Montana
Carson and I sleep in until Denali signals he needs to potty by licking my face to wake me up. We flew him out on a different airline that allows larger dogs to fly coach instead of in the bowels of the plane. The pet sitter dropped him off last night, no worse for the wear.
We hook him to the leash and head out on a long walk near the lake. Since we won’t be leaving Corey’s property, I keep on the t-shirt and boxers I wore to bed last night.
We laugh at Denali’s attempt to lift his back leg to wet on everything over six inches tall.
“No way he has more urine left to mark with,” I giggle.
“Don’t make fun of him!” Carson acts offended. “He’s a growing boy, trying to make his mark on the world.”
“What is it with males of every species needing to pee as many places as possible? My brother used to pee on Mom’s plants in the backyard and everywhere on Dad’s farm,” I share.
“Not all of us pee everywhere,” C
Montana Mom's words swirl in my head. "We have a ton to talk about." “A ton.” That’s an understatement. I’m not sure exactly what my mom’s reaction is and am sure she has much to lecture me about.Mom is unusually quiet as we drive down the long lane from Corey’s house. I find the silence unbearable.“In the mood for Gilroy’s?” I ask nervously.“Ooh, I love that place,” Mom states. “Is that on 8th Street?”“Yes. We can sit on the patio and drink Moscow mules with lunch,” I add. “Mom, let’s start our conversation now, so we can enjoy lunch.”“We’ll enjoy lunch, no matter what,” Mom declares. “This lunch isn’t to punish you, Montana. We have a lot of questions and answers to cover.”“So, shall I tell you about him?” The urge to start our talk grows with every silent, passing moment.“First, I have something to tell you,” Mom says.I swallow hard. Here we go. Here’s the disappointment statement.
Montana Nestled in the warmth of our king-sized bed, Carson cuddles my back against his front for several long moments as we talk.Tonight, I pull away, lying on my side to face him. The pale moonlight allows me to see his face. Too many thoughts clog my mind.What if we have no sexual chemistry in the bedroom, or if we’re not compatible sexually? Will our marriage and friendship end? What if he has terrible habits that I can’t bear? What will happen if I want to go back to college or start my career in Des Moines? What if his writer’s block returns? What if I snore?“What’s going on in there?” Carson taps my forehead before tucking hair behind my ear.“There’s still so much we don’t know about each other,” I admit. It’s not a lie. I’m summing up all of my concerns.He nods. “Let’s remedy that now.”I scrunch my face, unsure what he means. How can we remedy it now?“Do you have any al
Carson “Are you ready for this?” I ask Montana. “These are the last few minutes of having the house all to ourselves. Our peace will be no more.”“The house is enormous—plenty of room to spread out,” Montana reminds me.Moments later, we’re snacking in the kitchen when the gate buzzes, signaling the band’s arrival.Montana asks, “Fran, are you ready for this?”She nods. “Corey’s family and ZipTie have prepared me for everything.”When we open the front door to greet the guys, the first person I see is a label representative, giving orders into his Bluetooth earpiece and barking orders to the younger male hovering nearby.Eli, our drummer, is the first through the door, two duffels in his hands. Jake the bass player, strolls in sans luggage. They take in the foyer and stairs. Eli smirks at Montana. “How’s the married life, child bride?” Turning to me, he chuckles. “She looks happy. Atta boy.”“She’s not
Montana I assist Peyton in applying sunscreen to the backs of the three men. I start with Carson, and she starts with Jake. Eli comments that he’s okay with sloppy seconds to which we shake our heads. As Peyton is taking her sweet time, ensuring Jake’s safety from UV rays, I apply a thick coat of sunscreen to Eli’s very pale back.“Dude, you’re gonna fry,” Carson informs him.“Sunscreen will protect me. I’ll just need to reapply it every hour.” He looks over his shoulder at me. “Will you set an alarm and make sure I do?”I nod, hoping the others will assist me. It feels strange to be running my fingers over Eli’s back.“Spin,” I instruct.“No, I can get my chest.” He snags the bottle of sunscreen from my right hand and heads to the patio table under the umbrella.I turn my attention to Peyton. She’s finally done fondling Jake in front of us. Now, the two are sitting at the edge of the pool, talking low enough we can’t hear them.We spend the afternoon floati
Montana That night, after dinner, the guys invite Peyton and me to join them in the studio. Carson plans to unveil some lyrics, and they plan to create the music to accompany it.I’m excited. I’ve seen bands on stage but haven’t witnessed the creative process behind the songs. Well, other than watching Songland on TV. The way the three producers and the artists collaborate with the new songwriters mesmerizes me. I can’t wait to witness it in person.Peyton and I take seats on an oversized chair in the studio while the guys each take control of their instruments. Carson and Jake sit with their guitar and bass guitars in their laps. Carson moves a stool to him and spreads notebook paper full of lyrics in front of him while Eli takes the throne seat behind his drum kit.They don’t discuss a plan of action, and Carson doesn’t read the lyrics to them first. He strums his guitar and reads from his pages. Jake plays a few chord
Montana “How do I seduce my husband?” I ask when we’re safely outside the house.Peyton guffaws and stops abruptly which jerks Snoopy to a halt.I continue walking. “I mean, should I just tell him? Or is it better if I hint at it?” I query further, looking directly at my friend, desperately seeking her advice.“You’re serious?” Peyton asks. “Okay, well, what have you done in the past with guys to give them the green light?”My jaw drops in disbelief. She knows I’m inexperienced with men. I’m not the leader in my relationships. How did I think I could do this?“Hey.” She waves her hands in front of my face to get my attention. “So, you’ve shared that you cuddle at night while talking. That’s a perfect time to drop your hints. Every touch can be a signal. Brush against him, then place your hand on his arm, his chest, and his jaw.”She leans closer to me. “Dress provocatively, forget a towel when you sh
Montana After listening to Warner grumble for hours about missing his life in LA, I pull Peyton aside. The two of us plan to show the guys some fun in Des Moines tonight.Warner and Jake motion for Peyton to join them on the sofa. I quirk an eyebrow in Carson’s direction. He smirks back at me. What is going on? He waggles his eyebrows at me. Maybe it’s best I don’t know what he knows.“What’s up?” Eli asks.“We’re taking you out tonight,” Peyton answers. “We’re gonna show you fun—Iowa style.”“No thanks,” Warner says. “I’d rather stay in and wash my hair.”“Too bad,” Peyton retorts directly to his face. “I wanna go out, so we’re going out. And you, mister, will have fun.”Warner rolls his eyes in our direction.“How long until dinner is done?” Peyton asks.“An hour,” I answer.“Okay, upstairs, all of you,” she orders. “We need to help you fit in. We don’t want the entire city to
Montana I busy myself caring for the dogs and visiting Fran while she works. At PetSmart, I introduce Denali to the clerks and sign us up for a training class. I purchase too many toys and chews. It’s easy to get carried away. There are so many fun things to play with.After lunch, I hold both leashes as we walk toward the lake. Denali and Snoopy love the water, so I throw a tennis ball from the dock, and they dive in to fetch it over and over. When my arm grows tired, we return to the house.Tomorrow, Denali, Snoopy, and I plan to join Mom for lunch then play at the dog park on her side of town. She loves dogs, and it gets the three of us out of the house for a bit. I feel I spend more time with them than I do Carson. I don’t see Carson except for his thirty-minute lunch breaks or on the nights they emerge from the studio before midnight. **** Eager to see my man, I interrupt the studio session by taking
Montana Snuggled close, my head on Carson’s chest, my mind rewinds the past twenty-four hours. What a day it turned out to be. “Are you ready to talk about our news?” Carson asks, tucking hair behind my ear to reveal my eyes. “This baby has made me so happy, love.” “What will I do while you go on tour?” I ask, feeling nervous. “Stay in Des Moines or LA?” “What do you want to do?” he asks. “I don’t know,” I confess. “Well, I’d prefer if you were with me in LA while we prep for the tour. Then, I’d love to have you on tour with me,” he says, pulling me closer. “How would that work? Would I drive my own RV and follow your tour busses or be on the bus with you and all the guys?” I inquire. Carson shrugs. “The guys have had women ride the bus with us from time to time. Most of theirs were one-night stands. But I’m sure we could lobby to sleep in the actual bed at the rear of the bus. The guys love you, and as long as you could tolerate al
Carson When Tony joins us in the emergency department, Montana’s still unconscious. I share the information Fran told me. In her motherly tone, she tries to calm my nerves.I watch as the nurse replaces the empty IV bag with another. She promises Montana’s improving with the fluids in her system.Later, a rustling sound near my head wakes me. I lift it from the bed, finding Montana looking down at me.“Kiss… Beth…”I barely make out her raspy whispers.“What?” I ask.Tony appears on the opposite bedside.“Kiss…” Montana’s eyes flutter closed. “B-e-t-h…”And she’s out again. Neither Tony nor I understand what the two words mean. We attempt to work through it out loud, but we’re too tired. The wall clock reads six a.m. We need Montana to wake up. Then, we need to go home and sleep. **** Hours later, the nurse returns, taking Montana’s vitals. At her movement and tou
Montana I wake deliciously exhausted from our session in the studio followed by hours of lovemaking here in our bed. I take my time stretching my arms over my head then pointing and flexing my toes. Beside me, Denali groans as he stretches, too. He takes up more of the bed with each passing week. He’s going to be huge.My phone informs me it's nearly ten o’clock. Carson’s already in the studio. I’m surprised Denali let me sleep so late. I guess we kept him up late last night, too.“Let me go potty, then I’ll take you outside,” I tell him as he nuzzles my neck, and I scratch his belly. Never far from my side, he follows me into the bathroom, whining as I wash my hands. It’s hours past his usual potty break, so I don’t delay him any longer.Every muscle aches as I descend the stairs, and my head hurts. Once outside, I take a seat on a patio chair as Denali does his business then runs to greet his friend, Snoopy, now on my lap.
Montana When his parents come into view through the large, glass window, separating the production area from the recording studio, shock and worry flood Carson’s face.“What’s wrong?” he asks through the studio mic, filling the booth.I open the door to the studio. “Nothing’s wrong. I asked your dad to help me with some marketing—I didn’t plan to mess with your recording schedule. I’m sorry.”He shakes his head, smiling. “It’s okay. A break will be good for the four of us. We’ve spent too many hours in this little space without windows to the outside world.”I wrap my arms around his neck, looking up at him through my lashes. “I love you,” I whisper.“I know,” he teases, guiding me into the booth. “Let’s break for the day.”“I’ll be at the pool,” Eli announces.“Remember sunscreen,” I tease him. “Set an alarm on your phone.”“Yes, child bride,” he sing-songs.I hear Jake murmur to Warner,
Montana It’s Wednesday of the next week, and I’ve a billion things to do. Carson’s already in the studio when I wake up. I forego a shower, grab a quick bite, then lock myself in the office. I reached out to Carson’s father last night, hoping to get some ideas on marketing our product. We’re set to meet in a videoconference on Monday.I swallow my last bite of cherry toaster pastry as I enter the office. What a mess. I take in the piles of papers I’ve spread out on the floor. Today, I need to focus on a presentation for Carson’s father, explaining our product so he can best help me with a marketing strategy. The piles on the floor will need to wait.I settle myself in the large, leather office chair behind the desk. I move a stack of papers, freeing up room to open my laptop. While I wait for my presentation software to open, I check my cell phone calendar for today through Monday.Crap! I have my annual doct
Montana When we return to the backyard, I pull on my swimsuit coverup. I find that Carson and Eli are manning the grill full of burgers and chicken breasts.I join my brother near the kitchen door, placing all the fixings on the long table. Working as a team, we position the buns, condiments, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, chips, and dips. Mom and Dad set up a cooler of water, beer, and pop.Taking turns, we fix our plates soon after then scatter around the patio and poolside, gathering around tables and chairs. Sporadic conversations continue while we enjoy dinner. Dad commends Carson on the burgers and asks which seasoning he used. The two discuss the best flavors of seasonings and barbecue sauces. Luckily for me, the band is on their best behavior, and we enjoy hours with my family.“Time for gifts,” Mom announces.Carson takes my hand and leads me to the round table by my parents. He pulls out a chair for me, kissing my ex
Montana “You know, many couples get a dog to prepare themselves to become parents,” Carson’s mother tells my mom.I’m lounging in the sun in the chair next to theirs. My eyes are closed, and they believe I’m asleep. Wanting to hear what they say next, I keep pretending.“A grandbaby may be in our future.” My mom claps excitedly.“They rushed into marriage,” Carson’s mom reminds mine. “It would be okay if they took their time in starting a family.”“Do you have any grandchildren?” Mom inquires.“No. Do you?”“No. I can’t wait. I do look forward to it,” Mom states excitedly. “I assumed my son would give me my first grandchild, but he doesn’t usually stay in the US long enough to meet a girl. Although, I don’t know what to make of Starr traveling from Africa with him.”“She knew the band. Maybe she tagged along to see them,” Carson’s mom offers. “I’ve got another son and a daughter, both married, but they
Carson Fresh from my shower, I towel dry my hair then secure the towel around my waist. I smile at my reflection. I can’t wait to wake Montana and reveal my plans for us today.A female scream tears through the house. I lean into our bedroom. She’s gone. It’s Montana! I sprint from our room and down the stairs, hopping from the third step to the tile floor below.I narrowly miss falling from water dripping off of me onto the marble of the front room. I use a Scooby-Doo-like maneuver until I gain traction and run into the kitchen.I’m unable to speak or catch my breath when I stand in the doorway, finding Montana wrapped in another man’s arms as Fran and another woman watch.She pulls away, wiping tears from her eyes. “What are you doing here? And why didn’t you call me? I could’ve picked you up at the airport.” Before the man can respond, she asks, “How did you get here?”“Mom brought me ov
Montana I feel like I’m right in the middle of an entertainment show publicity scandal. Like Jake said, “This sucks!” I understand the woman’s need to seek the father of her unborn baby. On the other hand, though, I can’t imagine Warner’s fear that he might be the father. I suspect he fears the DNA result, and that’s the reason he’s protesting it so.I try, but my mind can’t help but wonder how many women Carson slept with while on tour. Having witnessed the women throw themselves at the guys while in Las Vegas, I’m not sure Carson could have refused many of them.I refuse to sit here and wonder about this all night. I snag a bottle of vodka from the bar and head toward Warner’s room. I knock lightly three times.“Leave me alone,” Warner snarls.I ignore his demand, turn the knob, and find it’s unlocked. I slip inside, shutting it behind me.“I come bearing a gift,” I state, extending the vodka bottle for him.