Then I hold up my daughter. “Layla, say hi to Dreamer.” Layla squeals with happiness and kicks her legs, but Dreamer doesn’t flinch. He’s as steady as they come. “You hafta be gentle with the horses, okay, honey? You need to let them get to knowyou.” Her eyes are the size of saucers as I put her hand on Dreamer. “Good girl. Just like that.”
“Jace,” Rory says softly, and holds up her phone. “For you. So you have it for later.”
“Thank you.” I never would’ve thought to record this, and it makes something in my throat go tight that Aurora knows I’d want to remember this moment. I narrate what we’re doing as she records. “This is the first time Layla’s been around horses, and I just introduced her to my horse Dreamer. Layla, honey, do you like horses?”
She squeals and claps and babbles. That was a definite yes to my question, but I don’t think she can say “horse” yet. Hmm. Let me try something else.
“Horses go neigh. Layla, can you say neigh?”
“Neighhhhh!” she yells, and Rory and I both cheer.
“All right, baby. Good job.” I kiss her cheek. “You’re such a smart girl.”
After the introductions, I saddle up our horses and duck back into the house to get the baby carrier so I can strap Layla to my chest. Rhett’s walking by just in time, and I hand him my daughter while I get Rory situated on her horse. Once I’m mounted, he hands me Layla and I get her in the wrap so I can use my hands. My big, gruff brother smiles at us. “Have fun out there.”
“Just going for a short ride. We’ll be back soon. Actually, could you take a pic of the three of us?”
He glances at Rory and nods. He snaps a few shots, and we head off. It’s the best morning I can remember.
As I head out across the ranch with my girls, I can almost forget about how much is on the line next week when we get into the recording studio.
34
RORY
Our timeat the ranch is blissful. We celebrate the Fourth of July with a huge barbecue. Maverick wants to do baby races, but since Layla’s too little to participate, I suggest we do daddy-baby races, so the Walker dads all strap their kids to their backs and crawl across the yard. Beau’s the judge, since his son is still percolating. It’s a close race, but Isaiah and his young daughter Everly win by a nose with Jace and Layla hot on their heels.
The girls and I reconvene our book club but spend most of the time drinking margaritas and debating which romance to read next.
I laugh more than I have in a long time, and Jace looks so at ease with his family. He’s always smiling and running off to jot down something in his spiral notebook.
The whole week, I keep replaying our date. How he played me his song. How he made me a picnic. How he took me to his special spot on the cliffs.
I can tell the sheriff’s words got under his skin, but I believe him when he swears he’s never brought anyone up there. Mostly, I’m grateful the sheriff didn’t bust us a few minutes sooner when we were having sex like two horny teenagers.
Too soon, though, it’s time to hit the road again. My stomach twists when I think about going to Dallas. There are so many bad memories there, and my dad has sent me several texts reminding me of Taylor and Hayden’s wedding reception this weekend.
After I pack my stuff, I’m grabbing a cup of coffee in the kitchen when Baylee joins me. She leans close and whispers, “Did you and Jace sort out that issue you mentioned?”
“Issue?”
“The one we talked about after the concert.”
“Oh, that.” The whole “we haven’t gone all the way” issue. My face goes up in flames as I glance around to make sure there aren’t any little ears nearby. “Since our date, there’s been a lot of…sorting out.”
It takes her a beat to get my meaning, but then she howls with laughter and gives me a high five. “I thought you seemed more relaxed.”
“If I was any more relaxed, I’d melt into the floor.” Because my man is well endowed and knows how to use his equipment.
But when we pull up to the tour bus a few hours later, the knot in my belly returns. It had been a relief to drop my guard around the Walkers. I dread having to put on a brave face again and hope Jace’s bandmates eventually warm up to me.
Edmond and Ozzie are all smiles when I get on the bus, which is a good start. Frank hugs me and Jace. I offer everyone the apple fritters I picked up on the way here. They all take one, except when I get to the band, Cooper rolls his eyes and looks away.
Try. For Jace.“Would you guys like some pastries? They’re still hot.” I glance at Jace, who’s holding Layla, and he winks at me. I know he appreciates that I’m trying.
Derek and Shane both take one, but Cooper waves me off. “It’s bad for my figure.”
The guys chuckle, but I know he’s being a dick. The man never turns down food, but this isn’t about eating. It’s about me. Whatever. If he wants to be an asshole, there’s nothing I can do about it.
