“Ladies,” he drawled, tipping an imaginary hat as he approached. “I hear there’s some decorating that needs doing. Any chance you could use an extra pair of hands?”
Charly let out a dramatic groan, leaning back in her chair and fanning herself with a half-finished paper flower. “Oh, Gunner, you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into,” she said with a wry grin. “I thought making our own centerpieces would be so romantic. Now, with the wedding just days away, I’m starting to think I should have let Poppy hire someone.”
The group erupted in laughter, the sound warm and genuine. Aubrey’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she nudged Charly playfully. “Come on, where’s your sense of adventure? Besides, these will be way more meaningful than anything store-bought.”
Gunner smiled, but his mind was elsewhere. He’d heard the label’s offer from Tom an hour ago, and it weighed heavily on him. “Well, I could try my hand at this crafting business,” he said, picking up a spool of ribbon. “Though I can’t promise it’ll be pretty.”
As he sat down next to Aubrey, their eyes met briefly. The connection was electric, sending a jolt through Gunner’s system. God, how was he supposed to leave Timber Falls? This was different from recording a single. He would need to stay in Nashville for a while and then go on tour. The thought of them being apart, of him missing moments like these, made his chest tighten.
Aubrey must have sensed something was off. Her brow furrowed slightly as she handed him a bunch of flowers. “You okay there?” she asked softly, her voice carrying a hint of concern.
He forced a smile, trying to shake off the worry. “Just fine, darlin’. Though I might need some of that patience you were showing Willow earlier. These stems are mighty tricky.”
As he fumbled with the flowers, his mind raced. The label loved his new sound. They wanted him back in Nashville, promising studio time, a new album, a tour. It was everything he’d wanted again. So why did it feel like he was about to lose everything that truly mattered?
Charly snorted, leaning over to inspect Gunner’s handiwork. “Looks like your fingers are better suited for guitar strings than flower stems, buddy,” she teased.
Gunner laughed, the sound a bit hollow to his own ears. “You got that right. I should stick to what I know best, but here I am.”
As the group continued their work, the easy banter flowed around him. Gunner found himself relaxing, drawn into the warmth of friendship. This was what he’d missed during his years chasing fame—the sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than himself.
“Hey, Gunner,” Aubrey called, her eyes meeting his. “Can you pass me that ribbon over there?”
Their fingers brushed as he handed her the spool, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away. In that silent exchange, Gunner saw a future. Lazy Sunday mornings, shared laughter over pancakes, stolen kisses between sets at The Naked Moose. But he also saw the question in her eyes, the one he wasn’t ready to answer.
Across the yard, Eli and Jaxon hefted a massive wooden arch, their movements in perfect sync as they maneuvered the unwieldy decoration.
“Little to the left, Jax,” Eli grunted, his intense eyes focused on their task.
Jaxon adjusted seamlessly. “How’s that?”
“Perfect,” Eli nodded.
Gunner felt a pang of unease. He turned away, suddenly overwhelmed by the activity around him. Without a word, he slipped away from the group, his boots crunching on gravel as he sought a moment to himself.
At the edge of the property, he leaned against a weathered fence post, his gaze drifting to the distant mountains. The tranquil beauty of Montana stretched before him, but his mind was far from peaceful.
“Damn it,” he muttered, running a hand over his face. The label’s demands echoed in his head, a tempting promise of success and redemption. But at what cost?
He closed his eyes, picturing Aubrey’s face. The thought of leaving her behind made his chest ache. Leaving Timber Falls before for a tour was easier. This, he nearly couldn’t endure.
As he stood there, torn between love and ambition, Gunner realized that no matter what choice he made, something precious would be lost.
“Earth to Gunner!” Charly’s playful voice snapped him back to reality. “Did you get lost in one of your country ballads again?”
Gunner turned, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. “Just admirin’ the view.”
Charly rolled her eyes, but her smile was warm. “Well, come admire the view over a well-deserved beer.”
As he followed her back to the group, Gunner felt the tension in his shoulders ease slightly. Charly’s gentle teasing had a way of grounding him, reminding him of the simple joys he’d found here.
“Alright, folks,” Jaxon called out, wiping sweat from his brow. “I think we’ve earned ourselves a break. Beers on ice.”
A cheer went up from the group as they gathered around a makeshift picnic area. Gunner snagged a cold bottle, relishing the first sip as he settled onto a hay bale next to Aubrey.
“You okay?” she whispered, her fingers brushing his arm.
He nodded, forcing a smile. “I’m all right.”
