Rhett’s the kinda guy who’s just naturally rough around the edges. Especially when he’s fucking.
He’s all big hands leaving bruises on your hips and thighs and bite marks down your neck as he gives you that wolfish grin with a look in his eyes that just lets you know you’re claimed. That he owns you fully.
But then there’s after the sex when those same rough hands drag along your spine in just barely there motions and his eyes always look a little dimmer. Not disinterested, just at peace. Moments when that devilish mouth of his says the softest things you could ever imagine. Always about how good you are to him, for him- too good really if you ask for his opinion but he knows you hate when he says that.
It’s then that you remember best that he isn’t quite as rough as he comes across as his calloused hands soothe you to sleep against his chest, his heartbeat acting as your lullaby.
“Okay, okay, everyone hide!” you instructed from the window as you saw Rhett’s truck pulling into his usual parking spot. Amy giggled at your instructions as she hide behind the couch. Royal mumbled something as he and Cece walked around the corner. Perry followed Amy and some of Rhett’s drinking buddies and fellow bull riders dispersed around the living room. You slipped outside to meet Rhett by his truck, while not an uncommon action; it was unexpected.
Rhett adjusted his baseball hat as he got out of his truck, “Hey beautiful, didn’t expect to see you here…” he trailed off as his hands immediately went ot your hips as soon as you were in reach. You laughed and placed your hands on his shoulders before saying, “You said you were comin’ by to visit your Mom, and I thought it’d be a nice surprise to come by too.” He nodded, completely unaware of what was going on inside. You smiled and pulled Rhett toward the front door, as you pushed the door open and turned on the lights, everyone jumped out of their hiding spots, yelling ‘surprise’.
Rhett stepped back taking in the scene before him. As people gave him their well wishes and the party started. Cece gave Rhett a hug and a kiss before going into the kitchen to grab some of the food the two of you had prepared. “Did you doo this?” Rhett asked turning his attention toward you.
“Happy birthday, honey,” you said with a smile before kissing his cheek.
￫ description: rhett spends the evening winding down with his bambi. based off this drabble here.
￫ word count: 2.4K.
￫ c/w: age regression. other than that, fluff, fluff, fluff.
￫ a/n: i understand this is niche, therefore if you’re on my taglist, i completely understand if you don’t read this! | woodland creatures | agere masterlist | main masterlist |
If it was any other Friday night, you and Rhett would be found down at the Handsome Gambler or sinking down a couple beers on your sofa and watching a corny action film from the eighties and debating weather Rhett could pull off that stunt or not. But tonight was different.
The week had been gruelling for you both, with heavy workloads and exhausting physical labour on your ranch for five days straight. There were still bits and pieces to do over the weekend, but you both always tried your best to get most of the work done during the week so your weekends could be spent lazing around with each other in a heap of bedsheets and day-old clothes. Understandably so, you were exhausted and you let yourself float in that familiar and fuzzy headspace.
Rhett could gauge that you were feeling really tiny within your age regression and he set up everything appropriately. Your living room floor had been coated in soft blankets for you to sit on and he had surrounded you with an array of plush cushions and pillows. He knew when you were feeling small within your age, your limbs would get floppier alongside it and Rhett had baby-proofed your surroundings.
The coffee table was pulled up to the sofa in your living room and you were comfortably sat between both. Colouring books aged three years and up had been put to the side and Rhett opted for a stack of coloured paper and pencils for you to scribble whatever your little mind would see. Alongside the scribbles you were deeply focused on, there were toys scattered across the table.
There were baby building block toys, that you would put in the matching shaped holes. There were plastic farm and zoo animals that Rhett ensured were big enough and had no rough edges. Your gathering of Sylvanian Families was placed neatly together and your beloved toy horse that he fixed up was placed at the corner of the table, with a compromise from Rhett.
“‘m sorry, Bambi, I don’t wan’ these little creatures' tiny furniture to get lost ‘nd I don’t wan’ Peach gettin’ any more ouchies, okay?”
You happily complied with the comfort of having your beloved, velvet creatures nearby.
You were snuggly sat in your baby grow that was patterned in delicate and detailed drawings of woodland creatures, including tiny baby fawns. Your pacifier clip that was attached to your romper was decorated in cartoon illustrations of cowboys. The pacifier itself was resting lopsided in your mouth and decorated with cartoon animals. Occasionally in between your drawing, you opted for your Giraffe-shaped chew toy that was layered with different textures.
Off to the side of the living room was the kitchen where Rhett was cleaning up the last of the pots and pans from your comforting and warm meal of macaroni cheese. He had never made macaroni cheese before he met you, but with love and patience, you taught him how and by now he knew the recipe like the back of his hand. He always had the ingredients in your home, ready to create the meal when you needed it most.
Unknown to you, Rhett was watching you cautiously from the kitchen as he dried up the remains of the pots and pans from your dinner. He had baby-proofed your surroundings and there were no real harmful elements around you, but he understood that your headspace was no older than one and he worried.
He took on the role of your caregiver high and mighty on his shoulders. He would protect you to the ends of the earth and the trust you put into him was something he didn’t take for granted lightly. Watching the way the cogs turned behind your eyes and how your body physically de-tensed in his hold as you regressed, was something he would always hold dear and close to his heart. The feeling of cradling you gently as you let yourself become vulnerable in his arms was something truly special. It was an unbreakable and undeniable bond, and he was devoted to you.
From the kitchen, he watched the way your tongue poked outwards from the corner of your pacifier as you concentrated feverishly on your drawing in front of you. Your hand came upwards towards your eyes curled in a tight fist. You rubbed at your eyes haphazardly, in an attempt to stifle an exhausted yawn on this Friday night. Rhett smiled knowingly to himself and turned his back momentarily to place the last of the cook pots in the cupboard and tuck the dishcloth on the rack of the oven.
As he opened the cupboard, he retrieved your milk bottle, strawberry milkshake powder and your milk of preference from the fridge, and placed them all in line on the kitchen countertop. When he turned back around to face you in the living room, another attempted stifled yawn was futile.
The exhausted yawn took over your body whole and you scrunched your eyes shut tight, the pencil in your hand almost going limp against the colored paper. When you came to, Rhett let out a chuckle quietly to himself and made his way over to you. He was gentle on his feet as he padded across the floorboards to your bundle of plush cushions and pillows.
“Hey, Bambi,” He soothed out in a low and quiet tone. As he steadily placed himself down next to you on the cushioned floor, you gave him a sleepy yet gleaming smile from behind your pacifier. “How y’ gettin’ on?”
Rhett knew that within your tiny headspace right now, for you to be nonverbal was normal. You gave him a gleeful verbalized hum, acknowledging his presence and question, still letting your hand scrawl on the paper with your pencil.
He tucked himself next to you and drew his broad arm around your back. You fell into his chest and side almost instantly, positioning yourself against his familiar warmth. His hand came up to the side of your head and he scratched his fingertips soothingly on your scalp, helping you regulate with his touch and subconsciously soothing you into that sleepy state. He knew it was nearly time for bedtime and he would be gently winding you down with his touches and quiet voice. His other hand stretched out and his nimble fingers pointed at the coloured paper. He let out a quiet gasp.
“Bambi!” A hushed exclamation, “Did you draw this?” You nodded vigorously, the ring on your pacifier knocking against itself. “Baby, it’s beautiful. My little one is s’ talented.” He tickled at the side of your ear with his other hand and you let out a giggle.
You tapped the pencil on the paper at the scrawl of a shape and let out a squeal, before turning to meet his eyes. Rhett clocked it instantly.
“That’s me?”
You squealed again and let out a single, “Dada!”
“Where’s Bambi? Can you point them out to Dada?” You tapped at the paper to another shape and he hummed approvingly, a prideful smile twisting on his lips.
Rhett pointed to the last scrawled-out set of shapes and colours, and he watched how your eyes drifted to the corner of the table where your beloved toy horse he had fixed up was sitting.
“Is that, Peach?”
You nodded again and mumbled out from behind your pacifier, “Tu’ day.”
Rhett let out a silent, “Ah!” and a rumbled chuckle, pulling you impossibly closer to his chest. His hand was now cradling your head against him and you wrapped your whole body into his. He put the pieces together and he knew you were referring back to the Tuesday just passed. It was an almost alarming hot day that came from nowhere and you took the evening to ride out on his horse to the wildflower fields, far, far off from your home. He remembered how after you both made your way back home, you were both tuckered out, but you smiled to yourself and told Rhett with a loving and whole look in your eyes, “I needed that. Thank you, Cowboy.”
He was silently touched beyond words that you would remember that day and that you treasured it so fondly that you would draw it, even within your tiny headspace.
“Bambi was s’ sleepy after that horse ride with Daddy, weren’t you?” He craned his face down to take in your sleepy eyes and the way your eyelids were struggling to stay open. The knuckle of his index finger came up and gently brushed against your nose and he still watched with adorning eyes how your nose twitched slightly.
You gave him a small nod and completely succumbed to his grasping hold, burying your face into the crook of his neck and latching your arms around his neck. Rhett read how your body was melting against his, how your muscles relaxed and your breathing was starting to even out, getting slower and slower with each passing second.
“Alright, little one. I think it’s time we get y’all ready for bedtime.”
There were occasions when at these words from your caregiver's mouth you would protest and plead to stay up for just one more hour, but your body had completely succumbed to the exhaustion. You weren’t putting up a fight anymore. You just wanted to sleep, curled into your Daddy’s chest.
Rhett waited for a beat and at your silent admission, he let his arms drop to your legs, scoop you up and hoist you to his hip as he stood. He took you into the kitchen where he placed you down gently on the wooden chair seated at the kitchen table. You let out a protesting whine as his comforting warmth left your body, your face contorting into a frown and a small pout behind your pacifier. Your hands reached out as fast as they could and you held onto the cuffs of Rhett’s plaid shirt, tugging on them to not let him take a step further.
He cooed at you and took your hands in his, squeezing them tightly and placing two kisses on the backs of them. “It’s alright, Bambi. Daddy’s right here. M’ not leavin’ your side. I’m just gon’ make you a bottle, okay?”
You gave him another verbalized hum in agreement to acknowledge what he had said and you tentatively let go of his calloused hands. You attempted to watch what Rhett was doing with big eyes, but your eyelids were drooping at every blink. The milk was poured into the pot and left to warm slowly on the stove.
At this point, Rhett came back (which was only two steps away from the oven, but it felt like miles) and lifted you, sat himself down on the kitchen chair and brought you to sit in his lap. You resumed your previous position of wrapping your arms around his neck and burying your face into the crook of his neck. You inhaled his familiar and comforting scent of cedar wood and leather, and Rhett’s hands placed on your back felt your ribs expand and then let out of any tension you had.
Gently he began to rock you against his chest and in his arms. All that could be heard was the crackling whoosh! of the gas on the stove and quietly in your ear, Rhett’s low voice, humming a lullaby.
“Stars shinin’ bright above you, night breezes seem to whisper, I love you. Birds singin’ ‘n the sycamore trees, dream a little dream ‘f me.”
He continued for another two verses of the lullaby, his drawl getting lower as he went on before his head picked up and he heard the bubbling foam of the milk rise to the top of the pot. Slowly, and without causing too much disturbance to your nearly asleep frame, he untucked you from himself, placed you back on the kitchen chair and drew together your bottle. It was a combination of milk and a little dusting of strawberry milkshake powder.
With an instinct from yourself, as Rhett came back over to your side, you slipped off the kitchen chair and outstretched your hands to him. He carefully and gently hoisted you to his hip and carried you back to the living room, with the warm bottle in his hand.
“Alright, little one, let's get you cosy against Dada, yeah?” Rhett hummed as he placed himself down on the sofa. He propped himself up in the corner at the end and sat you in between his thighs with your head resting on his upright chest. One hand still held the bottle for you and the other reached for the television remote on the sofas arm. The television had already been quietly playing in the background for the entire evening and he switched it on to an episode of, ‘In the Night Garden’ before you could blink.
Rhett brought the bottle to you and began feeding you, with it still held in his hand. From this angle, he could ensure your safety and could carefully hold the bottle to not let you drink down too much too quickly, or wipe your chin briefly with his thumb. His spare hand was soothingly rubbing your arm, with his fingertips ghosting over your arm hair and tickling you gently. As you parted from your bottle in parts, he would return to running his fingers through your hair and scratching firmly enough on your scalp to regulate your sleepy-induced state. Occasionally he would dip down and place fluttering kisses on your temples, murmuring quiet words of praise against your warm flesh.
The sweet taste of the milk was dancing on your tastebuds and as your eyes were focused on the television in front of you, they were struggling immensely to stay open for more than five seconds.
Rhett clocked the remaining droplets left in your bottle and gently lowered it down, to not get the droplets caught in your throat and tickle you with a horrible cough. Instinctively, he knew this would signify the end to you, but he waited for you to confirm this before pulling the bottle away entirely.
“Fin’, Dada.” You murmured out with sleep lacing your words.
Very few words had been spoken by yourself this evening, but Rhett took this as your sleepy admission. The bottle was placed to the side and he brought you in closer to his chest. His nimble fingers found your pacifier in quick time and placed it between your lips. Another flurry of kisses was placed to your temple and as your breathing evened out to a slower pace, you felt the low rumble of Rhett’s chest underneath you as he spoke the last words you remember that night.
“Atta’, Bambi. Close your eyes, little one. Daddy’s got you.”
SUMMARY: Rhett agrees to help your father with some old barbed wire on the ranch. When you accidentally cut yourself, he throws everything away.
WORDCOUNT: ~ 1.7k
The Sun was shining with its late-summer vigour, warming your face. It was those rare moments when living on a ranch wasn't an all-around-the-clock job that made you actually appreciate living in the country. Outside of big concrete cities, the world seemed a lot slower and more peaceful as if the countryside was a different, much more peaceful, dimension.
It was only recently that your father worked up the will to get rid of an old barbed wire fence that started to look more like a plant grid for wildflowers and weeds. In a way, the old chainlink fence with barbed wire could pass off as an heirloom, considering the fact that your great-grandfather put it up with his father.
Your father's will, however, ended at letting you help him, the barbed wire apparently especially dangerous to women, so he asked Rhett to come over one day to help take the fence down.
The whole situation became slightly funnier when one considered your relationship with Rhett and all the sleepless nights you spent giggling against his bare chest - your father had no idea there was anything going on between the two of you. Although the longer you waited to do so the more hurt he was going to be by the well-kept secret, you didn't quite think Rhett was willing to give a proper name for the affection you shared. If he did, the relationship would become defined in a way and with that definition would come certain responsibilities. The truth was, Rhett's attitude towards that matter would have surprised you if only you talked to him about it but you clung to that naive belief that lack of clarity about your relationship was incomparably better than complete lack of it; a certain fear of rejection rendered you speechless when it came to defining what the two of you were.
It was hard to name any other man who was alluring while looking scruffy except for Rhett Abbott. Something about that "farmboy grime" made him completely irresistible or perhaps you were more in love than you were willing to admit. On that day he was wearing a loose pullover that made you slightly cringe inside - it reminded you of one particular night when you had nothing else on except for that sweatshirt and all the events that took place then. Seeing Rhett in that sweater, working next to your father made you feel embarrassed.
Because of how badly or carelessly it was put up and the fact that Mother Nature began reclaiming it, the barbed wire was tangled with tall grass and weeds, camouflaging itself like a steel snake whose bites weren't any less severe than those of Racers and Garters wandering the Wyoming wilderness. All of that accounted for your blindness towards the harm.
You were carrying two cold bottles of beer for the two most important men in your life, the Sun was warming your face and it felt as if Heaven itself sent you that day. There wasn't a cloud in sight, just like no accident could ever turn that day bad or so you thought.
"Thanks for helping out," you said as you passed Rhett the other bottle having already given your dad one of them. His fingers lingered on yours longer than they had to. The way Rhett stared at you always made you feel a little shy - there was a certain intensity in his gaze, one that you naively believed belonged to the world of chick flicks, romantic comedies and Shakespearian tragedies.
"Anytime," he answered casually but you noticed a shadow of a grin on his face. It seemed as though he was enjoying the neighbourly favour but it should come as a surprise: the weather was great and a pretty girl gave him a cold beer. Rhett quickly chased away some of the bolder thoughts that, perhaps, that one day could be a glimpse into the future if he worked up the confidence to get you a ring. Although he was very fond of those wandering fantasies, he regarded them as too forward in the light of the current, generally undefined, state of your relationship. In some way it was quite humorous: somehow he accepted the fact that you were spending most of your afternoons and nights with him but couldn't find the faith in his heart to believe that you, too, could ever want him as someone more.
You weren't looking at your feet and that was perhaps your first mistake. The toasty Sunlight on your face was simply too pleasant and invigorating to force your head to bow. Besides, the unmowed grass was a little too tall to see steel wires coiling on the ground.
The sensation was short at first, nothing more severe than a papercut. Then, there was a second when you didn't feel anything remotely unpleasant and so you discarded the bizarre sharp pain as nothing important. Only when you took another step did you begin to feel a burning, pulsating sensation. Your leg felt wet but dawn was too far away for it to be simply leftover dew.
"Ah, shit," you said to yourself but the light wind must have carried your words a little farther as Rhett was startled aware of the unforeseen turn of events. No doubt you were going to have another scar.
"You alright?" Rhett called out to you but judging by his quick movements toward you, he cared very little for your upcoming answer which he knew perfectly well was going to downplay what had happened.
"Just a little blood, I ain't dyin' just yet."
Without continuing the conversation, he simply picked you up and began walking towards your house - it wasn't far, maybe ten minutes on foot. His reaction was completely unnecessary, as you were perfectly capable of walking on your own but you weren't going to tell him that just yet. It's safe to say that he knew you were thoroughly enjoying his overreaction when you wrapped your arms around his neck and didn't even try to hide your smile.
Rhett thought it was silly how weirdly responsible he felt for you. There was no fault of his own in your leg getting cut on the barbed wire and yet there was a pang of guilt in his chest as if he didn't fulfil some self-proclaimed duty of keeping you safe and sound.
"You know, you didn't have to dramatically carry me bridal-style," you finally said as he was rolling up your jeans. Although his hands were scarred and thick, mistreated by a life of farm work, his touch was beyond gentle as if Rhett himself feared he might hurt you.
"I know. I was practising," he answered without looking at you. Rhett had a habit of saying quite effective flirtatious lines but never while maintaining eye contact. There was a sense of insecurity in him, one that you could never quite pinpoint the source of.
He was taping some dressing over your cut, looking with worry at your face whenever you would wince. Rhett always tried to hide his emotions, suppress whatever was gnawing at his heart mainly due to the less than fortunate dynamics in his own family. The problem with the younger Abbott son, however, was that he wore all of his feelings and thoughts inside his eyes and quite often on his face. You could read him quite well and sometimes you wondered if he had ever realized.
Something about that well-seasoned-by-life man kneeling on your living room floor seemed funny as if he had forgotten to wear his bull-riding and lady-fawning demeanour. When it was only his eyes that stared at him, Rhett was as much himself as he possibly could - not a local champion but the guy that waited until you hung up no matter how tired he was and made you better coffee than you did.
"What's so funny?" Only after he asked that question did you realize that you were quietly giggling while admiring the cowboy that ruined all men for you - there was no other on God's green Earth that could even compare to him.
"I got Rhett Abbott kneeling before me."
For a moment, he laughed with you, surprised at the random thought you were willing to share. He had already finished dressing your cut but wasn't getting up from the floor for some reason.
"It ain't exclusive. Just gotta ask nicely."
"And what if I ask rudely?" you taunted him.
"Then you gotta make me," he answered. A mischievous grin crept onto his face as his hand began sliding up your calf.
"Oh, don't threaten me with a good time."
The front door opened just when Rhett's lips pecked your own. Had your father walked a little faster, he would have witnessed the exchange of affection between you two. Quickly standing up, Rhett cleared his throat and began walking towards the front door.
"Sir," he said to your father before leaving the house.
Your dad's stare followed Rhett as he walked out. Then his eyes returned to you or rather the bandage tightly wrapped around your leg. He walked towards the kitchen table and leaned against of the chairs, staring you dead in the eye.
"So, the Abbotts' boy?" your father asked with a hint of laughter in his voice. A blush crept unto your cheeks, suddenly feeling like a deer caught in the headlights. Somehow, dads always knew.
"Yeah," you answered awkwardly. There's always been a hint of embarrassment in discussing one's love life with their own parents. "It's... It's been going on for a while now, really."
Your father remained leaning against the back of the kitchen chair. He slowly nodded to himself as if he was thinking about something that visibly pleased him. A sombre smile appeared on his face.
"He's a good man. Needs to grow up a bit but he's got the heart." Having said that, he simply left the house to find Rhett, who was leaning against one of the pillars holding up the roof of the porch. "Come on, son." Your father friendly patted Rhett on his back. "Let's finish that goshdarned fence. I've got some old man's advice for ya."
Through the kitchen window, you could see Rhett's surprise at the new nickname. Knowing your dad, it was going to stick.
You and Rhett sat in the kitchen, periodically checking the living room from your seats. Today was your daughter’s 13th birthday, and her one party request was for it to be a dance party. Both of you agreed until you saw the invite list and noticed a handful of boys' names. Rhett was ready to cancel her entire birthday that year, but you’d talked him into allowing it.
“I hate this,” Rhett muttered as he took a sip from his beer. “Weren’t you going to parties like this when you were 13?” you questioned as you dipped a tortilla chip into a bowl of guacamole. “That’s different…” Rhett justified. “Because you’re a boy?” you challenged, Rhett rolled his eyes. “No, it’s different because she’s MY daughter and I know at least one of those boys is gonna try something.”
“Rhett.” You laughed, but before you could continue, Rhett huffed, “My love, I am not being sexist. I’m not gonna be a shotgun-prom-picture-Dad, I just don’t want her growin’ up so fast…”
“You’re just a big softie, aren’t ya, Rhett?” you teased. As he relaxed in his chair, he grumbled something you couldn’t quite make out.
“Is this one cute?” you asked, flashing your phone screen to show Rhett a gold-colored maxi dress. Rhett raised an eyebrow at it as he adjusted the pillows on his side of the bed. “What’s it for?”
“Vegas- Nora’s birthday party,” you reminded him as you scrolled through reviews on the dress. “Why gold? You don’t wear gold.” Rhett challenged as he slipped under the covers next to you. “It’s her golden birthday- turning 27 on the 27th. So she wants everyone to wear gold to her birthday dinner on the final night,” you clarified. Rhett nodded, now understanding the context, “Show me again…”
Rhett shook his head, “It’s pretty, but it’s low…” he trailed off as he swiped through the review photos. “Don’t you like my boobs?” you laughed. “Yeah, but not when you’re going on a girl’s trip to Vegas.” he handed back your phone. “I shouldn’t be the deciding factor, baby… if you wanna wear stuff like that, you should.”
“You’re cute, Rhett." You giggled as you put your phone on the nightstand. “I’ll keep shopping.”
“Ain’t you a beaut.” Rhett teased as you walked out of the hotel bathroom. You rolled your eyes, “I swear. I’m gonna either make her wear something more horrendous at my wedding or elope and deny her the opportunity to do any bride’s maid stuff.” you huffed as you looked at your reflection in the full-length mirror on the closet door. Your sister was getting married in a few hours, and you’d opted out of getting your hair and makeup done by the hired makeup artist to postpone putting on the monstrosity that was the orange puffy dress she’d demanded all the bride’s maids wore.
“Baby, you forgot the flowers.” Rhett chuckled as he watched you push the pair of diamond studs he’d gotten you for your birthday in your ears. “Oh, I know I did. What kind of bride chooses orange as one of their wedding colors? No one looks cute in orange.” you huffed as you went to dig for the hair flowers in the bottom of your suitcase that had been sprawled out on the bed. “Well, what color would you choose?” Rhett voiced as he struggled to do his tie.
“Wouldn’t you like to know…” you implored as you walked back to the mirror to place the flowers over the jumble of bobby pins you’d used to pin your hair back. Rhett chuckled and closed the space between you, hugging your waist from behind. “You’d be a pretty bride.” he purred as he nuzzled his face into the crock of your neck, taking in the tantalizing aroma of your perfume, “Pretty lil wife…”
You giggled as his subtle stubble grazed your neck, “Well if my guy proposes…I’d be more than happy to get married at the courthouse.” you cooed before turning in his arms to fix his tie. Rhett grinned as he kissed your forehead, “If that’s what you want, that’s what you’ll get. Jus’ know that my Mom wants you to try on her dress.”
“Well, until then, you can just be my wedding date.” you laughed.
A rejected marriage proposal and a desire to leave Wabang leaves Rhett in an interesting situation.
Outer Range MasterList
Directory
You were awoken by pounding on your front door. A low wince came from your throat as the pounding intensified. “I’m comin’... I’m comin’...” you groaned as you got out of bed, draping your quilt over your shoulders as you walked out of your bedroom into the open, free-flowing vibe of the rest of your small apartment. You paused before opening the door. You should take that picture frame down…
As you peered through the peephole, a mix of fear and resignation gripped you. “Com’on Sunshine- I know you’re home.” you sighed, your mind filled with weariness, as you opened the door to reveal none other than Luke Tillerson. “You gonna invite me in?” His voice, laced with a hint of charm, sent a shiver down your spine. You wanted to slam the door in his face and go back to bed, but as he towered over you, you knew he could force his way into your apartment if he really wanted to. You stepped aside and allowed Luke into the foyer. He removed his hat and set it on the small table you had beside the door.
You watched as Luke looked around your apartment. He scoffed slightly before putting his hands on his hips and turning his attention to you, “Why’d you say no?” he huffed. You took a shallow breath and watched Luke’s features harden. He was never your biggest fan, but when you’d told your now ex-high-school-sweetheart the infamous William “Billy” Tillerson ‘no’ to his incredibly romantic marriage proposal two weeks ago, Luke’s general dislike turned to hate.
-
Billy had been the perfect boyfriend in high school and was really great when you’d gone away for college while he’d opted to stay home due to Wayne’s dwindling health. He was patient with you; he would drive from Wabang, Wyoming, to Vermillion, South Dakota, for every sorority event every softball game, and practically became your sugar daddy so you could focus on your studies. He was supportive in every way possible. He was proud of you and was content just sitting on your dorm room floor, staring at you as you did homework. As long as he got to spend time with you. After you’d graduated and moved back home, Billy thought it was time to ‘make an honest woman out of you,’ as Wayne would say. He didn’t want to rush anything; the two of you had been together for eight years, but he could wait another eighty if it meant being with you forever. You worked at the police station to get real-world experience before applying to either law school or the FBI- you still hadn’t decided what you wanted to do with your future, but you felt Billy wouldn’t be in it.
You knew Billy was planning something. He was never really the subtle type; the bells rang when he’d asked you on a picnic one warm spring afternoon. You’d been back home for a few months and were officially independent from your parents. You were itching to get out of Wabang again. Billy drove the two of you out into the Northern pasture of the Tillerson Ranch, a vast expanse of green that stretched as far as the eye could see. In the spring, a large patch of wildflowers would bloom just outside the woods, adding a burst of color to the landscape. It was beautiful and secluded. Billy pulled out all the stops- it had been a great afternoon until he got down on one knee and presented you with a goddy diamond ring. He made a speech about how you were the love of his life, and he wanted the entire world to know. You watched the hopeful boyish smile leave his face as you started apologizing- “You don’t wanna marry me?” “No, Billy- I’m so sorry I just… I don’t know what I want.”
You got up, wrapping your cardigan around your body tightly before running away from Billy. Your dress was riding up, but you didn’t care. You needed to get out of there. You weren’t sure how you’d managed to get to the road between the Tillerson and Abbott ranches before dark, but as you started the daunting walk back to the city, you’d absolutely shattered Billy’s heart, and you didn’t know if you’d ever forgive yourself. A horn honked behind you; as you looked over your shoulder, you paused in your step as none other than Rhett Abbott pulled up beside you. “Shouldn’t your guy be drivin’ you home?”
When you burst into tears, Rhett stared at you like a deer in the headlights. He put his truck in park before hopping out and guiding you to the passenger’s side door. He helped you into the cab while you continued to sob fat tears, your body wracked with uncontrollable sobs. You didn’t care that Rhett saw you ugly crying- he didn’t know what to say or what to do. He thought about how he’d comforted Amy the first time she’d fallen off a horse, he figured since you were crying in a similar way- maybe it would help. You retracted when you felt his large, calloused hand pat your shoulder. He pulled his hand away, shifted his truck back into drive, and slowly made his way down the dirt road that led back to the city. He let you cry, unsure of what to say or what to do. He turned on the radio and drummed his thumbs along to the song that filled the cab.
When Rhett pulled up to your apartment complex, you whimpered out a ‘thank you’ and reached for the door handle. “Do you want me to come inside with ya?”
-
Luke stared at you, waiting for a response. You sighed and wrapped yourself tighter, “Luke- I… uh, I just-” you stared before Luke cut you off with a loud scoff. “Billy has treated you like a goddam princess since high school! Just fuckin’ marry the poor kid!” he yelled, stepping closer to you. You shuttered at the sudden movement. Luke noticed and pushed a hand through his hair, “Look, Billy stopped singing. Don’t get me wrong- I like the quiet, but the crying… just tell him you’ll marry him.”
You shook your head, “I’ve hurt him enough, Luke… please leave.” you instructed as you opened the door. Luke huffed one last time before taking his hat from the table, “You should take that picture down.” he retorted before slamming the door behind himself. You sighed and looked longer at the picture frame by the door. It was a simple silver frame engraved with 9/2/16 at the top. In the frame was a collage of pictures of you and Billy from high school and a few from when you were in college. You couldn’t take it down but couldn’t look at it.
It had been a long week at work; you were tired and lethargic and absolutely did not want to go out with your friends that Saturday night. Walking into the bar that night, you saw Trevor Tillerson trying to cozy up with Maira Olivares. One Tillerson was one too many for tonight, you just hoped that Billy stayed home tonight. You followed your friends over to a booth in the back and quickly put in an order for drinks.
After a couple of hours, you’d begun to enjoy yourself- your friend Sara was indulging the group with a story about some guy she’d been hooking up with as the five of you were throwing back shots when a waitress walked up and handed you a drink and handed it to you. “Guy at the bar sent this for ya.” she winked before walking away. A choir of ‘oooooo’s filled your booth, making you roll your eyes. “50 bucks; it was one of the Tillerson boys.” your friend Amanda laughed.
“Fuck off, Amanda- Trevor and Luke both hate my guts, and I don’t think Billy is here.” you craned your neck over to the bar and felt the air leave your lungs when Rhett tipped his hat in your direction. “I need some air,” you said abruptly as you got up and quickly headed toward the exit. You weren’t looking where you were going when you bumped into the last person you wanted to see right now, “Hey, Sunshine…” you winced at the low voice of none other than Billy Tillerson. You didn’t respond to his greeting as you exited the bar.
Rhett watched you from the bar. He’d always thought you were pretty back in high school. He was a couple of years older than you, and you’d been practically inseparable from Billy Tillerson since the two of you had gotten together during your freshman year- Rhett’s senior year. Since that night he drove you back to your apartment and hung out inside for a few hours. He couldn’t get you out of his head. When he saw you walk in with your girlfriends, he felt it was safe to make a move. He and Perry had come out to get a beer and unwind. Perry knew about his little crush on you, before a few weeks ago he’d thought it had gone away. Rhett had told him about a date he’d gone on with Maria, but it was like a light switch went off when he found out about you and Billy breaking up; he was over Maria and now head over heels with you. Perry found it amusing; he figured his brother would never tie himself down with a wife or kids, but when he saw how Rhett was looking at you, he was second-guessing himself.
You pushed your hands through your hair as you took a deep breath outside, you were trying to ground yourself, but all of that went to shit when Rhett walked outside. “Hey.” he greeted you with his crooked smile. You groaned and walked in the other direction, “Rhett, please just leave me-” Rhett cut you off midsentence with a deliciously sweet kiss. His lips tasted like the beer he’d been drinking. With one hand on your waist and the other on your cheek, he pulled you close to his body as he pushed his tongue into your mouth. You kissed him back and looped your arms around his neck as the kiss raised in intensity, Rhett was the one to end it. “Let’s go somewhere. Anywhere,” he mumbled.
“Rhett- I - I can’t.” you studdered as you tangled your fingers in his hair. “Runaway with me, Sweetheart. Anywhere you wanna go, we’ll go.” Rhett said as he ran his thumb against your cheekbone, “Anywhere you want, Baby. Anywhere.”
“You fuckin’ whore.” Trevor howled. He’d come outside to smoke but to discover you in Rhett Abbott’s arms was a slap in the face. “My brother isn’t good enough for you, but this fuck up is? You broke his fuckin’ heart, you fuckin’ whore!” his yells got louder, and you pushed Rhett away before wiping the corner of your mouth to wipe away your smeared lipgloss. You looked between the men and felt shame crash over you. Rhett walked up to Trevor and pushed him back, “Don’t call her a whore.” he spat. Trevor rolled his eyes as he chuckled, “Well, she shouldn’t act like one then.” he pushed Rhett back. The two stared each other down as the bar doors opened.
Perry joined the group in the parking lot. “Everythin’ okay out here?” he questioned as he adjusted his hat, “This don’t concern you, Perry.” Trevor spat in his direction. Perry shifted his gaze to you. You shook your head, hoping this wouldn’t become a parking lot fight. There was a moment of silence before the other Tillerson brothers came outside. You looked at Trevor and pleaded with him not to tell Billy what he’d walk in on. He shook his head and didn’t bother to stifle his laughter, “Your little girlfriend here is just a worthless whore, Billy.”
Billy shook his head. He didn’t want to believe what his brother said. “Don’t say that Trevor…” he stared at the ground. His stomach twisted as Trevor continued ranting about your supposed promiscuity. Billy wiped his eyes with the back of his hand before looking up at you. Your hair was longer than he remembered. Although they were filled with tears, you still had the prettiest eyes he’d ever seen. Billy wanted nothing more than to reach out and hug you until his arms fell off. “Guess you lucked out, Billy- she probably woulda tried passing off Rhett’s kid as yours.” Trevor laughed. He was trying to get a rise out of you, “Shut the fuck up, Trevor!” Billy yelled, closing the distance between the two of them before finally punching him.
Billy shook his hand out as Luke finally intervened in the situation. Billy pushed Luke away from him before turning his attention back to you. “Are you okay, Princess?”
You slowly nodded, finding comfort in the pet name. “Okay,” Billy sighed. He glared in Rhett’s direction before walking off in the opposite direction. You’d had enough for the evening. Rhett reached out for your hand only to be smacked away. “Just- just leave me alone, Abbott. Please,” you begged. Rhett took a step back, and you went back into the bar to find your friends and go home.
-
You couldn’t take it anymore. After weeks of gossip behind your back and judgemental stares from the older women in the community, you needed to leave Wabang. The day you’d gotten your acceptance letter to Texas A&M School of Law was the best day you’d had in weeks. You found an off-campus apartment and a job at a local law firm. Everything was set for the big move, but there was still one thing you had to do before you could run away to Texas for your new start.
“Hey.” you half-heartedly grinned when Billy opened the door. “Hi,” he said as he stepped onto the front porch. “I got into law school… I’m leaving tomorrow, but I wanted to say bye to you.”
“I knew you’d get in. You’re smart.” Billy chuckled as he rubbed his arm awkwardly.
“I love you so much. Thank you for everything you did for me. I couldn’t have done it without you.” you softly smiled as you reached out for one last hug. Billy smiled the goofy smile you’d loved since the day the two of you met in freshman biology. He wrapped his arms around your waist and rested his chin on your shoulder.
“If you love something, let it go…” he mumbled into the crook of your neck, making you giggle as you gave him a squeeze. “I love you Y/N. I’m always gonna love you.”
The two of you stood there longer than you should’ve; it felt nice and nostalgic. When he released you from his grip, it was freeing. “Just promise you aren’t movin’ to Texas with Rhett Abbott,” Billy pleaded as he walked you back to your car. You laughed and said, “No, Billy, I’m not moving to Texas with Rhett Abbott.”
While you hadn’t planned on moving away with Rhett, he had other plans. You didn't know what to say when he showed up on your doorstep a few weeks after you’d settled.
“I said anywhere, Baby, and I guess that’s Texas.”
