Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted two things, to be a mom, and to fall in love. I’ve always believed in fate and true love. Fairytales and magic. My therapist told me once that I had a very magical way of thinking. I love that. Sometimes it’s been hard to keep the faith and still believe in it all but for the most part the one glimmering light in the sky for me has always been one day meeting my soulmate. Cheesy I know.
It wasn’t easy to keep believing. It wasn’t that easy to keep going through everything. But finally, after years of questioning if it was ever worth it, if it would ever pay off, if my dreams would ever come true? I’ve bought my first home, a two-bedroom one bathroom block home, on a half-acre of land fenced and everything (and I finally had my own pool perfect for me and my dog to enjoy when I wasn’t working) not too far from home but far enough to gain my independence fully. My business is thriving (I’m a fulltime content creator/blogger) and I’m about to release my first book! Plus, I work as an event planner so, I’m doing epic, if I do say so myself…
The best part of all of it is that I did it for myself. Not for anyone else. I built my empire, everything I’d always wanted and dreamed of? I built that on my own. I did it. Proving them all wrong. Best of all, proving myself wrong. As proud and content as I am? My heart still longs for the days I would have the family I build on my own…
It was all for this. That’s what I kept telling myself as I opened the door for my brother, who was helping me move in. Unable to get the smile off my face, not only was today the eighth anniversary of my blogs original relaunch under its domain name that would be my whole branding, but it’s the day I get to move into my own place. I get to start a whole new book. Not just a new chapter, but a new book! August thirteenth will forever be a day that will have meaning.
“Huntleigh?” Jake (my brother) pushes me out of the way, snapping me from my enchantment. “I know you’re excited and everything, but could you get out of the way, this is kind of heavy?”
“Oh, right. Sorry.” I laugh awkwardly. “You can just set it in the kitchen or this room?” I gesture to the room opposite from my room.
“Damn, two rooms? All for yourself?”
“An office and a bedroom. Need somewhere to film and write. Plus, my office will be the cats’ room, and the laundry room will be Ghaston’s room.” I smile.
“Yes, the content creator of the family.” He teases though I can tell he’s proud. “So which door opens your room?” He laughs as he starts wondering through my place aimlessly.
“This is my room, and this is the only bathroom.” I gesture as we walk through. “Laundry room, which we have to put up the gate before bringing Ghaston home. Just so he knows it’s his room.”
“When are you planning on bringing them out?”
“Goal is the end of the week when all my furniture is moved in. I have a few deliveries.”
“What about work?”
“I have content scheduled and I had about two weeks of vacation that I took so I could move and then take the time to unpack and relax.”
“Smart girl.”
As we continued to unload my stuff, we talked and joked about how he felt bad for my neighbor because I was weird. But then he backtracked and told me to be weary of strangers. So, typical Jake stuff. We have such an awkward relationship. I love it, it’s hilarious. He also apparently felt bad for them having to live next to a quote crazy cat lady. Which is fair, though I only have three cats.
By the time we had the first trip of things unloaded, (I have a surprising number of things for someone who’s lived at home all their life) my brother had to go do something quickly, which was fine by me. I could get another load and then take a break, then the rest of it would just be stuff we needed both of us for. For example, my chair that I bought when I was twenty-two for reading. Huge, round, swivel, cozy chair that took up most of my room if I’m being honest. I also have a nice corner desk and some bookshelves. I love books.
When I got back from that trip, I realized there was a rather nice Tundra, blacked out and lifted, just perfectly… sat in the driveway next to mine. It was still running, and it sounded like heaven. (Shut up I’m a bit obsessed with it! Well, I just know what I like.) That low rumble… not too loud… perfect. I love it. Still a dodge girl though.
I was a bit nervous to get out first to be honest with you. I know it sounds a bit stupid, but I looked a mess, I’d been up all night (I was editing videos and packing), I finished all the paperwork and everything on Friday after my appointments and even though the majority of my things had been packed and organized, I still had a lot to do. Which included packing up my work area and clothes and that took all of yesterday. Then in my sleep deprived state I accidently sent my bed to my parents’ house instead of my new address, so I had to just pile that in with everything I was packing. This weekend has been so chaotic…
Needless to say, I wasn’t just a mess, I was a wreck. The jeans I am wearing are the same jeans I’ve worn for like three appointments this week (they’re clean but still), my shirt is a shitty old flannel I’ve had for literally over a decade, close to two and my dad had it for God only knows how long, and my hair is a whole other story! Boots are semi okay, but what I’m getting at is I wasn’t prepared to meet anyone! Let alone what stepped out of that truck.
I figured I couldn’t stay in my truck forever, right? I mean sure my truck is comfy and smells amazing with the Tobacoo and Vanilla oil diffuser but it’s just not practical! These were the things I was trying to convince myself of while my anxiety was eating away at me. I got out of my truck, dropped the tailgate and my god I was just trying to mind my own business. By this build up you’re probably starting to think it was a horrible interaction but stay with me.
I heard the engine cut and I heard the door open, and the driver stepped out. The first thing I noticed was he was wearing a pair of sharp toe cowboy boots like the kind my grandpa used to wear all the time. A pair of blue jeans, a tee shirt, and an old worn-down cowboy hat. He was still facing the truck so I couldn’t see his face or anything at the moment but under that hat there were some messy curls that I’d be damned if I didn’t just want to mess them up even more. Such a gorgeous dusty blonde… I was kind of glad Jake wasn’t there, he probably would have slapped me in the back of the head and said, “NO we stay single!” Or something, I don’t know. But it got even worse…(by that I mean better) when he turned around. Beautiful absolutely stunning hazel green/brown eyes they looked like the damn planet. I’m telling you I almost died.
Except I didn’t die, though part of me wishes I had because I did something way worse… when he turned around and I got the full view of the mid build, 5’8-5’9? (I’m bad at heights and weights, okay? I just know the guy was a damn Florida god!) Farmers tan, absolute king! Want to know what I did? I dropped the box I was holding which had a few miscellaneous items. Including my first printed edition of my book “Sweven”.
“Shit.” I mutter as it hits the concrete. My phone hitting the concrete shattering on impact. “Mother fucker.” I said that a bit louder than I meant too. Though I only said it at a normal volume. This guy must have super hearing.
“Are you okay?” A voice to match the face? Is it too late to change my mind and run because this is terrifying! He’s gorgeous and his voice is heavenly! Someone check my pulse?
“Haha yeah…sorry.” I smile awkwardly trying to get my things put back in the box avoiding eye contact for fear I might drown as he crosses the ten-foot gap between our driveways.
“You’re the new neighbor?” I risk a glance at the man’s face, finding a smirk. Sharp cheekbones, a dimple on his left cheek and under his right lip. A square or “horse” jaw if you ask Jacob…
“Huntleigh Ellsworth…” I laugh a bit. “and yes, I’m the new neighbor.”
“Connor Brookes. And a published author?” He asks, holding the book, I have yet to show my family the book. Not until the launch party at the end of the month. “You sure know how to make an entrance don’t ya?” He grins. Something familiar about it…
“Well, yeah… but it’s not on the shelves yet…” I feel as my cheeks flush. “I guess I do…” I feel the heat rising to my cheeks, I can only hope that it’s not giving me away.
“When does it hit the shelves?”
“October first. The launch party is September first.”
“That’s awesome. Here I can carry this for you?” He offers as we stand up.
“Oh no, you don’t have to do that…” Stop drooling Huntleigh! “you look like you just got off work…plus my brother is supposed to be bringing reinforcements for the last of this stuff. He’s technically ta-taking the reinforcements to the house to get the very last of it… then we’ll be fin – I am so sorry I have no idea why I’m telling you all of this. I’ve literally just met you.” I cannot believe I’m getting this tripped up! Oh my GOD! All I can think is I’m so glad Lorren isn’t here right now because she would totally be making fun of me for this!
As I was letting my anxiety do the talking (as I sometimes do, without meaning to) I realized he was just smiling. He had this grin on his face, like it was the most amusing thing he’d seen all day? I don’t think anyone has ever looked at me like that? That look… Was it a mixture of amusement and admiration?
“You know… I think you’re going to fit in just fine Huntleigh.” He smiled and, I must admit in that moment, my future flashed before my eyes… I could see it all.
If you made it this far to the end of the post be sure to drop a heart in the comments below so I know you made it! I hope you enjoyed reading this! I hope you are doing well. Don’t forget to leave a like, comment and follow (and follow one (or all of my socials)) as the goal for this year is to build Stormy Ville. And that starts with our core. I can never express just how much every little thing matters. Even just a view its so special!
Anyhow! I hope you enjoyed it! I hope you’re having a wonderful day or night whenever you’re reading this and I hope you know you matter.
As always, until next time – stay safe, love hard, and protect your peace ❤
XOXO Hails
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