“As long as you love me too, we’ll work our way around anything.”
She wraps her arms around my neck. “I love you more than I ever thought possible. We’re both crazy, by the way.”
“Oh, I know,” I laugh. “But what’s life without a little crazy?”
“My place is a lot smaller than what you’re used to,” she says, wincing a little. “It’s not much.”
“Yet, I’ve never felt so welcomed in my entire life. Your place has character and charm, a lot like this town I’ve also fallen in love with.”
“You won’t be saying that after you’ve had a lecture from Mrs. Thorne for no good reason, or Mr. Mackie who loves to give unwarranted fashion advice, then you have Martie, the repair guy, wanting to fix things that don’t need fixing just so he can talk your ears off?—”
“I don’t mind any of that, as long as I have you.” I peck her lips, caressing her gently.
“You say that now, but we still have to get to know each other.”
“And we will,” I say. “If you’ll let me in. I know other guys have let you down in the past. Their loss is my gain. I’m gonna do everythin’ in my power to show you how serious I am.”
“I love the sounds of that. Opening up will be a gradual process for me, but I’m here for it. I know you haven’t had the best of luck either in relationships. Maybe their loss is my gain too.”
I touch her chin softly. “You are something else, Bails.”
“And don’t forget there’s also the bunkhouse you are welcome to use while we’re getting to know each other. I know it needs a bit of work, but it’s slowly coming together,” she adds.
She showed me the bunkhouse one afternoon while we were hiding away and I love the small, rustic charm of the space she’s created while keeping the integrity of the space. It’s a baby-version of Cedar Hollow. “I’d be happy to help,” I say. “And you make a good point, while we’re getting to know each other you might need a bit of space.”
She taps me on the arm lightly. “I don’t know if there’s much chance of me needing space.”
“You never know.”
“And you’ll come back? After you go on tour?” she asks.
“I won’t even go if you don’t want me to.”
She shakes her head. “I’d never stop you doing something you love doing, not ever. Even if it means we may be apart for a little while.”
“You know, that bunkhouse would make a great recordin’ studio down the track.”
Her eyes widen. “Consider it done.” She leans up onto her tippy toes and kisses me. “Whatever you want, if it means I get to keep you a little longer.”
“Honey, I’m never gonna let you go.” I press my lips to hers, but then I hear someone clear their throat. I glance up over Bailey’s shoulder and see… My mom and Dad?
“Oh, surprise!” Bailey says, wincing ever so slightly, gauging my reaction.
“Mom? Dad?” My eyes spring wide open.
“Hello, son,” Dad says, grinning from ear to ear. “Got a call from the little lady over here invitin’ us out here for your big press conference. Somethin’ tells me you might need a little pep talk.”
I stride over to them as Mom barges past Dad to get to me. “Brett!” she cries, throwing her arms around me. I hug her tight and pull Dad in for one, too.
“I’ve missed you guys,” I say. “I’m sorry I’ve been a little distant lately.”
Mom pulls back then looks over to Bailey. “And we can see why.” She lets go of me and moves across the room to Bailey. “Hi, honey, I’m Faye, Brett’s Momma. So happy to meet you.”
“Hello,” Bailey says with an almost shy connotation to her voice, one I haven’t heard until now. “It’s so lovely to meet you, too.”
Mom wastes no time in pulling Bailey into a tight, extended hug. Bailey looks at me over Mom’s shoulder and, after a moment of bewilderment, presses her lips together in a smile asshe hugs my mom right back. “And this is Jack, Brett’s father,” she says as she lets go a little and waves towards my dad, who’s hovering in the wings.
“Nice to meet you,” Bailey says as Dad reaches out his hand to shake hers, then pulls her in for a hug—not quite the bear-hugging type my mom just gave her. But my folks are huggers, what can I say?
