Chapter 41 Birdie
Birdie
I’ve always loved romance. Everything to do with it, and anything that glorified it. Ever since I read my first romance novel I was enraptured and I wanted to love something so much or be loved that much that I could tell a story as convincing and beautiful as so many before me.
My first love was Nora Robert’s. The way she’d describe and set every scene so perfectly, I’d be instantly transported. So many of her stories live in my mind as if I’ve visited those places myself and the stories written are actually mine.
This is the first time in my life that I feel like I’m properly inspired—and it’s absolutely because of Dawsen Jones and the man that he is.
There are two real life tropes I seem to be actually living in.
The first is that of the ‘brother’s best friend’—which is always a winner.
The second trope I fell head first into, the insta-love, which just so happens to be my least favorite trope to read about, but I must say—I recommend it in real life.
Although, I guess you could argue that it wasn’t that instant, considering the secret decades long crushes, but that’s besides the point.
I’ve been in my writing cave almost every single day for the past three weeks.
Dawsen makes sure there’s a fresh pot of coffee made every morning before he heads down to work.
By the time I arrive, it’s brewed, a mug is set out for me and it’s always accompanied by a sticky note with something scrawled across it. I’ve look forward to it every morning.
I’ve started collecting them in a tiny little sticky note book in the top drawer of my desk.
Dawsen will occasionally send me an email with a small design task for the winery, but nothing that qualifies me to be taking home the paychecks he’s giving to me, but every time I push back, he won’t even hear it.
For the most part, I spend all day chipping away at my novel. Which still feels crazy to say, but in just three weeks, I’ve cranked out sixty thousand words.
I’ll write until Dawsen comes upstairs for the night. He usually brings me a glass of wine and then whips up something for dinner. We’ve been binging old seasons of Survivor while we eat and this life just feels like a dream.
I’ve loved being holed up in my writing cave, but it’s time to take a little breather.
River had the idea to go stay at a cabin just outside of town with some friends, and as much as I wanted to keep my head down and keep writing, a getaway with Dawsen sounds incredible.
Mountain views, cozy fireplace snuggles, late night chats with Casey. I think it’s just what I need actually.
I’m wrapping up for the day so I can head home and take an everything shower and get packed up. I’m stuffing my laptop into my purse when I hear my phone vibrate against the desk.
Casey: I met a guy.
Me: Shut up. Spill. Tell me everything!
Casey: He’s a bull rider. 6’2” and you’ll be meeting him tomorrow.
Me: OH MY GOSH. He sounds hot. What’s his name?
Casey: He’s very hot. Carter’s his name.
Me: Can’t wait to meet him and can’t wait to drink wine by the fire with my bestie!
Casey: Same! Your brother is on one today too, by the way. Being really fucking annoying.
Me: What’s new! Ha Ha Ha! Love you, good luck!
I hike my bag up on my shoulder, switch off my lamp and close my office door behind me. Dawsen had a special name plate made for me that he put on my office door that says Birdie Banks, Author & Artist. When I saw it the first time, my heart did little somersaults.
Before heading out the front door, I leave a sticky note on the fridge where I know Dawsen will see it.
I love that life with you feels like it’s not real life.
* * *
My alarm sounds off way too early for my liking, but River insisted that we get to the cabin rental as early as possible so we can squeeze the most out of our trip.
Between me and my brother, he’s definitely the more adventurous one.
I love him, but he’s also the type who likes to workout while he’s on vacation, and truthfully—that’s only what psychopaths do.
I roll over and grab my phone off my bedside table to snooze the alarm.
I peek over at my window and the faintest bit of sunlight peers in through the curtains.
I grab my kindle off the table as well and click it open to finish the chapter of the book I fell asleep reading last night night.
I get two sentences in and my bedroom door clicks open.
“Damn it. I was hoping to get here before you woke up.” Dawsen slides in and gently pads over to the bed. He sits down on the mattress and sets two coffees on my nightstand.
He leans down and kisses my lips.
“Do you not sleep at all?! You’ve already went for coffee this morning?”
He let’s out a throaty chuckle. “I’ve already went on a run too. Impressed?”
“Very. Now gimme.” I say, reaching for the latte.
“I’ve also filled my truck up with fuel, packed my bags, grabbed road trip snacks and answered some emails.” He rattles off, as he reaches over and brushes my hair behind my ear.
“Like I said before, Dawsen Jones. The man that you are.” I say with a wink, then I sip my coffee which tastes like heaven.
There’s a knock on my door, to which Dawsen stands up and strides over to open it.
My parents are on the other side, in their robes, holding their mugs of coffee with big smiles on their faces.
“Good Morning!” They say in almost unison.
“Eww, what are you guys acting like that for?” I say, eyeing them suspiciously because why are they looking so chipper this early in the morning.
“What? We just wanted to see y’all before you take off.” Mom pads in and sits on the end of my bed, and dad comes in and sits at my desk.
“Seriously, what the hell is going on right now?” I say, straightening in my bed.
“We’re just really happy that you’re found a man who loves you in all your morning glory.” Dad says sarcastically while waving his hand in my direction. Most definitely making fun of my bed head and the sleep lines all over my face.
I sleep like a dead person, okay? I cannot control that.
“Y’all are being weird.” I say, flopping back down on my pillow.
Dawsen and my parents start talking about River and his job at Saddlebrooke ranch. There’s been some things happening over there regarding some of the bull riders and some drama they’re stirring up. I hear Dawsen mention the name Carter and that’s when I tune back into the conversation.
“Wait, Carter? Like the Carter that Casey is talking to?” I straighten, and insert myself into the conversation.
They all look at me, and I realize nobody knows what I’m talking about so I elaborate. “Casey said there’s this guy she’s kind of into at work. His name is Carter and he’s coming to the cabin this weekend with us. Do you think it’s the same guy?”
“I’d venture to guess it is. Not many dudes around here named Carter.” Dawsen says with a hard R at the end.
“Oh, I bet Riv’s gonna love that.” Dad adds.
“Hmm, Well, can’t wait to hear how that goes.” Mom says as she goes to stand.
Dad taps Dawsen’s shoulder on his way out, “Keep Riv in check with that whole situation. Potential shit show, if you know what I mean.” He gives his shoulder a squeeze, “You kids have fun and be safe!”
“Why is this a potential shit show?” I say, needing to know what I clearly don’t know.
Dawsen huffs out a laugh. “Ahh, you know River. He’s always been weird about Casey, and if she’s bringing some guy he hates, I don’t know. Just could be recipe for disaster. I’m sure he’ll be fine though. Don’t worry.”
He kisses my forehead, “Take your time, get dressed and just come down whenever you’re ready. I’ll be downstairs.”
I hate to see him go, but I love to watch him leave, if you know what I mean.
About forty-five minutes later, I make my way downstairs. I put on my favorite boot cut Levi’s, that hug my ass along with a tight white, long sleeve top. On top of that I’m wearing my warmest Sherpa lined denim jacket.
Once I reach the bottom of the stairs, I see Dawsen stretched out on the couch, arm behind his head and his other hand holding a book out in front of him.
When a man who is already attractive picks up a book and actually reads it, well shit—I’m done.
I sneak up behind him on the couch and nibble his ear.
“Ready to go?” I say breathily into his ear.
He adjusts his position and turns his head to see me. Smiling with his eyes. I love this man.
“Let’s go, gorgeous.”
* * *
The drive to the rental cabin seemed to fly by. Dawsen packed all my favorite snacks and we listened to the new Morgan Wallen album the whole way there. We’d pause every few songs to discuss and critique.
We pull up to the cabin and see Casey’s car and River’s truck parked in the driveway, so we take the available street parking.
The cabin is so picturesque. It looks like a cabin that would be on the front of a syrup bottle. I love it here already.
We park and Dawsen starts to unload his truck.
I tend to be a chronic over-packer and that man doesn’t give me any flack for it.
In fact, when he was loading the bags into the bed of his truck he asked if I had anymore inside that he needed to grab after already loading two pretty sizable bags into the truck.
“Bird, head inside. It’s cold. I’ve got this.” Dawsen juts his chin up towards the entrance of the cabin. I grab the cooler bag before heading inside. “I’ll bring this and get the cheeseboard started.”
I knock on the solid wood door before turning the large handle.
It’s open, so I push my way in. I can hear almost immediately River and Casey bantering in the kitchen, as always.
The tone and sass with these two is unrivaled.
They have known each other for decades and now they work together.
You’d think they’d learn how to get along by now, but no.
They do respect each other though. I don’t think they’d agree to as many family functions and events together if they didn’t at least have some mutual respect.
I also happen to know that River did have a crush on her at one point, which he totally denies, but I caught him staring at her once in a way that was definitely crush-worthy. I teased him about it for awhile, but I decided to let him off the hook.
“Birdie, Thank the good Lord.” Casey says, exasperated.
She practically runs to hug me, then grabs me by the arm and tugs me into the kitchen that is now in full view.
Carter, I presume, is perched on a bar stool drinking a banquet beer and River is leaning against the edge of the counter with a beer in hand as well, rolling his eyes.
“Tell your asshole brother that I absolutely did place second for Long Jump our junior year.” She says, heated, throwing her arm out towards River.
“River, Casey absolutely placed second for Long Jump our Junior Year.” I repeat verbatim. I’m used to their annoying arguments, but from the look on this Carter guys face, he’s not. So I try to change the subject.
I reach my hand out to Carter. “Hi, you must be Carter. I’m Birdie. River’s little sister, and Casey’s best friend.”
He shakes my hand and nods. He’s definitely cute, Casey wasn’t lying.
“Hey Birdie, nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.” I smile, wishing I could say the same but I just heard of the dude via text message last night.
“Same! I’m glad you’re here!” I smile warmly.
Dawsen comes trudging in looking impressive carrying everything through the door.
He sets everything down and makes his way into the kitchen.
He walks directly to me, pulling me into a hug.
I grab the beer off the counter that I pulled out and had waiting for him.
I hold it out to him and he smiles, leans down and kisses me.
“Get a room.” Casey deadpans.
We both laugh, “Yeah, speaking of, where’s everyone sleeping?” I ask.
“Carter and I are taking the bedroom down the hall to the right. River is upstairs in the loft, and there’s another room that way.” Signaling to the left.
“Perfect! I’ll go stash our bags there.” Dawsen says, introducing himself to Carter before he heads off to stake claim.
* * *
River, Carter and Dawsen all have gone outside to start a fire in the fire pit.
The tension between River and Carter is definitely palpable, but I think Dawsen has been doing a good job diffusing it a bit at least. Casey and I have been perched at the kitchen island, arranging an assortment of fancy cheeses and crackers on a pretty tray while sipping whatever wine Dawsen opened up for us.
It feels good being here like this. With all my people. Granted, the Carter addition is pretty random and very off-brand for Casey, but I’m here for it if he makes her happy.
Casey and I eventually head over to the fireplace, wrapping ourselves up in thick flannel blankets.
The wine has been flowing and I’m feeling all the heat and flutters just looking at Dawsen through the back window.
The boys are all gathered around the fire pit, sipping beer and shooting the shit.
He’s wearing wranglers and boots with his waxed trucker jacket, just looking absolutely sinful.
“I’m really happy for you. It feels like we’ve all just been waiting years for both of you to catch up to each other.” Casey says, reaching her hand out and giving my knee a loving squeeze.
“It’s the strangest feeling. It’s like I’ve been alive all these years, but it feels as if I’ve just started living. Like everything is in vivid color now.” I say, not able to wipe the smile off my face.
“I think just being able to fully love someone and to be loved, makes life so much more beautiful.” I add, feeling like I’m having an epiphany.
“It makes perfect sense. You’ve always inspired me, Bird. Your spirit, your love for life, people and art, and how you’ve always been so unapologetically yourself. You chased after what you want, and now look at you. I’m just really proud of you.”
I basically launch into Casey’s lap and wrap her in the biggest hug. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve a friend like her. She’s a fierce cheerleader and protector for the ones she loves.