Lessons Learned

Chapter 6

~ January 30, 2015 ~

Brantley doesn't know it, but the dogs and I are driving ten hours to spend his birthday with him. I took a few personal days just so I could spend some time with my love.

"Come on, babies. Let's Face Time daddy," I tell the three dogs as I connect my phone to Face Time and drive at the same time. They all bark in agreement.

"Hey gorgeous," he greets me with a sleepy grin.

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear Brantley. Happy Birthday to you," I sing softly to him with a smile on my face.

"Thanks baby girl. I miss ya so dang much. Wakin' up to yer beautiful face has made mah birthday the best one," he tells me sweetly.

I blush before asking him, "So, how does it feel to be thirty years old? You're an old man, baby."

"Yer tryin' to get dat bottom smacked, ain't ya little girl?" he asks me huskily.

"Don't start something you can't finish, handsome," I tell him while turning the wheel.

"Where ya drivin' to, beautiful?" he asks me curiously.

I start to panic before coming up with a decent lie. "Well, I have a few errands to run. I have to hit the grocery store and the babies need more food and treats."

"Oh I gotcha. When am I gonna get mah present?" he asks cheekily.

"Don't you worry, baby. You're gonna get your present later," I reply with a saucy wink.

Brantley groans while rubbing his bright blue eyes. "I miss ya so much, baby girl. I miss holdin' ya while we spoon. Just don't tell the guys dat. Don't want 'em thinkin' I'm goin' soft," he tells me sternly.

"BG, they know I got you wrapped around my pretty little finger. Now, I need to head into the store. I love you, baby. Enjoy your birthday and be patiently waiting for my gift to you," I tease him.

"Alright, baby girl. I love ya too. I'll talk to ya later," he answers before disconnecting.

~ 5 Hours Later ~

I'm pulling into the parking lot of the arena that BG's going to be performing at. I've contacted the guys in the band and they've sent me backstage passes ahead of time. They're also going to sneak me in, so that BG doesn't find out before I surprise him.

The stage hand guides me to stage left and I watch as BG does his thing.

"I'm gonna dedicate dis next song to the love of mah life. Mah baby girl, Briel. If ya'll got yer special someone whicha, hold 'em close and don't let go," he says into the microphone. The guys wave me onto the stage before beginning to play their instruments.

I feel butterflies in my stomach. I'm not the kind of person who likes attention. I had to take a Public Speaking course in college, and every time I had to speak in front of the class, I would shake and get nauseous. But my urge to surprise my man overturns my nerves.

I slowly walk across the stage as the fans begin to cheer loudly. Brantley looks around curiously. I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around him. He turns his head and sees my face. I can see the shock and then the excitement in his eyes. He drops his microphone before picking me up into his arms.