A Rock An A Hard Place

A rock and a hard place

Brantley's P.O.V

We were at baby Winter's first birthday party talking with the guests. I've been playing with my wedding ring wondering if it's even worth this whole keeping up a front, it's been 4 years we've been married but 15 years on and off for us. We've been unhappy for quite some time now, I really do love her but things just haven't been the same since the kids were born; she's been distant since Braylan was born and since Kolby had Winter.

Not to mention, Cam told me the other day he thinks he saw Amber get into another man's truck while he was out with his girl friend. He said they seemed to be really friendly. With that being said, I've taken to sleeping in Barrett's room with him in his toddler bed, he's a daddy's boy anyway and I have Braylen in the pack n play on the other side of the room.

As Winter was playing in her cake, I watched Amber from across the room. She kept getting on her phone, not even attempting to be discrete about it. I couldn't help but wonder who was putting the smile on her face. I used to do that to her to her ever since we were kids and she had my whole heart but something was just off with us lately since I've been sober. It's been a harder roller coaster in our relationship. I rubbed my face and stood up. Grabbing my phone, I looked down at it. I looked up at her before officially deciding on what to do next with my life.

She officially told Me the other day she wasn't happy I told her how she had money a new car anything she wanted I took a year off from touring I don't understand why she wasn't happy.

"Hey," Kolby said snapping me out of my thoughts, "Everything alright?"

"Yeah bro it's good" I said as I took the beautiful little girl from his arms, "I think I might take the kids and head out to Nashville to a friend's ranch for a bit," I sighed, holding Winter closely.

He looked at me before saying, "When we going? I'll pack up Winny and we'll make it a dads trip."

"I was thinking in a few days. I just need a few days to gather everything and get ahold of him."

"Ok, dude, I know somethings up but if want, you and the kids can stay with me and winter tonight."

"You don't have the space for us," I said, "I'm staying in Barrett's room for the time being."

He patted me on the shoulder, saying, "alright, bro."
"Let's get back to celebrating this little angel."

"Should we do gifts," He asked and I nodded as I felt Winter hit a sugar rush once she started to squirm in my arms. I kissed her head and sat down with her in my lap. That was my god daughter and man was she definitely a Gilbert. Kolby started to hand her presents and she looked at them all before sticking each one of them in her mouth or attempted to. I, being the awesome uncle that I am, helped the baby girl open them. Once they were all open, I looked over at Bray she was fussing in her bouncer in the corner. I smiled and gave Winter to Kolby. I went to go pick up Braylyn. Amber was ignoring her as she fussed I felt the disappointment course through my veins as I looked at Amber.

"Can I talk to you outside," I asked.

"Of course, B," She said as we moved outside, "What's up?"
"You ignored Braylyn when she was fussing because you have been on that damned phone of yours for what reason? That's not acceptable," I said.

She looked at me and said, "B, if you don't let her fuss, she won't self sooth. She's teething and second don't act like your father of the year."

"What the hell have I done so wrong? I'm not the one that has been steppin' out on this family."

"What? Are you kidding me? B, I'm not cheating on you I haven't slept with anyone I feel like it's a chore us making this work."

"Really now? Then why have I been told different? That you was in some other guys truck? Why have you been on your phone all day, smilin'?"