Lessons Learned

Chapter 13

Today is my last day of school and it sure is bittersweet. I will miss all of my little ones, but luckily, I will see them next year. Heck, I'm sure I'll see them over the summer, around town. For some reason, I'm extra emotional with this particular group of kids. They've taught me many things this year. Hopefully, I've taught them even more.

"Seriously Bri, get it together, girl," Nikki whispers to me.

"I can't help it, Nick. I'm just really sad. I love these kids. They're such sweethearts," I sniffle.

"Okay, I know you love them and I'm sad too, but you are bein' a little dramatic," Nikki states.

"You're right. I'm sorry," I tell her before taking a deep breath in and letting it out. I wipe my eyes and leave to go pick up the kids up from art class.

Later that day, I'm in the grocery store when I catch sight of someone that I wish I hadn't.

"What are you doing here?" I demand when Sophia's cart reaches mine.

"I'm just grocery shopping, Briel," she answers smartly.

"You know what I mean, Sophia. Why are you still in Jefferson? Stacey and I have made it perfectly clear that we want nothing to do with you," I explain as if I'm speaking to a child.

"I guess I'm just hoping you'll change your mind. It's a free country and I can live wherever I choose. By the way, how's your lovely fiancé? He's quite handsome and wealthy, I hear," she questions me.

"None of your business. Now if you excuse me, I have things I need to do," I tell her before walking away with my cart.

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It's finally summer break which means I get to spend time with my man.  Normally, I would find a job for the summer, but being with BG, he insisted I spend my break traveling with him.  I am a little nervous about leaving my pregnant sister, but Brady and my dad told me they would take care of her.

"Good mornin' gorgeous.  Whicha thinkin' so hard about?" BG whispers next to my ear.

I shiver and snuggle my back closer to him.  "I was just thinking how happy you make me," I answer while turning to kiss his soft lips.

"Mmm love those lips baby girl.  What would ya say if I told ya I wanted to be the only man to make ya happy for the rest of yer life?"

I turned my whole body over to face him.  "What?" Is the only response I can manage at this point.

"I said-"

"I know what you said.  What are you getting at?" I question him with butterflies in my stomach.

"Well I was hopin' if I gave ya dis shiny ring you would consider keepin' me around for the rest of our lives-" he whispers while pushing a piece of hair behind my ear and pulling out the most beautiful engagement ring I've ever seen.

"Oh my god," I gasp and cover my mouth as tears gather on my eyelashes

"I was hopin' your answer would be more of an excited 'yes'-"

"YES! Oh baby, I love you so much!" I shriek and aggressively attach my lips to his.

"Dat's better baby girl," he grins before sliding that gleaming ring on my finger.

"I can't believe this! You're so amazing. I get to spend my life with you? How did I get so lucky?" I whisper, looking into his clear, blue eyes.

"I'm the lucky one, baby girl. God has brought ya into mah life and I'll be forever grateful to him. I can't wait 'til you become Mrs. Brantley Gilbert. Briel Gilbert. Once we make it official, I'm knockin' you up, girl, so get ready!" he teases before tickling my ribs.