I looked around the park again. No tall, bearded man in flannel.
Sadness echoed in my empty chest but I forced acheery smile. “Well. It’s time to go.” I’d done what I came here to do.
I’d done a lot more and that was why it was hard to leave.
He moved to grab my guitar case, but I clenched my hand around the handle. “Nah, I’ve got it. You’re needed here.”
Teller scowled. “I’m trying to dodge Wilna’s bribes to be one of her bachelors.”
I looked over his shoulder. “She’s chatting up Tenor right now.” My other brother was fidgeting with his glasses and more hunched than normal, like he was extra nervous around such a tiny woman.
“God help him,” Teller muttered, a rare look of fear in his brown eyes. “I’ve gotta go... somewhere.” He gave me another quick hug and rushed in the opposite direction of Tenor and Wilna.
My grin faded as soon as I’d walked far enough that my back was to everyone. The moment had arrived. I was leaving.
My stay had turned out so much differently than I had thought when I’d left Nashville, distraught and betrayed. I had thought I’d spend my time at the cabin, healing and writing. And I had, but that part had been such a small portion of my time.
I’d done extra photo shoots with Wynter. We had the Christmas campaign done, images and voice-overs for the next year, and I’d gotten a lot of extra time at Copper Summit. I loved that place as much as I adored the cabin.
My entire family was in one spot, and I’d spent time with all of them. I’d gotten to be a cowgirl again for a weekend too.
And then there was Rhys. Bethany and Hannah. Those two months would stay with me longer than the five years I’d had with Rhys as kids.
Now it was over.
I could return after my tour. Semi-retire and make a home. But I couldn’t fully relax until I got over Rhys. I might as well keep writing and keep singing until no one cared anymore.
Would Rhys stop caring one day? Would we be able to live in the same zip code and not be star-crossed lovers?
I’d have to try not to cry every time I sang that song.
I kept my head down and took the walking path that would lead to my car. Large cottonwoods blocked out the still strong rays of the summer sun. This morning, I had known I would need the time to clear my head, and I hadn’t wanted to clog up spaces closer to the amphitheater.
“June!” Bethany shouted.
I jerked my head up. My heart did a leap and fluttered behind my sternum.
Bethany and Hannah were next to Wren. Her small red hybrid was parked in front of my car.
“Hey!” I let my joy at seeing them radiate out. “I hoped I’d see you again.”
They ran to me for hugs. Wren came close enough to join in.
“You did so good,” Bethany said, and her encouragement meant more than any critic’s review.
“Thank you. I was so glad to see you?—”
“We have to go,” Hannah announced. “Because Daddy has to tell you something.”
My pulse stopped midbeat. Rhys was here?
Wren squeezed my hand. “Whatever happens, just know you’ll always be a part of our lives.” She released me and started for her car. “Come on, girls. Let’s let them talk.”
Without arguing, they abruptly left me and loaded up in Wren’s car. They all waved as they drove away.
Let me talk with who? I saw no one.
“Bye, Daddy!” one of them hollered through a cracked window.
