Chapter 25
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 called them 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.
“Sounds perfect,” I say. “Like you.”
He shakes his head. “Nope, like you, Bails. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter is for us.”
“Me too.”
He wraps an arm around me as we start to walk away. “It’s all part of the adventure, baby.”
“Every day is an adventure with you,” I say, and we both laugh at the irony. But at least we’re original.
Brett
“I’m starting to think Dancer loves me just as much as you, if not more,” I say as we stop our horse ride at the ridge at the back of Bailey’s property. I pat Dancer’s soft brown mane for good measure as I dismount. It’s coming more naturally now to be back in the saddle.
My girl was totally right. Now it’s like I’ve never been away from it. Old habits die hard… But when I think of Clyde now, it’s not crippling, it’s bittersweet, and I remember all the good things we shared.
I’m going to have some photos I took of him blown up big to put up at my place back in Nashville, and here too, if Bailey doesn’t mind. We’re going to frame photos of Spirit, Dancer and Rebel, too.
“Ha! I’d like to see evidence of that,” she scoffs, as she dismounts Spirit.
Rebel came too, Bailey guided her alongside as we trotted most of the way.
Now we’re about to enjoy the mountain backdrop and the cool of dusk setting in.
We start by tying the horses to the post and both cast our eyes to the view beyond the trees that opens up before us.
“Evidence is right here,” I say, just as Dancer pushes her nose into my arm. “See.”
Bailey shakes her head and rolls her eyes. “She knows you have a carrot in your pocket. Probably some apple, too.”
I laugh. “Nope. Don’t need bribery, baby.”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
“Always happy to oblige.” I bend in and pull her into my arms. It’s been a day for sure. But I’m feeling more relaxed than I have in the last two years straight.
I’m glad to put it all behind me now and start living the way I want to.
I’m inspired and have so many new song ideas. Getting back to writing and recording isn’t making me feel stressed like it was before. It’s coming from a different place now. I can never thank Bailey or the people of Alpine Falls enough for taking me in and treating me as one of their own.
Bailey opted out of the photo, which is totally cool and just her style.
I know she’s still getting used to the fame thing and I want to protect that.
My folks and Brianna were happy to oblige and I’m sure highlights of the conference will be in the local gazette by sunrise, and who knows where else.
I’m not phased by it. I will not live my life by what people are saying anymore.
I want to live a humble life, making music and having my girl by my side. There can’t be anything better than that. Okay, I may be thinking about a couple of little rug rats running around at some stage way down the track, but hey, it’s early days.
“Is that a camera in your pocket or are you happy to see me?” Bailey chides with a laugh as she looks down between us.
It actually is a camera in the form of her beloved Canon with quite an impressive lens.
I had it strapped across me, ready for us to get some photos of the horses, the mountains, and heck, maybe even some of us.
I throw my head back and laugh. “Fuck, you’re beautiful.”
“Such a romantic.”
“And I am happy to see you.” I push the camera out of the way and press my body against hers so she can feel what she does to me.
“Holy shit,” she breathes, her cheeks instantly flushing as I pull her in and wrap my arms around her.
“It’s what you do to me.”
“I love that,” she whispers into my shirt, gripping it at the base as her arms stretch around me. “You have my heart, Brett Turner. The more you show me, the more I want. And the more I fall in love with you.”
“Baby, we haven’t even scratched the surface yet.”
“I’m happy to do the scratching.”
I laugh. “Let’s call it a joint effort. Because the more you show me your heart, the more I want of you, too. I fall more in love with you every day.”
“And we have so much more to learn.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
She reaches up to kiss me and I dip my head. It’s then all three horses let out a simultaneous huff, as though we need to pay them some attention, and we both laugh into our kiss before we break apart. “You guys,” she chastises, but she’s grinning as she says it. “We’re kissing here.”
“See, Dancer is getting jealous I’m giving you all my attention,” I quip. “She wants my loving hands on her.”
“She’s jealous that Mommy isn’t paying attention to her,” Bailey shoots back. “It’s alright, babies, Mommy loves you just as much as Daddy.”
She’s cheeky, and I know what she’s doing.
I laugh now and hold my hand to my heart. “Baby girl, you’d throw me under the bus for these three any day of the week, we both know it.”
“Not true!”
“Uh-huh. I’m new here, I have to earn my place in the pack.”
“I’d save all four of you equally.”
I grin at her words and take a small step back so I can pull the camera to my front. “I love you all the more for it. Now, let me take a shot of you four against the mountain backdrop,” I say. “The way the sunset is hitting the mountain peak is almost as beautiful as you.”
“Spoken like a true country singer and songwriter.” She kisses me chastely and pretends to do a few flashy poses, batting her eyes with a pout and shaking her shoulders. Little does she know I’ve already flipped the camera lens off as I quickly snap away. “Brett, no!” she squeals.
“Let me keep snapping and I’ll let you take a photo of me and Dancer when she professes her love for me.”
Bailey swipes me on the arm. “Fat chance of that!” She reaches for all three horse’s reins at once and turns her head toward me.
“Babe, right there.” I hold the camera up to my right eye and quickly assess the horizon to the ground to make sure the photo is even on both sides.
She stares right at me, just as Dancer turns her head.
I don’t know how but I also capture Spirit and Rebel both looking toward me, too.
“That’s it. Perfect.” I snap away like I’m trigger happy.
Her smile, the backdrop, Cedar Hollow ranch, her beautiful horses and the fresh, mountain air are all part of me now. And they are all just that—perfect.