39. Chapter 39
Chapter 39
Brynn
W hen I wake in the morning, I am deliciously sore. I feel like my body has been thoroughly fucked and I can't say I hate it. I push back the covers and climb to my feet, stretching my arms above my head. I look around the bedroom and everything is in place. No more clothes littered on the floor, the closet door is shut, and Colt is nowhere to be seen.
I grab Colt's robe from behind his bedroom door and walk to the bathroom in the hall. The tile floor is cool on my feet as I hurry to brush my teeth and use the bathroom. After I am finished washing my hands, I look in the mirror. I not only feel thoroughly fucked, but I look the part too.
I make my way down the hall and into the kitchen. There is a note sitting on the small kitchen table, 'Coffee is ready, just press the button.'
I push the button on the coffee maker and decide to go get dressed. I need to be sure all my stuff is ready to go, I've got a plane to catch .
After dressing and caffeine, I leave Colt a message of my own then make my way to the main house. When I enter, the smell of sausage and syrup hits me.
"Well, hey honey, you want some pancakes?" Momma Ann asks as I stroll into the kitchen. "I have a couple left; I can warm them up."
"Thanks," I say, taking a seat at the table. "I'm going to miss your cooking."
"Now honey, you come back whenever you want. I will be here. Don't stay gone so long this round." She gives me a pointed look as she sets a stack of pancakes swimming in butter and syrup in front of me.
"I won't stay gone as long, promise." I take a huge bite of pancakes and hope the conversation is dropped. Momma Ann hums an acknowledgement and goes back to cleaning up the kitchen and getting ready for lunch.
When I finish my breakfast, I go upstairs and take a look around. I knock on the door to the bedroom that Callie has been staying in. "Come in," she says, and I enter.
"Hey Brynn, I heard you are leaving today."
I nod and look around the room, "Just wanted to be sure I haven't left anything."
"Are you coming back?" Callie asks as she braids Millie's pigtails.
"Maybe for Christmas," I say as I double-check the closet .
"Oh." There is disappointment in her tone. "I was hoping we would get to know each other better. I am probably going to stick around here for a while. I need to find a job."
"Talk to Blake, he should be able to find you something. You work with horses, right?"
"Yeah," she says wringing her hands. "Go ahead and go play on your tablet Mills, I am going to talk to Brynn for a bit."
"Okay Mommy," Millie says as she skips out of the room.
"I don't mean to pry but are you and my brother…." She lets her question hang in the air.
"Yes. No. I don't know. We never really discussed it. He knew I was leaving eventually. I've actually been here longer than expected," I say as I fiddle with the hem of my cut-off shorts.
Callie nods, "For what it is worth, I have never seen my brother less grumpy."
"My home is in New York. I never thought I would come back here. Definitely not to stay and live."
"It doesn't seem that bad of a place, I know your reasoning for not coming to visit. I get it, I do. Just make sure you are happy. I spent years unhappy, and I regret it," Callie says as she makes the bed. "I just see the way he looks at you, the way he is around you. I've never seen my brother act that way around a girl, or just in general. He seems happy, and that is all I want for him. I want you to be happy, too. "
"I am happy. I have to go to New York and see what is happening with my condo. My life has been nothing but a string of bad luck lately."
"Maybe the universe is sending you a message. If you don't have a place to live in New York, there are plenty of places here." She winks as she fluffs the last pillow and rests it against the headboard.
I laugh, but it's not a real laugh. I would be lying if I said I haven't thought about what my life would be like if I decided to stay in Cedar Creek. Could my business thrive here? "I have my business to think about, too."
"So, think about it, make a pro's and con's list. Just don't overthink it."
I nod and give her a hug. "If I don't see you again, just know that you are strong, and I am so proud of you taking your life back."
"Thank you, Brynn. For everything. You have done so much for me, Millie, and Colt in such a short time. I can never thank you enough."
"No thanks necessary. Don't forget to talk to Blake about a job," I say as I head out the door. "See ya," sending a small wave her way.
Now, I have to go find my brothers and let them know I am heading to the airport. I figure I will try the main barn first .
"Blake? Brooks?" I yell out as I enter the barn. The smell of hay, horses and shit fill my nose. "You guys in here?"
Blake steps out from the tack room and takes me in. "Is it that time already?"
"Yeah, I don't want to hit traffic. I can't miss my flight."
Blake wraps his huge arms around me and picks me up off the ground. "I miss you already B. Please don't stay away so long." He sets me back on my feet and I see Brooks come through the back doors.
"Hey B. You leaving without saying bye to your favorite brother?" He teases as he pulls me to his chest and kisses the top of my head. "Promise you will come visit soon."
I nod my head, the words not coming out. My throat feels like it is full of sand. I clear my throat, "I'll see what I can do." My breath hitches when Colt comes into the barn with Honey.
"Hey sweet girl. Take care of these boys around here for me, got it?" I whisper as I give her love. "I guess I better get going." I don't know if I should say goodbye to Colt, I honestly don't know if I can handle that. My brother's nod and get back to their tasks.
Colt walks Honey to her stall and gets her situated. "Have a safe flight," his voice is deep and gravelly.
"Thanks." Why is this awkward? "Thank you for everything actually. You made being here easier. "
Colt nods once and goes back to brushing Honey. "Glad to help."
I really don't know what else to say, I have to get a move on if I want to get to the airport on time. "See ya around."
The drive to the airport is filled with sadness and tears. Cedar Creek finally started to feel like home, and I'm leaving.