The Bartender's Daughter

chapter 3

Brantley's POV

As I parked my truck in my spot in the driveway of my home, I noticed a truck pulling up to the gate. I grabbed my 45, got out and aimed at the driver. My phone began ringing with Kate's ringtone and answered it. "Hey outlaw, mind putting down the gun and letting me in?" Kate asked, making me laugh. "Sorry babydoll, I didn't recognize the truck, you just get it?" I asked, putting in the gate code and letting her in. "Yeah, finally traded in that rust bucket of a Toyota or so you put it." Kate said, pulling up next to my truck. I smiled and hung up the phone call, hugging her tightly as she got out. "Mhm, I've missed you. How's work going?" I asked, looking at her before leaning down to kiss her. We went inside and continued our conversation. Kate sat on the island after she'd made a cup of coffee. "Its going good, just tiring some nights." Kate said, smiling before taking a sip of her coffee. "I'm sorry, sugar. You ready to move in tomorrow morning or do you still need help packing?" I asked, looking at her and laughing softly. Kate laughed as well, rolling her eyes & smiling. "You act like I've procrastinated until today to finish packing. Well I will have you know, sir, I'm completely packed & ready. I actually have a few things in the truck." Kate said, smiling. I chuckled softly, looking over at her. We'd been dating for the past 2 years and with my court case officially closed, I figured we'd celebrate with her moving in. I bought a ring a couple months ago and I've already talked to her dad, he said as long as she'll have me, he has no problems with me. I smiled at the thought, Kate Gilbert, it has a melodic ring to it. 

"Brantley? You okay?" Kate asked, looking over at me. "Yeah sugar, I'm fine, just thinking." I said, holding her hands in one of mine. As she leaned in and kissed me, I heard a knock on the door. What is it with people and always interrupting us?! I quickly kissed her back and went to answer the door. It was my little brother, Kolby. "Hey man, where you been?" Kolby asked, not noticing Kate yet. "With Kate, where you been?" I asked him, as we made our way to the kitchen. I stood between Kate's legs, resting my hands on her thighs, smiling as she wrapped her arms around my torso. I didn't mind the clinginess. "Oh, hey Kate! Sorry man, but Dad needs us at the shop, something about a towed car." Kolby said, looking at us. Today of all days, I thought, its my birthday and I'm needed anywhere else but with my girl. I rolled my eyes and nodded, kissing Kate before heading out with Kolby to work. 

"Oh, Kate, dad asked for you to come too." Kolby said as he stepped back in quickly. We all headed to Dad's shop, myself not knowing what was happening. As Kate & I walked in hand in hand, I stopped and looked around as I heard "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" being yelled from the darkness in front of us. As the lights came on, I noticed Kate's parents, my parents and a few of our high school friends standing with a banner and cake. "Y'all know I hate surprises. Who came up with this?" I asked, looking around. Everyone pointed at Kate, knowing I wouldn't be mad at her. "Look, you only turn 25 once and I wanted it to be special. I know you hate them but that's the beauty of a surprise party, YOU don't know its happening." Kate said, looking up at me. I smiled and leaned down to kiss her passionately before getting on my knee. "Surprise babydoll." I said, opening the box. 

Kate smiled and teared up, "This is your birthday, baby. Not mine." Kate said, looking down at me. I smiled, taking her hand in mine. "Honey, I don't give a damn who's birthday it is, I wanna spend every one with you. The good and bad, stalker exes and all, I want all of it - with you. So, with all that being said, will you be my wife?" I asked, looking up at her. Kate nodded and smiled as I slid the ring onto her finger. I stood back up and pulled her into a kiss, our families clapping and her brother, Michael, yelled "FINALLY!!" We both laughed as we hugged everyone, our mama's gushing over the ring, like most women do. After a few drinks, I went to the back deck to smoke a little bit as Kate and mama were talking. I knew she'd keep me up tonight and I wanted to be able to ride it out as best I could. I turned to see Kate step out back, letting me know everyone had practically left. "You almost ready to head home?" Kate asked, looking up at me after taking a hit. I nodded and hit the blunt a couple times before we finished it and headed home.