by Casey Peeler
As the final song begins, I compose myself as the emotion swarms within my body. Singing with everything I have, I look out into the fans, and with the final beat of the song, this is it. It’s my last song of my first tour ever. I guess there’s a last time for everything. As the last strum is played, my voice comes to a close but instead of hurrying off stage, I soak it in. The lights, crowd, fans, and that amazing man standing below. As the lights go down, I pause once more before exiting the stage. I love my life.
Chase
Hot-o-mighty are about the only words I can come up with when I look at her in those final moments on the stage. The way she looked after that last note, there is no doubt that she’s meant for this life. To me, it doesn’t matter if road life isn’t for me because I’m crazy about the woman on stage. I can’t live without her and I can’t wait to take her home.
Looking to Laurel, she tells me to go on. There’s no way I can’t meet her when she leaves the stage. Hurrying by security, I hop the gate and walk to the side as the house lights go down to get ready for Jake. I know this tour by heart at this point.
When I turn to the side stage, she is walking toward me with tears in her eyes. Bless her. I’ve not seen her this emotional since the night of the train.
Opening my arms, she walks into them and my arms engulf her. A sob escapes her and I pull her back. “Be careful, I don’t want folks accusing me of messing up that mascara.” She laughs and I know that she’s okay.
“Chase, you’d never ruin my mascara. My lips maybe, but not my mascara.” Smiling, she looks up to me. “I made it. I really made it. Now what?”
“You go out there and keep on doing what you love. This crowd was insane. Did you hear them singing?”
“Why do you think I’m a mess? Nothing can compare to that in this business.”
Pulling her back into me, she holds me tight and I see the crew is almost finished with the set. “You better get changed,” I whisper to her. She pulls back and smiles as she pulls away and hurries to change into a pair of worn cutoffs, Shug and Honey tank, and boots. Pulling her hair up into a messy bun, she’s ready to go.
Quickly, we walk back to the pit and weasel our way right beside Laurel, who’s cheesing as Jake smiles right at her.
“How’s that feel?”
She looks up to me, “What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean. Him looking at her like that. Feel strange it’s not you?”
“Nope. He’s finally found what he’s been missing.”
Standing behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist as we listen to Jake. He puts on a show for the crowd. When his final note is sung, the lights go down. Taking Laurel by the hand, I pull her and Belle toward the stage in record speed. She’s got to be there to meet him when he walks off.
Jake
The moment my final note is sung, I continue to stare at Laurel. Tonight was different than before. It wasn’t singing to Belle because she gets it. It was singing to a woman who gets me, and I mean completely understands me as Jake Bryant, military brat and country boy who got his dream.
As the lights go down, I know there’s got to be an encore. It’s the end of the tour and it’s only right. The band knows it’s coming and within seconds the lights are moving, the band is playing, but when I look into the crowd, she’s gone. My heart sinks a little, but there’s no time to focus on that. I should have told her about this.
Finishing up with my favorite song on my newly released album, I waste no time. As soon as the last note is sung, I holler, “Goodnight, Vegas!” The lights are killed and I hurry from the stage to find her.
As I enter the side of the stage, I’m met by her. The one. The perfect woman for me.
“Hey,” she says shyly.
“Hey,” I reply back with a smile as I pass my microphone and pull the in-ear monitor out. I take a step toward her, slide my hand behind her neck, and kiss her.
Chapter 46
Belle
Oh sweet baby Jesus! Jake Bryant has found his happily ever after. Trying my best not to invade their moment, I turn to Chase. “Think we need to give them a minute?” He nods and we begin to turn when they pull from each other.
“We’ll see y’all later.” Laurel looks at me and is completely speechless, but she's shaking her head no. Looking to Chase, he shrugs his shoulders and we don’t move. Instead, we wait for what’s next.
“What normally happens once the show is over?”
Jake and I look to each other because we know each night is different. “Depends. Sometimes we go our separate ways, sometimes we hang out and drink a few beers, and if we’re really crazy, we order a pizza, too.”
“Stop it! That pizza might put me over the edge. That’s living life on the wild side,” she laughs and I do the same. Jake and Chase seem to be super quiet and it causes me to pay extra attention to them. They are both trying to avoid me. They are being sneaky about something and I plan on finding out.
“What are y’all up to?” I look to Chase.
“Not a thing,” but he looks guilty. Putting my hands on my hips, my eyes do the talking. “Fine, how do you feel about getting out of here?”
“What do you mean?” Laurel questions Chase.
“What if we went out on the town? This is the city that never sleeps.” That sounds fun, but for some reason, I’m unsure. He must sense something is wrong. “Hey, Bella Blu, it’s just an idea,” he says as he takes a step toward me.
“It’s our last night on tour, I kinda want to stay in and soak it all up.”
Laurel pipes in, “I’d love to go out, but the idea of hanging out and chillin’ like a villain sounds so much better. Plus, we’ve got the rodeo tomorrow. We can go out after. Who needs to sleep before catchin’ a plane?”
Laughing, Jake pulls her in. “Well, meet y’all back shortly. I’ve got an interview to do real quick. Wanna go with me?” he asks Laurel and she beams from ear to ear.
As they walk away from us, Chase pulls me into his side. “How ‘bout we bust open a tallboy or two and call in a pizza?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
******
Arriving back at the bus, Chase stays outside and calls in a pizza while I go on the bus for the beer. Taking one for each of us, I walk outside to meet him. Opening the door, I run smack into him and beer goes everywhere. All over me. All over him, and a huge smile covers his face.
“Why you smilin’ like that? We are both a covered mess.”
“'Cause I just got the benefits of a wet t-shirt contest.”
“Shut up,” I say playfully as I hand him what’s left of the beer. “It’s not that bad.” Looking at my shirt I realize it’s awful and pass him my beer to go and change. Hurrying to my bedroom, I peel my tank from my body and silently curse. I love that thing.
As I go to grab a new one, strong arms wrap around my body and I pause as his lips find my neck gently. Everything inside my body heats up as a smile escapes my lips. “I thought you were waiting on the pizza?”
“You really think I was going to wait out there when you’re in here and I know that we have at least twenty minutes to ourselves before Jake, Laurel, or the pizza arrive?”
“Good point.”
Jake
Standing in the interview, all I can do is look at Laurel. She smiles my way and I do my best to listen to whatever they are asking me. Honestly, I don’t care at all. All I want to do is spend some quality time with her. Instead, I’m on twenty questions with the satellite country music station.
“Jake, what’s the next step?” a reporter asks.
I choose my words carefully, “I’m taking some time off.”
“Off as in a vacation, right?” she asks for reassurance.
“Yeah, you can call it that.”
“Will you be working on a new album?”
“Yes, but not exactly sure on the timeline.”
“Word on the street is that you have a new lady in your life. Is it Belle Montgomery? Yo
u two have become very close on this tour.”
Looking to Laurel, her eyes are wide, “No, it’s not Belle, but there is a lady in my life.” Her cheeks flush as I look her direction but I try not to let my eyes linger too long. The reporter turns to see her standing in the background. At this point, I have no idea if I should introduce her or keep her life private. Before I can begin to talk, she takes a step forward and comes to stand beside me, taking my arm in hers.
“This is my girlfriend, Laurel,” I don't give any more details.
“Well, there you have it, ladies, Jake Bryant is officially off the market. Thanks for taking time out with us tonight. This tour has been another epic one. Can’t wait to see what’s in your future.”
“Thanks, and good talkin’ to you.”
Shaking her hand, Laurel does the same and I hate when she moves her hand from my arm.
Leaving the interview room, she places her head on my shoulder as we walk toward the bus. This is what life is supposed to be like.
“You think they’d be mad if we bailed on them?” I ask.
“You know it. Hey, Jake?” Pausing, I look into her beautiful bright blue eyes. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“In there. You didn’t have to do that. You didn’t have to make that announcement tonight. I mean, we’ve only seen each other twice,” she says nervously.
Turning to look at her more directly, I answer honestly, “Laurel, we might have only seen each other twice in this sense, but there is no doubt what I feel for you. Tonight was the best night of my life. Not only did I tell the world about you, tonight I got to look into the crowd and see the girl that I love.” She gasps as the four-letter word escapes my lips.
“But…”
“No buts, that moment on the trestle, I knew you were special. The night before we left Charlotte, I was certain, but tonight I’m betting on us. I love you. It might seem crazy or too soon, but I’m not one to use that word lightly.”
Taking her chin in my hand, I look her in the eyes more closely, “Seeing you in the crowd made the songs worth singing. There’s not another word to describe what I feel for you, and even the word love falls short.”
She doesn’t reply, instead she leans in and seals my words with a kiss. One that’s full of meaning and is heartfelt. As my eyes open, so do hers. “I love you, too, Jake Bryant.”
Belle
Sliding on my dry shirt, I close my eyes and silently thank God for my career, family, friends, and Chase. Once I finish, I turn to find Chase standing there watching me.
“You’re stunning.”
“Oh, stop it.”
“No, really, Bella Blu. I don’t think you know how beautiful you are, and it’s my duty to make sure you’re well aware each and every day.”
Taking a step toward him, he pulls me in for a hug. “I love you, Chase McSwain.”
“I love you, too,” he kisses me gently as a knock comes from the bus door.
In unison, we yell, “Pizza!”
Laughing, I hurry to the door and when I open it, I can’t help but continue laughing. Jake and Laurel are standing there with the pizza in hand. Literally, Jake has a slice in one hand and the box in the other.
“Hope we’re not interrupting,” he says, looking between us.
“Of course not. We’ve been waiting on y’all.”
“Um hum. Is that what they call it these days,” Laurel says sarcastically.
Taking a seat at the table, we cut on the TV, pass them a beer, and we sit and enjoy the last night on the bus.
“So, I’m going back to Lattimore with Laurel when we fly out.”
My eyes grow wide because that wasn’t what I was expecting. “What about Nashville?”
“It can wait. I’m taking a break and it starts there.” Leaning over, he kisses Laurel and she blushes.
“Have you told the label?”
“Kinda, but I told that reporter.”
At this point my eyes are probably bugging out of my head, “What?”
“I told them I was thinking about it, but not certain when we were there.”
“Have you thought this through?”
He pauses, looking at me. “That’s all I’ve been doing and right now, I want to enjoy life. I want to get to know Laurel more than a phone conversation. I mean, as long as she’ll have me. I also want to go home for a few days and visit with my parents, maybe introduce them to Laurel if she wants to go.”
Looking to Laurel, she’s smiling from ear to ear. “Are you serious, Jake? You want to go visit your parents?” He nods and she gives him a cute kiss on the cheek. “I’m so proud of you.”
“So, Lattimore. Great place.” I laugh and nudge Chase, and wait to see if Jake bites. “Your flight the same as mine?”
Jake about chokes on his beer. “You can’t do that, Belle. You’ve got to go back to Nashville from here. You’ve got too much riding on it.”
Crossing my arms, I wait on him to finish, “Done yet?” He nods. “I’m going home for a day or two. I’ve got one month before I have to be back. Plus, Chase needs to get a few things, and I want to see my parents and enjoy my roots. It’s time to get grounded even if it’s for only a day or two.”
“Oh my goodness, y’all! The Harvest Festival is next weekend, and you know what that means?” Laurel says, looking between us. “The dance! Y’all’ve gotta stay for it. Please! Pretty please!”
Looking to Chase, his hand slides to mine under the table. “Absolutely, what’s a week instead of a few days? Guess I’ll have to find a date. Wonder who I’ll go with?”
“Me. I’m not asking this time, though,” Chase says as we all begin to laugh.
The remainder of the night, we sit, talk, and enjoy each other. These are the best friends a girl could have and I’m blessed to have each of them in my life.
Chapter 47
Belle
Taking our seats, the saddle bronc competition is well underway. We missed round one due to the fact that Jake couldn’t make it through the crowd without getting stopped every two seconds. Eventually we made it to the seats. They were down low with a perfect view of everything. “Did Oliver get you these seats?” I ask Chase.
“Guilty.”
“Well, there’s no reason to feel guilty. They are ah-maz-ing.”
The announcer comes on the speaker, announcing the next rider. We all pause when we hear the announcer, “Next up, number twenty-three, Bryndle Parker, riding Twenty-One.”
“That’s Parker Peaches little girl,” Chase says obviously.
“What, you think girls can’t saddle bronc?” I snap back.
“Never said that, but I’ve never heard of it. Have you?”
“No, but it’s not like I’m all about the rodeo either. It’s always been music for me.”
“Very true, Bella Blu.”
We all pause as she enters the arena and rides like nothing we’ve ever seen. She’s absolutely flawless with her ride. It’s as if she knows what the bronc is going to do before it even moves. It’s unbelievable.
“Wow,” is all we can say and the scores reflect it. The announcer chimes back in. “A ninety-one for Bryndle Parker riding Twenty-One. We’ve got a new champion. Bryndle Parker is the first ever female saddle bronc rodeo champion!”
“Holy crap, y’all. We witnessed history right here!”
“Yes, we did!”
After the saddle bronc finishes, it’s time for Oliver to ride. Waiting on him to ride is like waiting on water to boil. If I could get up, I’d pace the floor. It’s killing me and I’m so nervous for him. I know what it’s like to have all eyes on you.
“Bella Blu, settle down. He’s up in two.”
We watch the others ride and as he appears on the screen, Laurel and I both point. Chase chuckles at me and once the announcer speaks, the gate swings open and my eyes never leave Oliver Fox. In my mind, as I watch the bull buck and spin, it’s the longest eight seconds of my life. As the buzzer sounds, he jumps from
the bull and runs to safety then gives us a wave.
“Shew! That tore my nerves up! It’s nothing like Joe’s.” Chase laughs again and my elbow finds his side. He pretends that I hurt him and I completely ignore him.
“Y’all ready to go?” Chase asks.
“What? We don’t even know what happened,” I say to him.
“I promise it will be worth it.” My eyes go from him to Jake to Laurel. Laurel looks as confused as I do and Jake looks like he knows exactly what’s going on.
“Fine, let’s go.” Standing, we make our way from the stands, out the arena and call a taxi. Chase gives the driver the address, and he doesn’t say anything else as well all pile in the back.
Taking in the lights, this place is beautiful. Nothing I want to see each and every day, but it’s awesome to visit. As I look out the window, I feel eyes on me. Turning, I see Chase watching me. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“What are y’all up to?” They both shrug their shoulders and don’t say anything.
Arriving down the main street, it’s hotel after hotel, but as we come to a stop in front of the Bellagio, I’m amazed by the crowd of people gathered out front. Exiting the taxi, Chase takes me by the hand as we walk toward the crowd. My heart begins to beat rapidly at the fact someone might recognize us. “No worries, they aren’t even looking at us. There’s a show about to start.”
Standing in front of the concrete railing, Chase stands behind me. The music starts and the lights and water begin to dance. It unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I feel like a little girl in a candy store as I watch the music come to life. When one song ends, another begins. Taking my phone from my pocket, I record a portion of the show, but it takes away from the beauty so I stop. Instead, I stand there in awe of its elegance.
Chase takes it from my hand, holds it in front of us and takes a picture of us. It’s one that’s perfect. Turning up to him, I kiss him sweetly and he takes another one. Us in this moment is nothing like we’ve experienced in Lattimore. It’s almost as if we are in our own fairy tale in a story that never ends.
