Page 80 of Until Next Time
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.
42
Dawsen
Aside from playing middle man between River and Carter all weekend, the trip was incredible. Getting away from everyday life, and having a couple days to unwind and just be fully present with Birdie was incredible.
I’ve had a pretty good handle on my nerves the last couple of days, but today is the day and I can’t shake the nervous energy. I should have skipped the coffee this morning.
Carter and Casey packed up and headed out early this morning. Casey apparently had an emergency at the ranch that she needed to tend to. We told them we’d handle clean up. River, Birdie and I are just about finished closing the place down and loading up our trucks.
I see Birdie sitting on the porch steps with her notebook on her lap, scribbling something very intensely. I jog over to her and steal a seat on the step right next to her.
“What’s going on in that brain of yours, baby girl?”
She looks over at me and smiles. “Just inspired. I’m making some notes for another book idea.”
I love seeing her like this. Coming to life with ideas, seeing her creative juices flowing brings me so much joy. I love when she feels like she can immerse herself fully into whatever passion project she’s working on. That’s what I want for my life—to be able to make that happen for her. To always give her an avenue to chase and pursue whatever is on her heart.
“That’s amazing. I can’t wait to hear more about it.”
She closes her notebook, and presses her body to my side, leaning her head against me.
We’re staring ahead at the view of endless pines, lightly dusted with white, powdery snow. It never snows enough to really stick here, but just enough to coat everything for a couple hours.
