Chapter 29
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Chase
I wake up and take a moment to clear my head.
Did last night really happen with Bayleigh, or was it just a dream?
The smell of her on my sheets confirms that it was real.
I’ve dreamed about her for years, her scent, her taste.
But being with her in real life is so much better.
She’s like a drug, addictive and irresistible.
No matter what drama she puts me through, I am always there, begging for more.
As I think back on our passionate night together, a grin spreads across my face. Her body against mine, the way she cried out my name—I want more of it all. I want her every night in my bed, and to wake up with her in my arms every morning.
I know it’s not healthy how consumed I am by her. But I can’t help it. I’ve spent so long pining for her, waiting for her to come back and give my life purpose again.
I rub my hand over my face, thinking about how pathetic it all sounds. But she has this power over me that I can’t break, no matter how hard I try. And trust me—I’ve tried.
My eyes drift to the watch on my bedside table. Today is the big day—the day that will make or break Bayleigh’s career. If she succeeds, she’ll get to go back to touring, making music, and living the life of fame and fortune.
But if she doesn’t . . . I don’t even want to think about it. It’s too painful to imagine a future without her in it.
I can’t help but ponder if life will be simpler for us if she doesn’t achieve her dreams. Maybe then she’ll come back and we could have a real chance of being together.
She could move in with us at the ranch and lend a hand.
Perhaps she could even teach music at the local school.
We could finally have the family we’ve always dreamed of.
We aren’t too old for that, are we? But deep down, I know it isn’t just about moving away from Nashville’s hustle and bustle to the slower pace of Sweetgum Valley.
If that had been enough for her, she wouldn’t have left.
And if I had been enough, we would have found a way to make it work together.
But I promised to support her, and that’s exactly what I’ll do. Whether or not tonight is a success, I won’t let it fail because of me. All I want is for her to be happy, and if this is what she wants, then that’s all that matters.
Being near her this week has been bittersweet. It’s only intensified my desire for her.
As I shower and dress, I resign myself to be happy with the time we’ve had together. It was more than I ever expected, and I will take these memories with me forever. This brief happiness will be worth every shred of pain that I will no doubt feel when she leaves.
I head to the main house for breakfast with my mom. She has bacon sizzling when I get there, and I give her cheek a kiss as I reach for the coffee.
Today’s the day. Are you excited?” she asks me.
“Yeah. We have a media junket this morning, then sound check before the big show.” I wonder if I’ll get to talk to Bayleigh alone today. It is a busy day, and she has a lot to do to get ready. I don’t want to distract her, but I do want to get a chance to wish her luck.
“I’m so excited to watch you perform tonight,” Mom continues, handing me a plate of eggs and bacon.
“You’ve seen me play at Monty’s. This will just be on a bigger scale.” A much bigger scale, with an outdoor stage, proper lighting, and sound.
“And it’s getting streamed live. Maybe you’ll get offered a deal like Frankie.”
I chuckle. “I doubt it. I’m only on guitar. No one will even notice me. Not when they can be looking at Bayleigh.”
Mom looks at me then, studying me like she can see all my secrets. “You want to be with her.”
I stop chewing, and my mind races. Can she read my thoughts? “It’s not like that. Besides, she’s only here for the show,” I say defensively.
“I remember how close you two were as kids. When she left, it was like a piece of you went with her,” my mom says softly, her understanding eyes trained on me.
My heart clenches at the mention of Bayleigh and how Mom was there for me during the most difficult time of my life after the accident. Bayleigh had no one to lean on. She was young and all alone when she left.
“It was hard then, and it will be hard when she leaves again. But what other choice do we have? How can a bird and a fish make it work?” I sigh, staring down at my plate.
“There’s a piece of you that belongs to her, and she’ll take it with her when she leaves,” my mom says gently, placing a comforting hand over mine.
Her words hit me hard. I could go with Bayleigh, but what about my obligations to this ranch? My mom interrupts my thoughts with a suggestion that catches me off guard—"We could sell the ranch and start fresh somewhere else.”
I look at her with wide eyes. “No, we can’t do that.”
She shrugs. “Why not? This was your father’s dream. It’s not yours though.”
“But this place is everything to you. It’s Dad’s legacy.” I interject.
“It’s not the same without him here.” Her voice fades off and I look around the kitchen where so many family meals have taken place. I am filled with memories—both good and bad. I couldn’t just give it up. Could I?
This is my home, my safe haven. I don’t think I could ever leave it behind. But maybe . . . just maybe . . . it’s worth considering.
Would being with Bayleigh be worth it, if it meant sacrificing my own desires?
I have no idea what she wants or if there is even a place for me in her life.
She is constantly on the go and has little time to think about the future.
I can’t help but wonder if she would even have space for me in her busy life.
But despite these doubts, a glimmer of hope remains as I finish my breakfast and make my way into town.
It is a hope that I’ve never allowed myself to entertain before, but now it lingers, begging to be explored.