Every citizen in town had to have stopped by, andwhile I no longer knew everyone in Bourbon Canyon, I suspected many out-of-towners had joined us. Loads of unfamiliar people roamed, staring in awe at the small-town park that held one of country music’s biggest rising stars.
I switched the microphone off and moved the stand to the side.
Wilna rushed the stage with some more folks who held notebooks or shirts.
As I signed what was thrust in front of me, Wilna rattled on about the success. She’d deployed a team of elderly but tenacious ladies to empty the collection boxes and tally money. Another team had run the money to the bank, and the bank’s president had stayed on call to make the regular deposits.
“...and then Sheila added her total and I think, by gosh, we’ve outdone the year Tate was a bachelor.”
I grinned. My siblings had made sure of it, and I’d given Tate money to drop in a box for me. “I’m glad it worked.”
“It more than worked.” She leaned close and her strong floral perfume surrounded me. “Between you and me, I really hope we can do the bachelor auction again. It’s just too fun. This was really special though. But if I can ever get one of your single brothers to step up on the auction block...” She squinted at me, her pale-blue eyes sharper than a pin. “You think Lane or Cruz would advertise themselves?”
“I’m going to stay all the way out of that, but good luck. If I can ever help again, please call me.”
She winked. “If your phone number doesn’t change again.”
“Yet you always manage to get it.” Mama was behindthat, but she always asked me before giving my number out.
More people approached with items for me to sign.
Wilna enveloped me in a big hug with surprisingly strong arms. “I’ll let you finish up here. Take care of yourself, dear. You’re pretty special to us.”
My heart melted. I returned her hug, then smiled at the little girl holding her stuffed bear and a blue marker for me to sign.
I spent an additional hour chatting and autographing.
My brothers started herding the crowd away from the stage. Their years of moving cattle were coming in handy. The day was growing late and I hoped to drive farther than Billings tonight.
I finished tucking my guitar in its case. Tenor had already packed away the microphone and speakers.
The park was back to normal. Another glance at what was left of the crowd and the trees didn’t reveal a hot mountain daddy. I had surreptitiously looked for him all day, and I’d deliberately searched the most obscure places, hoping he was hiding from me and my family.
I’d seen the girls dancing with Wren, but they hadn’t approached me. Had Wren told them to let others have a chance since they’d had me to themselves several times over the last two months? Or was it easier for them to let me go than it was for me to leave them?
Rhys and I might be done, but could I continue sending them recorded guitar lessons and souvenirs?
The hollowed-out feeling in my chest would stick around for a while. At least I had some activities to keep me busy. To keep my mind off weekly guitarlessons, yummy homemade pancakes, and the man who loved me so much he was willing to devastate both of us.
I pushed my hair behind me. My car was a bit of a walk.
“Drive safe,” Tate said and crushed me in a bear hug that reminded me of Daddy.
“Take care of everyone,” I said. “I know you will.”
Tenor was next. He was gentler, much more aware of his size and that he could crack all my ribs in a heartbeat. “Call if you need anything. Lane’s on standby if you have car trouble.”
“Thank you.” I turned to Teller.
Not only did he hug me, he gave me a soft noogie. “You’re gonna be a big star.”
“I already am,” I joked.
He didn’t laugh. “I know, but don’t be a stranger. It’s been nice seeing you around.”
“It’s been nice being home.” The truth rang crystal clear. I loved being home. My house in Nashville did not feel like this. Nor did the condo in Florida that I’d only been to twice in the last five years. The apartment in New York was stifling and I really shouldn’t renew my lease. Same with the place in LA. It was handy, but I had fewer friends in that part of the world than anywhere else.
But I’d figure out my plan after the tour. I’d sell my car, just like before. And I’d buy a new one—one that wouldn’t break down and lead me right into another broken heart.
