Realistic or Modern Anchored by Love (Draft Four... lol)

[Lexus]

Amelia​

"We'll see," I said sitting back up, "But I didn't think leaving this room without being friends again was an option." Looking over to Isabel with a smirk, Hurling myself toward her, I took Isabel into a hug, hoping this would mean everything that happened between us was behind us now and I could have her back in my life.

"I'm sorry, best friend. If I could take back the past I would, but all I can offer is the future. But only if you promise to tell me everything AND you show me how you ride because I love you, but I just can't picture you the ranch type. I guess love really does make you do some crazy things."

 

[isax]

Isabel​

When I met Amelia's gaze, I screamed playfully when she hurled herself in my direction, laughing as he both fell back while hugging each other. The laugh was the first genuine one since everything that happened seven months ago. In the moment that we hugged, it felt like everything I took on vanished and I was back to being how I was before. Knowing she and I were back to being what we once were made my heart swell and I couldn't wait to see what the future had in store for us.

"I'm sorry for keeping everything a secret. I knew better and yet I still did it. I'm really sorry about that but I promise not to keep anything from you ever again," Smiling I sat back up before I stood up excitedly, stretching as I listened to her mention riding. "I'm offended that you think I can't be the ranch type! I love being out at the ranch. Dawson's kinda made me love it but I don't mind also, how I ride is perfectly fine. I've been wanting to learn how to ride a bull but Dawson refuses to teach me but Brett said he'd teach me the basics."

Sticking my tongue out playfully, I smiled contently before I took another swig of the bottle of wine.

"Should we go tell the boys everything's fine? I'm sure they're dying to know, plus I think you and Dawson deserve a real introduction."

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

Rolling my eyes playfully, I snatched the bottle back. "You're really in a hurry to entertain two grown men. You really have changed," with a smirk, I walked back over to the mirror to fix my hair.

"You're not wrong that I should be introduced to the cowboy, but I'll have to call a raincheck, unfortunately. Jayden called me over here last minute to get my bracelet back, I didn't know he was doing dinner, obviously but my sister's here and I told her I wouldn't be gone long. I can say hi though." Giving myself one last look over, I headed for the door.

"Let's do this." Opening it, I grinned knowingly at the two men who were waiting anxiously for the door to open while they squandered on the couch. Walking over to Dawson as the two men stood, I held out my hand to introduce myself.

"Hi, Dawson, it's nice to finally meet you. Thanks for everything you've done for my best friend in the past seven months and I'm sorry I was so wrong about you in the beginning. I just want the best for her and I know now, you do too." When he took my hand and gave it a firm grip with a smile I felt relief wash over me.

"I wish I could stay for dinner, but I have company from out of town. Isabel has my number so we can arrange something whenever works for both of y'all. Enjoy your dinner, Jayden's an incredible cook. " Sharing a look with Jayden, I walked away, expecting him to follow and when he did, I giggled to myself. Accepting his help with my jacket, I finished putting on all my layers before I stepped back out of the freezing cold.

Once he closed the door behind him, I bit my lip, getting lost in his eyes again before I leaned in closer, giving him a long kiss. Pulling away, I laughed at his expression with my head against his chest.

"Thank you, but you should know I don't like being conned into things, officer."

 

[isax]

Jayden​

When Amelia and Isabel came out of my room together, both in a rather cheerful mood, I felt my entire body relax as relief washed over me. I knew Amelia wasn't going to be too thrilled with how I got her here, and I knew Isabel was in such a fragile state of being that she could have broken completely but I was willing to take the risk. I was tired of seeing both women making themselves so unhappy in life and now that they both had genuine smiles on their face, I knew this was the right thing to do.

I watched as the woman who stole my heart went and introduced herself to my best friend. The gesture was more than touching and when I saw how happy it made Isabel, I knew the photographer wasn't going to keep herself in the depressive hole she created seven months ago when Amelia left.

Chuckling at Amelia's compliment about my cooking, I shared a look with her, shaking my head before I followed her, grabbing her thick jacket and holding it open for her to put on. Once we were out in the blistering cold air, I looked down at Amelia with a gentle gaze, no expecting the kiss she shared with me but more than happy that she did.

Pulling her into my arms when he put her head against my chest, I chuckled again, kissing the top of her head before I tucked a finger under her chin and made her look at me.

"I know you don't but it was the only way." Leaning in, I shared another gentle kiss with her for what felt like an eternity before I pulled away. "Come back later so we can pick up where we left off?"

Giving her a wink, I let her go, watching as she walked away from me to her car. Amelia was such a beautiful woman and she already had me wrapped around her finger. I wasn't complaining though. I knew she was worth everything.

Walking back inside, I blinked when I saw Isabel and Dawson's knowing expressions. Shaking my head, I walked back towards the kitchen so I could finish our dinner.

"Aren't y'all the cutest." I heard Isabel say and my typical closed off response was to roll my eyes.

"Oh shut it."

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

"Stop it! I can't, my sister is here," Glaring at Jayden I let him go. "Go back inside you have guests and you'll lose fingers if stay out here much longer." Waving in farewell, I left without looking back, not wanting Jayden to see he was the only man who was capable of making me blush like a teenage-girl without even trying.

Later that night... ​

I knew I shouldn't, but I couldn't resist the temptation to be with Jayden. In the hours since I left he was trying to be sly in our text thread, attempting to convince me to return to his apartment with text messages that made me blush harder than his kiss.

I hate that he knows how to turn me on. Fuck.

Throwing my phone on the kitchen counter in frustration, I tried so damn hard to forget about that officer in his uniform and his blue eyes, but once Brooke passed out on my couch after too many mixed drinks, Jayden consumed my thoughts.

"Fuck it." My sister had no right to judge me after all the years she spent going from fling to fling.

Changing out of my pajamas, I changed back into one of my college alumni tees and a pair of my black ankle-boots and quietly made my way out the door, texting Jayden as I ran to the car.

"You win. I'm on my way."

 

[isax]

Jayden​

I woke up the following morning with a bright smile on my face. Waking up at five in the morning, knowing I had to be at work by seven, I refused to move from my bed when I woke up to Amelia laying beside me, wrapped in my arms with our limbs tangled together. It was more than a comfortable feeling waking up beside her and as much as I wished we could stay like this for the rest of the day, I knew we couldn't. Carefully removing myself from her, I sat on the edge of the bed, standing up to go shower. After my shower, I went to my closet and got dressed. As I was putting on my gear belt is when I felt her hands snake around me and sleepy protests.

Chuckling softly I turned around, wrapping my arms around her waist, kissing her head softly while I held her for just a moment.

"I wish I could stay as much as you do but duty calls, beautiful. You can stay here until you have to leave," cupping her check, I smiled when my blue eyes her lidded ones. Leaning forward, I gave her a gentle kiss. "Go back to sleep. Text me when you wake up."

Once I knew she had fallen back to sleep, I left the apartment, going to the usual coffee spot before heading into work. Naturally, I paid for Amelia's coffee and even left her a note, just like old times. When Lindsey gave me a curious expression, I shook my head, ignoring it for now before I left and went into work, enjoying the wake up call the black coffee gave me, especially when I had such a long day ahead.

I would be fine if Amelia didn't want to go at it all night long.

The thought brought a smile to my face as I remembered the events from last night. I drank the last of my coffee to calm myself down while I waited for the usual morning meeting to begin.

What a vixen. Here I thought she was quiet and reserved.

Isabel​

I was more than excited for what the day had in store, and it wasn't because Amelia and I were now back to being each others anchor. Okay, it had a little bit to do with that but today I was going to take on something I had been looking forward to doing for awhile now. Learning how to ride from Dawson was fun and all, but it didn't fully satisfy the adventurous Sagittarius within me. I opted not to go to work today, so when Dawson left after our morning routine, I quickly dressed in the appropriate outfit for today's adventure with Brett.

I knew I couldn't ask Dawson to teach me how to ride a bull. One reason was because he didn't really know how, or maybe he did, I would never know. The other reason was because he hated bull riding. He always said he never understood the thrill of the eight seconds and he has a tendency to get a little worked up every time Brett rides. Brett's good at what he does, but I knew Dawson was more worried about Brett getting injured by the bull. They were always unpredictable.

We've established that now haven't we, Anes?

Giggling at the memory of how Dawson and I first met, I finished putting on my boots, standing up tall. How Dawson and I met was even more of a reason not to learn how to ride a bull but I was looking forward to it.

Walking out to the barn, I smiled when I found Brett, saying good morning while I hugged by jacket tighter around me.

"Mornin', Rider. How was your night with Savannah?" I asked, sticking my tongue out in a teasing manner. "I never thought I'd see the day Brett Covington is wrapped around a woman's finger. This would make for a great follow up, ya know?" Squealing when he tried to come at me, I quickly ran away. Brett had become like an older brother over the time that I knew Dawson. He just became another person I could trust and confide in.

"I'm just kidding. Don't get so flustered. So what's the plan for today?"

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

When things between us got hot, it got firey in record time and from the moment he attempted to take control, I laughed against his lips. "Try again," I whispered seductively against his earlobe before he brought his lips to my neck. To my dismay, Jayden making love to me was, well, incredible and it only made me feel more like a fool for pushing him away for so long. Now that I was aware of the chemistry between us, I felt like I had to compensate for all the times he tried to advance toward me, so I did.

In the morning, I woke in a daze, confused as to why I no longer felt Jayden's chest under me. Looking up, I saw the time and groaned. Watching him step out of the closet, I caught a glance of the uniform and realized what was happening. Jayden didn't tell me he had a morning shift and I was disappointed by it. I assumed after the year we spent passing notes that he was a stickler for the graveyard shift. But then the thought occurred to me that he probably released it last night when I relented.

You sly ass.

Still, I didn't want him to leave me in his apartment alone. We weren't that serious. Were we? Oh God. I guess we need to have that conversation.

Sighing, I forced myself out of the bed and pranced over to him.

"Don't go," I protested, kissing his neck and laughing when I felt him try to resist me. Laying my head on his shoulder, I sighed again when he held his ground. The taste of his lips made it hard to argue.

"Okay," I whispered before curling back in the bed, still half asleep. This time I took his side so I could still be embodied by his scent. In my grogginess, I remembered saying goodbye as he felt, but =I didn't remember what he said as he walked out of the room.

A few hours later, when I was fully rested, I got up, still feeling awkward that I was here alone, I cleaned up the mess we made the night before, made the bed, and got dressed before I grabbed my purse and left, not wanting to be there longer than I had to. By now Jayden was on patrol for a few hours. Doing as he asked I texted him as I was leaving. Running to the car, I turned on the heat, I tried to think of where I wanted to go to pick up food, but as usual, I couldn't decide.

Brett​

"Ya better watch it, Isabel!" In the last year of Dawson dating the south Texan, we bonded over playful bickering. "I didn't ask you for your two sense, I'm just here to teach you to ride, hopefully, without getting either one of us killed before your man comes home. If he finds out, it's over, so let's go. Are you sure you still want to do this?" When she nodded, I sighed, for a second, I hoped she would give up this ridiculous idea considering Dawson's past, but I also knew Isabel and I knew there was no talking her out of anything when she made her mind up.

"Okay then, put these on," I said handing her a helmet, mouth guard, elbow and knee pads. We typically didn't wear any of this when we learned how to ride, but I was taking every precaution for when Dawson found out what his girlfriend was up to in her spare time when he was out on the base. When she looked at me like I was a two-headed horse I shook my head.

"Do ya wanna learn or not? I'm not letting ya go out there bareback the first time. You're a city girl."

​

 

[isax]

Jayden​

Heated moments from the night I spent with Amelia continued to come to mind the entire time I was out on patrol. The day shift was not something I favored but taking this shift after giving up my usual one was more than worth it. I didn't want the night to end but I knew I had to come in today. There was no way I would get away with taking the day off.

As I drove through Downtown Dallas, I heard my phone vibrate in the cup holder. Instantly, my heart skipped a beat. Get a grip.

Grabbing it, I didn't even have to look at the screen to know it was Amelia. I knew this was around the time she woke up and when I read her text, I smiled softly. I didn't want her to spend the morning alone so I quickly thought of something, driving back to the station to clock out really fast before I got in my car.

"Did you sleep well, my little vixen? How does breakfast sound? Meet me at the Denny's in Market Center? (kissy face emoji)."

Hitting send, I started my car shortly after, making the drive to Denny's while my stomach growled. Oh yeah, I didn't eat anything this morning.

Isabel​

I was insulted the minute Brett handed me a helmet, mouth guard, elbow and knee pads. There was no way in hell I was going to wear any of that and him thinking I would slightly hurt my pride. Crossing my arms over my chest, I shook my head in annoyance when he pressed the idea of me wearing the stupid protection.

"You're funny if you think you're getting me to wear any of this." I said, holding my ground, refusing to give in but I knew over my time of dating Dawson, the only other people that were more stubborn than me was the Covington's. I didn't want to crack but this was definitely something I wanted to learn how to do, so I gave in. Releasing a heavy sigh, I grabbed the elbow and knee pads from him. When he was about to protest, I tried him with a glare. "Be glad I'm even wearing this. I will not be caught dead in a helmet or using a mouth guard. Now, let's go."

Satisfied when Brett gave in, I followed in step behind him, content with the small victory. When we got to where he was leading me, I had finished putting on the elbow pads. Quickly putting on the knee pads, I sighed softly, calming the nerves that set in. Once they were settled, adrenaline at what I was about to learn how to do took over and I was thrilled.

"Alright, you're one of the best riders around. What's the first step?"

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

Smirking ar how fast Jayden replied, I opened the text thread, choking at what he called me.

This man really wants me. Lol.

"I'll see you there," I replied, throwing my phone in the passenger seat, I wasn't one to decline food, especially when I was hoping he would offer. Turning on the radio, I gave in and listened to the Christmas station, considering that it was December, I couldn't argue that the seasonal music was appropriate. Humming to "Little Drummer Boy." I couldn't avoid my thoughts of what occurred last night and what this meant now. Was I ready to commit? It's obvious that was what Jayden was looking for, but what about work? Before anything happened between us I had already started applying for positions in other newsrooms because Dallas just didn't feel right anymore. But now that I knew about the connection between Jayden and I, I was second guessing everything I thought I wanted

Sighing, I pulled into the parking lot, turning off the music I zoned out to after one song and turned off the car. Looking at myself in the mirror I took notice of how ridiculous I looked. I was still dressed in the casual clothes I threw on the night before, and considering how self-conscious I was outside the bedroom and all the other places we found ourselves last night, I tied the coat string tight around my waist and before walking inside, tied my hair into a tight bun and threw some makeup on with what I kept in my purse, but some mascara, eyeliner, and a faded red lipstick. Lastly, I remembered the black heels I through in the back seat after a day at the courthouse and threw those on instead of my raggedy boots. Once I was ready, I headed inside, smiling as I walked past Jayden's patrol car, I wasn't surprised he beat me here, he was more of a morning person than I was, meaning he probably liked his breakfast.

Catching him in the back facing the door I smiled when he waved to get my attention. "Hi," I whispered giving him a hug before I sat down. Before I had a moment to catch my breath the waiter was at the table asking my drink order. Despite the freeze outside, I ordered a sweet tea, not trusting the coffee here, I would go after I left here, Looking back up at Jayden the smile remained plastered on my face. He looked so handsome in his uniform.

"How's your morning?"

Brett​

"If you're going to wear anything it better be the damn helmet, Isabel." I protested following her out to the corral. Throwing it on her head and clipping it on before she had time to react. "Losing your teeth is up to you, but I think your smile is one of your biggest selling points," I remarked with a shrug, giving her one last opportunity to take the mouth guard. I was starting to second guess if this was a good idea to teach Isabel about bull riding. Shaking my head at the thought I answered her question.

"Awe you think I'm the best huh? That's sweet but the sweet talking isn't going to make this any easier for ya. The first step is learnin' to mount him without pissing him off, don't be too cocky about it, it's harder than mounting Dawson." Chuckling at my own joke, I let her push me. "Okay, okay, all serious talk now. You just gotta get on the bull and don't let him sense your fear or he'll buck ya off in the first second. Let me help ya." Opening the gate for her and following her inside Tank's pin. Giving her my hand, I gave her a boost, quick to move out of the way.

"Look at you, ya got it on the first try, Not bad for you. How's it feel?"

​

 

[isax]

Jayden​

When I saw Amelia walk in, my breath was taken away all over again, just like it was from last night's events. When she walked closer, I took note that she was wearing heels now instead of her boots and I couldn't help the grin that came across my face at the realization. She tried to make what she wore last night look better now that she was out in public.

Watching as she walked closer, the grin never left my face, and once she was in front of the table, I stood up and took her into a hug, instantly smelling apples. I loved her scent and it was something I was never going to forget. Now whenever I smelled something similar to her, I knew she was all that was going to come to mind.

"Hi there," I said softly, sitting back down once the waiter came to take her drink order. While she ordered, I skimmed through the menu before I looked back up at her when she asked how my morning was. Slow as hell. I'm totally wishing I could've spent it back at my apartment with you in my bed.

"It's been slow. I wasn't too thrilled about having this shift honestly but it was worth taking if I do say so myself," I said with a wink, laughing at myself before I released a smile. "It's definetely different than what I'm used to. What about you? Do you have work after this?"

Isabel​

The minute I heard Brett say his slick ass remark, I quickly turned around, pushing him as I shook my head. "Shut the hell up, Brett Covington!" I knew me pushing him was ineffective. Brett was built just like Dawson. They were both tall, muscular and bigger than me. There was no way in hell me pushing them or punching them out of spite or playfulness had any affect on the Covington men. They always made me feel so small.

I was more than irritated that Brett put the stupid helmet on my head. I wanted nothing to do with it, just like the stupid ass mouth guard. At least I lucked out and didn't need to use the stupid thing. Following the professional rider into Tank's pin, I felt the sweat forming in my clammy hands. I was getting nervous now that I was face-to-face with the bull that could kill me in an instant.

Get a grip. You wanted to do this, plus you're a boss ass bitch. Mount the dang bull like you've done it several times. Be confident.

After giving myself the prep talk that I needed to hear, I took in a deep breath, releasing it before I took Brett's help, mounting the monster with ease and such grace that the bull was unaffected by my presence. For now.

Once I was on top of Tank, I grinned in satisfaction, knowing this was something I was going to enjoy doing. Living life in the moment always gave me a rush of excitement. Looking at the rider, I chuckled softly before I gripped the rope tightly with my hands. "It feels pretty good, honestly. What do I do now?" I asked, anticipating all the outcomes from this.

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

“No work today, my sister is still here until tomorrow, but I doubt she’s up yet and I haven't been medically cleared to return.” Quite frankly, I didn’t care either way. Brooke could wait for me. Considering I paid for her tickets and she ended up coming only to ask me for a loan, I wasn’t in any rush to give her my time. Some could say I was bitter, but if they knew my history with her and the family back in Florida, they would understand my frustration with her. Not to mention she was completely oblivious to how out of it I was. I was still struggling with the aftermath of going abroad, but to my family, that meant nothing.

Ordering a simple burger and fries I thanked the waiter as he walked away, laughing when Jayden looked at me perplexed.

“I’m not a breakfast type of person. I have to be in the mood for it, which is rarely ever.” Shrugging my shoulders, I continued the conversation.

“Well I’ll take your word for it, you have to be bored if you clocked out to come to eat with me. I guess I learned to not keep you from your shifts next time.”

Next time. I was insinuating something I never thought I would. Yikes. Hopefully, he wouldn’t catch on, because the awkward conversation about pending commitment is not one I wanted to have at a Denny’s in the clothes I snuck to his apartment to have sex in. It was not my proudest moment.

Charles​

On the frigid mornings in December when I wasn’t chopping up the firewood and feeding the horses, I spent the morning at the dining room table, sipping my coffee and looking out onto the fields, that were beginning to get dusted with snow flurries. It was usually the tranquil part of my day, but as Melinda, my darling wife poured my second cup, my peace was unexpectedly interrupted.

In the distance, I saw Brett leading Isabel into the corral.

“What in the hell are they doin?” I muttered keeping a close eye, As they rounded the fence and Brett unlocked the padlock, the scene became clearer. It wasn’t until they made their way to the other side and Brett opened the pen, I took notice to Tank, Brett’s championship-winning bull.

I expected Brett to be the one to mount him, thinking Isabel was just going to be spectating, Melinda took notice to the getup she was in and that’s when we both put the pieces together.

Brett can’t be that much of an idiot to let that girl mount that bull.

“Oh hell no!” I exclaimed as Melinda gasped in her own horror. After Dawson’s accident as a teen, I would be damned if I let the woman he love play with life and death.

“Charles, do something!”

Getting up from the chair, slammed down my untouched cup of joe and running for the corral, flashes of my lifeless son flashed in front of me.

“Brett if you don’t get that girl off that killing machine I will kill you with my bare hands before Dawson even gets the chance! What in the hell are you thinking letting her do that?! Get her off, now!” I hollered running in after them.

Once Isabel was back on her feet, I advanced toward Brett, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt. By then, Melinda caught up to me and was embracing Isabel for her own sanity.

“What in the hell were you thinking, Brett? She doesn’t know any better but you sure as hell do! Don’t try this again, do you understand me? Because if Dawson finds out about this you know what’s going to happen and I can’t stop it.”

 

[isax]

Jayden​

I heard Amelia mention a next time but I didn't bring much attention to it for fear that it would make her uncomfortable. I wanted to keep the comfortability that she and I had going on. When she ordered a burger however, I was a little thrown off, chuckling softly at her action but understanding when she gave her reasoning for it.

"You never kept me from my shift. I happily gave it up because being with you is worth every second," Smiling, I chuckled when she looked at me with that same expression that made my knees grow weak. I loved teasing her with cheesy pick up lines. It had become something I loved to do because it was an easy way to get a smile and a laugh out of her. Her happiness was worth everything.

"I'm kind of sad that you don't like breakfast food much but I totally understand. It's not something everyone enjoys. It just means you can never have some of the awesome french toast that I make."

I didn't want to touch the subject of Amelia's sister and how she was in no hurry to be with her. I knew nothing about her, or Amelia's entire family for that matter. All I knew is what Isabel briefly told me about. She said Brooke was a lot like Alyssa, Isabel's older sister and after meeting Alyssa once, I kinda knew what she meant by that.

"What're you doing later? I get out around seven."

Isabel​

Everything seemed to happen so quickly. One moment, I was mounted on top of Tank, enjoying the rush of adrenaline it gave me then the next thing I knew, I was helped off the bull by Brett and now wrapped in Melinda's embrace that seemed to be for her own sanity and not mine. I was puzzled but after catching myself up on everything Charles said while making his way over to where Brett and I were, I felt my stomach drop the minute he grabbed the professional bull rider by the collar of his shirt. I was quick to insert myself in their very heated discussion.

Slowly pulling myself out of Melinda's embrace, I called out to Charles as quick as I could. Seeing how quick he got angry, I knew instantly where Dawson got his anger problems from. He was so much like his father that I swore I was looking at Dawson in this very moment.

"Charles stop! Don't get on Brett. This wasn't his fault. I asked for it because I wanted to learn," I instantly flinched when I heard Charles ask why the hell I would ever want to learn. I didn't like being scolded, I don't think anyone ever does, but I knew if I were to tell him why, he wouldn't get it. "Because I like learning new things. It's something I've always loved doing. Being so open to other parts of someones life and incorporating them into my own to grasp a better understanding is what I do. I wanted to be adventurous because I've been so stagnant in my life and Brett was just trying to help."

"It's one thing for you to be adventurous but it's another for you to play with life or death, Isabel."

Hearing that from Melinda left a sour taste in my mouth. It was then I knew me wanting to learn how to ride went much deeper than just that. Something happened to make them view bull riding like this and now I was intrigued. I could only assume it had to do with Dawson.

He never once mentioned bull riding. Why would he? If what happened to him was to the point where Charles and Melinda reacted like this then I knew Dawson wasn't going to just mention it. I was irked though. He knew everything about me. My backstory, my failures and success, everything, but I didn't know this one important detail to his life. That was frustrating.

"I'm sorry. I won't do it again. I didn't mean to upset y'all."

I couldn't find anything else to say. All I could do we take a deep breath, smile sweetly at the Covington's and leave before they saw me in one of my most vulnerable states. "I should go into work today. I'll see y'all later."

I turned to leave as quickly as I could, heading straight back to Dawson's place, showering and changing quickly before I headed into the studio. It was closed today but I needed to be in solitude because something struck me much more than Dawson not telling me about his past. Finally admitting that my life had become stagnant hurt more than anything in the world.

Why did I let myself get to this point?

 

[Lexus]

Amelia ​

"Mmmm see, that's where you're wrong. I consider french toast to be more of a dessert than breakfast, and desserts, those are my guilty pleasure. I have always had the worst sweet tooth." Sipping my tea, I saw the way Jayden was looking at me and I tried my best to ignore it, but I couldn't. Clearing my throat, I answered his question. "Well, being the perfect sister I am supposed to be, I should probably take mine out to dinner before she goes home tomorrow morning, so sorry, whatever you were plotting will have to wait." I wasn't surprised by Jayden's shift, despite the fact he left at six in the morning, the double shifts, meant his whole day would be spent between the streets and the department. That's how it was for my grandpa too.

"Your shift should pick up soon though, it's Christmas time and now between the new year is when the craziest things happen, at least that's how it was at home."

 

[isax]

December 21: Dallas, TX
Isabel​

I usually start off these things by saying it was just like every normal day, but if I don't like lying and that would be a lie. Today wasn't like any other day. Aside from it being my birthday (which really isn't that big of a deal for me) today was the day I planned on getting my life back. After a very dramatic way to end a bull riding lesson (I know, I should've handled that differently), I realized the simple sentence I said in a rush of emotions was too true. No one would understand it. Only Amelia would, and Dawson of course, but he knew nothing of what I was planning on doing. My life was stagnant, I was in a hole that I put myself in because I genuinely believed I didn't deserve happiness, and now that all was restored, I wanted what I had worked so hard for back.

I didn't spend the night at the ranch because I knew Dawson would ask too many questions that I wasn't ready to answer, because honestly, I still didn't know what would come of what I was planning on doing. I told Dawson I was going into work today, which is a lie and I know I said I don't like them but this one was for a good reason. Dawson takes the fact that today is my birthday rather seriously. I know secretly he was planning something, even if he didn't want to admit it, but like I said, I never thought much of my birthday's. They were no different than any other day.

After settling my nerves, I managed to finish getting dressed. Staring back at myself in the mirror took my break away because in the past seven months, dressing like this wasn't something I did. It was refreshing to see myself in an outfit that I called extra, even more so because it had been so long. Approving the outfit which consisted of black pantyhose, a black and white plaid skirt with a maroon turtleneck and tan coat over it, I was ready to tackle what I set out to do.

No backing out now.

Applying my go to red lipstick, I released a deep breath, walking into my room to grab my laptop, red padfolio with an I monogrammed on the bottom right corner, and my trusty hard drive. Sticking it all in my purse, I walked out to the living room, making sure Apollo had food before I left. Getting into my Fiat made everything too real and the ancias began to boil in my stomach.

Forty-five minutes later, I arrived to my destination, the one place I called my home since I graduated from college. The place I screwed up at. The place that made me feel complete and made changing the world reachable. I was back at the Dallas Morning News, sitting in the lobby after telling Bill hello, waiting for my former editor to come down and get me. When he did, I stood up quickly, genuinely smiling as I accepted his hug.

"Well well well, I've been waiting for this day, Anes. Is it time?" Daron asked. He told me the day I chose to come back, my spot as a staff photographer would be given back to me in a heartbeat.

"Yeah. I think I've been away long enough but there are some things I want to talk to you about. I need guidance on where to go next."

"You know I'm always up for talking. Let's go to my office."

After two hours, I stepped out of Daron's office, sighing contently. I was proud of the decision we made together and knew I was ready to take on. Walking with Daron back down to the entrance, I turned around before walking out, thanking him again.

"Stop thanking me. Just make sure you're here Monday morning. 7 am sharp, ya hear?"

"Yeah. I'll be here."

Later that Day...​

After an amazing talk with Daron, I was quick to head back to my apartment in Fort Worth, opening my laptop as I sat at the island, smiling as the screen went through all the pictures I had even taken journalistically in a slideshow. It was refreshing to see and after logging on, I opened mine and Amelia's text thread quickly, needing to tell her about what I just did.

"Hi, I hope your time with Jayden has been wonderful but I did something today that you need to know about. I talked to Daron."

After texting Amelia, I saw a notification pop up on the top right hand corner of my screen. A text from Dawson. Smiling as I read his heartfelt message wishing me a happy birthday, I giggled before quickly responding.

"Hi cowboy. I missed ya last night. Thanks for the birthday wishes. What're you doing later? Te amo."

I knew deep down Dawson would be thrilled with the news I had to tell him, but now I was starting to think if what I just did was right. I was doubting myself again mainly because I didn't want to upset the one man who helped me through everything these past seven months. I didn't want him to be upset about my move back to Dallas. I didn't want him to think I was unappreciative of the studio he built for me. He dropped several hints about moving into the house he built for himself and after dating him for a year and a half, I knew I was crazy about not doing that but I still wasn't entirely ready for it. I still had so much life to live.

You act like you can't live it with him, Isabel. God you make everything so hard.

Jayden​

In the time that passed since Amelia and Isabel made up, it seemed like Amelia and I were going just as strong. We spent a lot of time together now. Mainly after my shifts, we would meet up at the cafe, sit and talk for the few minutes that we could before I went to my apartment to sleep and she went to work. After she got out, we would make dinner then just enjoy each other's company. The best nights were those spent tangled in the sheets with her the next morning, waking up to her. Seeing her first thing in the morning made me feel a certain way. A way no one else ever made me feel but I loved it.

Today was Isabel's birthday and although Isabel went to work, Dawson was planning something for her. I didn't think Isabel knew about it but Amelia was insistent that she did. "Isabel isn't stupid, Jayden. She knows Dawson is planning something" is what she told me when we talked about it before she went into work.

Dawson just needs to get better at keeping a secret.

Laying in bed, I turned on the TV, watching Criminal Minds. It wasn't the same without Amelia by my side. Watching shows like this had become our past time. We would make fun of the show, pointing out what the actors did wrong or, if they ever did something right, we praised them. This is when I found out my temptress had a CJ side to her that I never knew existed, but knowing she had one was hot. She understood all my jargon, more so than anyone else, and I was falling hard for her by the second. Grabbing my phone, I opened mine and Amelia's text thread.

"I’ll meet you at the party tonight. Come over afterwards? I need your help with something. "

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

Over the last few weeks, my time seemed blissful. I was released by my therapist to head back into work, on the one condition that I would at least take a year off from going abroad again. Of course, I happily obliged, not being in any rush to expose myself or anyone else to severe desperation again. I was so ecstatic when I was cleared, I ran straight to Jayden when it happened without even thinking about it. It wasn't until I shared my excitement and we celebrated with his "Not World Famous French Toast" The name was clever, I gave him that, but until I dipped my fork into the contradictory heavy but light and airy bread covered in caramelized apples and powder sugar mixture, I was completely won over. Throwing my hands up in surrender, I joined in on his laughter, and that's when I realized something terrifying, as I looked back on Jay and his blue eyes, I was falling for him.

I didn't know when it happened but the moment I was released, my first thought was I needed to tell Jayden. I found myself wanting to confide in him for everything and this was the first time I didn't think to stop myself and resist that temptation. I just let it happen. Being with him, it was more than just our physical chemistry, it felt euphoric.

As for things between Isabel and I, I went to the dinner I promised her and Dawson, where we were formally introduced to each other, and even though he seemed nice, things remained awkward. He was hesitant of me, I saw it in his gaze, but I understood. From his perspective, he didn't know me to be the pillar in Isabel's life that I played for most of our lives now, I was the woman who prejudged him, sending my best friend into a spiral to survive on her own. In Dawson's head there was After Amelia Left and now What Happens When Amelia Came Back. Because I knew I would have to win Dawson over in a way I already had with Isabel years before, I still wasn't completely comfortable putting myself back into the role as her best friend in the same velocity I was before. We kept steady conversations, but I didn't make as many plans to hang out with her and I certainly didn't show up uninvited. The thought of spontaneously showing up anywhere Isabel might be, gave me anxiety, whereas before I wouldn't have even had to think about it. In a way, it felt like walking on eggshells, but I was okay with it, because I had Isabel back in my life, and I didn't care if I had to earn my place all over again. I knew it was going to be worth it.

Between my relationships with Isabel and Jayden, I was taking them both gradually, for once I was actually pacing myself. It was a strange thing to have to practice but seemed to be paying off.

The morning of Isabel's birthday, I started off the day by sending her the money for her morning cup of tea, considering I didn't have the time to bring it to myself and I had no idea where she might be. Being who she was, I always assumed she was busy with something. Sending her the bland Happy Birthday with all the celebratory emojis, I carried my phone to the bathroom where I turned on the morning music to listen to while I brushed my teeth semi-aggressively and staring at myself in the mirror, daydreaming about what I wanted to write next, as I often did when I stood here, Humming along to "Let It Snow" I rinsed my toothbrush off in the sink and put it back neatly on the vanity before I saw Jayden's text telling me he just got off and would meet me at the usual spot.

Replying promptly, I continued getting ready, meeting him there, where we shared our coffee together in the booth he once designated to stare at me from afar. before he knew who I was, that now we shared. I briefed him on the morning news I was sure he never cared about but pretended to for my sake, and he told me about his shift, that I actually always had an interest in.

"I gotta go," I said quickly, wrapping my scarf back hastily around my neck and kissing his cheek.

"Sleep for the both of us please, you need it," I stated in a knowing glare that he would put it off for as long as he could because Jayden thought that since I came into his life, sleep was irrelevant and that worried me considering he needed to be on full alert whenever he was on a shift.

The morning went by in a drag, considering I spent most of it in a pitch meeting, followed by getting dragged to cover the Cowboys doing their annual Christmas visit to the Children's Hospital. It wasn't my favorite assignment for reasons I chose to keep by myself but by the time lunch came around, I had texts from both Isabel and Jayden.

"Hello there, what are you up to? How was your tea?"
"Help with what? That sounds suspicious to me."

The truth was, I didn't even want to go to the party tonight, but I knew I had to. It was part of getting Isabel back, and even though Jayden and I still weren't official I knew he expected me to be his date. But, Dawson was the one throwing it, and I had not the slightest clue what the Covingtons knew about me, nor did I want to know, but I was willing to swallow my pride for both Isabel and Jayden. It would only be for a few hours after all and I still had to give her her actual gift.

Dawson​

I had been planning Isabel's birthday surprise for the last month, I wanted it to be perfect. I didn't want her to suspect anything though, because as shameful as it was to admit, in the year and a half since we have been together, I never attempted to do anything this elaborate before. There was no excuse really, besides both of us, once we got comfortable being together, got lost in our hectic day to day life, relying on the routine we made for each other. While this had yet to cause a rift between us, I knew for Isabel's birthday, I had to make it up to her for my lack of effort up until this point. I wanted her to know just how much she meant to me. I needed to remind her of the plunge we took together when we decided our love wasn't a mistake was still worth it, even now.

Grinning at how quick she was to reply, I was giddy to know she found a moment to herself. Despite it being her birthday, I knew better than to expect her to treat it differently than any other day until someone else made her.

"I made plans for us for the night of course, pick you up at six. I love you, Amor. But until then, look under the bed, I think I snuck something under there for ya while you weren't home. Happy Birthday."

When we meet, she never did give me the address to her house to send her a new camera to replace the one I destroyed in effort to save her from getting kill by a bull. (I am forever going to giggle at this word and no one else will know why. Lmfao). By the time I did know, the camera was already replaced. I wasn't surprised by that, but given that it was close to two years later, I felt it was feasible to provide upgrades for the two she usually kept on her at all times.

Over the course of our relationship, I managed to learn a thing or two about camera bodies and their many accessories, probably not enough, but enough to go into the store and place the order without being a complete dingbat. Of course, I was open to suggestions on what else to get to go along with it, so I included all the fancy lens hoods and camera cases as well. It became clear to me in this process, that Isabel carried more things for her cameras then I did working for the Navy, the thought made me chuckle, but anything to bring a genuine smile to her face after everything she endured over the course of our relationship was worth it.

I wasn't the best at wrapping, so I let Mom do it. Of course, she was sure to wrap it in Happy Birthday paper, instead of Christmas, adamant, Isabel needed that despite being a December baby. I guess she made a good point but I never really thought about it. Then Mom proceeded to wrap each box individually and placed them all together in one giant "Happy Birthday bag, decorated with assorted tissue paper spewed in all directions and taped at the sides, a true masterpiece that only she was capable of.

"I hope you like it, if not it's all returnable and we can pick out something you do like."

 

[isax]

Jayden​

When Amelia texted me back, I couldn't stop the smile that spread from ear to ear. She made everything seem brighter and I knew it was because I was falling for her. Hell, I already fell. I had this talk with Dawson the other day and when I heard him say I fell, I knew I had. It was crazy to think that was the case and I wasn't entirely ready to tell Amelia, even though I'm pretty sure she already knew considering how persistent I've been ever since Lindsey managed to convince her to give me a shot.

Note to self, Amelia hates boats so no gondola ride ever again.

I was more than embarrassed when Amelia revealed to me that she wasn't a fan of being on a boat. I instantly felt my stomach turn upside down, retreating in my head, but her reassurance that she still very much enjoyed our first date made me less embarrassed.

"Not suspicious at all. I'll throw in a fresh batch of my "Not World Famous French Toast" for ya. I promise you won't regret coming. (winky face emoji)"

Sighing contently, I looked at the time on my phone, noting that most of the morning was already gone and Isabel's birthday dinner started at 6:30. Groaning, I stretched out on the couch, setting an alarm for 5:30 so I had at least an hour to get ready. After setting the alarm, it didn't take long for me to fall asleep. I was more than exhausted considering sleep seemed to be nonexistent for me since Amelia and I started getting more serious. I wanted to spend every minute I could with her.

Isabel​

When I saw Dawson's text pop up in the same top right hand corner, I sat up, intrigued by what the present could be. Jumping down from the stool (Getting down, jumping down, same thing. She's a short queen), I hurriedly ran from the kitchen to my bedroom. I never expected him to leave my present in my apartment but I wasn't surprised. He had a key and must have done it when he knew I left for "work". Kneeling on the floor, I looked under my bed quickly, smiling brightly when I found the box he was talking about, pulling it out and placing it on my bed.

Removing the tissue paper from the bag, I giggled when I saw every item individually wrapped. It had been awhile since I had to go through something similar to this and as much as I complained, I loved it. It made the surprise that much more grand.

I decided to open the biggest wrapped box first, instantly noticing it was a bit heavy. I was at a loss on what it was but after unwrapping it, I found the only word that made me gasp: Canon. No fucking way. Quickly removing the rest of the wrapping paper, I stared at the white box with a picture of a DSLR on the front of it. It was the latest DSLR that Canon had to offer, one that I was secretly saving up for because I wanted it. There was nothing wrong with the two I already had but getting an upgrade was always worth it.

I restricted myself from instantly messing with all the new settings and quirks the camera body had to offer so that I could open the rest of the boxes. I knew now they had to be related to the camera Dawson just spent thousands on and after opening every single one, I sat on my bed against the headboard, staring at the new camera body, two lenses, lens hoods and camera bags. I was stunned and at a loss for words. Looking at everything together in one spot on my full sized bed, I cried.

Dawson wouldn't understand why I started crying. Considering the conversation I just had with Daron minutes before opening this spectacular birthday present, I knew my decision in making my move back to Dallas and working for the DMN again was solidified. The new camera was a symbol of a new chapter and I was more than ready to start it. There was still so much I wanted to do journalistically that I hadn't done yet.

Grabbing my phone, I was quick to text Dawson back before Amelia.

"Why would I ever want to return something as amazing as this? Thank you, Cowboy. You really didn't have to get me this. I love you. (heart emoji) Six sounds perfect. See you then."

"The tea was awesome, thank you for that (swirling heart emoji). I've been in Dallas all morning. For my birthday present to myself, I walked my Sagittarius ass into the DMN and spoke with Daron about getting back on staff. We talked about it and I'm going to do more investigative work starting Monday. I'm more than ready to be back. I've missed it."

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

"You think we'll be able to eat again after this party? You're shooting for the stars there. But I'll come, still suspicious. Get some sleep."

Opening Isabel's thread, I didn't expect to be sent into the whirlwind of emotions she sent me in. I expected this to be a casual birthday conversation until I saw her tonight. I wasn't even sure if I was supposed to go, honestly, Dawson didn't invite me directly and Isabel, even though she was suspecting something, wasn't supposed to know what was happening. Jayden was the one who asked me to tag along with him, it still felt like I was in the company of his friends rather than my best friend and her boyfriend. Whenever I was in the company of the three of them, I looked at Isabel like a distant cousin, with a reminiscing grin. Remembering the period when we spent every waking moment together, even though we never really did until our paths went separate ways and now, those memories are what kept our relationship intact from a distance. It was almost like looking back at a completely different person, remembering who they used to be and wishing that never had to change. Seeing her text only reminded me how different things still remained between us.

She was in Dallas this morning to restart her career and she didn't come try to tell me about it? That's fair, I guess, I went to Jayden first when I was cleared, but I wasn't in Fort Worth when I found out.

Accepting Dawson was now the constant I once was, it hurt, but I reminded myself that my feelings didn't matter right now. What mattered was that Isabel was attempting to get her life back, it didn't matter how she chose to tell me. I needed to be excited for her. I knew this was a monumental step for her after the last seven months of constantly beating herself down. I didn't want to shed my doubts on her either. After what I just finished putting myself through, I worried that the same emotional distress would happen to her. I feared she was jumping into the wrong beat after her hiatus.

It's her birthday, Amelia, let her have it. The boys have been waiting for her to do this and if you bring it down before she even attempts it. Dawson will literally kill you.

"That's awesome! I'm so proud of you, Isabel. You're going to kill it. I have no doubts. Welcome back to the table, we need you. Let me know if you need anything. I love you. Enjoy your day."

 

[isax]

Isabel​

Isabel. Disgusting.

Enjoy your day. Sounds familiar.

"I love you too. (heart emoji)"

Releasing a deep sigh, I threw my phone on my night stand, laying back against the mountain of pillows I had to support myself. Amelia's response was sweet and soft, like if she was tip toeing around something, and the use of my full name, along with that last sentence, was more than disgusting. "Enjoy your day" was a saying she used to cut off the conversation. It wasn't the first time she relied on them like a crutch and it pissed me off that this is where we were in life. Though we made amends and we were very much active in each others lives, it wasn't the same.

Are y'all active though? You didn't run to her when you were in Dallas to tell her.

Groaning, I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand, trying to stop myself from letting the tears that threatened to fall cascade down my cheeks. I was frustrated because I didn't know what to do to fix any of this. I feared that for the rest of my life, my relationship with Amelia was always going to be like this. Like if she and I didn't know each other. Like we were just walking on egg shells.

Well, that kinda is your fault. I mean c'mon Anes. You can't blame her for the seven months you spent in hell. That was all your fault; self-inflicted. Plus, you're the reason she acted the way she did back then. You didn't tell her something so major in your life. Actually, TWO major events of your life.

I cringed just thinking about the miscarriage.

Curling into a ball, I decided to fall asleep. Sleeping was always better than being awake with a million different thoughts running through my head. Plus, in a few short hours, Dawson was going to be here and I needed to get my shit together before then. I couldn't be in my thoughts on my birthday. Dawson would see my facade in an instant and upsetting him is the last thing I wanted to do.

Kinda like when you tell him about moving back to Dallas?

6 PM: Dallas, TX​

I woke up from my security sleep around 5 in the evening. I knew an hour to get ready was pushing it considering today was my birthday and Dawson probably had something nice planned. He didn't tell me what to wear, and since I didn't know where we were going, I was left to pick something that I thought could fit any occasion.

I settled on one of my many jumpsuits, my white one that had a semi-deep v cut in the front. I decided to pair it with my red winter coat jacket since it was cold outside, along with my go-to red heels. Standing in front of my mirror, I took in my reflection, noting how everything looked. I was originally planning on straightening my hair but Dawson had told me time and time again he loved my natural hair. Sitting at my small and hardly used vanity, I applied my lipstick, fixed my hair as best as I could before walking to the dining room where I heard a knock. Giggling, I opened the door for Dawson, smiling at how handsome he looked. Twirling, I showed off my outfit of choice.

"How do I look? Is it okay? You didn't really tell me what to wear." I said softly with a sigh, wrapping my arms around his neck before I gave him a gentle kiss. "Thank you for my birthday present. It's beautiful and definitely something I'll enjoy messing with."

 

[Lexus]

Dawson​

Seeing her, I almost fell to my knees. There were to sides to Isabel, the one that disguised her hurt in over-sized t-shirts from college and my closet and leggings or shorts, depending on the weather. The one that I had to pick up from the kitchen floor and carry to bed after another self-inflicted drunken sobbing session, her hair disheveled and her eyes dark, lifeless. This was the sIde I got used to seeing after we returned to reality together, and then there was the side I fell in love with. The woman who always carried herself with radiating confidence everywhere she went despite denying it every chance she was given. This confidence is what made her approachable to others and she attracted people everywhere we went. She said, it was the camera and the fact she was the only woman following a group of uniformed men around for most of their day, but I was convinced, once the audience saw her, they were just as eager to watch her, as they were to watch the show. She was like a mysterious pre-show that caught everyone's attention, even the crew's in the most flattering way. Watching her radiate that confidence and see that smile that her passion for photography gave her and hearing that care-free laugh, while she was dressed in only her best, I couldn't help but pass along the same grin, feeling proud she was mine.

I loved both sides of Isabel, of course, I didn't consider t-shirt days any less gorgeous, but when she opened the door and twirled in her sexy jumpsuit, I lost my breath. I held onto the memories of this Isabel, hoping one day, if I loved her long and hard enough, she would reappear, but I wanted it to be on her own terms. After losing Olivia and Amelia in the span of a few months time, I decided she had been through enough hell, and me getting impatient with her grieving time was senseless and inconsiderate. But for at least tonight, the beautiful woman I fell in love with seemed to be making a return, and for that, I was eternally grateful.

"You look radiant, Isabel," I whispered into her ear before taking her into a tight embrace, kissing her heavily in return. When we pulled away, I winked at her, biting my lip in anticipation to where that introduction would lead later.

"You don't have to thank me, you deserve it and I know you'll use it," I replied, taking her hand firmly in my own, Leaning over to say my hellos to Apollo before I lead her out.

"Are we ready?"

Amelia​

I couldn't meet Jayden at the party, I needed to go with him. I wasn't comfortable enough to pull up to the Covington homestead, it felt like a superior place that everyone else felt was enchanted, but me, it was just a privileged family boasting their wealth, honestly not a place I ever saw Isabel calling home or making a future in, but love, I knew, makes us do things we never considered before, after all, I moved to Texas because of it.

I spent the entire car ride trying to convince Jayden it was rude for me to make an appearance when I wasn't invited and he should have just left me at home, but it was useless. He was a police officer, they liked to argue. Rolling my eyes at his persistence, I looked out the window, looking down at my lap when he squeezed my hand at attempted reassurance.

"It's just not the same," I whispered, my voice quaking. Shaking my head, I tried to change the course of conversation. "She told me she took her job back at the DMN today, going to be working as an investigative journalist. That's what y'all have been waiting for. right?" I asked, biting my lip. I couldn't understand why I was so depressed. I made an attempt to make amends, it seemed to work, at least I thought it did until I went to dinner with the two of them and saw the way Dawson looked at me, like he hated my guts. It made me want to retreat immediately but I didn't because I was afraid he would claim I was a coward for trying to leave, the same way I left Isabel. He wouldn't have been wrong.

Before Jayden could even answer, I took a deep breath and indulged him with my next question. He knew by now they ran rapid fire when I was anxious, it's how I worked through my thoughts.

"Why are you even friends with him? No offense, but I don't get the sense that you have many similarities. It just doesn't make sense to me. Isabel and I, before this happened, I mean, it felt like we shared the same soul. That sounds kinda crazy if you never had the experience, but it's true. We may not look alike in any way, it may look like we're from two completely different worlds, but really, we were the same person. We wanted the same things, felt the same things, usually handled the same struggles at the same time, when one of us were on a high, the other was too. She knew my thoughts before I did and it was obvious to anyone else who was around us how in sync we were. I get that not everyone gets to have that, but I don't see that even the slightest with you and Dawson, so why are you even friends?"

I wasn't trying to discredit Jayden's friendship with his supposed best friend, out of my own doubts for the rich man, I just needed to be enlightened. Jayden never really talked about Dawson, I assumed in fear he didn't want to upset me, but that was stupid in my opinion. I didn't have to like Dawson for Jayden to talk about his closest friend, and I knew whenever they were out together because it was the only time Jay didn't specify who he was with or what he was doing. Not that I cared, I wasn't his keeper or his girlfriend for that matter, but I was a journalist who was taught how to read people and there was no escaping that even when I wanted to.

When the silence continued to linger, my thoughts got louder.

"Oh my god, he's not proposing to her, is he? I can't watch that," I confessed in a shuddered breath, putting my spare hand over my face. This was only going from bad to worse. "If her family's there, that'll be great, they probably all hate me, I was supposed to be the one person who didn't walk out on her, Jayden, they loved me because I was always there, and then I wasn't. That's peachy. I'm stupid for even trying to fix it. Now I'm just like everyone else."

I should have just kept my mouth shut when she came home and none of this would be happening. This is why I keep my emotions to myself.

 

[isax]

OOC: Y'all aren't ready for what's coming next, I promise.

Isabel​

The kiss Dawson shared with me was magnificent and something I had come to enjoy over the time we were together. It was a promise, a secret one, something that gave us anticipation for what was to follow later in the night. I couldn't help but always feel so warm inside when we shared it and when we pulled away, watching him wink before biting his lip, I couldn't contain the giddy giggles that came out of my mouth before I smiled.

When my Cowboy took my hand, I released a soft sigh, nodding gently when he asked if we were ready. Saying my goodbyes to Apollo, I followed Dawson out to the truck, quickly getting in to get out of the brisk cold air that stung my cheeks instantly. Once I was in the passenger seat, I let myself sink into the leather seat, truly content with where I was in life right now. Looking over at Dawson when he got in, I smiled again, taking note how many times I did. It was off putting to me. I hadn't smiled so much in months and yet they were just freely occurring. They were genuine.

"So what did you plan? You know I don't like surprises," I said softly, pouting like I typically did when I didn't know something. I knew he wasn't going to crack and tell me. He never did.

You know damn well you secretly love surprises.

When I realized where we were going, I looked over at Dawson in curiosity, not expecting to go to the ranch. The unknown was now festering into a small pit of anxiety in my stomach. I wasn't expecting Dawson to invite anyone. I wasn't expecting to come back to the ranch for the night. I didn't feel ready to be myself again in front of everyone.

I didn't realize that my grip on Dawson's hand had gotten so tight that my nails were practically digging into his skin. Biting my lip, I quickly loosened it, feeling my heart beat a thousand beats per second as the truck came to a rolling stop. It was like Dawson knew I was in my own head, that my anxiety was kicking in because when he tilted my chin upward, leaning in to plant a loving kiss on my lips, everything seemed to come to a halt. Sighing softly, I met his gaze after we pulled away.

"Sorry," whispering I quickly diverted my eyes from him. I was retreating into the shell I had once been in. Get a grip. Closing my eyes, I took a couple of deep breaths, opening them to see my handsome Cowboy watching me with a worried expression. Smiling, I gave him one more kiss, biting down on his bottom lip teasingly before kissing his jaw. "I'll be okay. Let's get down? I'm excited to see what you put together."

Jayden​

Amelia's rapid spitfire was something I had gotten used to since she and I started being around each other more often. It was a mechanism that kicked in the moment her anxiety began to start up. Squeezing her hand at a small attempt of reassurance, I sighed softly when it didn't work. I knew bringing her with me was going to be like walking on pins and needles for her, but I still didn't want her to miss something so major in Isabel's life. Amelia needed to be there for her.

Hearing her mention Isabel getting her job back at the DMN brought excitement to my expression. We were all waiting for the day the photojournalist got back into the groove and I knew Dawson was going to be more than thrilled. However, I didn't like the thought of Isabel going into investigative journalism after what Amelia went through and the photo j's previous hiatus. It was risky and I didn't think Isabel was entirely ready to jump in like that but I didn't want to upset her or Amelia.

"That's awesome. I'm glad she's going to do what she loves doing again. Aren't you?" My little Vix ignored my question and continued on and I couldn't stop the chuckle that came out when she did.

I ignored her when she seemed to belittle mine and Dawson's friendship. I knew he and I being best friends was off putting but no one knew how he and I had even met. I didn't like to talk about it much and neither did Dawson. It was a gruesome story that neither of us liked explaining.

I did however, almost slam the break when I heard Amelia ask if Dawson was going to propose to Isabel. I didn't think she would pick up on it, didn't think she would actually figure out why I wanted her to come so badly, but I should have known better. Amelia was a smart woman and more observant than anyone I knew. It was because of her career choice.

"Shit," The word came out before I could even stop it. As we slowly rolled up on the Covington homestead, I sighed, looking over at Amelia after parking my car. Fuck, she knows.

"Yes, he is. Dawson is planning to propose to Isabel, Amelia but you can't leave. We can lay low, hide in the background but this is a major part of Isabel's life and you know she's going to need you here. Please. I'll be at your side the entire time."

Please, just get out of the car with me.

 

[Lexus]

OOC: I mean, she's not wrong, but she doesn't know everything either. Also for those who aren't from Texas, "Get down" means to get out, just to clarify.

Amelia​

I knew I was right. The look On Jayden's face told me everything I needed to know. Sighing, I tried to stop myself from crying but I couldn't. Either way, this wasn't going to end well, if she said yes, it would mean that for the rest of my life, I would have to try and make things work between Dawson and I to keep Isabel and their children in my life, and in this moment, I decided my rift with Dawson wasn;t worth losing his wife or their kids. But if she said no, that would mean Isabel would be a wreck and in turn, look like an idiot in front of the wealthiest family in north Texas, and on her birthday. I didn't know much about their relationship, but I had a horrible feeling about this. Not to mention when Bel and I used to talk about proposals, whatever Dawson had planned at this place he was so insistent on her conforming to, it wasn't what she wanted. I had to tell her. But how? If this is what she wanted, I didn't want to ruin the surprise, but my gut told me, I wasn't ruining anything and despite the doubts of my role in her life, I couldn't doubt the feeling, it was always beyond me.

"Okay, first of all, Jayden Accioli, dragging me to see our best friends get engaged when you know I can't agree to it, not how you get me to sleep with you tonight, second, if you still want me to sleep with you tonight, you'll bring her to me and you won't tell Dawson. Got it? I need to talk to her, I need to know this is what she wants before she stands in front of a bunch of privileged ass white people who will degrade her in every way they've been holding back if she even hesitates to say yes to Dawson. I'm not throwing her out to the hounds. I already did it once, that was enough. Dawson doesn't know I'm here, so you need to figure something out. I'm not getting out of this car until she tells me I should and if she decides this isn't what she wants, we're leaving with her. Those are my conditions. If not, I'll just go find her and make a scene in front of everyone, do you really want that for Dawson?"

This is where I expected Jayden to make a decision, it wasn't one I ever planned for him to make deliberately, but he did it to himself the moment he decided I needed to be here for this occasion, and as silence overcame us again, I held my breath, hoping he would listen to me and not chew me out for overstepping his best friend's extravagant plan. If Isabel didn't want this yet, it would only harshly push her down the hole she just finished climbing back out of. Thinking about it only irked me, it made me wonder if Dawson was only proposing to her to try and fix her depressive episode because he had no other stops to pull.

 

[isax]

Jayden​

Dammit.

I should have known getting Amelia to come and partake in something so major to both our best friends wasn't going to be easy. I didn't expect her to throw this one condition at me, practically asking me to chose between her and Dawson. I loved both of them but I knew if Amelia really didn’t feel like she needed to talk this out with Isabel before Dawson proposed, then maybe that chapter in Isabel’s life wasn’t meant to occur right now.

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I continued thinking about what Amelia proposed. If this really wasn't what Isabel wanted, the Covington's would be quick to react, instantly questioning and saying they were right all along. It didn't take much to know that. I didn’t want Isabel to go through that just as much as Amelia didn’t. Isabel didn’t deserve that. She didn’t deserve to feel beneath anyone, let alone degraded on her birthday because she’s different from other girls who have been in Dawson’s life in the past.

Isabel isn’t normal.

As much as I loved Dawson and wanted to support his decision in marrying Isabel, I knew now thanks to Amelia how much the white southern male expected the hispanic woman to conform to his beliefs and lifestyle. The Isabel I met back when they first started dating wouldn’t be okay with moving here, let alone staying away from the one thing she worked hard to accomplish in her life. There was no way I saw her just dropping journalism for my best friend and I didn’t want her to. Isabel deserves better than what she was getting and I know that sounds shitty considering Dawson helped her during these past seven months but did he actually help? The only thing that pulled her out of it was having Amelia back in her life. Dawson didn’t confront Isabel. He didn’t tell her she needed to get back into what made her happy.

“Okay. I’ll get her.”

Going inside and seeing Isabel comfortably clinging to Dawson’s side made my stomach twist into a knot. I new she was content right now and everything was about to change the moment she and Amelia talked. Walking over to her, I smiled brightly, hugging her while I wished her a Happy Birthday before I looked at Dawson.

“I’m stealing your lovely girlfriend for a quick second.”

Quickly leading Isabel outside, I opened the driver side door, motioning for her to get in. She looked at me confused, hesitant on if getting inside was the right move, but after calming her nerves and releasing a deep breath, she got in and I shut the door behind her so the girls could be in private. While they talked, I went back into the house, smiling at everyone who came up to me, keeping Dawson busy while the girls talked. When he tried to retrieve the photojournalist, I grabbed his shoulder and shook my head.

“Stop. She’s okay. Just let her have this moment with Amelia, alright?” I knew he wouldn’t be surprised to know that’s who Isabel was with. I had told him the day the girls met up that Amelia would be my plus one to this dinner.

Isabel​

When Jayden told Dawson he was stealing me I was confused, falling into step with him as he lead me out of the packed house and to his car parked outside yet still running. Looking through the window, I noticed Amelia sitting inside and my stomach dropped. I didn’t know what this was going to be about and I was hesitant about letting this talk happened, but I knew Amelia wouldn’t have asked Jayden to do this if it weren’t important.

Releasing a deep breath, I got into the driver seat, enjoying the warmth the leather seats provided. When Amelia turned to look at me, I smiled, my hands clasping together as my thumbs began to fidget. I was nervous.

“Hi best friend. What’s wrong?” I asked, looking at her curiously as I awaited for what this talk would be about.

Why does this have to happen?

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

When Jayden agreed I let go of the breath I was holding and let myself relax. To have this conversation, I needed to remain calm. For the first time in seven months, I was reclaiming my position as her anchor, even if not everyone agreed.

I knew when she saw me her anxiety would pike, taking her hands, I held them in mine. "Breathe please, we just need to talk about what you want. I need to know, right now, if you're ready to spend the rest of your life with Dawson. Because I don't know him that well and he's about to ask you to marry him, Bel. Is that what you want? I'm not trying to come between you by runing whatever it is he has planned tonight, I'm sure it's sweet but I you just got your life back from what I've heard and I don't want you to give that up over this if you're not ready. I don't want his family to make a fool out of you tonight."

I knew I was overstepping a boundry I probably shouldn't have, but Bel and I have been friends for so long, I tested my limits with her more often than not. When I did, it was because I didn't want her getting hurt, even if it meant ruining the biggest surprise of her life, the thought of there being a possibility of her being miserable was too much for me.

"I just want you to know, that I fully support whatever decsion makes you happy, and if he's it then he's it."

 

[isax]

Isabel​

Dawson is planning to ask me to marry him.

The amount of emotions that rushed through me was too much for me to handle. I instantly started crying, quickly reaching up to my face as I wiped away the tears in an attempt to get myself together. I didn't want Amelia to think she did anything wrong. She did something completely opposite, actually. She saved me from humiliation.

Taking a deep breath, I looked over at Amelia with a weak expression, smiling even though it literally took too much out of me. She was right. I wasn't ready for this. I wasn't ready to marry Dawson, despite how strong the love I had for him was. Marriage wasn't something I could handle right now. Call me a bitch, I don't care, but considering I just got my life back, what I worked so hard for before taking it all away from myself, it wasn't something I was ready to give up to please someone.

You're being selfish.

I knew I was. No one had to tell me that denying the proposal from Dawson was selfish. I knew his entire family would think of it like that if they knew my reasoning, but I didn't think I could bring myself to say yes no matter how hard I tried. I've been so independent for as long as I can remember. Not having Dawson around would suck, hell, it would hurt like a bitch, but I couldn't give him what he wanted. Not now.

With tears still falling down my cheeks, I shook my head, releasing a hurt laugh as I tried not to break down completely.

You're being a bitch. After everything he's done for you, your going to deny him the one thing he wants?

"I can't do it, Amelia," I said softly, nestling my head against her chest when she took me into a hug. "I know you're not trying to ruin anything but I'm glad you told me, because if no one did and he asked, I would've said no in front of his entire family. I love him. I really do. I love him more than my own life but I can't do what he wants from me. Not now. God this is such shitty timing. I feel like a bitch. I just got my life back and I can't let that go. I want to be back in Dallas, back at DMN, telling all the stories I missed out on telling the seven months I left."

You haven't told Dawson.

Taking a deep breath, I bit my lip, pulling away from Amelia while I clasped my hands together again.

"I haven't told him, Melia. He doesn't know a damn thing about what I did this morning. God, I really am the bitch. His family is going to hate me after this. He's going to hate me. Is this just a sign from the gods and the universe that he isn't the one?"

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

"I can't tell you what he is, best friend, I don't know, but if this isn't what you want that's your prerogative. Own it, unapologetically." Taking her into another embrace, it was over her shoulder, I watched in premature terror as Dawson pushed his way past Jayden and in our direction. I knew what he was trying to do, he was trying to stop me from ruining his elaborate plan, but it was already too late. Isabel already knew. in the few seconds it took him to reach me, the seconds ticked slowly, but it contradictorily happened so fast. Letting go of Isabel abruptly the second Dawson and I made eye contact, I braced myself for his anger. The abrasive anger that clouded his hazel eyes was no stranger to me. I was a victim to that look more times then I could count, just by different men.

"Stay here," I whispered to Isabel, knowing there was no chance she would listen. Opening my door, I slowly go out of the heated car, I watched as Dawson quickly approached, his anger fuming.

"Dawson, don't," I said sternly, remaining calm as he bridged the gap between us. I knew by his crazed expression if I didn't try to talk him out of his anger, he would do something he would regret, with both Isabel and Jayden watching. But there was no stopping him. Bridging the gap between us, he was adamant in degrading me inches from my face, but I had to give him credit because the man had more guts to face me than most people who had a distaste toward me.

Dawson​

I knew when Jayden stepped in and tried his best to excuse Isabel without making a scene something was up. Reading his body language, I knew he was trying to keep something from me, and my apologetic look in his eyes as they walked away, I felt my suspicion begin to fester. Following them out to the porch, I stood witness to Isabel nervously follow Jayden's direction and get into the car. Perplexed, that's when I took notice to who was in the passenger seat.

She's here, Jayden told her, that bastard. She's going to ruin everything out of her own jealousy for what *I* fixed when she abandoned Isabel. What a bitch.

The pit of my stomach was on fire with my own fury and by the time Jayden tried to protest me intervening with Amelia's bogus intervention, it was already too late, that homewrecker was getting a piece of my damn mind, whether she was ready for it or not, I was not holding back anymore.

"Move Jayden!" I exclaimed, nearly pushing him over before running for the car until I was standing right in front of her, my fists clamped tightly into fists, my knuckles paper white.

"Who the hell do you think you are, Amelia? You think you can just come here and ruin everything because you're the selfish bitch who thinks for some reason that never made any fucking sense to me, you can control every aspect of Isabel's life and expect everyone damn else to be okay with it? You're NOTHING. The minute you decided to walk away you became irrelevant and you're not going to ruin this for me! You think I don't know you're fucking Jayden to use him to get to Isabel? A manipulative whore is what you are."

​