One of my favorite things about life with my husband is how he always seems to know exactly what will make my heart skip a beat.
We’ve had our share of wild adventures — but this time? He outdid himself.
On one of our many little road trips (the kind where Don meticulously plans, and I just follow wherever the day takes us), he surprised me with a stop at a western wear store (a fun surprise along the way of a day filled with romantic side trips wrapped up in one big adventure!).
Cue the heavenly music, y’all — I was in LOVE.
Rows and rows of boots, fringe, turquoise jewelry, and hats lined the walls. My heart practically danced through that store, barefoot and twirling.
And then… I saw it.
A black Stetson.
Sexy. Classic. Everything I ever dreamed of since I was about 14 or 15 years old.
Even though I was born and raised in the suburbs — not exactly cow country — my heart has always belonged to the wide-open fields and country roads.
I believe in good manners, country music, dancing with my husband in our kitchen, and going barefoot whenever I can sneak away with it.
I slipped that black Stetson onto my head, and the smile that spread across my face said it all.
I didn’t need a mirror to know — it felt right.
I laughed and posed and twirled a little, just playing around.
And then my husband did the most incredible thing:
He bought it for me.
No hesitation. No second-guessing.
Just a quiet, knowing grin, and the words, “You have to have it.”
That simple act — that little unexpected gift — made a dream come true for this country girl at heart.
It wasn’t just a hat. It was a reminder that he sees me.
The barefoot kitchen dancer.
The country music blaring, heart-wide-open dreamer.
The girl who’s always had a little dust on her boots, even if she grew up on a paved street.
Now every time I wear that black Stetson, I remember that day.
The way my heart felt so full it could’ve burst.
The way love sometimes shows up not in grand, sweeping gestures — but in a quiet stop on a country road, a hat that feels like home, and a husband who never misses a chance to make me feel seen, loved, and completely understood.
This girl may have been raised in the suburbs, but thanks to him —she’s always dancing barefoot in the country at heart.
You deserve it! ❤️