Along for the Ride

by Casey Peeler

  Chapter 53

  Belle

  Telling Chase goodnight was hard. Walking into the house, Mama and Daddy are in the living room. Taking a seat on the loveseat, they don’t say a word and it’s about to drive me crazy. As I start to stand, they look to me.

  “Where you going?” Mama asks.

  “Bed, I guess.”

  “Suga, we’re so proud of you.”

  “Thanks, Mama. That means a lot.”

  “We’re also grateful you found Chase.” I can’t help but chuckle at that comment. “I don’t find that funny, young lady.”

  “Mama, I’ve known him forever.”

  “You know what I mean. I was worried when he left with you. That life has to be hard and I knew that if you could make it these few months, nothing will ever stop you. Please remember that. Know that no matter how big of a headliner you are, he loves you for the real reasons.”

  On this note, I take a seat again. “Mama, I know that, and it’s what makes us work. He doesn’t care if the 1.3 million is gone tomorrow. It’s not about that. He’s knows me better than I know myself.” When I stop talking, she’s not talking and that’s not like her. “Mama, are you okay?” I question as she remains speechless.

  “Belle, I think your mama is trying to comprehend that figure you gave. Did we hear you correctly? 1.3 million?”

  “Dad, that’s right. They gave me that up front before the next tour. Chase was with me when the deal was made. The label is sure that we’ll profit well more than that.” Looking at both of them, I’m not sure if they are excited or going to cry. “Y’all, it’s just money. It doesn’t really matter.”

  “Max, you might want to call the lawyer tomorrow,” Mama says.

  “Y’all, I had it checked before I signed, but I do need some investment advice. You think y’all can help me with that?”

  “I’m sure we can,” Daddy says. “1.3 million, man. I hate to see what Jake’s pulling in.” Then he shakes his head. Standing, he walks toward me and I stand to meet him. He hugs me and looks me in the eyes. “I’m so proud of you, Belle. You’ve always wanted this in your life and you got your dream. Always remember your roots and you’ll be fine.”

  “That’s right, Daddy. I’m from a family that cotton built.” He smiles, pulling me in once more. “I’m calling it a night. Sharon, you coming?” he says, looking at Mom.

  “Yeah,” we all stand and go to our rooms. Once I’m in my room, I change and lay in my bed. Attempting to go to sleep is no use. I think about calling Chase but I don’t want to wake him. Instead, I toss and turn for what feels like forever.

  As I’m about to finally drift off, I hear the sound of a dirt bike. I’ve got to be dreaming, then there’s a light tap at my window. Looking out, I see a shadow. I’m not dreaming because I know exactly who it is. Sliding up my window, I’m met by Chase.

  “Hey,” he whispers.

  “Hey,” he kisses my lips gently. Moving to the side, I motion for him to climb in. He looks unsure, but then crawls in.

  “I couldn’t sleep,” he says as he stands in front of me.

  “Me either.” Taking him by the hand, I walk him toward my bed and climb back in. He looks unsure. “Chase, just hold me. You can leave before they get up in the morning. Honestly, it doesn’t even matter at this point.”

  Sliding into bed, he leaves his clothes on and holds me tight. He sets his alarm for before the rooster crows.

  Chase

  As my alarm begins to ring, I quickly silence it. I can’t believe I came over here last night, but I couldn’t be without her. This is going to be the longest week of my life. Knowing I’ve got to get out of here, I nudge her awake.

  “Bella Blu, I gotta get home. I’m helping Dad today.” She shakes her head and I kiss her quickly before going back out the window. Shaking my head, I realize how comical this situation is. I’m a grown man and sneaking out of my girlfriend’s window. I walk to my bike and push it down the drive before cranking it and driving home.

  Arriving home, I crawl back in bed for another hour, and then quickly shower before going to meet Dad.

  Pulling up at his barn, he doesn’t say much. I look at the list of calls today as we wait on the rest of the crew.

  “Dad, are we taking a lunch break today like usual at The Depot?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You think I’d have time to walk in the jewelry store?” He smiles my direction.

  “I’m sure you’d have plenty of time. You think they’ll have something she’ll like?”

  “She likes things simple. I’m sure they will.”

  The crew gets there and I hop in the passenger side as we drive to a new housing development on the outskirts of town. They’ve got one framed and we all begin our tasks of the morning. When we get to a stopping point, several of us load up to pick up lunch while a few guys have brought theirs from home and remain on the site.

  Pulling into town, my nerves are starting to get to me. “Son, it’s just a pretty piece of coal.” That man can make anyone relax. “You want your usual?”

  “Yeah. Order mine and I’ll be in there in a few minutes. If not, get it to go and come save me,” I laugh.

  We got our separate ways and as I open the door to the local jewelry store, I take a deep breath and pray they have exactly what I’m looking to purchase.

  “Hey, Chase,” Georgeanne says from behind the counter. This got very awkward very quickly.

  “How are ya?” I question, making small talk.

  “Pretty good. How can I help you today?”

  “Engagement rings?” A smile spreads across her face.

  “For Belle?” she says with a smile.

  “Yeah,” and I can’t help but grin like crazy.

  “Follow me over here and I’ll show you what we have. Do you know what you’re looking to buy?”

  “Something simple, but the diamond can’t be tiny either.”

  “I think I know exactly what you’re looking for.”

  Walking to the glass case, she tells me to look and see if there’s anything that stands out. Looking, I see bling, bling and more bling. Some are full of multiple diamonds, others are shaped in a circle with little diamonds around it, and then I see exactly what I want. It’s a square shape on a wide band. It’s simple, elegant, and beautiful.

  “Can I see the square one on the right?”

  “Absolutely.” She pulls it from the case and as I look at it, there’s no need to look any further. This is it. “What do you think?”

  “That’s it.”

  She smiles at me. “I always refrain from giving my opinion before you pick the one you like. Most of the time, you know exactly what you want before I show you. This is exactly what you described. Do you know what size she needs?”

  “Six.” She looks at it.

  “It’s your day. It’s a six. This ring must have been waiting on you.”

  “Guess so,” Georgeanne and I discuss payment and I walk to The Depot with a diamond burning a hole in my pocket.

  Taking a seat beside Dad, he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he hands me the bill along with my burger.

  Chapter 54

  Belle

  This week has been nothing short of amazing. Chase, Laurel, Jake and I have relaxed, recharged and found the grounding we all needed. Chase has worked with his dad every day of the week, and as much as I hate the time we’re apart, I know he needs it. Not to mention when he walks in hot and sweaty each afternoon, I can’t help but stare. We’ve taken advantage of the farm when he’s not working. We’ve rode around, swam in the creek, even fished almost every afternoon, and gone to Martin’s pool hall. One thing we haven’t done is go to the trestle. I’ve asked Chase a million times and he keeps putting it off. I’m not sure why.

  Laurel and I decided to go to the next town over for a girls’ day with mani and pedis to get ready for the dance this evening while the guys took the afternoon to go fishing. I’m not exactly sure I’m buying their story becau
se they all looked a little too put together to be going to the creek, but whatever. Maybe they are going to buy something new to wear, but I know that’s out. It’s just the Harvest Festival dance, not a formal ball. Laurel and I debated going shopping, but we’ve both got enough clothes for a lifetime.

  As we sit in the pedicure chairs, we both sit back and relax with a glass of wine.

  “This is so amazing, Belle. Thanks for talking me into it.”

  “Oh yeah, I had to twist your arm to come,” we both raise our glasses and relax.

  For the next hour or so, we enjoy a girls’ day at the spa and then go to a cute farm to table restaurant. I order an amazing salad and sandwich while Laurel orders a vegetable plate. Sitting outside, we enjoy the sunshine, girl talk, and beautiful surroundings. As we finish up, a little girl about the age of ten looks at me and smiles. Waving at her, she pulls on her mom’s hand and points to me.

  “Hi, how are you?” I ask her.

  “Good. Is your name Belle?” she says shyly.

  “It is. What’s your name?”

  “Chloe.”

  “Nice to meet you, Chloe.”

  “I love your songs.”

  “Thanks. You know I’m going on tour again. You’ll have to come to it.”

  Her eyes light up, “Mama, can we?” she says with excitement.

  “I don’t know why not.”

  “Great! I’ll look for you and if there’s a way, I’ll see if I can get you meet and greet tickets.”

  Her mom looks to me, “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I know I don’t have to, but I’d love to either do that or get you tickets up close. Write your name and number down and I’ll see what I can do.”

  Taking a pen and paper from my purse, she quickly jots it down then they start to take a step away. “Chloe, can we take a picture? Is that okay, Mom?” I ask her mother.

  “Of course.” Chloe stands beside me as I take a picture with my phone and Chloe asks if she can do the same. Of course, I oblige.

  As they walk away, Laurel stares at me as I continue to eat my salad. “What?”

  “That was awesome. You made that little girl’s day. She’s going to be telling all of her friends and posting on social media.”

  “Perfect! I want to be known as a person who doesn’t mind stopping for the little moments, and don’t think I’m not going to post on mine as soon as we’re out of here.” She looks at me strangely. “I want to enjoy the remainder of my plate and not get swarmed.”

  “So I want a selfie with the amazing Belle Montgomery,” Laurel says with a smile. She takes out her phone and we take two. One is serious and the other goofy.

  Once we finish lunch, we drive back to Lattimore. We’ve got a few hours before the dance, but I want to enjoy the afternoon because tomorrow this week is over and that means Chase and I will be going back to Nashville.

  After dropping Laurel off at home, I debate on stopping by Chase’s, but he promised he’d see me tonight. Pulling in the driveway, I see Mama on the front porch swing.

  “How was it?” she asks.

  “Great, and this little girl recognized me. She was the only one all day. It was great! We went to a little spa and then ate lunch at this amazing farm to table place. Have y’all ate there?”

  “I have. Your daddy isn’t getting out of these city limits. So, you ready for the dance tonight?” Mama questions.

  “I guess so. Is it crazy I’m excited?”

  She looks at me, “Absolutely not.” She smiles and I excuse myself to get ready for the evening.

  Entering my room, I take a seat and think about how this night went all those years ago. I had no idea what would happen that night. I never thought I’d realize how much I truly cared about Chase. It was supposed to only be a dance. Instead, it was the beginning of the rest of my life.

  After showering, I walk to my closet and stare at the wardrobe before me. I’ve got dresses for all occasions from the tour. Most are sparkly, blingy, and not my everyday style at all. Looking to the far corner of my closet, I want to laugh at the dress that meets my eyes. There is no way that will still fit, but I have got to try just for fun. Shrugging my shoulders, I attempt to put it on and am surprised when it fits. However, I look like I’m a teenager and it’s way out of style. Pulling it off, I search through the closet for something simple. When I don’t see what I’m looking to wear, I grab my suitcase remembering I didn’t unpack everything. Opening it, I dig through and discover a simple white lace boho dress. Sliding it on, it hits halfway up my legs. Taking my boots, I slide them on and then touch up my makeup with a little gloss and eyeliner before curling my hair into large, loose curls. Taking my jewelry from my bag, I grab my turquoise necklace and glance in the mirror once more. Perfect. Simple. Elegant. Those are the words that reflect my appearance and exactly what I want for tonight.

  Taking a deep breath, I exit my room and walk down the hall where Mama meets me. “Belle, you look beautiful.”

  “Thanks, Mama. Are y’all going tonight?”

  “I think so, but it depends on what time your daddy gets done tonight. You know this time of year is hard on him. It’s like everyone else is finished picking and we’ve got cotton growing outta our ears.”

  “I know and you could go even if he doesn’t.”

  “True, but what fun is that? He’s the only man I’d dance with and no one wants to stand there against the wall.”

  “You’re right.” She walks toward her room and I walk to the kitchen, open the fridge, grab a beer and go to wait for Chase on the porch.

  Chase

  Looking in the mirror, I realize that tonight is the night we get to relive our dreams. It’s hard to believe that we’re getting a second chance at our first date, but tonight is more than getting a second chance at a dance. It’s about the start to the rest of our lives. Making sure that I’m presentable before going to Belle’s house, I look in the mirror again. Today was the longest day of my life. The guys and I went fishing, but that wasn’t the only thing on the agenda. I had to make sure tonight was perfect. Jake and Beau helped me tremendously. Plus, we had a few cold ones to get my nerves in check. Walking toward the kitchen, I take Sadie out, make sure she’s got fresh water, and then grab my keys.

  Walking to my truck, I take a deep breath. Why am I so nervous? Cranking the engine, I head toward her house and as I pull into their long gravel driveway, a smile escapes as I see an angel on the front porch.

  Putting the truck in park, I sit for a moment and stare at the most beautiful girl in the world. When she smiles my direction, I open the door and walk toward her as she continues to sit. “Hey there,” she smiles, taking a sip of beer. “Want some?” Taking a seat beside her, she passes the can my way. We sit and enjoy this moment. All my mind can think about is how I want to skip this dance and take her to our favorite spot where no one will be around. When we’ve finished the beer, she starts to stand and I stop her by placing my hand on her arm as she looks to me.

  “Bella Blu, you’re beautiful. You sure we can’t skip this dance?”

  “No, silly. Laurel will have our head.”

  Taking her hand in mine, I help her up from the swing when her mom walks outside. “Great! I caught you before you left. Can I get a picture?” Looking to Belle, how can we resist? Sliding my arm around Belle, we smile for her mom for one picture. Belle looks up to me then to her mom.

  “Mama, can you take one of us on the swing?”

  “Of course,” she says as we walk to the swing. I push her on the swing as her mom takes a few and before long, we’re alone again like we were all those years ago.

  “I hope she got one,” Belle says, looking up to me as the swing comes to a stop.

  “I’m sure she did,” I say as I bend in to kiss her perfectly plump lips. “You ready?”

  Escorting her to my truck, she slides in and I walk around to the driver's side.

  “We’re meeting them there, right?” I ask.

 
“Yup, now how about a little music.” Turning up the radio, I drive her to the Harvest Festival dance.

  Chapter 55

  Jake

  Waiting in the living room of Laurel’s house, I’m a nervous wreck. As footsteps come from the hallway, I’m frozen in place by her beauty. Her dress is simple yet elegant. It’s the perfect shade of pink for her skin tone, and her brown hair is down and flowing perfectly down her back.

  “You ready?” she asks as I stand to meet her.

  “Do I have to share you?” She laughs as I step toward her. “You’re my perfect kinda beautiful.” Bending down, I kiss her lips sweetly, careful not to smudge her makeup, take her by the hand, and we walk toward her car.

  Arriving at the dance, I’m impressed at how this small town does things in a big way. It’s in the parking lot of a restaurant and there are lights strung side to side. There’s a band on the stage and everyone in town is dressed in their finest attire.

  Walking in, we spot Chase and Belle talking to her brother. Taking Laurel by the hand, we walk toward them.

  “Well, if it isn’t Jake Bryant,” Beau says as he extends his hand.

  “Good to see you again.”

  “Same here, but it’s not like I didn’t see you earlier today.” We laugh. “Looks like you’re about to experience the highlight of our town.”

  “I hope so.” We stand and talk a few minutes and Laurel never leaves my side.

  As the band slows down the music, I look to Laurel and she smiles. I can’t resist her any longer. I want us together on the dance floor. “If you’ll excuse us,” I say to everyone around us. Without giving her a chance to respond, I guide her to the dance floor. Taking her in my arms, we move to the music until all the songs blend together and I forget anyone else is around us.

  “Jake,” looking to meet her eyes, she says, “I love you.”

  Bending down to meet her lips, I kiss her. “I love you, too. Can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure.”

  “Will you go home with me on Wednesday?”

  “Absolutely.”