Bailey
I’m so proud of Brett tackling the press the way he did. Different parts of his personality that I’m still learning are becoming more and more evident. He braces things head on, even when they’re hard. He didn’t run from Nashville, I’m realizing, he needed some time away. Anyone would after what he’s been through.
His parents are sublime, and his sister is a real treat. I have to pinch myself to think how I got so lucky to have met the man of my dreams in the last two weeks and also to have met his beautiful family.
He hugs me tight after the press conference. I think the whole town turned out, and a legion of fans who caught wind. You couldn’t get any more people inside Whiskey Business, and they don’t mind the publicity. “Thank you for being here,” he says. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
I know he most definitely could have, but I smile up at him, anyway. “You were great out there, working the press like a pro.”
“I’ve been doin’ it for a while,” he muses and snuggles into my hair, breathing me in for a few seconds.
“You did so good,” I tell him, sobering slightly. “I’m sure you’re used to the press, but this is a difficult situation you’ve been in.”
“Thank you, angel. I appreciate it. It’s been the fight of my life, but funnily enough, it feels like it’s behind me now. Maybe this needed to happen so I could make a public statement. We can finally lay it all to rest.”
“That sounds like the best news we could have hoped for.”
He bends to kiss me and for a second, we’re back in our own little bubble, like the one we’ve been in for the past few days lying low at Cedar Hollow.
Our lips only part when we see Andre, Brett’s lawyer coming toward us. He
flew in for the press conference. “Sorry to interrupt you two,” he says. “But Brett promised the local Gazette a family picture to support today’s proceedings.”
“Of course,” I say. “What about out front, I’m sure Whiskey Business will love even more publicity?”
Of course, the press took photos of Brett at the conference. Thankfully, I wasn’t in any of them, but if we were to be snapped together, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I can’t see myself in the spotlight whatsoever, so lying low is the best scenario for me. I’ve no ideals at all to be in the limelight, and I know it’s going to take some doing to come to terms with his lifestyle and the fact he’s very famous.
“She makes a good point,” Andre says, patting Brett on the back. “I thought a photo with you and your folks might just win back even more fan goodwill. Not that we need it, of course.”
“Sounds good.” Brett nods. “Will you give us a moment?”
“Of course.”
“See you out front,” Brett says, bringing his attention back to me. “I’m sorry you got dragged into this,” he goes on.
I scrunch my brow. “It’s not your fault. You came here to get some breathing space, it’s not your fault either. I’m just still a little embarrassed I didn’t know who you were. You are so damned famous!”
He laughs and kisses me on the side of the head, brushing his hands up and down my arms reassuringly. “Don’t ever be embarrassed. I told you I secretly like it better that way. You sure gave it to me straight that day I saved your life from sliding on that lemon wedge. It was pretty refreshing havin’ a woman speak her mind.”
Bailey laughs and slides her arms around my waist, the side of her face presses against my chest as she takes a breath. “Don’t you worry. I’ll always speak the truth, no matter what.”
“That’s what I love about you. I certainly know you like me for me, before you even knew I was famous.”
“You betcha. Not even being ignorant, but fame and fortune don’t impress me like it does most people. Though I think it’s amazing what you’ve done with your career, and you’re so damned talented, Brett. You don’t need me to tell you that. But to get to where you are from working the ground up, learning to play the guitar when you were a kid, it’s just amazing.”
He smiles and pulls me into a tight embrace.
“Will you two save that for later and get out here for the family photo!” We hear Brianna chime, and we can’t help but laugh. It’s like I’ve known the Turners my whole life. I can see Brianna being someone I’m going to be very good friends with, Faye too. They’re so welcoming and friendly. I’ve already told Sadie to watch out because Faye might just wanna be my new bestie.
All of my friends were here supporting us, and my parents too. They were a little overwhelmed by this whole thing. My dad is a big fan of his and thought I was pulling his leg when I calledthem the day after I found out about Brett’s identity. They had to know what was going on before it hit the newsstands.
“We’re coming!” We both chime, then we burst out laughing.
“Jinx,” I say as we break apart and I bump him with my hips.
“Let’s get this photo done and we can all have some lunch, then I’ll take you home.”
We’ve organized a large table at The Perky Porch for both our families and friends so we can all relax, enjoy some burgers, and get to know each other’s parents before I whisk him off for a horse ride later and maybe some photos of the mountains close to the canyon. I pulled my camera out of hibernation and wanted to get some sunset shots with the horses.
