Grams sighed. “I know.”
“Do you have any regrets?”
“Other than some of you grandchildren still being single?” Grams joked. “No, dear. I have no regrets. I have a wonderful life despite this body getting older. I miss your dad. There’s not a day I don’t think of him, but he left me the greatest gift—the five of you to remember him by. I’ve been blessed many times over by all my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Which is why I don’t want you to have any other regrets.”
This was so much to take in, especially when Ivy’s heart was hurting so badly. “If I leave Quinn Valley—”
“You can always visit. Especially around holidays. That way you can see everyone in one place.”
Ivy smiled. “You always have the best answers.”
Grams lifted her hand from Ivy’s. “That’s because grandmothers are the most intelligent creatures on this planet. Dolphins are a close second from what I hear.”
As Ivy laughed, possibilities streamed through her mind. She clutched the notebook to her chest. “I’d be no worse off if I tried, right?”
“You’d be where you are now only you’d know you gave it your all, but you might find things working out in ways you never imagined.” Grams patted Ivy’s shoulder. “There’s no need to decide today. You know the option is there, so think about it. If it makes you more comfortable, set a time limit of how long you’ll stay there. Or just daydream to get used to the idea. Only you know or can figure out the answer.”
“Thanks, Grams.”
Her grandmother stood. “I brought you brownies, your favorite jam, peanut butter, and a fresh loaf of bread. Make sure you eat and take a nap.”
Ivy didn’t think she could eat or sleep, but she found herself nodding anyway.
Grams picked up her purse. “I need to get back to the ranch.”
“Before you go…” Ivy took a breath and another. “I’m sorry Nash wasn’t my one, and I won’t be the next grandchild to get married. I know how much you want to see us all settled.”
“Don’t you worry about that. I’m relieved you discovered the truth now instead of later.” Grams squeezed Ivy’s hand. “Your match is out there. I know you’ll find him. Who knows? He might be in Tennessee instead of Idaho.”
None of them stood a chance against Gertie Quinn. Ivy grinned. “You never give up.”
Grams kissed her forehead. “And neither should you.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Grams hugged her tight. “No matter what you decide. Go. Stay. That love will never change. And I know your dad would be proud of the woman you’ve become.”
“Even though I never became a star?”
“You’re our star, Ivy Quinn. And that will never change, either.”
* * *
You won’t know unless you try.
As Nash sat in his house waiting for R.J. to arrive, Travis’s words echoed through Nash’s head. He’d been in Nashville for two days and was miserable without Ivy. He’d called her but had been sent straight to voice mail. Probably for the best because he didn’t know what to say.
I miss you.
I made a huge mistake.
Come to Nashville.
No, that wouldn’t be fair to ask her to do. He needed to go to her. But first he needed to take care of business. He’d believed loyalty was the most important thing in his relationship with his manager. He’d wanted R.J.’s input on everything. He believed R.J. had his best interest at heart, but after speaking with Peyton before he’d left Quinn Valley followed by phone calls to his producer and the record exec who handled him, Nash had learned a hard truth…
R.J. didn’t care about him. His manager only cared about making money off Nash.
Everything Nash thought to be true about their relationship hadn’t been. His career wasn’t over like R.J. kept saying. Maybe Nash’s star wasn’t shining as brightly as it once had, but every career had highs and lows. His was on a lull.
