Breathe

Brindleton Bay
Seaglass Haven Estate
(Home to Chase, Hailey and their twins Iris Marie and Briar Rose when not at college)

Around the much used and abused dining room table, Iris Marie sat next to her twin sister, Briar Rose, across from them their still youthful looking mother, Hailey. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, as now their father, Chase, sauntered in, cup in hand, and took his seat.

“Dad, can’t you talk to grandpa again?” Iris’s voice crackled with frustration.

Chase raised an eyebrow, sipping his coffee as if it held the secrets of the universe. “I can and I have, very successfully so. I chat with your grandpa more often than I change my socks. Just this morning, he waltzed in with a stack of new music recordings, like a musical spy dropping off coded messages. Actually, more like homework for me, he wants me to check them and give input. And then, off he went to harass your Aunt Caitlin about her sudden quadruple grandma status. My poor little sister, first nothing for years and then suddenly everything all at once, a little boy by one son, and then triplet girls by the other just months later, which clearly is immensely amusing to our dad, insert a bunch of crude Blaine jokes, and voilà—the essence of our conversation.”

“Daaaaaaaad,” Iris leaned forward, eyes blazing, “You KNOW I didn’t mean THAT. I meant about the ridiculous bed situation at the campus home. Bunk beds? Seriously? We’re not Grade Schoolers at summer camp, we’re supposed to act like adults, so how about we get treated as such. But if he won’t change it, then maybe you and mom could upgrade us to double beds. We’ll get them ourselves if he won’t, and he can toss them out and put those stupid bunk beds back in after we graduate or something. I don’t get why he’s so medieval about this, not like he’s conservative or poor or whatever. That man is crudeness personified. So, come on now! I am asking for double beds, not S&M equipment or something.”

Chase leaned back, amused. “And who’s footing the bill for this grand bed revolution? Hint: won’t be the guy you’re looking at. Nor his wife, so don’t even think about trying to con your mom into that nonsense. Not happening, Iris. The campus home is my dad’s, not mine, he is courteous enough to let all his many grandkids use it for free when they attend college, which really saves us a TON not to mention the convenience for those using it, so I am not going to put demands on him, let alone argue with him about decisions he’s already made, nor will I just go replacing the furniture he put in. You asked him before, he said no, and that’s that. If you want it brought up again, YOU will have to ask him yourself and deal with the fallout that will create, as we both know, he’s not the type to just say yes or no.”

“Dad, just talk to him!” Iris’s frustration bubbled over. “He’ll listen to you. Jasper and I don’t just have some illicit affair or summertime fling. You’ve known him since birth, as has grandpa, so what is the problem here? We’re serious—about each other and our damn future careers. There will be no accidental pregnancies on our watch, if that’s what everyone’s worried about, we both are VERY diligent to make sure of that. Same goes for Bri and not just because…well, you know, her internal issues. I know she’s smart about it too, even now that Jackson practically proposed to her.”

Chase and Hailey exchanged a glance, their proverbial ears perked up, the parental radar on high alert. Meanwhile, Bri choked on her coffee, eyes wide.

Shoving her twin, Bri got flustered, “Iris is high on something. Jackson did not—let me repeat that for the cheap seats—he did NOT propose! Gawd no! Bitch be delulu!”

“I am NOT delusional, and bitch yourself! You told me about that with your own mouth, weirdo! Mom, dad, Jackson literally told her he wants to get her pregnant, so Brad finally backs off. And he said he wasn’t a marrying man, but would totally marry you, even without dad forcing him to after he knocked you up, since he seems to think your fertility issues won’t be a match for his superpowered cowboy swimmers.”

While their girls were shoving and swatting at each other, Chase rolled his eyes at Hailey, who shook her head with an ‘oh jeeze‘ expression on her face.

“I can assure everyone here at this table and beyond there will never be a time I would force anyone to marry either of my daughters.” Chase stated, still trying to process the bomb dropped by his daughter.

“I know, and Jackson SO didn’t say that! Well, I guess he kinda did, but he didn’t mean it like that, he was actually trying to make a point and be sweet and those words are completely out of context. He was just upset because … uh … stuff.” Bri reiterated.

“Stuff?” Hailey wondered, eyebrows arched.

“She went out with Brad and they almost kissed when he saw her to the door.” Iris tattled.

Bri was now beet-red and swatting at her sister so hard, Iris had to hold on so she wouldn’t slide off the chair, until Hailey stopped them by banging her hand on the table, causing both daughters to halt and stare at her.

“Knock it off, you two, especially since you were just trying to sell your daddy and me on how adult you both were. Doesn’t look like it right now. And excuse me!? You kissed your ex?! BRIAR ROSE CAMERON!”

“I absolutely did NOT! Mom, dad, I swear it was harmless and nothing like that. More a moment of melancholy, we got a little carried away. Jackson understands, so please don’t blow anything out of proportion. But since Iris seems hellbent on getting me in trouble, I found out from Jasper that they were arrested by campus security for canoodling in his car on campus!” Bri returned fire at her twin sister.

Iris Marie shot her sister a warning glare, then shrugged at her parents

“Yeah, and why don’t you tell them HOW you found out about that? Oh, I know, I know, because Jasper told you about that when he bailed YOU and JACKSON out of campus jail for getting caught screwing in his truck!”

“GIRLS! Enough now, I am still your dad and while we are obviously not your average family, I really do NOT want to hear about what my daughters do with their boyfriends when the lights go out. I was young once too and the fact that we have three kids should be proof enough that your mom and I are no strangers to how all that works!” Chase ranted, shaking his head which made his grunge rockstar mane fly, he scowled at his daughters, while Hailey nodded in agreement with him.

“Seriously girls, stop the oversharing! Your daddy and I REALLY don’t need a play-by-play of your bedroom escapades. We know you are young adults now, we know you have boyfriends and we were young once too—and like he said, we are intimately familiar with what goes on when the mood strikes, then and now. Chase, maybe you should talk to your father about the bed situation again. I don’t know what’s worse, that discussion with Blaine and his gutter brain and potty mouth or our children going to uni jail for screwing in public! I mean, I know you technically retired from the stage, but we both also know you are already bored, as is Colton, so Maddie and I see the writing on the wall and as your former and presumably future band manager I don’t have to tell you that you don’t want to reboot your career with gasp-inducing headlines about our lovely daughters’ naughty campus moments. We’ll leave that to other celebs, especially since your dad is Blaine Cameron, aka a walking, talking shocker headline on any given day.” Hailey let out an exasperated sigh.

“Well mom, last I checked, Jasper didn’t get his naked butt photographed by paparazzi while doing the naughty in some bushes in some park with me, making headline news. That was YOU, mom and dad! YOU! The shining epitome of chastity–NOT!” Iris ranted. “And you two wonder why we turned out the way we are. Those nuggets from your youth, well recorded in the tabloids from yesteryear might be a big fat hint.”

Hailey’s eyes narrowed, as she wagged her finger at her daughter.

“Listen young lady, we were young, foolish, naive, we made mistakes, we had a long-distance relationship at the tender age of 16, and both were living with our parents so the park was the best we could do for intimacy at that time. But all that aside, I am DONE with the topic of physical intimacy and its locations. I am proud of your stellar grades, Iris, which is why I will let your insolence slide, but you, little Miss Bri, you need to do better than a B minus.”

Chase leaned back; his voice dry as the desert. “On the bright side: at least you girls can claim your father’s ass was more famous than an entire Kardashian at some point.”

Bri rolled her eyes. “Mooooooooom. I’m trying to catch up after that semester I took off to play cowgirl on Jackson’s ranch. I’m not superhuman, but assure you, I am doing my best.”

Chase leveled a no-nonsense gaze at his daughter. “Yeah, the semester at the Kershaw Ranch was one thing, probably one we can all understand, you wanted to see if that relationship has any future at all, got it, but you have been back there how many times now to visit? No wonder you can’t focus on uni, constantly planning the next trip out there. Maybe spend less time wrangling cute lil horsies at Jackson’s ranch and more time in the campus library. You can chase ranch dreams with Jackson after graduation—on your own dime. Good luck with that.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Bri chimed in, sarcasm dripping. “I’ll just put my personal life on hold, so I can spend my days in the library. Who needs to work on a relationship, just let it sit there for the next two years, great idea. Maybe I’ll send Jackson your way with a complaint form, cos he won’t love your suggestion, and neither do I.”

Chase grinned. “Please do. I’d love to enlighten him about life beyond his little house on the prairie. That boy will be needing a drink after all I have to tell him about reality of life outside Chestnut Ridge. Especially with a spoiled little socialite like you. Bri, anyone can live without all the creature comforts they grew up with and are used to for a few months, but long-term Jackson’s ranch won’t make you happy. Your mom and I have been there several times now, that is not the life you are ready for. So yes, as your parents we want to be supportive, and we have been and will be, but it’s our job to remind you that life on your own won’t be the literal ponies and rainbows all the time, not even at a horse ranch. Which is why while we support you doing you, we have to insist on you getting the best education possible, so you have something to fall back on if the dreams don’t pan out as you hope. Which they rarely do, but you can still find bliss and happiness, speaking from experience.”

Iris smirked. “See everyone? Me asking for a double bed isn’t as bad as you thought.”

As if on cue, right as Hailey let out the biggest sigh getting up to get a refill for her coffee, someone was at the door. She checked her phone app for the cameras and let out a chuckle, as she went to answer, while her husband and two daughters went into another round of arguments.

When she rejoined them with Chase’s father Blaine in tow, she immediately said into the silence his arrival at the table now caught.

“See, you always meet twice. Grandpa’s back already, and while I get him and myself some coffee, why don’t you state your case to him, Iris. Good luck. Chase, Bri, popcorn while we watch that drama unfold?”

“Nah Patches, thanks, if I eat anything now I’ll just puke. Dad, I haven’t had a chance to listen to the recordings yet. I told you, I need a few days.” Chase told his father, who waved it off, while plopping down onto a chair.

“Nah, that’s good, not rush, I only came back cos I forgot to invite you all to dinner on Sunday. Luckily, I remembered before I got home, so your mother won’t kick my butt all the way back to your doorstep calling me senile. I am not senile, just usually have other things on my mind. So, what did you want to ask me, Iris?” Blaine leaned back in his chair, his eyes trained on his granddaughter.

Iris Marie squared her shoulders. “Grandpa, as adults, we—”

“Ah, say no more. You’re not getting bigger beds for the campus house from me,” Blaine interrupted. “Fuck behind the bushes like all the other students. Like we all had to when we were your age. Right Chase? Hailey?” Blaine grinned widely, wiggling his eyebrows at his son and daughter-in-law.

Chase buried his head in his hands. “Oh, Dad…”

Hailey reached over and nudged Blaine hard, after setting the coffee mugs down for them, shaking her head at him, protesting, which only made him chuckle.

Blaine raised an eyebrow. “What? You both think at 20 they’re just holding hands with their boyfriends? Come on, kids! Your babies are all grown up and get more than the recommended amount of D in, I guaran-damn-tee it. Ain’t grandpa right, my sweet little loinfruits by proxy? Aren’t teen and post-teen hormonal rages fun? Make ya horny something fierce, how pesky huh, when the mind constantly slides down into your panties?” Blaine laughed, nudging his two horrified and speechless granddaughters, both trying to get over the awkwardness.

“Yikes! Jeezes dad was all that really necessary? And using your own logic you would have to be a teen to post-teen, and perpetually stuck on some loop that hornball phase, but that’s beside the point. I am well aware of reality as probably every modern parent would be. Just really don’t need to hear about it.”

“Yeah, you got a point there, kid, I give ya that, I don’t like hearing about it much myself, prefer doing it. Often and enthusiastically. Just like you two, huh Iris and Bri?”

“GRANDPAAA! EEEEEEEWWW! STAAAAHP, please please please stop!” Bri grimaced.

Smirking, while sipping the coffee, Blaine continued to torture his granddaughters.

“What? Your sister started it, wanting a bigger bed to fit two people. What did you two think I would think the reason for that would be? I am not your run-of-the-mill grandpa, you know that, I am not gonna flash my dentures at ya, as I pull my wallet from my non-existent senior male ass below my dad bod, to hand over my credit card with shaky hands, begging you to come visit me more often, while fucking up your names cos I am too senile to realize I am not sitting on the crapper but instead pissing myself in front of you. Big beds are for comfortable fuckin’, everyone knows that! Yah think the stork brought your daddy and all his many siblings? That poor fuckin’ animal would have been on crutches or on its deathbed three kids ago and PETA would have been up my ass and out my ears for animal abuse. And you, Iris, pretty hypocritical of you to want me to buy you and your boyfriend a big bed to fuck in, while at the same time turning your nose up at the idea that others use big beds for the very same reasons. Tssk tsssk. What do they teach you these days in college.”

“Nightmare. Absolute nightmare. Why can’t I have a normal family?!” Iris sighed, while shaking her head repeatedly.

“Unclutch your pearls, Iris, and define normal.” Blaine shrugged, highly amused.

“Well, no offense grandpa, but considering you are a grandpa, MY grandpa, you should sound like a grandpa, which as you kinda pointed out already, you never have and never will, you should look like a grandpa. But you don’t, and never will, cos you have fangs. That would be a great start. Vampires should be fiction, not reality, and definitely not MY reality. So, by definition, that is NOT normal.”

“IRIS! Pull yourself together you brat!” Hailey called her daughter to order, while Blaine grinned at his granddaughter, purposely revealing his fangs.

“Yeah, listen to your momma, Iris, yikers, that’s a lot of red marker for all my flaws from such a sweet little girl. Fact is, I am what I am, that ain’t ever gonna change, not even over time, and if you wanted something else, you two are just fuck outta luck, cos your grandpa is a wild crazy rock musician potty mouth with a wonky sense of humor and not even time will ever manage to change that, cos I am a Fang and that’s that. Remember how I got those fangs? By fuckin’ your grandma, who was born a vampire, and I got her so hot and bothered that she lost control and accidentally made me into one too. Wasn’t planned. On that note, there is one real good argument for not letting young foolish kids like you and Jasper get too comfortable in a big bed, cos that is how accidents happen. You may not end up with fangs, like I have, for obvious reasons, but you may end up with other fun gifts with purchase that will be the type that keep ya up all night, shit their pants and ruin any quiet moment for years, the kind of gift that just keeps on giving. Giving grief, giving worry, giving heart attacks, all that. Ain’t that right, Hailey, my sweet?”

Hailey looked at her two horrified daughters, then shrugged.

“Yup. In your own unique Blainesque way you hit the nail on the head. Feels more like a curse at times, but sure, I’ll go with what you said.”

“Fabulous. Since it came up so much, I might just go home and replay that night I was accidentally turned with your grandmother. Bye all. Don’t forget to come for dinner on Sunday, and you two little sweeties keep your noses in the books and the pants over your butts and those firmly planted in your appropriately sized one-person college dorm beds, mmmm-kay?”

This time, Blaine chose to disappear utilizing his vampiric powers, leaving but a black cloud.

“There you have it. The question was asked, AGAIN, he said no, AGAIN, case close. AGAIN.” Chase summed up the discussion dryly.

“Wow. I am beginning to realize why Connor and Keira moved out and to the other side of the country. THIS is why. It’s grandpa.” Iris was fuming, which didn’t deter her mother from poking fun at the situation.

“Don’t be silly, Iris. You know distances are not a problem for your grandpa. If he wants to harass you with his special wit and charm, he will find you anywhere. Food for thought for any future escapades. You girls get up to doing things that embarrass your dad and me, and we might recruit grandpa to set you straight in his own, unforgettable way. How about that?”

“You are evil, Patches.” snickered Chase, as they watched both daughters jump up and run upstairs.

There, Briar Rose entered Iris Marie’s room after just a brief knock, which immediately angered her twin sister.

“Dude, normally when people bother knocking, they wait to be invited in!”

“Seriously? We literally share the same room on campus!” Bri shrugged.

“This isn’t campus! What do you want?” Iris snapped at her twin.

“I think I want to come back when you are in a better mood.” Bri snapped back.

“Unlikely to happen anytime soon. I told Jas I would get us decent sleeping quarters. Jake’s about to leave, I haven’t heard about anyone starting uni and there is still the other campus house grandpa owns. So, we could totally get a double bed in Jas’ room. But nooooo…. grandpa has to play big bad patriarchic Vampire and demonstrate a power play.” Iris ranted.

“Iris, grandpa was just being grandpa. Like he said, this is the way he is, and has always been and will always be, longer than you and I will live even. Thanks, by the way, for outing me to mom and dad about Jackson and my little … infringement with campus security. Was that necessary?” Bri shook her head at her sister.

“It’s not a secret anyways, it went in your college record, Bri, just like it went in mine when Jas and I got caught. Plus, I thought it would help make my case. Almost worked, mom was coming around. That’s my next angle. If I can get mom on board, she’ll have it past dad and most likely past grandpa in no time too. Gotta work on my strategy.”

“Yeah, you do that. Do you think you could at least take the strategy work on the road?” Bri wondered.

“Depends. Where would we be going, for how long and would Jasper be there too?” Iris was suspicious.

“Damn, you’re in worse boyfriend-withdrawals than I am, and I thought I was miserable without Jackson. Maybe I am just so used to missing him. Anyway, that’s where we’d be going. So, we’re invited to another wedding in a few weeks, a Cameron-wedding this time. Sophie’s brother’s daughter is getting married.”

“Bri, firstly: let’s English here: normal people refer to someone’s brother’s daughter as their niece. I know, words are hard. Secondly, and most importantly, FUCK NO! I am SO not going to Chestnut Ridge again. No way, no how! Sorry. I have no idea how you managed half a year there, but I don’t even want half an hour there!”

“Iriiiiiis .. come on. They are Camerons too and somehow at some point way back in history they were somehow related to us, I think.”

“So? Do I look like the big time family type to you? I like OUR family, meaning you, me, mom, dad, Connor, Keira, Chris, and kinda Colton and Maddie, and obviously Jasper. Anyone beyond that is optional.”

“Even grandma and grandpa?”

“Especially grandpa! After today, yes. And grandma is collateral damage, guilty by association. She’s such a class act, I will never understand how she could pick grandpa.”

“Wow. You’re on a rampage, that’s mean. Grandpa’s a bit of an acquired taste, but he’s amazing and all he has done and still does for this family. Grandma probably fell for him because they are so different. Beauty and the Beast comes in many forms and opposites really do attract, that’s why Jackson and I are amazing together. “

“Yeah, so amazing that you kissed Brad.”

“ALMOST! Lips never touched, we stopped well in time. And it was … complicated. I explained it to you and to everyone several times. Jackson understood!”

“Jackson’s probably riding his horse nekkid with Taylor in his lap right now.”

Bri shoved her sister, who returned fire and they were back in high school until they tripped, landing on Iris’ bed, where it turned into a pillow fight, which made them laugh so hard they fell down next to each other, heaving and snorting with tears running down their face. When they finally calmed down some, Iris turned her head to her sister next to her.

“I am gonna miss this. Us. Mom, dad, in the same house. Our silly fights and yet, we’re one force against the world.”

Bri turned her head to face Iris.

“Why miss it? We literally live on top of each other, you in the bottom, me in the top bunk. And we come back home all the time.”

Iris rolled over to her side, her head resting on the hand of her propped up arm.

“Yeah. But Jake so close to graduating, and Zoe and Cai’s graduating recently reminded me that all this will come to an end. We’re half-way through it, Bri. Not even two full years and we’ll graduate too, hopefully. Then what? Jasper is dead-set on living in Del Sol Valley, to get his acting career started, which is why he’s not here. He’s actually at an audition. So, either I do what you and Jackson are doing now, and after having lived through your mood swings because of that, I am not liking that option much. So, I may or may not end up living in Del Sol Valley with Colton, Maddie and Jas. None of it is ideal, if you ask me. I envy those kids that can’t wait to get away from their parents and childhood home. We are not those kids. I wish I could live here.”

Bri let out a deep sigh.

“Yeah, I know. I have been thinking about all that since I first realized Jackson and I belong together.”

Iris let huffed a brief, unamused laugh.

“Maybe you should try to win back Brad. He lives not even 5 minutes on foot from here, and he is never going to move away. Plus, he already has an heir, just need to get rid of Molly and voila.”

“Yeah, and his dad. Poor Molly. She’s completely innocent and caught up in all this.”

Iris laughed now.

“Is THAT what you think? Oh Bri, you are so naïve. Ha. Funny really.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning that Molly has been crushing on Brad since freshman year in high school. He never noticed her like that, just as a neighbor kid. Molly’s like us, her parents are just scientist who made enough money to move here, but they are not part of the old guard and just had to bend over backwards to kinda fit in. You were the queen of high school, Jas has always been uber-confident, so I just rode you guys’ coat tails, but Molly and Tyler and Kristin and Donovan had to try to make their way as the new-rich kids among the old guard. And then you started dating Brad and I started dating Sterling, both from the two oldest families here and everything was golden for us, but Molly just stayed in the shadows. Why do you think she called you when Jackson was at Brad’s house to take back that horse? (Author’s Note: full story here). If I were Molly and saw Jackson screw around Brad’s paddock, I would have just gone over there and told him to knock it off, and if he didn’t, called the police. But she called you, knowing it would lead to drama, potentially break you up. And it did. Not to mention land you and Jackson in jail for the night. And then, she just had to wait her turn. Which came at college. Brad was sad and lonely and heartbroken, and she was right there, she’s even the same type as you visually. Well, and then you and Brad started hanging out a lot again, next thing we know, she’s pregnant. Everyone knows the old guard wouldn’t have illegitimate babies running around, so a shotgun wedding later the Evans family became part of the old guard crowd. I am not a conspiracy theorist, but the truth almost bites you in the face here, right?”

Bri paled, staring at her sister.

“Oh. MY. GOD! Iris, you’re right. Oh my God! I gotta tell Brad!” Bri tried to scramble up and get off the bed, but Iris grabbed her and pinned her down.

“NO! No way. Your ass is staying here and packing for that wedding with your cowboy. You are NOT leaving this house unless it’s for one of us to take you to the airport! If you try, I WILL tell mom and dad about all this.”

“He needs to know! It will break his heart. He thinks she loves him.”

“She does. Since beginning of high school! He’s just also conveniently rich and influential, which only makes her love him more.”

“But she tricked him and trapped him! That’s just wrong!”

“BRI! So what? You gonna shove that baby back up in her and tell her to beat it? It’s too late to change it now. Don’t you get it. That’s how the old guard here rolls. This is why Colton and Maddie took Jasper and got the eff out. This is why dad hates it, he only stays because mom loves it so much, she helped her sister buy AG’s old home. And our cousin is now trying the same as Molly has. Kristin is dating Sterling, clearly hoping to be the next Mrs. Covington.”

“Your ex?!”

“Yup. And I am doing fuck all about it. I feel sorry for Kristin, but she knows how they treated me, if she wants some of that, have at it. You and I love this place cos it’s home. Connor loves it here, but he chose to live all the way across the country.”

“Jackson thinks it’s pretty here, but never really liked it too much. Guess his instincts work well.”

“You and I are biased. This is home to us. We had the best childhood here. And teen years. So did Connor and Keira. But it’s over now, we’re not kids anymore.”

After a few more words, Bri needed time to process this. She knew Iris was right. It all made sense now. But it left her with a bitter aftertaste. She loved it here, but her family wasn’t old guard and somehow even though they were invited to all events, they were always the newbies, no matter that they had lived here for over 20 years now. When she was with Jackson, everyone treated her like an alien. So, the term ‘home’ for her was kind of a big question mark right now. This was a tough pill to swallow for Bri.

Chestnut Ridge
Some party at someone’s home

The party at Chestnut Ridge unfolded around her—the clinking of glasses, the laughter, the twang of country music—but she remained cocooned in her thoughts. Details blurred, like the distant hills softened by twilight. The ride here had been a mere follow-the-leader, her horse trailing Jackson’s, and she wondered if she’d ever find her way back home from this rustic haven. Yet, there was solace in knowing that Jackson’s horses possessed an innate compass, guiding them unerringly to his ranch, even blindfolded or with a leg tied up. A comforting thought, indeed.

Then Taylor’s drawl cut through her mental fog. “Well, well, well. Seems like you’re a permanent fixture at my lil’ gatherings now, ain’t ya? Never in mah life would I have thought you’d be at mah weddin’, but as sure as the grass is green, there ya were. And now yer here too. Almost funny if it weren’t so sad.” Briar Rose blinked, her mind scrambling to catch up.

“Oh dear! Did I startle you? You were deep in yer lil’ dreamland, bless yer heart.”

“What?! Why are you here?” Briar Rose blurted out; her confusion palpable.

Taylor’s eyes sparkled. “Hun, this is my house. Our new home, me and mah husband’s. Housewarmin’ party, ya see. Dontcha know where you are going anymore? Oh sug, you should be wearin’ a hat—the sun and the heat’s been gettin’ to ya.”

“But I have a hat!”

“Well, then ya should try wearin’ it, so yer head don’t get too hot to think. Here, hats serve a purpose, most of us can’t afford to lounge indoors. We work for a livin’, outside, and that means haulin’ heavy stuff or cookin’ up nourishing meals in the kitchen. Not something you’d know anything ’bout, huh?”

Briar Rose bristled. “Ugh, not you again with the rich girl jokes. And for your information, Taylor, I can cook! Learned it from a real chef, mind you. One who owns a restaurant! Hm.”

Taylor’s laughter echoed. “Aww, ain’t that somethin’. That’ll be so useful during the next bronco drive, sleepin’ out in the open, while you cook yer fancy meals over the open fire. Fancy cookin’ needin’ fancy ingredients won’t cut it in these parts. We want real food, hearty and wholesome, straight from the earth. We grow most ourselves, and swap extras, the market’s a good hour or two away’. Poor Jackson, now he’s gotta have to tend to the ranch, make money ridin’ broncs, and cook and clean for ya when ya visit. Well, ya reap whatcha sow, I suppose.”

As if on cue, a young man burst into the kitchen, grinning. Briar Rose recognized him as Taylor’s new husband. He tipped his hat at her. “Afternoon, Ma’am. Brittany, right?”

Taylor leaned in, her laughter piercing Bri’s entire body, “Naw, baby. Her name’s Briar Rose, like the sleepin’ princess from children’s tales. Fittin’, don’t ya think? Jackson’s got his very own sleepy princess here, lost in her dreamland.”

“Sorry ’bout that, Ma’am. Reckon ya won’t remember me either, I am Jonah, the lucky feller who managed to win this precious gorgeous lil thing’s affections. Darlin’, Ashton and her mom just arrived with the cake and everyone’s wantin’ to dig in. Thinkin’ I need ya out there to make sure they don’t, so we don’t spoil the surprise.”

“Keep them away from that cake, hungry like cockroaches when there’s free food. I’ll be right out, just wanna quickly take one of them pills so there won’t be no accidents.” Taylor told him, they kissed, and he left, nodding at Bri again.

“Accidents? Pills? Are you sick, Taylor?” Bri didn’t have to fake worry, even though she and Taylor would never be friends.

“Nah, dontcha worry yer purdy lil head, sugar. I am A-OK, couldn’t be better. That cake is a bit too modern for this neck of the woods, but Ash, my best friend, is from Windenburg, as ya know, and she said people there always do this gender reveal thing. We don’t do that ’round here, but she was so excited, so I said, sure. I get sick a lot right now, so doctor gave me something to make it through the party without throwin’ up everywhere. Can’t have that now, can we?” she winked at Bri, then left a shocked Bri.

Gender reveal cake? As in ….

Bri had to sit down. When she needed emergency surgery for cysts on her ovaries at 16, the news that she would always have severe fertility issues was a shock, but didn’t seem so important then, plus it was overshadowed by all the drama that followed on her ex’s father’s hand breaking them up cos Bri wouldn’t be the perfect heir making machine the old Cunningham wanted. But now, at 20, she found herself constantly going to weddings and baby showers and it just felt more and more real to her that she might never have any of this. She didn’t want a kid now, but maybe someday? At least she’d like to know she would have the option.

Jackson’s warm, deep drawl startled her

“Ah, here ya are, been lookin’ all over for ya. They’re ready to start with the party, come on, let’s go out there and dance a while. Cake looks good, Ash and her mom made it, bet it’ll taste real good, I know how much you like yer sweet things and I am starvin’, could eat a bull, horns and all so a nice juicy slice o’cake would do me just fine right ’bout now. You okay?”

“She’s pregnant.” Bri just said, and after a moment of processing, Jackson just pulled her into a tight warm embrace.

“Dontcha let yerself go to some dark place again, Bri. I told ya so many times, whenever we’re ready for something like that, which we agree we ain’t yet, we’ll get there too. Don’t worry about all the scary sad stuff them doctors been fillin’ yer head with. Just breathe, darlin’.”