Rocked & Romanced, page 29
Lilly smiles, "You’re getting the small-town bug."
"What do you mean?"
"In this small-town, we help each other, and you get to see how your money and time can help someone else. It's more personal than giving money to some big charity and never knowing who or how it helps."
"But if I do this, it will pinpoint where I am. Paparazzi will likely swarm the town."
"Well, why don't you let the town decide what it wants? We dealt with it when Nick and Jason did the TV show for WJ's, so I'm willing to bet they are willing to put up with it now, too."
"But are you willing as well? The press will put it together that I'm staying here, and you will be hounded more than anyone."
"Of course, we are willing to deal with it. You act like it's a huge sacrifice for us. We have to put up with it for what a few weeks at most. You cope with them every day. If you can handle it, then so can we."
She hugs me again, and we head inside.
Entering the house, all eyes fall to me, as Lily says, "Hey, guys! Savannah had an idea, so she’s going to explain it to you. But there would be a major pitfall to it, so she’s going to leave it up to you, the town if we move forward."
"Okay, I'm sure by now it's no secret why I'm here for the holiday," I say and watch everyone guiltily nod their heads.
"Let me start by saying I didn't do what the tabloids are accusing me of. That being said, the moment they get a whiff that I'm in town, they will come in droves. It could be good for the carnival and all, but it has its downsides, too. They will hound anyone and everyone, trying to get you to talk about me, even if it's not true."
"Girl, you don't think we have dealt with them before?” Mrs. Willow says, and everyone agrees. “People came from all over, trying to get us to talk about Nick. Still do it every now and then. We don't talk to outsiders. It's just not our way."
"Okay, well, if I had stayed on the tour, we were going to do a few benefit concerts for some large charities. I was looking forward to helping, but being able to help here, just feels... different. I can't describe it, but I like knowing the people I'm helping."
"I told her she's getting the small-town bug," Lilly says and many of them laugh.
"Please, think this through, but if you are willing, I'd be happy to do a concert at the carnival. All the ticket sales could go to the fund for the parents, and also, the people coming in from out of town would more than likely spend the day at the carnival."
"It's a wonderful idea," Abby says. "We’ll hold a vote at church tomorrow, and if it's a go, we can start making plans then."
"I’m happy to promote it with all my social media, and maybe, see if I can't get my manager to help do some radio promo in Dallas. I have a few friends at the record label that will share it, too. Just remember to tell the congregation that there’s a big downside to the paparazzi knowing where I am."
"I promise to lay out all of the pros and cons," Abby says, as she writes faster than I thought possible on her clipboard. Many of the church ladies are on their phones. I'm sure already talking to people who aren't here.
When my eyes land on Ford, he has a real smile on his face, and something close to pride in his eyes. It's a bit unsettling, but I like that look on him, too.
As everyone starts moving around and eating food, Abby finds me.
"I really appreciate you being willing to do the concert no matter what the town votes," she says.
“Well,” I say. "I love the idea of the town taking care of its own. It's been a long time since I've seen this sense of community. The music world is very cutthroat, and it's hard to know who to trust, and who has your back."
"That’s why I love Rock Springs. We help each other, and it's like a big extended family."
"Lilly always keeps me up to date on what’s going on in town. She said you were just married?" I ask.
A huge smile covers Abby's face, and a pink flush covers her cheeks.
"Yeah, last month. I wanted a small wedding, but the whole town showed up to show support for Greg. The help we got just planning the wedding was overwhelming. It was the first time I really got to see how far the town was willing to go for those it cares about."
"Did you guys go on a honeymoon?"
"Yes, we spent a week down in Galveston, Texas on the beach. Then, we enjoyed a few days in Houston, before coming back to start gearing up for The Winter Carnival." The smile never leaves her face, as she talks about it.
Here again, is yet another Rock Springs couple that found the true love I keep seeing. It gives me hope that it's out there for me, even if it's not right now.
As Ford walks up, Abby gives me a quick hug, before leaving us alone.
"So, I'm pretty sure the town is going to agree to the concert,” he says.
"Why is that?"
"Because everyone in this room has said yes, and they have talked to at least two others already who all agree."
"News travels fast."
"Faster than you realize around here. So, that just leaves the fact that you need to go to the carnival to actually have fun and experience The Ferris Wheel view. I'm offering to take you, as a friend of course," he says.
My heart dips a little, when he friend zones himself, but it's better this way. I can spend a little time with him, experience the carnival, and have a good time.
"I haven't been to a carnival and actually been able to go on rides in a very long time, so I would like that."
"Oh, crap on a stick," Ella says from the kitchen.
"Everything okay?" Abby rushes to her side.
Abby is in school to be a midwife and is working with the local OBGYN doctors. Local meaning twenty minutes away. She has assisted at quite a few births already, and everyone has great things to say about her.
"My water just broke," Ella says, and sure enough, there’s a small puddle of water on the tile floor at her feet.
As soon as everyone sees it, they jump into action.
"I'm calling Jason. He’ll meet us at the hospital," Sage says.
"I'll call the rest of the family." Her husband, Colt, says, as they both head out of the front door. Probably, so they can hear when they make the calls.
"Come on, Ella Bear. Mom and I will drive you to the hospital." Ella's dad says.
"I'll come with you, too," Abby says, as they start moving her towards the door.
Nick says, "I will call Maggie and Royce." If I remember correctly, that's Ella's brother and sister.
If I know this town the way I think I do, then the whole town will know Ella is in labor within the next thirty minutes. While everyone is getting on the phone to someone, I just smile and head to the laundry room for the mop and bucket.
"Here, let me help," Ford says, as he takes the bucket to the kitchen and fills it with water.
I mop up the kitchen floor, and then he empties the dirty water for me.
"Oh, Savannah. You didn't need to do that." Lilly comes into the kitchen with the leftover food, now that everyone has left.
"It's okay. I didn't want anyone to slip and fall, and I really don't mind. You going to the hospital?" I ask.
Since Ella is Riley's sister-in-law, and I know how close Lilly is to that family, I’m thinking she really wants to go.
"Yeah, Mike and I are driving down as soon as we get the food taken care of."
"No, you are going now. I’ll clean up this place. Go." I start pushing her out of the door.
"Are you sure?" Mike asks.
"Positive. It's the least I can do. Now go." I say, and Mike takes Lilly's hand and pulls her out of the door.
"I'll phone when we know something." She calls over her shoulder.
I turn and start putting food away and find Ford has beaten me to it.
"You don't have to do this. I got it," I say.
"If you weren't here, I'd be the one volunteering to clean up for them. So, I say we do it together. I’ve got the food. Why don't you start on collecting the empty cups and plates?"
I nod, and as we clean up, I find we work great as a team. In just over an hour, we have the house tidied up. Lilly calls, as we’re taking out the trash.
"Hey," I answer on speakerphone, so Ford can hear.
"It's a boy! They named him Jason Junior, but plan to call him J.J. I'm going to text you a photo. Everyone says he looks just like Jason as a baby."
"Aw, that's so cute. I really thought she'd be in labor a lot longer," I say.
"So did we, but she had been having labor pains in her back, and she thought they were just false labor. By the time her water broke, she was pretty far along. They said she was ready to push right as she got to her room. It was a good thing that Jason beat us to the hospital."
"Give all three of them a hug for me and let her know I'd love to visit, once they are ready for company," I say.
"Same goes for me," Ford adds.
"Ford, you’re still there?" Lilly asks.
"Yeah, I stayed and helped Savannah clean up. Actually, we just finished."
"That was really sweet of you. Can you make sure she eats dinner? We are going to grab something before we come home," Lilly says.
"I will make sure she eats," he smirks.
Lilly is getting sneakier and sneakier, and I need to step up my game to stay a step ahead of her.
Chapter 8
Ford
Looking out of my kitchen window, coffee in hand, I can't stop smiling. There’s a light dusting of snow on the ground. Not even half an inch, but it's perfect timing since I'm taking Savannah to the carnival today.
This time last year, we were getting hit with a blizzard. One the state of Texas hadn't seen the likes of in over a decade. It made the whole town look like something from a postcard. It also kept everyone inside for a few weeks, but Pastor Greg still managed to put on the carnival, even if it was a bit later than normal.
Finishing up my coffee, I check on the ranch hands to see if they need anything this morning. I'm trying to stay busy because I feel like a kid in a candy store. While I love The Winter Carnival every year, this time I’m more excited, because I’m going with Savannah.
The town was overjoyed to have Savannah hold a concert, and tonight, I get to see her perform. Though I may have cheated and looked up a few videos online, and for sure, she’s the real deal. Not only does she have a beautiful voice, but she has a stage presence that keeps you engaged the entire time.
I know I'm a bit biased, but I think her charisma and magnetism are stronger and more dynamic than the band that’s headlining the tour. Part of me hopes they realize that soon and want her back because that’s what she wants. But a larger part of me doesn't want her to go. It’s apparent to me that the more time I have with her, the greater the chance I might get to be with her.
All morning, while we get the barn chores done, my mind is on Savannah. My ranch employs six ranch hands. Three are going to the carnival today, and the other three tomorrow. I like for them to go to big town events, but we can't leave the ranch unattended either.
These are all guys my dad hired, so I know they are good guys, and they prove it on days like today. Currently, they’re all pitching in to get the chores done, so the ones heading to the carnival today can get on their way.
There isn't much to do on the ranch in winter, unlike in the summer. Around here, we are just tending to the horses, making sure the cows have enough to eat and checking the fence line.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I try to keep the workload low and give the guys a bit of a break from the rest of the year. Come January first, we start ranch inventory, before the spring, and that will take up all their time.
As the men head out to the carnival, I go back into the house and get ready. I don't want to get to Lilly and Mike's too early, but I don't want to be late either. When I say I will do something, I want Savannah to know she can count on me to do it.
As I pull up, Lilly and Mike are sitting on the front porch both with a big smile on their face that lets me know they’re up to something.
"Well, don't you look handsome!" Lilly says as she gives me a hug. "I’ll go let Savannah know you’re here." Then, she disappears inside the house, leaving me alone with Mike on the porch.
"Savannah is my sister-in-law." He says as I sit down in the chair Lilly just left.
"Is that how it works? Thanks for clearing it up." I smirk at him.
"Her dad isn't here, so I'm giving you the talk. You know what Lilly means to me, and Savannah being her sister, means not even you are safe if you hurt that girl. She hasn't had it easy, but she’s strong, and she’s a fighter. You treat her better than you have ever treated anyone else, and we’ll be okay."
"Of course, I know what Lilly means to you, and I don't take this lightly. Though, I’m aware Lilly is doing a little matchmaking. I'm not blind, but I promise you I wouldn't be going with her today if I wasn't serious."
Mike nods his head, acknowledging what I said and also effectively ending the conversation. We sit and enjoy the quiet for a moment before he asks about Whiskey, but the conversation is cut short when the girls come out onto the porch.
Savannah is in skintight jeans that show off every curve and an oversized sweater. Her brown hair and makeup are done up, and she has on a pair of cowgirl boots that match her sweater.
"Is it okay to keep this in your truck?” She holds up a large tote bag. “It's a few things I need to get ready before I go on stage."
"Of course." I stand and take the tote bag from her and offer her my other arm. "You ready to go?"
She takes my arm, and her gorgeous eyes light up with a bright smile. "Yep."
She says goodbye to Lilly and Mike, and I do the same. Though, Mike gives me the 'remember what we talked about stare.'
I lead her to my truck, open the door for her, and then help her in. Then, placing the tote back in the back seat right behind her, I get in myself.
"You know I was here last year before the tour started, and I got to see this place covered in snow. I know that isn't normal, but I was kind of hoping it would happen again," she says.
How was she here last year, and I missed it? Of course, last year was when my dad was transferring everything over to me, and I had my nose buried in the ranch books. We were in and out of the bank, transferring documents and adding my name to things.
In fact, I was so engrossed in taking over, that I missed Mike and Lilly starting to date. When he called me to be his best man at the wedding, I was shocked. I didn't even know he'd met someone. I felt horrible and had him over for drinks and got the whole story.
"It changed the place for sure. I was in the process of taking over my parents’ ranch, and my dad and I were doing a lot of the transfer stuff, so I didn't get to enjoy it as much as I wanted, too." I tell her.
I still can't believe she was here, and I missed her. Maybe, it's for the best, as she was just starting a new tour, and I wouldn't want to get in the way.
"So, what do you want to do first? Grab some food, walk around, and then save the rides for after your show?" I suggest.
"That sounds perfect. Oh, do you know where to park? There’s a special performer parking that gets us close to the stage and also free parking." She begins directing me with the notes Pastor Greg gave her.
Greg and Abby are full of smiles, waiting there to greet us.
"You’re early!" Greg says.
"I told you she would be,” Abby says. “Savannah wants the full carnival experience." At Abby’s words, the look Greg gives her, full of love, is the same one I see Mike give Lilly, and my dad gives my mom. It's the kind of relationship I want.
Before they start to let people in, they discuss times and a short soundcheck. Savannah takes it all in stride, and though I know she’s used to this, before a show, watching her in action, is mesmerizing.
When she's done, she walks back over to me with a huge smile on her face. Then, we start walking to the section where all the food stands are.
"You miss it, don't you?" I ask.
"Yes, but not in the way you mean. I like singing and all, but I love helping people out and working with charities. The fact that I can do this for them is what has been really exciting. Yesterday, I sat down with Pastor Greg and Abby, and we went over the details, so we could talk about the concert. They had already sold all but twenty-five tickets to the show. In such a short amount of time, that’s crazy."
I remember hearing them say they were going to have some VIP seating, but most of it was going to be standing room only. With that plan, they would be able to sell close to three hundred tickets.
"That's amazing! They’ll be able to do so much with that money."
“Yes,” she says. "Also, they’re asking for donations at the gate, and at the entrance, and exit of the concert area. I'm hoping that me talking about it on stage will get people to donate more."
We walk the food aisle and end up with more food than I think we can eat. At least, that’s what I thought until I watched Savannah. She may be small, but she can pack away food like my ranch hands do, and I'm impressed.
"My mom would love you. She likes a girl that isn't afraid to eat," I tell her.
"I'm going to gain so much weight here, but I don't even care. The food is so good, and it's real food. On the road, it's either fast food, whatever is cheapest, or whatever someone cooks, and there isn't a single person on that tour that can cook." She shivers, and I can only imagine the food.
As we start walking, she lets me take her hand, and I try not to make a big deal out of it, even if my heart is racing at the opportunity to even touch her.
"I'm guessing there wasn't much time to sneak away and try the local food," I say, ducking down a small walkway to avoid a man with a camera up ahead. If I can avoid it, I’m not going to let her be hounded by anyone today.
"Nope, we would get somewhere, do a soundcheck, meet with our manager, and then, some kind of PR. It could be with a radio station, an interview, or a meet and greet. Then, we’d hurry back to get ready for the show, do the show, and sometimes an after party to be out and seen. Finally, we’d go back to the bus and crash. Then, we’d wake up in a new city and do it all over again."
