Page 51 of She's My Kind Of Rain

My heart swells at his words, most importantly, because I know he means them. “No. It’s not personal to the company or anything, I just don’t feel a connection to the position like I thought I would. I think it’s time to take my own path.” I ponder for a moment. “You can change your mind too. You know I would love the world to have your music in it.”

He nods, keeping his hand in place. “Someday it will. I am not sure in what capacity, but trust me I know this is the right choice.” Glancing at me, he gives me a soft smile before once more returning his eyes to the road.

What feels like only seconds goes by and we are pulling into a spot at Telluride. The moment the ignition turns off, we bothlet out a deep sigh. I brush the wrinkles out of my top as Sawyer makes his way around the car to open my door. Reaching in, he grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet. Looking into his eyes, pure genuine love reflects back at me, and I feel so grateful that I don’t have to have this hard conversation alone.

“Well, this is it,” he says, grabbing my hand, lacing his fingers with mine and giving me a kiss before we make our way to end a chapter in our lives we both hadn’t expected only days ago.

Once we reach the office, Sawyer squeezes my hand, then releases it to open the door and allow me through first. Samantha notices us right away and waves us over.

“Good morning, Miss Holloway.” She nods to me. “Mr. Mason.” She nods again. “Please wait here just a moment, and I’ll let Mr. Mongomery know y’all are here.”

Sawyer and I meet each other’s gaze before turning our attention to Samantha as she heads down the hall. After a few short moments, she returns, waiving for us to follow. I expect the nerves to return, but they don’t.

She opens the large oak door and my eyes immediately make contact with Blake’s. A smile permeates his face as he greets us both.

“I didn’t expect to see you both this morning.” A surprised confession passes his lips as I take a seat in the familiar chair across from his desk and Sawyer takes the one next to me.

“Yes, I know, sir, but we felt like being here was appropriate since we are both the reason this conversation is even taking place.”

Knowing that one of us would not be with Telluride will be no shock to him, but the fact that we will be delivering the news that neither of us would suddenly feels heavy.

“I appreciate the gesture from you both. I know this isn’t easy for any of us. What decision have you come to?” He releases abreath, looking from me to Sawyer, and then back at me. “Which of you plans to stay?”

The desire to reach for Sawyer’s hand lingers, but we remain professional and respectful of this space.

“Neither of us.” I let out the simple statement and fear it may come across too crass, so I decide to continue, “After giving it much thought, I realized that the pressure of being at this label distracts from the purpose of why I found myself here in the first place. I love music and I always will, but I feel that I need to pave my own way in whatever capacity that may be. You have been wonderful to work with, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for you and this company, but through this entire journey, I have learned that this space isn’t the right space for me.”

Unlike as I had expected, his expression doesn’t change, and the smile he previously wore still remains on his face. He turns toward Sawyer. “And you Mr. Mason?”

Sawyer clears his throat. “I truly enjoy singing. I love being at the mic and I really liked the idea of having that be something I got to do all the time, but I can bring that joy to myself and a stage on my own. What I hadn’t considered about signing with anyone was the fact that it would bring fame, and that’s not what is important about music for me.” He turns and looks at me with a happiness residing in his eyes before he turns back to Blake. “I found a love for singing, and then singing found me love. I’ve already been blessed beyond compare, and in making this decision, I am not losing anything I love. I appreciate your offer and respect you greatly, but as Daisy said, I will not be signing today.”

Blake’s smile still never waivers. “Seems you’re both a bit like Hank. I can’t say I’m surprised, though, and I don’t think this is the end of music for either of you. Not with the talents you both share.” He releases a happy, yet disappointed breath. “I wouldregret it if I didn’t leave the offer on the table for one of you to change your mind, so if you do, you have my number, and you know where to find me.”

“Yes, sir,” we both answer in tandem, a soft laugh releasing from all three of us.

Turning to me, Blake says, “I suppose that leap of faith led to some fate, after all.”

“I think you’re right, sir.” And I meant that with my entire being. But what he may not know in my statement is that I didn’t just mean in finding Sawyer, I meant in completing my heart, making me whole, giving me a love I had only dreamed was possible. Fate did not secure me an artist, no, it secured me the love of my life.

38

SAWYER - SEPTEMBER 16, 2004

I lookout the barn door into the pasture that has seen so many seasons of my life. Taking in the crisp autumn air, I admire the horses as they graze, excited for the new chapter that is about to begin. I wasn’t sure this land would see cattle again, at least, not thanks to me, but come next week, the sounds of bellows and bawls will fill the air, the music of nature once more covering this land.

After messing up my meeting with Telluride and turning down the record deal, I’d been left in the same spot I’d been in before my music journey ever began. Lost in a sea of possibilities and unsure of what to do with my life. Daisy and I have spent so much time talking about our hopes and dreams and what our future could look like—together. And after much reflection, I came to the conclusion that construction work isn’t my calling.

But this ranch, this land, it calls to me. I can hear its song in the rush of its creeks. I can hear it floating on the wind fluttering the leaves, or in the joy that erupts in the whinnies of the horses. This place is a symphony and I find myself longing to be here, working the beautiful land that Pops gave me. It’s always been a wonder to me how someone who was so influenced by music didn’t choose to be surrounded by it all the time. But Popshadbeen. The music was everywhere. It just took some time for me to notice it. And now that I have, I know what I want to do with my life.

Gathering some fresh hay for both of the horses after mucking their stalls, I set a bale down and wipe the sweat from my brow. A whistle followed by a soft laugh comes from behind, and I swivel toward the sound, only to be met with an arm wrapping around my waist.

“Hey, Miss Daisy.” I smile, knowing that she was who my gaze would meet. Leaning in, I kiss her and grab the cold cup of apple cider from her other hand. Taking a long drink, I release a sigh, not noticing how tired I had been after all the work I did today in preparation for our new beginning.

“Everything looks great. You and Rhett really cleaned this place up.” I peer into her bright blue eyes, never happier than they have been lately, and my heart warms at the thought. “I guess this officially makes you a cowboy again, doesn’t it?” She winks.

“Hey, if that label gets me what it did last time, I can’t imagine what it’ll get me for being true.” I kiss her, pulling away to down the last of my cider.

“I never noticed how spacious this barn was until now. You could throw a party in here and the horses would never know.”

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