by Casey Peeler
When the final drop of water stops, people begin to move and so do we, but not before Laurel asks us to take a picture of her and Jake. They pose sweetly in front of the hotel then we begin to walk down the road. Chase takes my hand and before long, we are approaching a restaurant of some sort, but what I notice first is the smell of sugar. Walking inside, we don’t have to wait like the others, there is a reserved table away from everyone else on the patio. Looking at the menu, my mouth begins to water at the adult hot chocolate. We each order and wait for our dessert. When they arrive, I can’t believe what’s in front of me. Laurel and I should have shared, while the boys finish theirs with no problem.
“Y’all, that was way past good,” Laurel says, sitting back in her chair.
“Yeah, it was. So now what?” I ask as Jake looks at his watch. “Got somewhere to be, country music god?”
“Maybe,” he says with a grin.
“Well, let’s go.” Laurel agrees with me as we walk down the strip and when we get to a hole-in-the-wall bar, they open the door and we enter. It’s quiet, low key, and playing the best country music I’ve heard in my life. Everyone needs that old-school country every now and then, and as the sound of Waylon echoes through the speakers, I feel at home in the middle of one of the least country cities in the world.
Taking a seat at an old wooden table, the waitress asks us for our order. We order the cheapest beer they’ve got, sit back, and relax. Looking around, I notice all the autographed photos and it reminds me of Joe’s, and that’s when I spot Jake on the wall. “Jake, you’ve been here before, haven’t you?”
“Maybe a few times,” he says, smiling and looking at what I’ve spotted. “This place is the best kept secret in Vegas.”
“Obviously.” Looking around, there isn’t a crowd in the place but it’s not empty either. “How’d you find it?”
“Let’s just say when I opened for Kenny, he brought me here. Said that it was like a piece of home in the chaos. He was right.”
“Wait, you opened for Kenny?” Laurel questions as he nods. “Man, you were lucky.” We all laugh as Jake’s mouth falls open. Laurel moves closer and winks at him, “No worries, though, he’s not the one that’s my very own country music hottie god.”
“Dang right,” Jake says as he leans in and kisses her. Those two are too cute.
Taking a pull of the beer, we listen to the music and soak up our surroundings. It truly is a slice of heaven in the middle of our hectic lives. As the third bucket of beer is emptied, my eyes begin to get heavy, and suddenly it hits me. We’ve got to get our stuff from the bus before morning. Chase leans into my ear, “I’ve got it covered. They took everything to the hotel and have already headed back.” Turning to him, I ask, “How do you always know what to do and are a step ahead?”
“I know you, Bella Blu, and that makes this part simple.”
Jake
Looking at those two across from me, I know that I’ve found the best set of friends possible. Looking to the girl beside me, I know I’ve found the one that will change my life for the better forever. Pulling Laurel in to my shoulder, I hold her tightly. She takes a sip of her beer and places the empty bottle back in the bucket.
“Y’all want another?” she asks like she should be working behind the bar at Joe’s.
“I’m good. What about y’all?” I question Belle and Chase. They agree we better stop while we’re ahead. Between the adult hot chocolate and these three buckets, we’re all feeling pretty good. “How ‘bout one for the road?” They all look at me funny. “You can walk around with open containers around here.”
Belle looks to Chase, “I’ve got a better idea. Let’s go get a tallboy.”
“Oh goodness, it’s time to go, Jake,” Laurel says with a laugh and Belle giggles, too. Walking out of the bar, I wave to the manager and we walk toward the hotel.
Walking down the road, I hold on to her hand. In fact, I never want to let it go. As we walk past everyone, a thought crosses my mind and I know that Laurel is going to think I’m nuts so I wait until Belle and Chase excuse us to find that tallboy.
Stopping in the middle of the madness, I look directly at her. “Laurel, I know this might sound crazy, but I need you in my life today, tomorrow, and forever. I never want us to be apart.”
“Jake…” she says as her mind begins to process what I’m saying.
“Would you think I was crazy if I wanted to walk into one of those chapels and make you my forever tonight?”
A smile covers her face, “I don’t think you’re crazy at all, but don’t you want your family and friends there to see it?”
“As long as you’re there, that’s all that matters to me.”
“Jake Bryant, I’d love to marry you.”
Quickly taking her by the hand, we walk into the first wedding chapel we can find. It looks like something dated in the seventies and as I look to her, she’s smiling ear to ear. We walk to the counter and the lady behind it tells us the specials. We look through them and discuss what we’d like to do.
“Oh my gosh, Jake, did you see this? A Rocky Horror themed wedding? Who comes up with this?” She laughs and that’s when it hits me. We can’t do this. It’s not right. I need to meet her folks, ask her dad, take her to my parents, and propose like the man I am. We’re better than a themed wedding in Las Vegas.
Taking her hand, I lead her outside. She pauses and looks to me. “Jake, are you okay?”
“I’m perfect. You’re perfect.” Pointing to this place, I continue, “This isn’t perfect. I love you and thought this was a great spontaneous idea because quite frankly, I can’t wait to spend every day of my life with you as Mrs. Jake Bryant. However, we can’t do this. There is so much more for us.”
“Jake, as long as you’re here, that’s all that matters, remember?”
“Yes, but I was also brought up to respect a girl’s family, ask for permission, be waiting at the end of an aisle where all of our families are looking at my bride. I want that for us.” Tears begin to puddle in her eyes and I’m afraid I’ve hurt her feelings because mine are a little broken at this point as well.
Without another word, she takes a step toward me, leans up on her toes and kisses me with so much emotion it hurts. Taking my hand, I weave it behind her neck into her hair and our lips continue to dance together.
As our kiss slows, we pull away and I wipe the tears from her face. “Jake, I love you with my entire heart, and those words mean more to me than you know. I want us to have our forever, but I want it all. I want the world to know we’re meant to be, not hiding out in a wedding chapel in Vegas.”
“Thank goodness. I thought you were going to hate me.”
“Never. I freakin’ love you, country music hottie.” She winks and I kiss her once more before pulling her back to the hotel room as fast as possible.
Chapter 48
Belle
All it took was the word tallboy and Laurel and Jake were gone. Chase and I walk into the first store and walk right to the refrigerator section, grab two, pay, pop a top, and walk toward the hotel.
Entering the hotel, it’s nothing fancy. It’s not one of the high-end hotels, but it’s not a dump either. Chase and I walk through the lobby to take the elevator up to the top floor of the hotel. Y’all know, the kind you’ve got to have a room key for entrance. As the door closes, we are left alone with our beer. Taking a sip, I try my best not to look at him, but I can feel his eyes on me.
“Ever wanted to make out in an elevator?” I ask flatly.
“Nah, I’d rather wait till I’m to the top and I can finish what I start,” he says, taking another gulp of beer.
As the elevator comes to a stop, the door dings open, and that is all it takes for Chase to scoop me into his arms and carry me to our room.
Opening the door, we’re met by champagne, strawberries, and a romantic glow.
“Chase, did you do all of this?”
“Uh no, I didn’t.”
“Hush,
you know you did.”
He shakes his head, “No, I didn’t. You know this isn’t my style.”
“Oh really,” I say as I kiss him sweetly.
As the door closes behind us, he gently puts me down, leads me into the room, takes a champagne flute and pours the remainder of his beer in them before passing me one. Smiling, he’s right. This is our style. He then tells me to have a seat and we enjoy a night with just the two of us.
Chase
The moment that we walked into that room, I was caught off guard. Jake and I found a steal on these rooms and they never mentioned a romantic flare to them. If only I had known, I’d have mentally prepared myself for them. It’s not that I can’t do champagne and rose petals, heck, what am I talking about? I have absolutely no experience in this area and it literally scared the crap out of me. The last time I bought flowers for someone, it was prom. Belle and I have learned each other and our bodies over the past few months, but throw something with expectations in the mix and I can’t function.
So I did the only thing I knew. I poured my beer into the flutes and passed one her way. When she smiled my direction, everything was made right. It’s amazing how she can light up the room.
Stepping toward her, she leaves her tallboy on the counter and steps toward me, taking the dainty glass. As we are face to face, her eyes sparkle.
“You always knew the way to my heart,” she says as she raises the glass. “To our song,” she says with a smile.
Clinging our flutes together, we then raise them to our mouths but our eyes never leave each other. Finishing the glasses, she takes mine from me and guides me by the hand to the small table barely raised off the floor with the strawberries. She motions for me to sit and I comply, finding myself on the floor beside it. Taking the champagne, she opens it as if it’s a coke or something, completely impressive and hot in my book, then pours it into the flutes. She passes one to me, but before I can pick it up she slides closer to me with the strawberry. She takes a bite then a sip of her bubbly drink, and everything in my body shifts. Smiling my way, she leans in and kisses me sweetly before sitting back and taking another strawberry.
“You try it. It’s amazing,” she says with confidence as she moves the red berry toward me. As she reaches my mouth, I open it and bite it. It’s perfectly sweet and when she removes it, I chew it and watch her. “Now take a sip. It makes the champagne so much better.” Following her instructions, I bring the liquid to my lips and it’s not half bad. Not something I want to drink on the regular, but it’s okay for moments like this.
Smiling my way, I take one of the strawberries and return the favor to her, and as she finishes her champagne, I remain close and kiss those perfect lips.
Moving away, she stops me. “Don’t.” So I don’t pull away. Instead, I worship her from head to toe.
Chapter 49
Belle
Waking the following morning, I’m wrapped in the most perfectly chiseled arms. Never wanting to move, I don’t, and as I feel him begin to stir behind me, I snuggle in closer to him as his kisses the back of my neck.
“Mornin’, sunshine,” he says as I roll to meet his eyes.
“Mornin’.” Kissing his lips, I don’t want to get out of this bed. Chase pauses and looks at the clock.
“You do know we have a flight to catch.”
“Um hum,” I say as I kiss him again. I don’t want to leave. After a few extra minutes between the sheets, we have no choice but to get up.
Within the hour, we are dressed, ready, and packed for our flight. Texting Laurel, they are ready to go as well. We meet them in the hallway and when I look at her, I know that her life is changing. Not that it hasn’t already been in the works, but she has a man that loves her, puts her first, and worships the ground she walks on.
*****
Arriving at the Charlotte airport, I can’t wait to get home. As the plane comes to a stop and the announcement is made, I gather my things as we wait for the okay. Walking off the plane toward baggage claim, I see them and my excitement begins to stir. Waiting with cheesy welcome signs are my entire family—Mom, Daddy, Beau, Sarah, and my grandparents. Looking to them, I shake my head as they smile.
“That’s awesome!” Jake says as he notices what my grandmother’s sign says. It says Team Country Music Hottie.
We all laugh at his excitement. It’s awesome to see his reaction. Quickly we load up the vehicles and drive toward home. Home. That sounds amazing. Driving down the interstate, I can’t wait to get home and relax, then it hits me that means that I won’t have Chase by my side every minute. I’m not sure how I feel about that to be honest.
“Hey, what are you thinkin’ ‘bout?” he whispers to me as we ride with country music on the radio and conversation around us.
“I don’t want to leave you.”
Smiling, he holds my hand, “I’ll never leave you. Plus, my house is right down the road.”
“That’s too far.”
“Listen, you know as much as I want you to be there, I respect your parents.”
“I know. It just stinks.”
Laughing, he pulls me in and kisses my head. Within a few minutes we are off the interstate and closing in on home. As we pull into town, I soak it up. It’s amazing how much I’ve missed being gone. It’s as if nothing has changed, but yet it isn’t the same. I’ve missed the stories of people in the town, who won the ball game Friday night, and the daily life of this place.
Dad turns into Chase’s and my heart hurts knowing what is about to happen. He squeezes me gently. As the truck comes to a stop, he slides out and I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.
“Belle, why don’t you help Chase get settled? We’re grilling out tonight with his family,” Mama says.
“You sure?” She nods and I slide out of the truck.
Chase
The moment I realize that Belle is going with me to my house, I feel at peace. I meant what I said to her about staying there, but for some reason I feel the need to have a few moments with her alone here.
She helps me carry a bag to the front porch as I fumble with my keys to open the door. Opening it, I’m surprised to find that this place is cleaner than I left it. Walking to my bedroom, I place my bags on the floor and go to meet her. Entering the hallway, I see her looking at my pictures on the wall. It’s nothing much. I’ve got a few hunting photos, my family, and our Harvest Festival picture her mom gave me along with a few others of us.
“I can’t believe you have that hanging up in here.”
“Why? You had one, too.”
“I guess I didn’t think it would be for everyone to see. Plus that was so long ago. Not to mention that probably didn’t go well with any girls stopping by.” She giggles and I don’t find it funny at all.
Taking a step toward her, she pauses and looks at me cautiously. “Bella Blu, I told you that there were no other girls. There’s never been a girl in this house that I’ve been trying to make a move on until now. Invading her space, I slide my hand behind her neck and bring her lips to mine. Searing her lips with mine, I want her to know that she’s only ever been it for me. As our lips part, her eyes say so much more than she realizes.
“Chase, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You didn’t upset me, but I meant what I said to you. It’s only been you. Man, that might make me sound like a creeper, but it’s the truth.”
“You’ve never been a creeper. Very far from it, but it’s hard for me to believe that you never brought a girl here.”
“Bella Blu, you know I’ve always been kinda to myself about certain things. This is my place. I’m not going to bring some random person here, and it’s not like I throw parties or anything.”
“I get it, but sometimes I feel like this is too good to be true.”
“Now, this fairy tale is your reality and it will continue to play from now until the end of time.”
She takes a step toward me, wraps her arms around my neck and ste
ps onto her toes, bringing her lips gently to mine. “I’m so glad that I didn’t have to kiss a frog to find my prince.”
I can’t help it; she left this door wide open. “You kinda did. His name was Jake Bryant.”
“Oh my gosh, you did not just say that.”
“I most certainly did. Now, let’s go get Sadie.”
Jake
After dropping off those two lovebirds, Mr. Montgomery takes us to Laurel’s. Arriving at the little white house, I feel as if I’m in Nashville at Belle’s. It really is truly amazing that we could find that for her when she started looking. The moment she described home and what she had to have, I knew I had the place.
Stepping out of the truck, I go to help Laurel grab her bag and mine as well. We tell the Montgomery’s thanks for the ride, and walk toward the front door. She takes the keys from her purse, unlocks the door, and I step into her oasis. Inside, I’m caught somewhere between a cotton field and a monogram. Everywhere I look I see turquoise and grey. Pictures fill the living room mantel of her and Belle. This place is perfect in so many ways.
“Sara will be here later on. I’m sure she’s hanging with Beau until the cookout,” she says as she starts to walk toward her room and I follow her. Placing her bags on the floor, I pause, unsure of what I should do. “Why are you still holding your bag?”
She takes a step toward me and motions toward the room in the corner. “There’s not a guest room, and I didn’t figure you’d use it anyway.” Her eyes avoid me when she says it like she’s shy of others knowing what is going on.
“Laurel, I can go somewhere else if you want. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable or anything.”
“You will not. It’s just strange saying it out loud. I’ve never had a guy spend the night.”
Taking a step closer to her, I admit, “You don’t know how I love hearing those words.”
