To Not Let Go

Chapter Nine

         Without warning, Renne's alarm blared loudly the next morning; after already hitting the snooze button twice, she knew it was time to get up and get going with her day. Groggily rolling out of bed, she hesitantly stood up, still only half awake as she gathered her things that she needed to take a shower, and get dressed for the day. 

        Hoping the cold water would wake her exhausted body, Renne stepped under the waterfall of cold beads that cascaded down her back, instantly making goosebumps break out over her body. The chill of the water felt good, however, her plan failed. Even after finishing her shower and getting dressed, Renne still felt as exhausted as she did beforehand. 

        Peeking into the bedroom where her nieces were still soundly sleeping, Renne trudged her way downstairs to begin breakfast for her family. First though, she planned to make a strong pot of coffee, needing the energy burst. 

         Once arriving at the lower level of the house, Renne saw something that made her stop in her tracks. Mamaw was busy in the kitchen, like usual, but this time Taylor and Swayde stood next to her, looking like they had been awake for hours.

       Seeing all of them working together so well brought a smile to Renne's face. It was a very nice surprise to wake up to. Walking further into the kitchen, Renne slid her arms around her boyfriend's waist from behind, resting her head against his shoulder. 

     Swayde jumped slightly at the unexpected presence, but immediately, his hands stopped preparing a cup of coffee, and went to rest on Renne's around his waist. A smile growing on his lips, he turned around, keeping his girlfriend's arms around him. "Good morning bea-" He paused. Reaching a hand up to her face, he stroked her cheek. "You look exhausted. Are you okay?" Looking into those tired eyes of hers, Swayde forgot there was any one else in the room. 

        "Yeah, I'm just wiped out. Thanks for the compliment." Renne mumbled, sarcastically. Turning from Swayde, she reached behind him, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

        Swayde bent down so his mouth was right next to Renne's ear. Whispering softly, but loud enough for Renne to hear, he said, "You are still the most beautiful girl in the world, and I am so glad that you are mine." He added a kiss right after the compliment. 

        "Good save there, cowboy." Renne couldn't help a smile, pointing her cup of coffee his direction. Standing up on her tip toes, she silently asked for a kiss, instantly waking up more at the sparks that flew when their lips connected. 

       "Eww! Gross!" Taylor groaned from the kitchen, watching his aunt and 'uncle' lock lips in the kitchen. 

        Pulling apart with a laugh, Swayde and Renne turned to their nephew. Pointing a finger at Taylor, Swayde said, "One day, son, you will find a woman that you want to kiss all of the time, too, trust me." 

       Renne teasingly slugged her boyfriend's arm, silently telling him to not scar the poor child.

      "No I won't. Kissin' is disgusting." Taylor showed his dislike, sticking out his tongue, resuming his work setting the table in the dining room. 

       Giving Renne a look, Swayde shrugged his shoulders at Renne. 

       "Just for the record, I think y'all are adorable." Mamaw added her commentary to the situation. 

       "Thank you, mams. I am glad someone thinks so." Renne chuckled. Turning back to her boyfriend, she asked, "How long have y'all been here?" 

       "Since about 5am? We finished most of the chores already. Taylor and I slept pretty good, so we woke up early, and he wanted to help with the animals, so here we are."