by Casey Peeler
“We saved each other," and I kiss her once more as the sound of Belle and Chase echo in the now silent distance. Pulling away, we begin to walk to meet them.
Chapter 26
Belle
“Bella Blu, they are gonna be okay. I promise.” As I stare up into those chocolate eyes, my tears continue to fall but I nod in agreement. Then, he kisses my forehead. Closing my eyes, I wait for it to be over, praying that when I open them, I’ll see two people standing on the opposite side of the trestle alive and well.
With the train now in the distance, we step back on the trestle and make our way to the other side. With a well-lit sky from the full moon above, it’s very obvious that there isn’t a body on the other side, let alone two. Chase looks at me with fear in his eyes, and we follow the track across hand in hand.
Once we reach the other side, panic sets in. “Where are they?”
“Hopefully they jumped," he tries to assure me and we begin to yell their names. Whoever says silence is golden hasn't experience fear like this. They are nowhere to be found. Glancing both ways, we continue to yell for them, and after what feels like forever, we hear voices from below. Chase and I lean over the trestle and see them standing on the bank soaking wet. Relief enters my body, and I begin to shake as happy tears begin flowing from my eyes.
Chase approaches me and pulls me in for comfort. When I finally get myself together, I look up at him and smile. “Thanks, Chase.”
“You know I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says as his eyes tell me so much more, and something within my heart tells me it’s time to either let him in or let him go. I want to let him in.
As I’m about to tell him the truth about what I want in life, Jake and Laurel appear on the trestle.
Letting go of Chase, we run to them. It’s as if we can’t get there fast enough. Laurel and I meet and cry together in each other's arms. Then Jake takes me in his arms as Chase holds Laurel.
“Thought that didn’t happen often?” he questions.
“It doesn’t. That has only happened to us one other time, but it’s never been that close. I swear, when I couldn’t see you we thought you didn’t make it. What if something would have happened to y’all?”
Taking my face in his hands, he responds, “There are no what ifs. We are okay, and if anything, this has brought me back to reality.” He places his forehead on mine.
“Um, I think it’s time we get outta here.”
We make our way back to the vehicles while the overwhelming feeling that something is different is definitely in the air.
“We’ll see y’all tomorrow night at Joe’s, right?” Laurel asks me as she eyes Jake.
“Yeah, but incognito.”
“We’ll do our best, but no promises,” she says as she gets into her car and heads home.
Chase is still standing there as she leaves. “What was that?” he asks.
“I dunno, but you know Laurel.”
“Exactly. I’ll see y’all tomorrow. Just text me when y’all get there, and I’ll let you in the back.”
“Thanks, Chase,” I give him a hug goodbye, but linger longer hoping he understands what I’m saying without words. He looks down and smiles.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Bella Blu.”
Jake and I walk to the truck and he opens my door like earlier tonight, but he’s not the same as he was before the train.
Once Chase pulls off, I slide onto the seat beside him and notice an unsure look in his eyes. “Jake, is everything okay? Really okay?”
Turning off the truck, he turns toward me. “Yeah, everything is just fine. Come here.” He takes my face in his right hand and pulls me close.
“I’m here. Now what?”
“Do you know what I thought about when I saw the train coming?” I shake my head no. “I thought about life, us, Lattimore, and what it would be like to never get on a stage again. I can’t imagine not having any of that, but I will tell you what I realized. I don’t know what you would do without Chase and Laurel in your life. It’s very evident that they mean more to you than you realize.”
At this point, I’m unsure of what Jake is trying to tell me, but I’m pretty sure my heart already knows. He puts the truck in reverse and we drive quietly back to the farm.
Chapter 27
Belle
As we drive back to the farm, it seems that I notice the little things that I love about this town, like the way one light is missing in The Depot sign, how you can always hear a cow mooing in the distance and the smell of fresh country air.
Once we are back at the house, we make our way to the front porch. “Hey, Jake. Thanks for coming home with me,” I say. He turns around and looks at me.
“Belle, this has been the best couple of days of my life. I always knew you were special, but now I realize why. You…Belle…are the real deal. You are what every guy dreams about. You take life by the horns and just live it. You have friends, family, and a support system that I can only dream about having.”
“What do you mean? I thought your family was great.” We turn and sit on the steps.
“My family is great, but they don’t get it. My dad always wanted me to enlist, but that wasn’t what I wanted. Music has been a part of my life since I can remember. I knew that someday it would be my life. They are proud of me, but my dream isn’t my dad’s. Sometimes I wish I could have been that person for him, but this is my dream. He’s only been to one of my concerts since I started headlining. Mom, on the other hand, loves it, but she’s kinda caught in between. She just tries to keep everyone happy. One time, she surprised me by showing up. Belle, it made my day. I think that was the best show I’ve ever had. Just be thankful you have your family’s full support.”
“What do you mean? Did something happen between you and your dad?” I ask.
Looking up into the sky, Jake replies, “Ever since I can remember, we were told we would enlist, make him proud, and carry on the tradition. He's a third-generation Lieutenant. He always supported my music until he realized that was what I wanted for my future. He’s proud of me, but his pride gets in the way.”
Placing my hand on his lower back, I move in closer. “I wish there were something I could do to fix that, Jake. I couldn’t imagine not having my family behind me one hundred percent. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. If you ever need someone to lean on, I’m here for you.”
He lifts my chin for me to look into those baby blues, and then he brings his kissable lips to mine.
“Thank you, Belle. I knew the day I heard that sweet voice of yours on stage, it would be more than just a song. It was the sound of a relationship that would last an eternity.” He brings his lips to mine again. The kisses are sweet, soft, and tender this time. They are full of meaning and hope.
As headlights pull into the drive, we separate. Squinting, I notice that it’s Beau. When he gets out, he joins us on the porch for a few minutes, noticing our wet clothes. He knows exactly what we have been up to.
“So, she made ya jump, huh?” Beau asks.
“Twice,” Jake answers, and Beau seems confused.
“Um, there was a train comin’. Jake and Laurel had to jump,” I say timidly.
“Dammit, Belle! That’s why I always tried to keep you away. Wait. Where were you if he jumped with Laurel?”
Staring at the solid wood below my feet, I try to avoid this conversation. “I was talkin’ to Chase. He got his panties in a wad, and I had to smooth things over.”
He shakes his head. “When are you gonna grow up, Belle? You can’t run after him every time he gets upset. You’re not gonna be around forever.” Ouch, that hurt.
“Shut up, Beau! You’re just mad because I’ve made it out of this podunk town and you haven’t. You got so much talent, it’s ridiculous how you waste it around here!”
Jake looks at us like we are about to throw punches and then starts to laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“Y’all. It’s like yo
u’re five or something. Cute, I’ll tell ya…real cute. I’m gonna get outta these clothes,” Jake says as he walks inside.
Turning toward Beau, I say, “You know, he’s exactly right. We both need to grow up.” I go inside and head straight to my room to get ready for bed.
As I get ready, I let the events of the night replay through my brain. My emotions are a mess. Jake and I are taking things to a different level, and it’s getting hot fast. Chase is telling me he doesn’t want to be without me. Laurel is the same old Laurel, and Beau is my obnoxious older brother who will never change and will always wish he could be more like me. What a freakin’ night.
Once I’m ready for bed, I check on Jake. Walking next door, I knock gently before he answers for me to come in. As I enter the room, I notice he’s standing there wearing only a pair of gym shorts and glistening from a fresh shower.
“Sorry about that,” I say, closing the door behind me.
“Come here,” he says as we make our way to sit on the edge of his bed. “Look. I just had to get away from you two. Y’all are at each other’s throats more than you realize. Be thankful you have Beau, but also remember that you’re holding part of his dream. I wish there was a way we could make it a reality for him.”
Stunned by what Jake just said, I decide to tell him my idea for Beau if I ever get to headline. “I’ve always wanted to take Beau with me on the road if I got my own tour. He’s a mastermind when it comes to sets and lights. I’d have him run my entire show. Plus, that way I’d always have family with me and help him live his dream as well. Not to mention, he can write lyrics like you wouldn't believe.”
“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard, but definitely not as sweet as you. You need to tell him that; he needs you to give him hope.” His lips touch mine. I beg for Jake to move closer, to make me feel him against me, and to cross the line of no return. Instead, he walks the line, pushes the limit, and makes me only crave him more.
“Belle, I want you. Don’t think that I don’t, but this isn’t the place or time. You deserve so much more.” Continuing to worship me, he trails soft kisses from my neck down my arm and to my hand, where he ends the kiss like only a prince would…or should I say…a country music god.
Chapter 28
Belle
After pulling myself out of my country fairy tale, I leave Jake and go to my room, only to toss and turn for hours. My mind races with thoughts of Jake and me at the creek, Martin’s, and the trestle. What am I doing? Right now, I feel as if I’m playing a game with my heart. One piece wants the country music god, but the other piece wants the small-town boy that knows me better than I know myself.
Giving up on sleeping, I throw on a pair of cutoffs and tank top and quietly sneak outside to the tire swing in the front yard. As I swing, I get lost in thought. My brain wanders to all the thoughts that had me tossing and turning. Do I want to come back here? Can Beau go with me? Is Jake the one? Should I give Chase a chance? Do I forget guys all together and become a nun? Nah, that’s out, but maybe I should focus on me like I had originally planned. Ever since I can remember, this is where I would go to clear my mind. It followed all the rules growing up. I wasn’t leaving our property or sneaking off somewhere, but it felt like an escape. Taking a moment, I push all thoughts aside and swing like a little girl under the moonlight and diamonds in the sky.
As I swing higher and higher, I jump out of my skin when I hear Chase’s voice behind me. “Don’t jump.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I see him. “What the world, Chase?”
“I wondered if you were having the same problem as me.”
“And what would that be?” I come to a complete stop.
Chase approaches me and begins to push me on the swing. As he pushes me, I relax and think about all the times we used to do this. “The thought of you and me.” Planting my bare feet on the ground, I abruptly halt myself mid-swing, jump up, and face Chase.
“No, that’s not what I was thinkin’ about! Not you and me! More like Jake and me!”
Hurt flashes in Chase’s eyes and the anger bulges from his veins. As he gathers his thoughts, he doesn’t look at me. Once he has his feelings and thoughts in check, he tells me exactly what he’s thinking. “When are you going to wake up and realize that this is just a getaway for him, Bella Blu? Did you not see him checking out Laurel tonight? Lord only knows what happened when they jumped, if you know what I mean.”
Taking a step toward him, I refuse to back down. “You jerk! Don’t you dare say that! He’s different. I know I shouldn’t have crossed that line, but it’s been crossed whether you like it or not.” Backing away, I leave Chase standing there. I don’t give him a chance to say anything or if he tries, I’m not listening as I walk toward the house, leaving Chase standing there alone.
Once I’m in my bedroom, I glance out the window toward the swing. Chase is sitting there, but not swinging. Knowing I should apologize, I decide against it. Instead, I crawl into bed, only to toss and turn even more than before. Why did I say that to him? It was spiteful, hurtful, and a complete lie. Letting my conscience get the best of me, I grab my phone and send him a quick text to tell him I’m sorry and I hope he’ll still save me a dance tomorrow night at Joe’s. When he doesn’t respond, a tear falls from my eye and eventually I drift off to sleep. Tonight has ended in disaster.
Chase
The moment she turned and walked away, my heart shattered. I sound like a pansy, but it’s the truth. She might think she wants Jake, but everything about her eyes tell me differently. Sitting on the tire swing, I want to leave, walk away and never look back, but I know that will never happen for me.
Standing, my phone pings and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know who it is. Glancing down, I see her name on the screen. Opening my home screen, I stare at the words in front of me and glance up to her window. If it was ten years ago, I’d have climbed this tree right to her window, but we aren’t kids.
Looking at my phone, I debate if I should reply. I know she’s sorry, but I also know that if I don’t move on in some way, neither of us are going to find happiness. Taking my phone, I put it in my pocket and walk toward the truck as a drop of rain falls from the sky. Looking up, I pray that I’ve not made her cry because even if she breaks my heart, I'd never want to hurt her.
Chapter 29
Belle
Waking up, I hear the tractor going in the distance and several people laughing and talking. What time is it? I peek at the clock and can hardly believe that it is almost noon. I never sleep this late. Feeling a little upset with myself, I jump up and start to throw on some old clothes when I realize I’m good in the clothes from last night. Pausing, I glance at my phone and see the text has been read but there’s no response. My heart sinks a little, but it’s time to help Daddy on the farm and I can’t wait.
Stopping by the guest room, Jake is nowhere to be found. Walking to the kitchen, Mama has brunch ready for me since I missed breakfast.
“Hey, suga! I saved you some, but you better be glad I did. Those men ate like a house full of teenage boys. I don’t know what I would’ve done with a house full of those!”
Shaking my head, I take the plate, eat, and talk to Mama about everything.
“Mama, I don’t know what to do.”
“Belle, sweet girl. Let me tell you. Be careful whatever you do, but know that if you choose Jake, things will never be the same with Chase. He’s always loved you. Beau will always support you, but it’s been hard on him. He wants out, and I want to help him, but I have no clue how.”
“Mama, I have Beau covered,” she looks at me confused. “I haven’t told him yet, but if I headline, he’s going to work for me doing my sets.”
“Can you decide that or does the label?”
“Not sure, but I’m going to make it happen. It will open so many doors for him. Mama, I was really mean to him last night, though. Jake called us five-year-olds.”
Mama laughs as she sets her coffee cu
p back down. “Y’all will always be that way.”
“So, where is everyone?”
Mama points to the window and I see Daddy, Beau, and Jake out in the field working together. I smile as I finish my food and then walk outside.
“Somebody could’ve woken me, ya know? Someone needs to show you how to really do work on a farm,” I tell Jake who is standing there in a pair of worn-out jeans and cutoff t-shirt that he must have borrowed from Beau. Man, who thought my brother’s clothes could look that good?
“I think someone needed to rest up after a long night on the tire swing,” Beau says, and I cut my eyes at him and mouth for him to be quiet.
Jake looks at me inquisitively, “You don’t want to know.”
Shaking it off, he goes back to working and I join right in. After a couple of hours, we are all beat, and Mama has an afternoon snack ready. We go in, take a piece of the fresh Parker’s peach pie, a glass of sweet tea, and enjoy it on the front porch before going to finish one more task for Daddy.
“Hey, Jake. I gotta go check the fence out by the creek. You wanna go?” He gives me another curious look and smirks.
“Yeah, I wanna go.”
Loading up the Gator, we take anything we might need to repair a loose post or wire. It’s an easy fix, especially with both of us working.
“Man, it’s hot out here,” he says, wiping sweat from his brow.
“Wanna go for a swim?” I wink.
“I thought you’d never ask,” he says as he takes off his shirt and tosses it onto the Gator before removing his jeans. I know exactly what I’m about to do, but I decide to keep his curiosity piqued as we head down to the creek.
Once we are there, I kick off my shoes, unbutton my shorts, and shimmy out of them while keeping one eye on Jake. Yeah, that was the right move. Then I pull my tank top over my head and toss it onto the pile on the ground before jumping in.
