Her mind raced. This wasn’t on her schedule. This wasn’t planned.But then another thought broke through—Dollywood. The park she’d been dying to go to since arriving in Tennessee.
She hesitated. “What about the girls?”
“Momma and Daddy are picking them up from school. Everything’s handled,” he said, shooting her a knowing look. “Now, are you going to fuss, or are you going to have some fun?”
Jamie sighed, arms crossed, but the fight was already slipping away. The man knew her toowell.
The drive passed quicker than she expected. Once she let go of her initial resistance she got lost in the rhythm of their songwriting, Clayton tapping out a beat on the steering wheel while she jotted down lyrics. By the time they pulled into Dollywood she was buzzing with excitement.
And the moment she spotted the towering drops of the Thunderhead rollercoaster in the distance, all her irritation was forgotten.
“Oh my God,” she gasped, gripping Clayton’s arm. “We have to do that one first.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Shoulda known.”
They rode everything—Thunderhead, Wild Eagle, Mystery Mine—Jamie’s shrieks of exhilaration mixing with Clayton’s deep belly laughs. She loved every stomach-lurching drop, every twist and turn, and she didn’t even try to hide how much fun she was having.
“All right,” Clayton groaned after they stumbled off the Tennessee Tornado. “I need a damn minute.”
Jamie smirked, bouncing on her toes. “Are you slowing down on me, cowboy?”
“Hell, no.” He straightened, determination flashing in his eyes. “But I’m going to need a fried pie first.”
They indulged in cinnamon bread, barbecue, and every other fried delight they could get their hands on until they were stuffed. They wandered through the park, taking in live music and street performances, and when a bluegrass band struck up on a small stage, Clayton tugged her into a slow, playful two-step right there in the middle of the crowd.
“You’re not half bad at this,” Jamie teased, letting him twirl her.
“I’ve got a few tricksup my sleeve.”
Before they left she made a last stop at the gift shop, picking up Dollywood T-shirts and souvenirs for the girls. As much as she hated surprises, she had to admit—this one?
It was perfect.
As they walked back to the truck under the glow of the park lights she leaned against Clayton’s side, sighing contentedly.
“All right,” she murmured. “Maybe I don’t hate all surprises.”
He kissed the top of her head, his voice full of quiet satisfaction. “Knew I’d win you over.”
It was late when they returned to the Langley ranch, driving down the long stretch toward Clayton’s parents’ house. Ever since Jamie had moved in, the girls insisted on staying at their dad’s. She hated waking them, but she couldn’t wait to give them their gifts from the theme park.
Just as the house came into view, Clayton slowed the truck.
“Why are we stopping?” Jamie asked, exhaustion weighing on her.
“One more surprise,” he said, flashing her a grin.
She groaned. “I think you’ve hit your quota for today.”
Instead of answering, Clayton veered off the drive and parked in front of an old, abandoned barn, its wood weathered and worn by time.
“C’mon, I’ve got something to show you,” he said, hopping out.
Jamie sighed, reluctant to move. Dollywood had drained every ounce of energy she had, and all she wanted was a hot shower and bed. Still, she climbed out and followed him toward the barn.
Clayton reached for the latch. “Close your eyes.”
She shot him a skeptical look. “You better not murder me on my birthday.”
