“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I know I overdid it with the presents.”
Clayton didn’t say anything at first. Instead he stepped closer, his eyes brimming with something she hadn’t expected—tears.
“Don’t know how to thank you,” he said, his voiceraw.
Before she could process it he pulled her into a tight hug, one that spoke more than words ever could. She stood still for a moment, too stunned to move, her heart thudding in her chest.Clayton? Thanking me?Her mind raced, trying to reconcile the man she’d clashed with for so long with the one holding her in his arms. She thought of the countless times he’d pushed her buttons, the bitter words and exchanges.
This—this was something completely different.
The weight of it settled in. Slowly she let go of her hesitation and wrapped her arms around him, inhaling the familiar scent of sandalwood. A single tear slipped down her cheek—not from regret, not from frustration, but from something softer.
Something that felt almost right.
Later that day the girls showed Jamie videos of Poppy and the puppies. Her heart squeezed at the sight—she missed her dog terribly. But she knew the ranch was the best place for her. She didn’t want the puppies separated from their mother, having seen firsthand the lasting impact that could have.
Birdie and Doc were more than happy to take care of them while Nolan was away, calling themselves “Granny and Pappy” whenever they doted on their granddogs.
Jamie invited the girls to the bedroom and asked if they’d thought of any pranks. The twins wasted no time in telling her about the various ways she could mess with their dad, things only ten-year-old girls could come up with. Things she never would have thought of herself.
They were geniuses.
After soundcheck Jamie pulled their merch guy aside and told him about the twins’ idea for a practical joke. He was all for it and said he’d get everything ready for tonight.
The show was incredible but the audience made it unforgettable. Nights like these made all the long drives, endless waiting, and questionable truck-stop meals worth it. Having the girls there made everything even better—seeing their smiling faces as she performed was the best part of all.
Backstage Clayton slung his acoustic guitar over his shoulder for the encore, then glanced toward Jamie, who stood off to the side, holding the girls’ hands.
“Come sing with me,” he said.
She shook her head. “No.”
He huffed a quiet laugh. “Folks love your version of it.”
Ever since she’d hijacked “More Bad Days Than Good,” he’d been forced to move it from the opener to his encore.
“Oh, do it, Miss Jamie,” Charlotte pleaded, squeezing her hand.
Emily nodded eagerly. “We saw the video on YouTube. It’s even better than Daddy’s.”
“Hey, now.” Clayton looked at his children and wagged his finger. “What do you think, Jamie?”
“We haven’t rehearsed it.”
“It’s not like you don’t know the dang song.” Clayton winked. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”
“Fine.” Jamie sighed, shaking her head. “But if this goes sideways, that’s on you.”
“Deal.” He grinned and turned toward the stage.
Clayton strode to the mic, adjusting it with easy confidence. “Howdy, Kansas City.” The crowd erupted in cheers. “I wrote this next song—it’scalled ‘More Bad Days Than Good.’” More applause followed. Then, with a knowing smirk, he added, “What’d you say we bring Miss Jamie Keaton up here? I hear she’s pretty good at singing my song.”
That was Jamie’s cue. She hugged both girls and stepped onto the stage, waving to the crowd. The roar of their cheers hit her like a tidal wave, her name echoing from every corner of the venue.
Clayton strummed the opening chords and she joined in seamlessly, their voices weaving together like they’d been doing this for years. His gaze locked onto hers as he sang the verses, something unspoken passing between them. Her heart clenched but she couldn’t look away, even if she tried.
As the song ended Clayton pulled her into a tight hug, his warmth lingering against her skin. Before she knew what was happening he pressed a kiss to her cheek. The crowd erupted, whistles and shouts filling the air.
Jamie laughed, caught between exhilaration and something far more dangerous. She slipped offstage, where the girls immediately threw their arms around her.
