Chase huffed, “Then why’d she leave?”
“Why do you run if a bear is chasin you?”
Chase cocked his head to the side, “Cuz you’d be stupid not to.”
“And…”
“You’re scared.” Chase shrugged.
“Love will scare you out yer wits if it’s the real thing.”
“So… I’m the bear?”
Cam smirked. “Yeah I guess.The bear of lovechasin after Maggie.”
Chase cracked a smile. “You’re something else… Jade’s really done a number on you.”
“Yup. She’s a keeper.”
“So, what do I do? I’m in over my head here. Maggie’s more than I could have ever prayed for. She’s sweet and kind and funny in her own quirky innocent way… but I don’t know if she feels the same for me.”
“Only one way to find out.”
Chase groaned.
“Why you still sittin here? Ain’t gonna win her back in Alabama. You gotta get yourself to LA.”
“I don’t know.” Chase looked around, “Maybe the timing isn’t right.”
“Don’t go missin out on your life on my account. I asked Andy to take over as manager of the farm until I’m kickin again. He’s a good worker and he’ll handle it. We’ve got this. Go do what you need to do. Just don’t forget about us when you’re a big star.”
Chase leaned forward. “Are you sure? I kind of feel like ya’ll need me.”
“Someone’s too big for his britches…”
Chase rolled his eyes.
“We’re fine. Go.”
The sides of Chase’s mouth lifted into a grin. “Thanks. You’re kind of a pain, but I love ya.”
“Right back at ya bro.”
Chase held up his hands, “Okay. I’ll look into getting a flight. I just gotta do one thing real quick. I’ll be back.”
Chase sat down with his back against the old weeping willow tree he used to climb as a boy. It was the same tree where they spread Grandma Lettie’s ashes, and his dad’s.What the heck did mama have us spread if those weren’t daddy’s ashes?Chase shook his head.What a week.Then, he pulled out the blue envelope his mom gave him earlier. When he realized who it was from, a lump formed in his throat.Grandma Lettie…
My dear Prince Charming Chase,
I love you so much. I always want you to remember that. If you’re reading this, it’s because you learned about your daddy. Your mama wanted to protect you boys. I would’ve done the same thing if I was her. She loves you more than life. I know it might be hard to believe this right now, but your daddy cares about you too. I wrote to Bud and told him not to come back until he was ready to be the dad ya’ll deserved. If he’s back, I hope that means he took my advice to heart. Remember 1 Peter 4:8 “Love covers a multitude of sins.” Love you always, Grandma Lettie
P.S. I’ve been hearing you playing guitar and singing. You’re pretty good. I’ll always be your biggest fan.
Chase used his shoulder to wipe away a tear that had fallen down his cheek. He stared at the last line and remembered picking up a guitar for the first time. It was a few months after his mom had told him that his dad died. Mama had asked him to bring in the Christmas decorations from the back shed. When he found a battered black guitar case, he brought it inside. He asked his mom about it, but she said she didn’t know where it came from.
Sitting on the front porch, he strummed chaotically. Old Joe, a farm hand, appeared from around the side of the house. He tuned the guitar for Chase. Then Chase begged his mom to take him to the library to find some books on how to play. That’s how his love for music began. It became a way to heal. Playing guitar and singing allowed him to process his emotions. Even though they were lyrics that other people wrote, he often found that he could relate to their words. And eventually, he started trying to write his own music.I can’t believe Grandma Lettie was listening…Chase never performed in front of anyone until his sophomore year of high school, when he started dating Amber. He would write songs for her.Man, I was head over heels for her.
As he held out the letter, the Bible verse caught his attention.Love covers a multitude of sins. Grandma…how? What do you want me to do with all this?Chase rested the back of his head against the tree trunk. The long flowing branches softly brushed their leaves against the ground. Water in the nearby creek meandered down its carved out path.
