“It’s great to meet you,” Jack says. “Thank you again for being the sounding board for Brett in this situation. It seems he can’t go anywhere these days.”
“You’re more than welcome,” Bailey gushes, another thing I haven’t seen her do yet.
“She’s beautiful,” Mom says, turning to me. “You certainly didn’t exaggerate when you told us about her.” Mom beams at me, keeping one arm wrapped around Bailey.
Bails looks at me with wide, interested eyes at Mom’s confession.Way to go, Mom…
I don’t really care that she knows I’ve been talking about her to my folks, in fact, I like it. But trust Mom to just throw it out there.
“Mom, Bailey is still standing right here.” I shake my head and chuckle under my breath. When my eyes flick to Bailey I see she has a slightly embarrassed smile on her face. My god, is my girl all shy and coy for the first time in her life?
I may be new on the scene, but I can’t imagine she’s ever quite lost for words.
“I’m sure Bailey won’t mind knowing you’ve been talking about her non-stop.” Mom winks as she turns her head to Bails. “Do you, honey?”
Bailey laughs quietly, her grin evident that she doesn’t mind one bit. “Not at all. In fact, your mom might spill a few more details after the press conference.”
“I’d love that!” Mom claps her hands together and looks positively glowing.
Dad winks at Bailey and says, “Don’t worry, I’m fairly certain our son has it bad.”
Kill me now.
“Let’s just get this press conference out the way,” I say, quickly explaining to Mom and Dad what’s about to go down this morning, though they already knew the gist of it. “Then maybe we can all catch up with Dale and Brianna for lunch?”
“That sounds wonderful.” Mom smiles.
“Love to,” says Dad.
“I’m in,” Bailey agrees.
Dale and Brianna are going to meet us at Whiskey Business, and I have a sneaking suspicion that Brianna knew Mom and Dad were on their way here. The support I have from my family once again means a lot to me. A lump forms in my throat as I watch Bailey fall into easy chatter with my parents. They quickly fill us in on what’s been going on in Nashville while I’ve been gone.
I smile as I watch them, happy they’re here. My first hit album, which reached number one, allowed my parents to retire. Dad spends his days on the golf course when he can, and Mom is in various groups where she gets to enjoy her hobbies like macrame, pottery, gardening, her bookclub and bowling. I like that they can enjoy their twilight years without financial strain. It makes me think I’ve accomplished something much bigger than music.
An hour later, I’ve trimmed my beard, got a haircut, and I’m dressed in my usual button down, jeans and cowboy hat. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m really ready for this.
I’m ready to get back in the saddle.
Bailey squeezes my hand as we wait in the back until it’s time. Whiskey Business was very accommodating, and it helped thatthey’re closed for minor renovations so there were no patrons in the building. My sister and Dale, along with Jo-Beth and Sadie, all helped get the trestle table and audio equipment set up, along with chairs for the press. Not that I plan on dragging this out. I want it to be over quickly.
“Are you okay?” Bailey asks, looking worried.
I nod. “I’m gonna be.”
She cups one side of my face, her hand soft and warm on my skin. “It’ll be like a weight’s been lifted once you get this over with.”
I puff out the air from my cheeks. “It’s been a long time coming.”
She pecks me on the lips chastely. “Knock ‘em dead, Cowboy.”
“Promise me after this we can grab a bite and go back to yours and chill.”
“Of course we can. Anything you want.”
I pull her to me. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t really do anything.”
