She’s My Kind Of Rain (Rawlings Ranch #1)

Chapter 31

31

DAISY - JULY 24, 2004

For the first time in years, I am going to a bonfire and what’s more surprising than that is I’m genuinely excited for it. Lucky for me, Kaylee didn’t take much convincing since she was already near Rhett after Sawyer’s performance anyways.

“ Rawlings Ranch …Okayyy,” she draws out. “You said he owns a ranch. I didn’t know you meant a ranch .”

I laugh, not entirely even sure what she means. “Uh, yeah, a ranch. I am unaware of the difference between a ranch and a ranch. Must be another one of those not-from-here kind of things.” I repeat the emphasis she placed on ranch and wait for her to clarify.

“Well, some people say ranch and it’s basically one small step up from a farm, but, like, this place goes on as far as the eye can see, and I bet even further than that. It has a damn main gate, even.” She raises her hand, tossing her thumb back toward the sign as if to add emphasis on what she just said. “This is all his?”

“Yeah, his Pops left it to him. He does rent out a decent portion of it to farmers for crops, but he owns it all.”

She nods her head, seemingly impressed. “That’s smart. I expected no less of him.”

I smile at my friend’s obvious approval. “Are you excited he asked us to come out for a bonfire?”

“Eh, he and Rhett come as a package deal, so I’d say it’s fifty-fifty for me,” she jokes.

“In whose favor?” I jest, sending a wink her way as she exaggerates an eye roll.

A large fire burns out in a firepit I noticed the first time I came here. Rhett and Sawyer stand nearby, waving us over the moment they see us pull up. Rhett makes his way toward us, and Kaylee lets out an audible groan before exiting the car. I know Kaylee likes to make this big show of hating him, but, I don’t know, lately she doesn’t seem quite so hostile towards him, only mildly annoyed. Which is a huge step in their relationship. Or whatever you want to call it.

“Well, if it ain’t Miss Daisy and Angel.” He gives me a half hug and raises his beer to Kaylee who returns an unwelcoming scoff. Turning toward me, he continues, “I hear all Sawyer’s gotta do is sign some papers and then he’s officially made it.”

My heart warms at his constant support for his best friend. “As long as he wants to move forward and doesn’t decide to interview elsewhere, yes, absolutely. That’s about all it will take to move forward.” Sawyer makes his way over, giving me a kiss.

“Would either of you like a drink?” He holds up some beers, and we each take one.

“Honorary shots, too.” Rhett jogs over and grabs a fifth of whiskey. “While in Tennessee, am I right?” He lets out a chuckle, clearly having already had a shot or two himself.

We all make our way toward him as he fills eight shot glasses to the brim.

“Two each. One for our super star, and another for Miss Daisy. I think they both deserve some celebratin’.” We all stand here, but he directs the statement toward Kaylee.

“To tolerate you? Might need to make them doubles.” Her words sound harsh, but her eyes say otherwise. Rhett smiles ear to ear when he hears it. So I’m not the only one who noticed?

We each down our shots, and my lips pucker while my throat burns as I gag down the awful concoction.

“Doubles it is, Angel.” He lifts the bottle to pour more, but Sawyer raises his hand, motioning a no with his head.

“I’m set to celebrate without any more of that,” he chokes out, clearly as uninterested in another shot as I am.

“Me too,” I add, just to make sure Rhett doesn’t waste his time filling another shot and then have to take it for me instead.

“Angel?” He tilts his head forward with a sly look in his eyes and the bottle and glass in his hand ready to pour the moment he gets the okay.

“It’s not Angel, dumbshit,” she mocks.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” His smile shines even brighter, as if it were possible, and he pours her another shot, shooting his arm forward and spilling part of it on the way.

She takes the shot and downs it before setting the glass upon the table, spinning around toward the barn and placing her hands on her hips. “Sheesh, Sawyer, this place is amazing. I can’t imagine you don’t get this question all the time, but where the hell are the cattle?”

He lets out a laugh. “To be fair, not a lot of people come out here so not many know to ask, but, you know, the longer they’re gone, the more I miss the sound of them.” He lets out a sigh. “This land will definitely see them again.”

I reach over and rub his arm, unsure if his sigh was sadness or happy remembrance. I consider asking him what his thoughts are on the record deal and all of that, but decide against it. I don’t want to bring down the evening, especially if he’s worried. It all feels selfish, but I just want to remain in this state of ignorant bliss, if only for a little while longer. Especially because I don’t think a conversation like this is meant to be had around our friends anyways.

“In the meantime ,” Rhett draws his words out a little longer than normal. “We’ve got some horses in the barn.”

“Ah, yes, can’t have a dipshit cowboy without his trusty steed,” she jests, but this time a giggle follows. “Well, let’s see them. It’s been a while since I’ve pet a horse.”

Rhett walks past Kaylee, his body grazing hers and Sawyer grabs my hand, both of us ogling over their behavior. Something has definitely changed between those two. I don’t know how or when, but something must ha ve happened and now I can’t wait to ask.

Once we reach the side door of the barn, we walk in a single file line through the door. The moment we enter, Wrangler’s head pops out of his stall. He seems to be more interested in commotion than Rhett’s horse ever seems to be, which is funny because their owner’s dynamics are the opposite.

Sawyer walks up and strokes Wrangler’s mane. “This is my horse, Wrangler, and right next door is the love of his life.” He motions towards the next stall.

“No one here loves anyone more than I love Angel,” Rhett’s words tumble from his lips, while Kaylee nearly chokes on her drink.

The rapid-fire shots of whisky have clearly done a number on Rhett, forcing him to lean against the stall door as he takes another sip of beer, his eyes never leaving our direction.

For a split second, I think Kaylee might let the comment slide, but then I hear the answering sharp release of her breath. “Listen dumbshit, that’s flattering and all, but that is definitely the alcohol talking and I’d say it’s time for someone to cut you off.” She doesn’t deliver a single word of hers softly, and the moment Rhett starts to laugh she looks like she might actually hit him, but beneath all of the angst and huffiness, I notice a glimmer of playfulness in her gaze.

Sawyer and I both look at one another, then back at the two of them as the situation unfolds right in front of us.

“Well, now, Angel, I can see how you’d be confused—though I sensed a bit of hope in that outburst of yours—but there’s two Angels in my life, and the one I’m talkin’ about just so happens to be my horse.” He doesn’t give her a chance to reply before adding, “Jealous, much?”

She punches him in the shoulder, but even I can see that the punch isn’t meant to inflict damage. “I’m not your Angel,” she scoffs.

The sly look on his face remains in place. “Then where’s the mix-up?” He jests.

I let out a soft uncomfortable laugh, quickly followed by me covering my mouth. Unlike them, I’ll never be witty enough to stand my ground if either decide to make me their next target in their silly, little games.

Rhett finds humor in my response right away, while it takes Kaylee a moment to come around, but before long, we all begin to laugh.

“Alright, who’s ready for some s’mores?” Sawyer asks.

I nod, slipping my hand in his. “I thought you’d never ask.”