Calm ripples turn to restless waves
I've been locked inside this prison
for far too many days
By the end of the tune, Taryn was at a loss for words. As always, Kyra poured everything she'd felt into that tune. To know she'd written it during her own dark days, while secluded away from the world from the same situation that caused Taryn to back away, really hit home. Kyra paused the CD and shot an uncertain, nervous glance her way.
“First of all, damn you for making me cry. Why you have to be the one to bring this side out of me, I don't understand. Secondly … what a powerful tune. It has several meanings. I love it.” Taryn swiped at a tear.
“Taryn, be honest with me-”
“I really do love the song!”
“Not about the song. I mean about- Well, I wonder if I did push you too much?”
“About the tour and the band? You didn't push. At least, not too hard. You gave me exactly what I needed. I'm going to ignore the naysayers in my head and continue with the plan to tour. The only way I'll know for sure how I will or won't feel is by experiencing it, and I love that I can see firsthand how epic your comeback tour is going to be. It's been a long time coming for the both of us!”
“I can't believe it'll be time to head to Nashville after the wedding and get ready for the CD launch.”
“I might even miss you a little,” Taryn quipped.
“I know I'll miss you,” Kyra said softly. “Don't go and move in with Chris while I'm gone, either.”
“Umm, no. We aren't even … I don't know what we are.” Taryn closed her eyes and thought of him. Seeing each other at the wedding rehearsal and having a small chat didn't mean they'd fixed things. Not by a long shot.
“You love him.”
“I-” Taryn froze. Yes, she loved him. She'd admitted it to herself the other day. “I do love him.”
“He's good to you. And I think he's good for you. So there was a little madness with the whole Alice thing, but that's behind you two now.”
“I know. I had a meltdown. I freaked. But I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I don't want to hold back. You were right, you know.” Taryn sighed.
“Wait! Can I record this? Taryn McAllister just admitted I'm right!” Kyra's eyes went wide.
“Shut up, you wench!” Taryn giggled, tossing a small pillow at Kyra. “I do have pity parties sometimes. I pushed myself to adapt and play drums. I hid and avoided the world because I lost my confidence. And then you and that crazy boyfriend of yours swept into my life, and everything changed. There were mishaps and misunderstandings, and I didn't know how to handle them.”
“I know the feeling, at least partly, anyway.”
“I know you do. I need to say something, Kyra. You didn't fail me.”
“How did you-” Kyra gasped.
“Ten years of knowing you. Plus, Matt told me. Don't kill him. He's always trying to keep the two of us going. I kinda like that guy.” She nudged her.
“I love that man. How can I not?” They both laughed.
“Seriously. We need to both put that stupid accident behind us once and for all. We need to stop walking on eggshells and stop worrying about failing or being intimidated by each other.” Taryn was so tired of thinking about it and letting the damn event define her.
“Sometimes I like the way you think, Tar.” Kyra's smile grew. “Like right now. By the way, at your county fair performance, Landon will be there. I won't be able to make this one, but he's coming down to see you guys. Don't tell anyone else.”
“I can't wait to get back on the road. I'm scared and I'm ready, but I'm not at the same time. I feel like a clock pendulum. Back and forth,” Taryn grumbled.
“It'll be fun. You know I always have your back. Do me a favor, though, and don't say you're an inconvenience any more, okay? And if someone makes you uncomfortable, speak your mind. Use that Taryn spark of madness I know you still carry.”
“Yes, ma'am,” Taryn cracked. “You have my word. I'll try to do better.”
“Good. No more pity parties, either.”
“Trust me, I'm tired of them. I guess it takes a long while to get over stuff.”
“Yeah, it does. Now let's get up and get you ready for your date with Chris.” Kyra flew out of bed. “And then you'd better be ready to show off some dance moves tonight.”
“Who told you?”
“Small towns.” Kyra giggled. “No, Matt said something about you and Chris dancing, but you wouldn't say anything more. Come on. Time to think about good things in our future.”
Watching her friend's retreating back as she flung through Taryn's closet, she had a feeling maybe everything was working out the way it should. Next person to have a heart to heart with was Chris.
Today starts the first day of the new and improved Taryn- again!
*****
“I already know you're an arcade girl, you're rebellious and gorgeous, but answer me this: How much of an amusement park junkie were you?” Chris pulled up to the Harmony's Echo fairgrounds and faced Taryn.
“Believe it or not, I only went once, and that was with Kyra. Dad was too old for that stuff, so I never got to go.” Taryn eyed the fairgrounds warily, but she made no other comment. What the hell did he have planned?
“I have connections,” he said with a grin. “So we have all access for the next two hours without a crowd of people surrounding us. Games, rides, the works. And yes, there are several rides that you can get on.”
“Playing hooky from work to go to an amusement park?” Taryn snickered. “What an influence you are on me.”
“I aim to please.” He covered her hand with his on the console. “I missed you all week, drummer girl. You've officially infected my mind. We didn't get much of a chance to talk at the wedding rehearsal.”
“I missed you, too. I really needed the time to sort things out.” Guilt still plagued her.
Chris nodded, only concern showing in his eyes. “I get that. I took the time to do the same. Before we go, I have something I want you to wear, and I'll show you why soon.” Reaching toward the glove box, Chris pulled out something and held it up.
A silver chain dangled from his hand.
“What is this?” Taryn scrunched up her face.
It's for symbolism. I have one on, too. Like I said, I'll show you.” Chris instructed her to hold out her arm, and he clasped the chain around her wrist, then held up his own. “I'm surprised you didn't notice this on mine. Ready?”
“Ready.” There it was. That smile he loved so much. Chris climbed out of the car, pulled out Taryn's chair, and set it near the open door on the passenger side.
“So this is where we're performing in two weeks?” Taryn asked as they headed toward the front gates.
“Yep. I guess the fair is a yearly thing, and this is Baby Stetson's second performance here. Last year, they still had a drummer. I missed the fair, because I hadn't moved here yet.”
“So how do you know people to get us in here early?” Taryn inquired.
He laughed. “I had a little help. I have influential people who know people. By the way, I hear you and Avery had a good talk and that you're staying on for the summer tour.”
“It's true. I'm sticking to my original plan to give the summer a try. If it works out, then I guess I'll be Nashville bound again.” She sounded excited, but the look she shot him still showed some doubts.
“Then I have all summer to keep showing you we should date.” Oh, the things he could show her. Plans were already forming in his mind.
“Oh really?” Taryn laughed as they entered the gates. Chris waved to the young, skinny guy standing there.
“Have fun, you two.” The security guard waved.
“Yes, really. I plan to be relentless. From what I hear, it works on you.”
Taryn groaned. “You're in cahoots with Kyra, aren't you?”
“Of course. Who else is going to help me plan things for you? I have one request. You can pick all and any rides and games, but let me pi
ck the first one.”
“Sure.” Taryn shrugged, then adjusted her sunglasses.
He led her to the Ferris wheel. “I hear interesting things happen on Ferris wheels. Told by Harmony's Echo's finest. I hope you'll trust me enough to carry you to a car.” Someone waited in front of the ride with a friendly smile.
“Everyone is watching us,” Taryn whispered.
“Of course they are. We're the talk of the fairgrounds.”
“Well yeah, because we're the only ones here.” Taryn put the brakes on her chair as the ride operator opened up a door. She wrapped her arms around him, and Chris prepared to pick her up. Her eyelids lowered for a second before her eyes focused on his face. “In you go,” he said softly, setting Taryn down. Then he climbed in beside her. As the operator lowered the bar, Chris slid an arm around her shoulders.
“So why this ride first?”
The wheel moved, and up they went. The world below grew smaller and smaller. “Because I want to kiss you at the top of the Ferris wheel.” He zipped his lips after that. There was something else he wanted to do.
The wheel went around once, and as they moved to the top again, the ride slowed to a stop. There. Chris got the mood he needed. Taryn kept looking out, then at him again. He loved the surprise and awe on her face.
He kissed her, full of promise, passion and everything in between. “I want to show you a new world like you've done for me. I'm not a poet or a man of pretty words, but I'm a man of honesty. I was lost for a long time. A little jaded, never willing to get close to anyone. Not too long ago, I was intrigued by a new drummer who would take my place, and then I met you, and all of that changed. I love you, Taryn McAllister. I love the fire in your eyes when you talk about music and all the other things you're passionate about. You have a desire in you I've longed to find since I lost it all those years ago.
“You had me at 'I love you',” Taryn whispered, caressing the side of his face. “I love you, too.”
“Does this mean you'll date me?” Chris kissed her again, running his hand along her neck. Her green shirt matched her eyes today. So beautiful. He was lucky to have the chance to get to know her, let alone fall in love with her.
“Duh!” Crinkles formed around her brow as she laughed. “No more crazy stalkers, ok?” Taryn clapped a hand to her mouth. “Should we even joke about that?”
“Only the two of us would make that kind of joke. I still … that whole thing...” He groaned. “I can't make any promises about stalkers, but it won't be anything I've started. I've learned my lesson. I'm damn glad the Alice debacle wasn't worse than it could have been. I hope she gets the help she needs. As for you, no more holding back. Go after everything you want. Don't let yourself or anyone else keep you down.”
“Deal.” They sealed it with another kiss before the ride moved again. “I'm really sorry about throwing it up in your face about Bridgette. I was a witch. Maybe I need a broomstick.”
Chris brushed his hand along her cheek lovingly. “Maybe you should let out your feelings a lot more often, so they don't build up.”
“I'm going to try,” Taryn promised.
“Before the ride moves again, let me explain the bracelets. They represent the shackles and chains we both weigh ourselves down with. Once we take these off, we throw them over the edge and be free of the things that make us unsure of everything. Then maybe, we can discover a future together.”
“I love the symbolism,” Taryn mused. She toyed with the bracelet on her arm.
“If you're attached to it, I'll buy you something much prettier.”
“I've worn it less than ten minutes. Maybe some lucky teenage couple will come across them and put them to use. Or two best friends.”
Chris took his off and waited for Taryn. He leaned closer to her so they could drop them over the same edge at the same time. “Good bye, past. I'm letting you go. No matter what happens with Bridgette or anything else, it's high time to let go. One, two, three, let go.” He opened his hand about the same time Taryn did. “We need to tell everyone we started dating today. I'm curious as to their bets,” Chris murmured against her lips. “Either way, I win the best prize.”
Taryn wrapped her arms around his neck. “I think we both win, but I'm definitely intrigued to know how the bets will play out. Wonder who the talk of the town will be next?”
“Who knows? We'll be on tour soon, so all that small talk will fade, at least until we get back. I think when you guys move to Nashville, I'm coming, too. You and I can continue to see where things go, and I'll still be near my sister. After this whole thing with Bridgette, I realized I want to be around the people who matter. While you guys work toward getting a record deal, I'm going to go back to school and finish getting my degree as a physical therapist. I want to be able to show other people their opportunities.”
“I think you'll make an excellent physical therapist,” Taryn mused as she leaned on his shoulder.
Chris closed his eyes and held Taryn close. She was just what he needed.
*****
“Two Grant family members will be married by the end of day! It's the wedding weekend frenzy everyone is talking about.”
This morning, SueLynn Grant married Chet in a private ceremony with family, and they were sharing a reception with Melody and Jameson.
Chris stood with Melody as they waited for their cue to walk down the aisle. He'd be the one giving her away today. She clutched her flowers. From the cute kid in pigtails to the woman wearing a long, white wedding dress about to become someone's wife, Chris's heart soared. Good things were coming. Finally.
“This goes without saying, but he better always be good to you. I will kick Jameson's ass otherwise. I know he makes you happy and I don't have anything to worry about, but what kind of brother would I be if I didn't say it, though?” He bent to kiss her cheek, careful not to smudge her makeup or she might get emotional on him. He never knew what would set a bride off on her day.
“He's always taken good care of me,” Melody said through her tears. Her dress suited her. Simple, yet stunning. Mel reminded him of a princess. Along the waist of her dress, a black belt stood out among all the white, and a handful of flowers were centered in the front. Melody's blonde waves framed her face.
“I know. I'm glad that damn bus broke down in front of Harmony's Echo, of all places.” He didn't want to think about how life would have turned out otherwise.
Melody laughed through another round of tears. “I say the same thing. Hey, I hope you aren't still beating yourself up about how that turned out. I've been worried about you.”
“I'm starting to let go. It's time to dust myself off and start living,” Chris promised. “When you go to Nashville, I'm going, too. I'll be going back to school.”
“Yeah? I'm glad to hear it.” His sister nodded at him in approval.
“I'm glad to have a sense of direction again. And, because I know you all are taking bets, Taryn and I started dating officially yesterday.”
“Damn it! I was off by a month!” Melody snapped her fingers.
Chris winked. “I'm going to start placing bets on when a mini-Melody is gonna pop out.”
“Don't. You. Dare!” she growled, a blush creeping up in her cheeks. “Oh! The music is starting. It's time!”
He walked his sister down the aisle, in good spirits over things. As he passed Taryn, he shot her a smile. She was stunning in her light blue dress and her hair pinned up. Most of all, he loved her smile and the sparkle in her eyes. He mouthed an 'I love you' to her as he led his sister up to the altar. He kissed Melody's cheek again and let go of her so she could stand up next to Jameson. Seeing the bride and groom all dressed up, happy and in love, Chris stared back at them for another second. He'd been through a lot with Melody, and it was good to know she had someone who loved her unconditionally. Blaine and Randy stayed up at the altar as maid of honor and best man. Chris went to sit next to Taryn. “Hey, gorgeous,” he said before kissing her.
She reached fo
r his hand. “You made me cry,” she whispered.
“How did I do that?”
“Watching you walk your sister down the aisle. It was beautiful. You all have turned me into a damn sap.”
“I'm okay with that,” Chris whispered back as the ceremony officially started.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to unite this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”
There wasn't a dry eye in the courtyard. Melody and Jameson had eyes only for each other, holding hands and so in love. Blaine and Randy were watching each other as well, probably thinking about the day they would get to do this.
“Do you, Jameson, take Melody to be your lawfully wedded wife and live together forever in the estate of holy matrimony? Do you promise to love, comfort, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Jameson answered, his smile widening.
“Do you, Melody, take Jameson to be your lawfully wedded husband and live together forever in the estate of holy matrimony? Do you promise to love, comfort, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” Melody's tears started up again.
Randy held out the rings. Everyone awwed at the moment they slid each others' rings on.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride!”
Everyone lit up in applause and cheers as Melody and Jameson sealed their vows in a kiss.
*****
“Please welcome Mr and Mrs. Jameson Grant to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife!” Kyra said into the microphone. The inn's large dining room had been turned into the reception hall.
Taryn glanced around the room, enjoying the fact that this was her reality. The spotlight didn't seem so bad most times, and when it did, she knew she had a strong support system from Kyra, Chris, and all the members of Baby Stetson, plus their families. She'd be ok. No more worrying about trivial things or the past. It was high time to move on and enjoy life again. Enjoy herself, because she still had so much to live for.
Offbeat (Love and Music In Texas Book 5) Page 33