Page 128 of Pink and Country

“I love you like crazy.” I heard the smile in his voice. “But I also don’t want you to feel like your own career doesn’t matter. Because it does. A lot. I want you to thrive and live your dreams. I’ll always be your number-one fan. Whatever you want to do, I’ll always support you. We’re in this together.”

We ate in silence some more.

“When my brother died, my parents blamed the entire world. They still do. They never got past it. Each day, they’re choosing to live locked in the past rather than move forward, scared they’re betraying Jeff if they’re happy. What I’m trying to say is that I can understand Travis’s parents. It doesn’t excuse what they did. But I know firsthand what losing a child could do.”

Carter gulped the last bite of his burrito and stared in the distance.

“Where are they now? Your parents?”

“They retired to Costa Rica. We never talk. They lost two sons the day Jeff passed. I tried to stay in touch. For years. I went to see them every chance I got. They refused to have a relationship with me. I fought it at first but then accepted the situation for what it was. I’m sad for Jack, though. He’ll never get to know his grandparents. They sometimes send gifts on special occasions, but that’s about it.”

“I’m sorry, Carter. It’s not fair to you. Or to Jack and Dahlia. Your parents should cheer you on, be proud of you, love you the way you deserve to be loved.”

“They did. For a long time. But my mom has always had a soft spot for my brother. He was her favorite son—” He paused. “It doesn’t matter anymore. Now, I have you for all these things. And I’m not letting you go.” Carter pulled me into his lap, his arms circling my waist. “I want you to come live with me full time, April. Nashville or Green Mountain. Your place. Or anywhere else. Your choice.”

My pulse picked up, and I clutched my chest to quiet my wild heart. Did I hear him right? Ohmygod.

“Carter, I can’t just barge into your life and impose myself. I know better.”

“April, it’s our lives. I’m the one asking. Don’t overthink everything. If you’re not ready to jump in, I’ll give you time. However, if you think what we have is worth giving it a real shot, then please, barge into my life, make demands, and rock my world.”

“Carter—I—” My heart wanted to say yes. As much as my head warned me to think it over.

“Life has hurt us both. I’m tired of wasting mine. Life’s too short to not chase after what we want. I’m all in.” My eyes found his. I could see all the love, the trust, and the lust in them. “You’re everything I’ve ever wished for. And everything I never thought I needed.”

I blinked. My heart swelled in its cage and banged against my ribs, asking to be freed.

“You’re sure you’re ready for this?” I asked.

“I’ve been waiting for you all my life, April. I always knew something was missing, but I wasn’t sure what it was until you appeared on my front porch, frozen, needing my warmth. And my love.” Carter brushed my lips with his. Butterflies took off in my chest. Heat rolled down my spine. “I’m yours.”

30

April

W e spent three more days on the roads before flying back home. Home. I loved the sound of it. My heart did flip-flops in my chest. Carter and I discussed all our options, and we chose to stay in Green Mountain for a while. I wanted to live in Music City at some point, but not now. Green Mountain was home. The idea of us spending more time together, far from everyone else, weighed heavy in the balance. And Carter loved the idea, too.

“I never thought I’d say this, but I prefer the quiet life of Green Mountain over the city,” he said one night.

Nashville, with its small city vibe, didn’t compare to bigger cities like New York or Miami. But still. I loved the mountains. And Dahlia and Jack were here too.

I pinched the thin skin of my inner upper arm. Was I dreaming this whole thing?

In my mind, Carter wasn’t Carter Hills, the country music star, but the handsome guy next door whom I fell head over heels in love with.

The day after Carter’s concert in Vancouver, we strolled around the city. Nobody cared about us up there. For two days, we were a normal couple, no fame hanging over our heads.

We were packing our stuff in the hotel suite, overlooking Vancouver Harbour, when Carter surprised me with a white box.

“What is it?” I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me.

Carter led me to the loveseat beside the bed, in front of the panoramic window, and angled his body to face me.

“I saw this the other day, and it reminded me of you.” I tilted my gaze up and saw twinkles in his eyes. With my breathing on pause, I untied the black ribbon and opened the lid. My hands cupped my throbbing heart at the sight of what lay in the velvet box.

I blinked. One. Twice.

A pink diamond tennis bracelet with the words “My Absolute Favorite Color” etched on the lock.