He shakes his head. “I can’t tell you that.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Because she’s had her heart broken enough in recent months, and she deserves better than that.” He shoves a finger into my chest. “You promised me you wouldn’t hurt her.”
I stand strong, refusing to back down, but also refusing to fight him. He can kick my ass. Lord knows I deserve it. “I need to apologize to her, but I can’t do that if I don’t know where she is.”
“I’m sorry, Grayson, but I can’t give you that information. My sister is always looking out for everyone else, and now it’s my turn to do the same for her.”
“Jesus, Nick, you know me,” I say, fear churning in my gut. He’s all that’s standing between me and finding Nora.
“I’m sorry. Go home to your kids, Grayson. Give Nora some time.”
“How much time?”
“However much she needs.”
“Damn it, Nick.”
With that, he disappears back into the house. Jessa stares at me with pity in her eyes and then shuts the front door without saying a word.
Three days later, the bell to my shop rings. I don’t go into the office because I assume it’s Duke and the kids. He’s been a godsend the last few days, helping me out. Lord knows I can barely take care of myself, let alone three needy children. All I do is think about Nora, talk about Nora, and call Nora.
She finally shut her phone off. I hope and pray every night that she doesn’t change her number, because then I’m really screwed.
When I don’t hear the typical pitter patter of little feet, I walk into the office to find Nick sitting at my desk, scribbling something on a piece of paper.
He sees me and stands up. “You look like shit.”
“I feel worse.”
He purses his lips and nods. “I can tell. You love her?”
“I’m madly in love with her.”
“You’ll never hurt her again?”
“I’d die before I let that happen.”
“Here.”
He shoves a piece of paper at my chest.
“What’s this?”
“That’s where you’ll be able to find Nora. She’ll be at a pub tomorrow night in Nashville for a concert.”
“She told me about it.”
“Well, there you have it.”
“Why are you giving me this?”
“Because you’re a pathetic sap, and I’m sick of listening to my sister cry every night on the phone.”
There’s a painful twist in the center of my chest. I hate the thought of her crying. I hate it even more knowing I’m the cause of her tears.
“Don’t fuck this up,” Nick adds.
“I won’t.”
“This is your last chance, Grayson. I won’t be so forgiving next time.”
“There won’t be a next time.”
35
Nora
I stare out the window of my Nashville hotel room, grateful for the change in scenery. After leaving Grayson’s the other night, I knew right away I couldn’t stay in Hope Falls. I’d be too tempted to go to him and beg him to take me back. So I called Marnie, drove straight to the airport, and once I was on a plane, I called Nick. I knew if I called him sooner, he’d try to convince me to stay.
Marnie met me in Nashville. She set me up with a recording studio where I’ve spent the last seventy-two hours pouring my heart out, laying down tracks to songs I’ll perform for the first time tonight—songs that are wildly different than anything I’ve sung before and speak of my love for Grayson…as well as the heartbreak we both caused.
Writing and recording has kept me busy, and I’m so damn glad for that, because the last thing I need is time to think. But when nighttime falls, it’s a different story.
After a few nights of lost sleep, I can admit that paying off Lorelei wasn’t the right decision—not only because I went behind Grayson’s back, which I shouldn’t have, but because he’s right. I gave a drug addict half a million dollars, and that makes me sick to my stomach.
It doesn’t matter that she would’ve gotten the money from interviews, or that I did it thinking I was protecting Grayson and the kids, or that she might not spend it on drugs. What matters is that I was wrong to do it without talking it over with him first. It was a decision we should have made together.
I need to apologize, but I’m not sure how to go about eating crow. It’s not something I have much experience with.
But before that happens, I’m determined to give Grayson the time and space he asked for, even if it kills me.
My phone vibrates beside me, and I cringe when I see Nick’s name. My poor brother has listened to me whine, bitch, and cry so much over the last few days. I would feel sorry for him, except I distinctly remember a six-month period several years ago when he and Jessa broke up, and I did the same for him.
“Hello?”
“You sound exhausted.”
“I am.”
“Have you slept at all?” Nick asks.
“Not a wink.”
“Nora…”
My name lingers in the air. Tears prick my eyes, and I pinch my lips together.
“You should call him.”
Nick’s words shock me. “I thought you wanted to kill him.”
“Yeah, well, that was before I talked to him.”
“You talked to him?” I ask, perking up. “When?”
“A few times over the last few days.”
“And you didn’t bother telling me?”
“He might be more miserable than you,” he says.
“That doesn’t make me feel better, Nick. God, he must hate me.”
“He doesn’t hate you.”
“I’m a mess. I miss him so much, and I hate this. I hate what I did. I hate that I hurt him. I hate that he hurt me. I hate the way things ended. I hate that can’t see him. I—”
“I get it, Nora. Hasn’t he tried calling you?”
“Only a million times.”
“That’s it?” Nick chuckles. “Christ, Nora, answer his damn call. Listen to what he has to say and put both of you out of your misery.”
“But what about everything that happened? What about what he said? What if—”
“Christ, you sound like Jack.”
I’ll take that as a compliment. “Jack’s a great kid.”
“I know he is. Listen…” Nick pauses, blows out a breath, and says, “Do you love him, Nora? Like, really love him?”
“With my whole heart. But he hurt me. I put my heart on the line, told him I love him, and he didn’t believe me.”
“Men are dumb sometimes.”
“Sometimes?”
“Just trust that it’ll work out the way it’s supposed to. And next time he calls, answer the damn phone.”
My heart flutters inside my chest. “I will.”
“Good. That’s good. What time is your show tonight?”
“Eight o’clock. I have to be there at six.”
“Break a leg.”
“I love you, Nicky.”
“Love you, too, Nora.”
It’s kind of hard to answer if Grayson doesn’t actually call. I walked around all day with my phone in my hand, waiting for the darn thing to ring, and nothing.
I sigh and look at myself in the mirror. My hair and makeup are finished, both downplayed compared to how I’m normally done up for a show. But then again, this isn’t my typical show.
I’m coming out to the world tonight, showing them not only the woman I want to be, but the woman I am.
And Grayson isn’t here to see it.
He should be here.
I scowl at my phone, willing it to ring.
You could call him.
I flick through my contacts and pull up his name. My finger hovers above the green button.
“Damn it, no.” I toss my phone back on the vanity. He wanted space. He’s the one who isn’t sure about us, and I need him to come to me on his own.
Wh
at if he doesn’t?
My heart rate kicks up at the thought. I can’t think about that. I can’t let my mind go there. Not tonight of all nights.
“You can do this,” I tell my reflection in the mirror.
“Showtime,” Marnie says, walking into the room.
I look at the clock on the wall. “The show doesn’t start for another thirty minutes.”
“I know, but you’ve got fans lined up outside who couldn’t get in. I thought maybe you’d want to sign a few autographs before the show.”
“Good idea.” I stand up and slip my feet into my heels.
“You okay?”
“Great.”
She doesn’t look convinced. “Nervous?”
What would I have to be nervous about? I’ve played in front of hundreds of thousands of fans. There’s only two hundred and fifty people here tonight.
“Not about the show.”
She smiles knowingly. “Good. It’s packed wall to wall out there, and you’ll be happy to know all the people here are over the age of twenty-one.”
I laugh. “That’s because we’re in a bar.”
Marnie smirks. “Maybe. But they all paid to listen to you sing tonight.”
I take a deep breath. “Thank you for doing this.”
“Don’t thank me, Nora. This is my job.”
“You’re damn good at it.”
I give Marnie a hug and walk out the door. Bo is waiting for me with a smile. A thick velvet rope is situated on the sidewalk along the building, separating me from the fans. Bo walks beside me as I go from person to person, working my way down the line, smiling, posing for pictures, and laughing.
“I’ve been listening to you for years,” a young woman says.
I take her notepad and pen. “Thank you. I appreciate your support,” I say, scribbling my name across it.
That’s when I hear the sweetest little voice calling out to me.
“Nowa! Nowa!”
I hand the pad of paper back to the girl, ignoring everyone else as I rush down the line, looking for the owner of that voice.
“Nowa!”
I draw up short at the sight of Emma, Jack, and Henry. They’re standing in the line of people. Tears fill my eyes as I approach them.
Emma holds out a piece of paper. “Can I have your autogiwaffe?”
Jack elbows her. “It’s not autogiraffe. It’s autograph.”
I laugh and try not to cry while Henry waves his pen in the air. He chucks it across the sidewalk and squeals in delight.
“What are you guys doing here?”
I squat down to their level and pull them all in for a hug.
“We missed you,” Emma says.
“I missed you, too.”
I breathe in their sweet scent and close my eyes while giving them an extra long squeeze, afraid that when I let go they’ll disappear.
“Dad made us come,” Jack replies, looking over his shoulder.
I pull back to follow his gaze, and there stands Grayson, looking tired, frazzled, and a little hopeful. My breath catches in my throat at the sight of him. It’s pathetic how grateful I am just to see him again, and how every part of me comes to life.
God, I’ve missed him.
“I wike your dwess,” Emma says, touching it. “Can you sign dis for me now?”
“Mine first.” Jack shoves his pad in front of my face.
“Me!” Henry claps and steals my attention.
I drag my eyes from Grayson to look at Henry. “You threw your pen, silly bug.”
I’m laughing and crying, and generally an utter mess as I sign each of their pads.
“Don’t forget mine.” Grayson holds out a paper, but I ignore it.
“What are you doing here, Grayson?” I say, slowly standing up. I glance away, unable to bear the intimate way he’s looking at me, like he’s stripping me bare—body, heart, and soul—right here in front of all of these people.
“I’m here for you. I’ll always come for you.”
My gaze flies to his face and then to the pad of paper he’s holding up for me to see.
Two words written in his handwriting have me bursting into tears.
I’m sorry.
There’s a bustle of activity as Bo lifts the rope, and then I’m pulled into Grayson’s embrace.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispers into my hair, ignoring the flashes of light as photographers start snapping pictures. “You were right. I’m a coward. I was scared of my feelings for you, so I pushed you away rather than face them, but I need you to forgive me. I love you, Nora, more than I’ll ever love another woman.”
The small crowd that has formed around us falls dead silent, and then they giggle and aww when Emma says, “But you still wove me, wight, Daddy?”
“Always, sweetheart.”
All eyes shift to me.
I blink, stunned by Grayson’s declaration of love.
“I love you,” he says again.
I can’t believe he’s here, putting himself out there. For me.
He’s here for me.
“Nora,” he whispers, taking a step forward. “It’s okay if you’re not ready. I’ll keep fighting. I’ll—"
“I love you too.”
The crowd goes wild.
Grayson grabs me by the waist as I throw myself into his arms. I circle my arms around his neck, and the whole world fades away as I kiss him.
Our kiss is too intimate for the cameras and little eyes, but that doesn’t stop us. His tongue pushes into my mouth, his lips moving with mine.
“Dat’s gwoss,” Emma whispers.
Grayson pulls back first, smiling as he gazes deep into my eyes. “Don’t cry.” He brushes a finger under my eyes.
“I can’t help it, I’m just so happy.” I sniff and try to regain control of my my emotions, but it’s no use. “How am I supposed to sing like this?”
“We can help you.” Jack takes my hand.
I look down at his handsome face.
“You know, maybe you can.” I pick up Henry and motion for them to follow me. “Let’s go.”
“Wait.” Grayson puts a hand on my arm. “We can’t go in there.”
“Why the heck not?”
“Because the kids are underage. But you go. Perform your heart out. We’ll talk after the show.”
“No.” I shake my head. “If you guys think I’m letting you out of my sight right after I just got you back, you’re crazy.”
“Hello, Nashville! How the hell are you?”
Hoots, hollers, and deafening applause erupt around me.
“Tonight is special to me for a few different reasons,” I say, sitting on a stool in front of the mic. “Not only am I about to perform some brand-new songs for you—”
Once again, the crowd goes wild, and I smile.
“—but I’ve also got some very special people here with me tonight. Recently, I met a man. He’s not only an amazing person, but he’s a wonderful single father of three beautiful children, and I’d like to dedicate my first song to him.”
I reach for my guitar, which is propped up beside me, and drape the strap over my shoulder. I prop my foot up on the rung of the barstool and strum the opening chords.
“This song is called ‘Unbreak My Heart’.”
The lights in the room fade, except for the one shining on me. I close my eyes and sing about finding love, losing love, and begging for it back.
I feel the words, let the pain of the last few days wash away, and revel in the happiness that Grayson and his kids have brought into my life.
When the song ends, I’m met with a thunderous applause. I absorb the crowd’s enthusiasm, using it to push me into the next few songs.
Eventually my band joins in, and we pick up the tempo.
For two hours I sing my heart out, and when I near the end of my final song, I fling my guitar behind my back, grab ahold of the mic, and look to the left. Grayson and the kids are off stage jumping up and down, cheering me on.
; I wink at Emma before turning back to the crowd.
The final chords play, the band fades, and the crowd goes crazy.
I’m sweating profusely, and my face hurts from smiling so much.
I can’t ever remember being as happy as I am right now.
I wave the kids to come out. Emma shoves her brothers out of the way and skids to a stop in front of the full room.
“Dat’s a wot of people,” she says.
I laugh and reach for Henry’s hand as he waddles his way across the stage.
“This is so cool,” Jack says, joining us.
Grayson steps out last.
“Proud of you.” He wraps his arm around me and kisses me smack dab on the lips for everyone to see. He pulls back and whispers, “Let’s get out of here.”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
36
Grayson
It’s well after midnight by the time we get back to the hotel. Marnie upgraded Nora’s executive suite to a presidential suite to accommodate all of us. She also has a plane scheduled to take us home tomorrow afternoon.
This time Nora won’t be going to the loft; she’ll be in my bed where she belongs.
“Why are you smiling?” I whisper so I don’t wake the kids up as I walk into the room.
Nora is sitting on the giant king bed with my kids piled around her. They’re all arms and legs and soft baby snores, and Nora looks like she’s on cloud nine.
I’ll never be able to adequately explain what it does to me to see her with my children. I never thought I’d find a woman who would love my kids like her own, but I truly believe Nora does.
I’m fresh from the shower, a white towel wrapped around my hips. Nora’s heated gaze travels from my lips all the way down to my toes. She swallows hard.
The feeling is definitely mutual, baby.
“Nora?”
“I’m sorry, what was the question?”
I grin. “I asked why you’re smiling?”
“Just thinking.” She untangles an arm from around Emma and situates her on the pillow, then swipes a chunk of hair off of Jack’s forehead and kisses Henry on the cheek.
“About what?” I ask, holding my hand out.
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