Tutus & Cowboy Boots (Part 2) (3 page)

I begin to say something to Jade, but
Barrick beats me to it.

“Jade, she doesn’t matter,” he states.

“I know, but I don’t want her to ruin our
night,” she replies.

“Oh, there’s no way she’s going to ruin
anything. I can promise you that. Barrick and I have the two most
beautiful girls in this place. No one’s lookin’ her way. They’re
all lookin’ at us,” Aaron says to her as he kisses her temple, and
Barrick squeezes my hand.

We take our time and eat as more people
arrive. After dinner, we mingle until the place is packed and the
band begins to play. As the first few notes are played, I cringe at
the thought of line dancing and watching other people attempt to
dance. I see the look on Jade’s face and know what is about to
happen. I take a deep breath as she pulls me from Barrick and onto
the dance floor.

I have no idea what I’m doing, so I watch
for one eight count and join in. It’s ridiculous how simple all of
these dances are, and when I wink at Barrick he’s smiling from ear
to ear. I decide to give him a little bit of a show and sway my
hips seductively when we get to that part. When the next song
plays, I watch the count and join in again. Jade and I are having
an amazing time but after the song ends, we head back to the guys
who are smiling like crazy.

Barrick

Damn, I am one lucky guy. Watching Cadence
sway her hips in that short dress is driving me crazy. She sure
knows how to put on a show. After everything that happened
yesterday I wasn’t sure what to expect, but seeing her dance and
laugh with Jade makes me happy. I just hope this isn’t the calm
before another storm.

I wrap my arms around Cadence’s waist once
she reaches me. “I thought you hated country music,” I whisper to
her.

She smiles. “I definitely don’t like it, but
with Jade, I couldn’t resist.”

“Are you sure it was for Jade?” I smirk.

She just shrugs and we talk until the band
takes a break. When the DJ plays a non-traditional country song,
Cadence gives me a look. “Is this country? It doesn’t sound like
it.”

“Yeah. Do you like it?” I ask her.

“It makes me wanna do this,” she says as she
rolls her body in one fluid motion.

Hot-oh-mighty.
Without saying anything, I take her by the hand
and lead her to the dance floor. She shakes her head no, but I
won’t let her escape. I look directly into her eyes and she gives
in. We begin to move together and I realize we are the only ones on
the dance floor. For the first time in my life, I’m thankful Jade
always teaches me the newest dance moves because right now it’s
paying off big time. As the song continues, I’m aware that others
have joined us, but all I see is Cadence. When the song ends, I
pull her in close to me. “You’re amazing,” I say to her as she
tries to avoid looking me in the eyes. I lift her chin so her eyes
meet mine. “You. Are. Amazing,” I say once more and just as I’m
about to kiss her, I hear the downbeat of the drums and she jumps.
“You want to take a break from this for a minute?” I ask, knowing
we have a few minutes before midnight.

“This” —she gestures between us—“no, this
country music, hell yes!” Without another word, I take her by her
hand and lead her to the side door of The Loft. As I push the door
open, the cool winter air envelops us. We pause at the railing and
I wrap my arms around her to keep her warm as we look up at the
clear night sky.

Chapter 4

Cadence

Chills run through me and it’s not just from
the cool air. I’ve gone from despising Barrick to being unable to
breathe when he’s near me. The one thing I’m certain of is that I
don’t want to share him with anyone else.

As I stand gazing at the stars, wrapped in
his arms, I finally feel at peace. We don’t say a word until we
hear the lead singer announce that it’s five minutes until
midnight.

“Come on, let’s go back
inside,” he says as I feel my clutch begin to vibrate. I quickly
unfasten the clap and check my text.
Dad.
I pause to read the message and
Barrick looks at me with confusion.

Dad: Cade, I hope you made it home okay. I’m
sorry I haven’t called, but I couldn’t let this year end without
telling you how sorry I am for how things ended here but no matter
what happens, I will always love you.

“It was a text from my dad,” I state while
putting my phone away. I have no intentions of replying.

“What did he say?” Barrick questions.

“Just trying to make himself feel better and
wondering if I made it home okay. Let’s just go in and not let this
ruin an amazing night,” I say, trying to move on from this
subject.

“I think you should tell him you’re okay.
It’s the right thing to do.” Taking a deep breath, I know he’s
right and take out my phone.

Me: I’m home and fine.

Sliding my phone back into my purse, I walk
back into The Loft with Barrick to find Jade and Aaron as the crowd
begins the countdown.

Ten…Barrick wraps me in his arms…Nine…I look
up at Barrick…Eight…Barrick looks into my
eyes…Seven…Six…Five…Four…Three…We count down with the
crowd…Two…Barrick pulls me in close…One…The crowd erupts around us
but we haven’t moved. I can’t look away.

“Happy New Year, Barrick Carpenter,” I say
as he smiles before giving me a sweet kiss on my lips.

“Happy New Year, Cadence Lewis. I know it’s
gonna be one of the best,” he says confidently. “You wanna get out
of here?”

“Yes,” I say. There’s nothing I want more
than time with Barrick as the text from my dad weighs on my
mind.

Barrick

As we leave The Loft, I know exactly where
I’m taking her – the same spot we visited last night. I only wish
that I were the only thing on her mind. Seeing the look on
Cadence’s face when she got the text from her dad just about did me
in. She was having such a good time and then one text almost ruined
our night. I was surprised she didn’t run away like she usually
does. I hope I’m having a positive effect on her. I lace my fingers
with hers as I drive and she glances over at me.

“Where are we going?” she asks.

“Oh, just to a little place I thought you
might like,” I say quietly, as I turn onto the dirt road.

“Barrick Carpenter, is
this
our
spot?”

“If you want it to be.”

I park the truck and tell Cadence to wait
while I grab a blanket and my jacket from the extended cab. Once I
have the tailgate down and the blanket laid out I walk around to
the passenger side and help Cadence out. I lead her to the back and
place my hands on her waist to lift her up onto the tailgate.

“Here’s another blanket in case you’re
cold,” I say as I take a seat next to her.

“Did you know you were going to bring me out
here tonight?” she asks with a slight grin.

“Maybe,” I say as I nudge her shoulder and
the sweetest laugh escapes.

I take her hand as we lie back on the
blanket and stare at the stars while we take in the peacefulness
around us.

Cadence speaks up. “You know how everyone
makes a New Year’s resolution?” I nod in agreement. “Well, I don’t
want to make a resolution because I never follow through with them.
I want a genie to grant me a wish instead.”

“I don’t know a genie, but I know the next
best thing,” I say as I look into the perfect Southern sky and see
a shooting star.

“Oh, my gosh, was that a shooting star?” she
asks.

“Yep! Ever wished on one?” She shakes her
head no. I guess it’s hard to see a shooting star in the city with
all the street lamps. “Now might be a good time.”

She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and
then opens them again. Just then, the big man upstairs sends her a
shooting star.

“Cadence, that one was for you. Make your
wish,” I say as I point to the sky.” She closes her eyes again and
I can tell she’s making a big wish. Once she’s done, I wrap my arm
around her shoulder and she snuggles into my side.

“That looked like a big wish.”

“It was. I wish that my dad
put me first. I wish that my mom and I were important to him. But
most of all, I want him to be here for me. I don’t want his money
or gifts. I just want him. My mom has always been there and I know
she’ll never leave me, but he’s always put work before us. When he
would actually spend time with me, it was always too short and now
I don’t even get a phone call. Just a text when he has time. And
now… now he’s moving to Sweden with
her
and… and… they’re going to have
a… a… baby. I’ll never see him.”

Cadence breaks down and starts crying on my
shoulder. I can’t believe this man, who barely has time for his
grown daughter, is going to be any kind of father to this baby. I
know more than ever that I want to be the one that is here for
her.

I wipe away her tears as I continue to hold
her in my arms. Then I cup her cheek as she opens her eyes and
looks at me. I slowly guide her perfectly plump lips to mine and
she doesn’t pull away. Our lips fall in tune and we let them
express everything our hearts are feeling.

Chapter 5

Cadence

As Barrick’s lips leave mine, I want to pull
him back to me and stay in this moment forever. Instead, he wraps
his arms around me, kisses my temple and turns us so we are looking
up at the sky again. As he runs his fingers through my hair, I
stare up at the stars and realize that being in this spot with
Barrick is like a little piece of Heaven. I lean into him and pray
my wishes come true.

I’m not sure if minutes or hours have
passed, but I’m suddenly cold when Barrick shifts to sit up. “I
probably should get you home.”

“I’m sure Gran and Mom won’t mind,” I
reply.

“Maybe so, but Cadence
there’s one thing you need to know…” As he pauses, my heart stops.
“In the South, there’s a thing called respect. I not only respect
Ms. Mae and your mom, but I respect you. As much as I don’t want to
take you home, I know I should. It’s not like I won’t see you
bright and early in the morning,” he says with a small
laugh.
Ugh! I hate getting up
early.

“Barrick, I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything,” he says as he slides
off the tailgate. As I move to the edge, he stands in front of me
and kisses my forehead. I hug him a little longer and give him a
quick kiss before he lifts me off the tailgate and helps me into
the truck.

When I get home, Mom and Gran are asleep in
the living room. I try not to wake them as I walk to my room. When
the floorboard creaks, they both wake up.

“Well, missy, how was your night?” Gran
yawns.

“Gran, it was perfect.” I pause for a minute
and try to contain my excitement. “Do you believe in wishes?”

“Cadence, I believe in faith. If you have
that, anything’s possible. Ain’t that right, Regina?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Mom agrees while standing from
the couch.

“Cadence, with Him, all things are possible.
You always have to keep your faith.”

“Thanks, Gran.”

“Of course. Now let’s all get to bed. We’ll
need to be up in a few hours. Your mom and I want to hear all the
details after work.”

“You got it, Gran,” I say as I give her a
kiss on the cheek and hug Mom. “Goodnight, or is it good morning?”
I say with a laugh as I walk to my room.

When I wake, I head straight to the barn and
am shocked that Barrick isn’t here yet. My heart sinks. He’s never
late and now I’m worried. I look at the time and know I need to get
started, so I try to shake off my unease and check on Daisy. I take
a moment and watch her as she wanders from the open field to the
gate, knowing it’s time for breakfast.

I take a bucket and scoop of the grass
mixture to feed her and the other cows. I’m not so sure I want to
start this milking party by myself. Daisy looks at me like she’s
reading my mind.

“Yeah, I bet you hate having your tits
yanked on day in and out. I know I would,” I say with a giggle.

“Whatcha laughin’ at?” I jump and turn to
see Barrick standing there.

“Oh nothing,” I say as Daisy lets out a moo.
“Daisy gets it.” He shakes his head.

“You had me worried,” I say as we begin our
chores.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you. I just
slept a little late this morning.” Barrick stops and takes my hand.
“Thank you for a great night last night. It was the best New Year’s
Eve I’ve ever had.”

“Ditto,” I say because I can’t find the
words to speak.

Barrick

Ditto?
I’m surprised by the one-word response coming from someone who
usually has no problem telling me like it is. I’d sure like to know
what is running around in that beautiful mind of hers but I don’t
have time to ask since I’m running late and the cows need to be
milked. Cadence surprises me again when she doesn’t complain once
and even cleans the stalls without a curse word.

Ms. Mae comes in to check on things and
helps us finish cleaning the equipment. While we finish up, she
informs us that she and Regina are cooking New Year’s lunch and I
should hang around. There’s no way I’m passing up Ms. Mae’s
cooking. My mouth’s watering just thinking about it.

“So are you staying for lunch?” Cadence
asks.

“Do you want me to?” I banter back. She
shrugs her shoulders like she couldn’t care less, but then a smile
escapes those perfect lips. I can’t resist the urge to be close to
her and step into her personal space, “I said, do you want me
to?”

“I think I’d like that,” she admits as she
brings her face closer to mine.

“Good. You’ve got something right… here,” I
say as I bring my hand to her face. “Let me help ya.” She lifts her
face for me to get it off her but I brush my fingers across her
face instead, and wait for her reaction.