Everything Changes

Chapter Twenty Three

"Brantley! Ugh, I freakin hate you. Look at me, I'm fatter than ever." I yelled from the bathroom. I was wearing my dress for the CMA awards and I looked like house.
Brantley walked in the bathroom and wrapped his arms around me, "You're not fat, I can still wrap my arms around you and besides that you're beautiful." Brantley said and smiled.
I turned around in his arms and put my arms around his neck, "Okay, so that made me feel better, but I still hate you." I said with a smile.
Brantley chuckled, "I know you hate me, but in a month and a half our little bug is going to be here and you'll love me again." He said and lightly kissed my lips.
"We have a love hate relationship at the moment. Where's Dax?" I asked dropping my arms from around Brantley.
"He is downstairs with your dad watching Forest Gump." Brantley said dropping his arms.
"What time are we leaving?" I asked walking out of the bathroom.
Brantley pulled his phone out of his pocket, "In a little less than an hour." He said.
"Can we leave earlier? I'm hungry and I really want a taco or two." I said with a smile.
Brantley laughed at me, "We can go now, fatty." He said.
"I told you I'm fat!" I said and crossed my arms.
"You're not fat. You're pregnant. There's a difference." Brantley said.
"I guess. Come on, let's go tell my boys bye." I said walking out of the bedroom and waddling down the stairs.
I walked into the living room and sat down beside Dax, "How do you feel today?" Dax asked. Ever since he found out I was pregnant he's been asking me how I feel. He's excited to be a big brother and he still doesn't know if he's having a brother or a sister.
"I'm good. Me and dad are getting ready to head out. You be good for poppop and be sure to watch tonight you'll find out if you're having a brother or a sister." I told Dax and he smiled from ear to ear.
"I can't wait to tell everyone! Can we start on the nursery tomorrow?" Dax asked.
"We'll get started on it tomorrow little man." Brantley said walking in the living room.
"Yes!" Dax said excitedly.
"Alright give your fat mother a hug and a kiss." I said.
Dax hugged me, "You're not fat, mama." He said.
"Everyone keeps telling me that." I said and kissed the top of Dax's head.
"Cause it's true." He said.
I just shook my head and held my hands out for Brantley to help me up. He pulled me up and I kissed his cheek as a thank you. My dad stood up and hugged me, "You look beautiful, sweetheart." My dad whispered in my ear.
I smiled, "Thank you, daddy." I said.
"You're welcome. You and Brantley have a good time and don't worry about us. We will be just fine and we'll be lookin for y'all on that red carpet." My dad said and turned his attention to Brantley, "Take care of my baby girl. Don't let her trip cause you know she will." My dad said and I rolled my eyes.
Brantley chuckled, "I'll keep her close, Ed don't you worry about a thing." Brantley said. My dad and Brantley shook hands before Brantley told Dax bye and that he loves him.
Brantley and I headed to Taco Bell before going to the awards. My dad, Brantley, Dax, and I are all staying in the Nashville house for the weekend.
"Two soft tacos?" Brantley asked as we pulled up the drive through.
"Yes sir." I said.
"Alright." Brantley got two soft tacos for me and two hard shells for him.
After we ate we were off to the CMA awards, Brantley is nominated for Video Of The Year with Bottoms Up. We pulled up and got told were to go while we waited for our turn to "arrive".
"Are you excited?" Brantley asked.
I nodded, "I am. I can't wait to see Jason and Luke's expression when they find out what bug is." I said putting a hand on my stomach.
Brantley laid a hand on my stomach too, "Neither can I. They're gonna flip." Brantley said.
"Ah, bug kicked me." I said moving my hand to where I got kicked. Bug kicked again, "Give me your hand." I said grabbing Brantley's hand and putting it where mine was.
Brantley smiled really big and looked down at my stomach as a flash went off. We knew there were going to be lots of pictures tonight and we said we'd just ignore the flash as best we could, "Bug really kicks." Brantley said looking up at me.
"Who you tellin?" I said sarcastically.
"Brantley, you two can walk." A crew member informed us. Brantley put his arm around me as we began our walk. We didn't actually get on the carpet yet it was a line of radio interviewers. I was on the sidelines until we got to Bobby Bones he had me right up there in the interview, "It's great to finally meet you. You know how many interviews we've had with this guy and he talks about you, but he never mentioned this lovely baby bump you're sporting tonight, may I?" Bobby asked reaching out to touch my baby bump.
"Go ahead. It doesn't bother me." I said with a smile.
Bobby touched my belly and bug kicked him, "Okay, so I can legitly say that baby Gilbert just kicked me. That is awesome!" Bobby said with a huge smile, "When is baby Gilbert making a debut?" Bobby asked.
"January twentieth, just like its daddy." Brantley said putting his hand on my stomach. I swear Brantley touches my belly more than I do and it's attached to me!
"That would be a great birthday present. What do you think baby Gilbert, are you going to come out on your daddies birthday?" Bobby asked and put his hand on my belly but bug didn't kick or anything.
"Guess it's mystery. Well, thanks for stopping by and talking to me." Bobby said since there are still more people to interview. Brantley and I said our goodbyes to Bobby and finally hit the red carpet. Pictures, pictures, and more pictures, people saying our names to get us to look at them. It was crazy and a little overwhelming but it was funny. We finally made it to Cody Alan where we were going to announce what bug is.
"Brantley Gilbert, it's been a big year for you, you were touring, a break-up, new girlfriend, a son, and now a baby Gilbert is on the way. Pretty busy life isn't it?" Cody asked.
"Oh yeah. It's been pretty busy but I wouldn't change it for anything. I love my life and the people in it." Brantley said smiling.
"We've seen a little change in you since Payton and Dax. Is that like the fatherly side coming out of you?" Cody asked.
"Man, you gotta grow up quick when you have kid. Dax, he's something else and he can be hard to keep up with. I'm sure y'all remember when he broke his arm. He was tellin the story to anyone who would listen to him." Brantley said I was nodding in agreement.
"I never got the chance to talk to him when you were on Hot 20. Didn't he jump off your porch railing?" Cody asked.
"He did. He wanted to fly but found out that people can't fly unless it's on an airplane." Brantley said.
"Boys will be boys. Speaking of boys, can we know what baby Gilbert is gonna be or do we still not know?" Cody asked.
"Oh, we know what it is, Payton you wanna tell em?" Brantley asked me.
"Sure, Cody come here." I said and I whispered the answer in his ear. Right when I did that Brantley pointed to Luke and Jason standing off to the side waiting for the answer.
"Can I tell the world? Or are we gonna have the parents do it?" Cody asked.
I looked at Brantley and he nodded, "We actually want to know of Jason and Luke can come over here to tell them?" I asked.
"Yeah! Get them over here!" Cody said waving them over.
"Alright Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan are here to announce to the world what baby Gilbert it is going to be. I told Jason and Brantley told Luke, Cody handed the mic over to them and they began to tell everyone.
"Alright everyone make sure you TV is turned up and your hearing aids are on." Luke said and handed the mic to Jason, "This baby right here," Jason said pointing to my stomach, "Is a," Jason stopped and put the mic between him and Luke, "Is a..... BOY!" They yelled at the same time.
"There you have it folks baby Gilbert is a boy. Does he have a name yet?" Cody asked.
"He does, but that'll have to wait until he's born." Brantley said.
"I guess we can deal with that. Well, thanks for stoppin by. Congratulations." Cody said.
"Thank you." Brantley and I said at the same time.
When we left Cody we went and found our seats which were beside Jason and Brittany. Luke and Caroline were beside Blake and Miranda. Brittany and Jason are also having a little boy and he's going to be here in at least two weeks.
"So, can we know the name of the little guy?" Brittany asked.
"Only if we can know the name of yours." I said.
"It's a deal." Brittany said, "Our sons name is going to be Kallan Aldine Williams." Brittany said.
"That is adorable! I love it!" I said.
"Alright, you're turn!" Brittany said.
I looked at Brantley and back to Brittany and Jason, "Ryker Keith Gilbert." I said.
"Awe! I love it! Our boys are going to be best friends!" Brittany said.
Jason and Brantley both said "Oh god" at the same time making Brittany and I laugh. Jason was nominated for Male Vocalist of the year and Brantley was nominated for Video of the year with Bottoms Up. Brittany and I talked until we heard the people talking about Video Of The Year.
"And the award for Video of the year goes to... Brantley Gilbert."
Brittany and I got up as fast as we could and I hugged Brantley and he kissed me before making his way up to the stage. I had tears in my eyes, stupid hormones.
"Thank y'all so much. I could be up here forever thanking people but I'm gonna thank a few, my label for letting me do my thing, my mom and my brother, my dad, the band, Payton, I love you baby. God there are so many people to thank. Dax, whose at home watching this right now, the ️BGnation for sticking with us. I love y'all. Thank you." Brantley said and walked off stage like they told him too.
I was still wiping tears away when Brantley came back as soon as he sat down I kissed him, "I'm so proud of you." I said when I pulled out of the kiss.
Brantley wiped my stray tears with his thumb and smiled at me, "I told you about those happy tears." He said.
I laughed, "I know, I know. I couldn't help it. Oh, I love you too." I said.
Another two categories later was Male Vocalist of The Year. Brittany and I were on the edge of seats just like we were for Brantley.
"And Male Vocalist of the year goes to...... Jason Aldean!"
Once again we got out as quick as possible Brittany kissed Jason and I gave him a hug, Brantley high fived him and Jason made his way to the stage and made his speech.
Once the awards were over Brittany, Jason, Brantley, and I all went out to dinner before we called it a night and went home.
Dax was still awake when we got there and he attacked Brantley, "I'm so proud of you dad! I told you that you'd win it!" Dax said hugging Brantley.
Brantley hugged Dax back, "You did tell me that and you were right." Brantley said and put Dax down.
"So, I'm gonna have a little brothers what's his name gonna be?" Dax asked me hugging me.
"You don't want to be surprised?" I asked him.
"No, I wanna know what his name is going to be." Dax said.
"Alright, his name is Ryker Keith Gilbert." I told Dax.
"Ryker, I like it. It's different like my name." Dax said smiling.
"Yes it is. Your dad picked it out." I said looking at Brantley.
"Good choice dad." Dax said as he yawned.
"I think it's bed time." I said turning Dax towards the stairs. We walked up stairs and Dax changed into pajamas and got in bed.
"Goodnight baby. I love you." I said and kissed his forehead.
"Goodnight mama. I love you too." He said and put his hand on my stomach, "Goodnight Ryker. I love you." Dax said and dropped his hand. I smiled and kissed him again before letting Brantley have his turn.
"Goodnight little man. I love you." Brantley said and ruffled Dax's hair.
"Goodnight dad. I love you too and congratulations again." Dax said.
"Thank you little man." Brantley said. Brantley turned Dax's light off and closed the door.
"I'm going to go change into something comfortable and then go tell my dad goodnight." I said.
"Alright baby. Here I'll unzip your dress." Brantley said signaling for me to turn around. So I did and he unzipped my dress for me and I thanked him before walking into our bedroom and letting it fall to the floor. I picked it up and put it on the dresser and grabbed a pair of gym shorts and one of Brantley's t-shirts before going into the bathroom and scrubbing my make-up off of my face. After I had my make-up off my face I went downstairs and sat down on the couch with my dad and snuggled into his side.
"Cuddly tonight aren't you?" My dad asked.
"No, just wanted to cuddle up with my dad for a little." I said. Since he's been living closer him and I have really fixed things between us.
"Another boy huh?" My dad said.
"Yupp. I'm actually kinda glad." I said.
"Why is that?" He asked.
"Cause I'm not sure I'm ready for a little girl just yet." I said.
"Just yet? You plan having more kids?" My dad asked.
"Just three and two dogs. We've already got Sylo so all we need is one more kid and one more dog." I said.
"Payton, I need to tell you this, Im so proud of you. I never told you that enough when you were growing up. You never gave up on anything and I love that about you, when you had Dax everything about you changed. You grew up more than you already were, Dax turned out amazing." My dad said. I had tears in my eyes he never tells me anything like this.
"Daddy,-" he cut me off, "No, hold on, I'm not finished yet. I know you would've been just fine on your own but I'm glad you met Brantley. He loves you more than I think you realize. The reason I can see it is because that's how I felt about your mother. She was my everything and when she died I couldn't stand it and I took that out on you and I'm sorry for that. I never should have done that to you. I know you already have but please just tell me that you forgive me." My dad said. I was full on crying now and all I could do was hug my dad. I pulled myself together and sat up wiping my tears away, "Daddy, I forgave you along time ago. I forgave you almost nine years ago when I told you about Dax." I said and hugged my dad again.
"I'm glad you forgave me, sweetheart. I love you so much." My dad said hugging me back.
"I love you too, daddy." I said.
Brantley walked into the living room and saw me hugging my dad with tears in my eyes and thought something was wrong, "Payton, baby what's wrong?" Brantley asked kneeling in front of me.
I sniffled, "Nothing just having a heart to heart with my dad." I said.
"Oh, well continue, I was coming to tell you that I was going to bed." Brantley said.
"Go ahead, sweetheart. We can talk tomorrow." My dad said.
"Are you sure daddy?" I asked.
"You need your rest." He said.
"Alright, goodnight daddy. I love you." I said hugging my dad again.
"I love you too." My dad said.
Brantley helped me off the couch and we made our way upstairs. I crawled into the bed and waited for Brantley to change into a pair of sweatpants.
Brantley crawled into bed and got comfortable before I cuddled up to him, "Did you have fun tonight?" Brantley asked.
"I did. We should take Dax to the next one." I said knowing he'd love it.
"I'm allowed to have one other person." Brantley said.
"Oh, well, you should take him with you next year. I know he'd have an amazing time." I said.
"I'll think about it." Brantley said.
I yawned and said, "I'm sleepy."
"You can go to sleep baby. I won't be far behind you." Brantley said.
My eyes were already starting to close and I mumbled, "I love you."
Brantley chuckled, "I love you too." He said and kissed the top of my head.
I laid there listening to Brantley's heartbeat until I fell asleep.