”

  “Bryndle, we can talk about this later.”

  “No, I want to ride her Daddy. You told me we’ll see.”

  “And it meant we’ll see. Now did you show Maw Jane your nails from the sleepover?”

  She smiles and shows off her manicure, and that’s when I hear Timber start talking beside me. “Maybe you should let her try. You know how calm Scarlett is around her.” I see Bryndle perk up and give Timber a stern look. “I know I’m not in charge, but I think she could do it,” she states.

  “You’re right. You’re not in charge. She’s my daughter and I make those decisions.”

  “Understood,” she says calmly but I can see she’s pissed. Everyone’s eyes are on me but they don’t say anything. I do my best to change the subject but when Timber finishes eating she quickly excuses herself from the table. Everyone looks at me again.

  “Go after her, Daddy.”

  I look to everyone around me, toss my napkin in my seat, and try to refrain from running out of the dining room. As I hear the screen door slam, I pick up my pace. As she reaches the pebble rock at the base of the steps, I grab her arm.

  “Let go of my arm, Weston.”

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that, but I get protective with her. I understand what you’re trying to say, but I can’t let her. She’s my baby, Timber, and I’d never forgive myself if something happened.”

  She starts to relax and so do I. “What if you don’t let her ride and she could have been something great? Have you thought about that?”

  I pause, realizing that thought never crossed my mind. What if I am hindering her from being great?

  “I’ve never looked at it like that.”

  “Well, maybe you should.”

  “Maybe, but while we’re out here let’s lay it all out on the table.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” she asks, crossing her arms.

  “I talked to Bryndle last night, and she wants you to be a part of our lives as much as I do.”

  Timber’s hands cover her mouth like she’s unsure of what I just said. “You did what?”

  “We talked about life, Timber. My daughter is involved in everything I do. When you left yesterday, we had a nice little conversation about the sleepover, our date, and you.”

  “Please tell me you left out some details.”

  I give her a look, “You know better than that. We talked, Timber, because I had to know how she felt about things even if I kinda knew already.”

  “What did she say?”

  “When I mentioned one day adding someone else to our family, she said she hopes it’s going to be you. She’s never expressed the need for a female in our lives, but the look on her face told me more than I could imagine. I know this all sounds crazy and fast, but Timber, I’ve never felt so sure of anything in my life. You are it.”

  “Slow your roll there, Cowboy. We went on one date and now you’re what… wanting to get married or some shit?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m sayin’.”

  Timber

  What in the hell? How did we go from trying to take it slow to him asking me to be his wife? It’s time to put on the breaks for sure!

  “Have you lost your damn mind? I mean, damn, I know things went a little faster than planned last night, but marriage? Are you kidding me?” Taking a breath, I pause and stare at the man in front of me who isn’t amused but looks somewhat aggravated with me. “What?”

  “Are you finished yet?” How dare he? I am about to continue when he steps closer and kisses me with so much force that the state of Texas must have felt it. My body gives in and I know this is his way of getting me to be quiet, but also to prove that he’s serious. The question is, is this what I want? Am I ready to step up to the plate and be a wife and a mother?

  As he pulls away, I stand there breathless and speechless.

  “That wasn’t a proposal, but I want you to know that I want you. I want all of you and I’ve waited my entire life to find the one person that makes me whole. It’s you, Timber, and one day very soon, I’m going to ask you to be my wife. So get all that shit swimming around in your head out. I want you. You are worth it, and you will be mine.”

  Damn. Now that right there was the Weston Parker I have known my entire life. He calls it like he sees it, isn’t afraid to lay it all out, and when he’s sure of something the entire world will know.

  “Now, can we go back inside?” he questions. I nod.

  “‘Bout time, you two!” Mama shouts. “I was about to call in the cavalry.”

  “Nah, we’re good,” I state and everyone looks at me like I’m crazy. “Sorry, y’all no tornado is about to hit. I think it did enough damage outside.”

  They all start to laugh and as Mama leaves the room to get dessert, I stand to help her.

  Walking into the kitchen, she spins on her heels quickly. “Spill it fast before they get suspicious.”

  “Mama, he wants to marry me. Who says that after one date?”

  “A man who’s confident in what he wants. Now, grab those plates and let’s get back out there.”

  Walking back to the table, I see that Weston is staring straight at me. I try my best to keep my composure as I place the small plates on the table and begin to serve the peach cobbler. Once everyone has a plate, we dig in, and it’s like we are eating a little piece of heaven.

  “Well, it must be good. Y’all haven’t said one word,” she says joyfully.

  “It’s amazing, Maw,” James says with food in his mouth. Mandy gives him an evil eye for his lack of manners.

  After lunch, we all help clear the table and clean up, but once it’s time to go, Bryndle comes up to me.

  “You ready to go fishing?”

  “Of course! I’ve got to go to the loft but I’ll come over in just a little bit. Want me to meet you at the pond?” I ask, turning to Weston.

  “Sure.”

  Everyone goes their separate ways, and as I’m about to walk out of the house, Mama and Daddy stop me.

  “Have a seat, young lady,” Daddy says and I know this is serious.

  “So your mama has informed me of what happened outside. What’s really goin’ on in that pretty little head of yours?”

  “Is it crazy to think it could work? It’s been one date, but it’s not like I don’t know Weston. I’ve known him my entire life, and last night was amazing. Y’all, he showed me something that proves there’s more to him than what meets the eye.”

  “What was it?” Daddy questions.

  “I can’t tell you, but I’m positive you’ll know soon enough. But I’m worried about Bryndle. She likes me now, but being his wife, things could change. She’s not always going to like me.”

  Mama starts to giggle, “That’s part of the territory, sweet girl, but I think you already know your answer.”

  They don’t say anything else so I head to the loft to take a few minutes to myself. As I pull my hair through my ball cap, I glance down at what I’m wearing. It’s too dang hot for this top. Going to my closet, I pull out my favorite Shug & Honey tank top. Scripted on the front are the words “grace not perfection.” Those are words my mama has tried to explain to me my entire life, and when I saw it, I had to have
it. I put on an old pair of cutoffs and slide on my boots. Now, it’s time to go fishing.

  Chapter 26

  Weston

  Lord knows I can be an arrogant ass but I go after what I want. I have no idea what Timber will do after she’s had time to process what I said but I can’t quit smiling.

  “Daddy, why you grinnin’ so hard?” Bryndle asks as we gather the fishing poles and bait in the barn.

  “No reason.”

  “I call BS on that.”

  “Bryndle Cole, watch your mouth.”

  “I didn’t say it, but Daddy, something is up with you.”

  “I’m happy. Is that okay?”

  “Yeah, but you and Timber got in a fight at lunch. That shouldn’t make you happy.”

  Pausing, I say, “We had a few words, but she helped me realize something I hadn’t thought of. Now don’t get too excited, but what if I let you try and ride Scarlett sometime? Not today, but sometime.”

  “Are you serious?” she all but squeals.

  “Yes, I’m not saying I’m letting you enter a rodeo or anything, but I want you to give it a shot here at the house.”

  She drops the fishing pole and flings her arms around my waist. “Thank you, Daddy.”

  When she settles down, we grab our things and head to the pond on the Gator. As we approach, I see the most beautiful creature in the world, Timber. Thank goodness Bryndle is here or I might have my way with Timber out here for everyone to see.

  “Daddy, she’s so pretty.”

  “Yes, she is, but she’s pretty on the inside too and that’s what matters most. Just like you, Sweet Peach.”

  Looking at Timber, I try my best not to gawk at her long-ass legs in those short shorts. Her hair is pulled through a ball cap, which is just how I like to see her, and those boots – don’t even get me started. I’d love to see her in nothing but those.

  She smiles when she sees us walking toward her and begins to get things ready for fishing. A girl who’s not scared to get a little dirt on her hands is hot as hell.

  “Hey y’all!” she says with a smile and I’m thankful the earlier discussion is at rest, at least for now.

  “I love that shirt!” Bryndle exclaims and I’m clueless. It’s just a tank top.

  “Thanks, it’s Shug & Honey.”

  “Really? Anna Rose was talking about it the other day. I want one sooooo bad.”

  “Well, we’ll have to make that happen. Won’t we, Weston?”

  “Of course. Now can we fish?”

  “I don’t know why you’re in a rush. You know I’m going to have the biggest catch of the day.”

  “Doubtful.”

  She looks at me like this is war, but it’s true. No matter who has the biggest catch of the day, I’ve already won because the biggest catch is standing right in front of me.

  Timber

  This afternoon is perfect. I’ve pushed what Weston said earlier to the back of my mind, and I’m enjoying my time with these two. Bryndle is having a blast and has caught several brim and catfish. She even takes them off the hook by herself, which is awesome because I do too. Her daddy has taught her right.

  After the sun starts to lower in the sky, we begin to pack up. Bryndle is in the driver’s seat of the Gator and as I help load up the back, she spins around.

  “You are coming for supper, right?”

  I look to Weston. “Sure, as long as we’re frying up what we caught.”

  “Of course we are!” she says as she takes off on the Gator toward the barn, leaving me and Weston standing there.

  “Um, she totally left you.”

  “Yeah, I’ve got a feeling she knew exactly what she was doing. You mind giving this cowboy a ride?”

  “I think you already know that answer, but hop on and let’s go.”

  As I slide on the four-wheeler, I think about letting him drive and then decide against it. He grins, slides on and holds onto my waist.

  “You ready, Cowboy?”

  “Hell yeah I am.”

  I pull the trigger and we take off toward the house. Arriving at the barn, he hops off in one fluid motion and I watch him walk toward Bryndle, who is busy putting everything away.

  “That was some stunt you pulled back there,” I overhear him say to her.

  “Me? I don’t know what you’re talkin’ ‘bout, Daddy.” That girl’s up to absolutely no good and I love it. It’s obvious she wants this to work and is doing anything to make it happen.

  They pause when they see me approach them. “Let’s get to cleanin’.”

  We walk out back and prepare the fish for supper before heading inside to start cooking. Bryndle shows me where everything is and as Weston starts to fry the fish, I whip up hushpuppies and Bryndle puts the baked potatoes in the oven.

  Bryndle finishes her job and excuses herself to go and video chat with Anna Rose. As soon as she’s out of sight, I feel strong arms wrap around my waist as I drop the cornmeal mixture into the hot grease.

  Glancing over my shoulder, I’m met by a pair of crystal blue eyes and a perfect smile. He kisses the side of my neck and I try to pretend it has no effect on me. Of course, that only makes him try it again and this time, I gracefully set the bowl on the counter and turn to face him. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I look into those eyes and smile.

  “Thank God,” he says as he bends down to meet my lips with his. Pulling back, I question his comment. “I thought you were still gonna be pissed about earlier.”

  Glancing up, I do my best to formulate the right words. “No, I’m good, but just so you know, if you’re going to try and make me your wife, you’re going to have to bring out the big guns.”

  “Oh, you have no idea what I have in store for you, but I don’t want to scare you off.”

  “Me scared? Never.”

  He leans in and kisses me quickly as I smell something starting to burn. “Weston! Look what you made me do.”

  He shrugs and goes back to finish frying the fish.

  When everything is ready, we call for Bryndle, make our plates, and take a seat at the table. Looking around, it’s different than the last time I sat here, which was only a few days ago. I can see that this is where I belong, and deep down, I hope that it’s sooner rather than later.

  Chapter 27

  Weston

  This week has flown by. Between the farm, Scarlett’s massive progress in socializing with Poncho, and trying to keep my mind off the fact that the rodeo is next week, I haven’t said a word to anyone, but I plan on going. The question is, do I ride?

  As Paw drops Bryndle off from school Friday afternoon, I pause what I’m doing and walk toward them. She’s got a smile on her face and I have a feeling they have been up to no good.

  “How was school?”

  “It was okay, but Daddy, I got a question.”

  “Shoot.”

  “Can I try and ride Scarlett?” I try to keep my composure because it scares me to death. Glancing at her in the pasture, she seems to be having a good day.

  “I tell you what. Let me call Timber and see if she wants to join us for this because I’m sure she won’t believe us.”

  Dad starts to laugh. “No worries. She’s on her way. Bryndle called her on the way home from school.”

  “That’s why y’all were cheesing, but how’d you know I’d say yeah?”

  “Just a hunch.”

  “Go put your school stuff away and put on some old clothes to ride.”

  As she walks in the house, I look to my dad. “Hey, you told her she could, and you know she’s going to make you keep a promise.”

  Within a few minutes, Bryndle is back outside and I’m going over all the rules with her. She’s not going to have full rein with Scarlett. This needs to take some time. She’s got to be patient.

  Taking the saddle, we begin to walk toward the pasture. Poncho walks over and Scarlett follows. Dad gives Poncho the attention he’s demanding and as I put the lead rope on Scarlett, Timber arrives with a smile
on her face.

  “‘Bout time, Cowboy.” Smiling at her, I know she knows exactly how to push my buttons. But she also knows when I need a little extra prodding as well.

  Once I talk to Scarlett, I can see that Bryndle is about to have a fit to get out here. Opening the gate, she comes in and Scarlett walks straight to her. I hand Bryndle the rope and Timber follows her inside the pasture.

  “You want to try and ride bareback or with the saddle?”

  “Which do you think would make her more comfortable?” Bryndle asks.

  “She did okay with the saddle and it gives you a little more support. Let’s try it and see.”

  I saddle her up and when the time comes, I look to my sweet peach and she gives the rope to Timber. As she swings her leg across the horse, Scarlett begins to get irritated and I look toward Timber.

  “Hey there, sweet girl. Be easy with Sweet Peach, okay?” she says to Scarlett. Bryndle slowly moves her hand and soothes Scarlett by rubbing her mane.

  “It’s okay, Scarlett. I won’t hurt you.”

  Timber takes the lead rope and begins to walk with her around the pasture. Scarlett doesn’t always follow the lead but she does seem to be okay with Bryndle on her back. After what feels like forever, I see Bryndle smile and I know what that means. She’s completely up to something.

  “Can I have the lead rope?” Bryndle questions. Timber looks my way and I nod. Bryndle takes the rope and begins to ride Scarlett across the pasture a small distance away. My nerves start to get to me when she’s halfway between us and Poncho, who’s across the field.

  Timber walks up beside me and slides her hand in mine. “She’s alright, Cowboy,” she reassures me, but when Scarlett begins to buck, I know this isn’t good. I start to pull away from Timber but she holds me firmly in place.

  Looking ahead, I can’t believe what I see. Bryndle is riding Scarlett like a pro as her legs kick up behind her. My heart begins to beat out of my chest and it takes every ounce of my being not to go and save her, but when I hear her laugh I know she’s loving it.

  Pausing, I count in my head and when I get to seven I rush toward her. She jumps from Scarlett and runs toward us.

  “I told you I could do it, Daddy! I did it! Just like you!” In this moment, I’m so proud and terrified at the same time. I scoop her into my arms and spin her around and as I place her back down, I see Timber standing there with a “told you so” look. I do what any good man would do, I take both of my girls in my arms and soak up this moment.