Sweet Texas Kiss (Sweet Texas Secrets)

by Monica Tillery

  • • •

  Gavin sat in a pew in Sweet Ridge First Christian Church, struggling to focus on the pastor’s eulogy, with Macy sitting in front of him, mere feet away. As far as he could tell, she hadn’t seen him. An appointment with worried new puppy owners ran late at the clinic, and he’d slipped into the church moments before the service began. Macy had already been seated, and there was no graceful way to get to her, so they hadn’t had a chance to speak. Not that moments before a funeral was an appropriate time to address their romantic future, but he longed for a way to let her know how much he’d missed her the last several days, how she’d managed to leave a huge hole in his heart, and how he had to have her in his life one way or the other. He had to find a way to make it work, if she’d have him. People in Tennessee had pets, didn’t they? Starting a new practice in Nashville would be a lot of work, but if it meant they could be together, it would be worth it.

  The pastor read a lengthy passage from the Bible, then Mr. Procter’s daughter got up to say a few words about her dad. She’d been a year behind Gage in school, so Gavin never got to know her, but he’d known her dad in passing. He was a good man, a great asset to the high school and community, and they were going to be worse off without him. Mr. Procter’s daughter finished her speech and sat down, head bent, next to her family. Next, Macy went to the front of the church and took her place at the microphone.

  “I haven’t been back to Sweet Ridge for many years, but I never forgot how much Mr. Procter did for me. I know many of you were touched by him in some way, whether he was your teacher, or if he stopped and helped you when you had a flat tire, or if you’re one of the many people who were inspired by his belief in you. He changed my life, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

  A man in a charcoal-gray suit sat at the piano and waited for Macy’s nod before he began playing. She finally looked out into the assembled mourners and gave Gavin a sad smile, one that was impossible to interpret. Seeing her again sucked the air right out of his lungs. She held the microphone loosely, closed her eyes, and began to sing a heartbreaking rendition of Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven.” Having heard her smoky alto harmonize with Tori’s mellow voice hundreds of times over the years, he was unprepared for how plaintive and stunning it was on its own. He’d only known Mr. Procter in passing, but Macy’s mournful rendition of the song made his heart ache from loss. A quick look around told him that her soulful voice was having the same effect on everyone in the room. Nobody was able to keep the tears from streaming down their faces. She had reached into each person’s heart, twisting enough to make them realize how much they’d lost.

  In that moment, Gavin realized what a crime it was that she hadn’t shared her talent with the world for so many years. He didn’t know how much he’d actually had to do with her finding her voice again, but he was profoundly grateful that she had. As much as her mournful rendition had brought out the sadness in the group, somehow by the end of the song, he felt uplifted and comforted. How had he not seen it before? Her talent was transformative, nothing less.

  She finished the song and returned to her seat. No one uttered a sound, perhaps too afraid to break the spell she’d woven. Finally, the pastor cleared his throat and returned to the microphone to deliver his closing remarks. Once the service ended, Gavin sat, aching to get to Macy and terrified that he might be too late. Macy hadn’t contacted him since she’d gone back to Nashville, there was no clue about how she was feeling in her expression, and she might not have even come back to Sweet Ridge if it hadn’t been for the memorial service.

  He filed out with the rest of the mourners and lingered on the church’s front steps. Softly greeting the people he knew as they passed, exchanging sentiments that couldn’t touch the magnitude of loss many of them were experiencing, he kept an eye out for Macy. She finally emerged from the church, walking side by side with her friend Kelly from the flower shop, their heads bent in soft conversation. She shielded her eyes from the bright afternoon sunshine as they stepped onto the top step, and then she saw him. He held his breath, waiting to see if she’d walk by him with no more than a nod of acknowledgment or fall into his arms. She was breathtaking, perhaps more so with the trails in her makeup her tears had left. Seeing her so sad gutted him, but she’d never seemed more like the girl he used to know, and he wanted to be the one to comfort her. Her vulnerability made her softer, more human, more herself.

  He knew now that he’d do anything to make her happy, would move mountains to spare her a moment of pain. Edging past mourners, as quickly as he could without pushing people, he approached her.

  She stopped when he caught up to her, and said good-bye to her friend.

  “Hey.”

  She ran a hand gently down his arm, but she didn’t take his hand or linger. Gavin gathered her in his arms and kissed the top of her head. She relaxed against him and took a deep, shuddering breath.

  “I’m so sorry about Mr. Procter. I know how much he meant to you, and it’s a shame to lose him so soon after reconnecting with him.” His sympathy was heartfelt, but the words felt inadequate.

  “I know. He meant a lot to everyone who knew him.” She stepped out of his embrace and let her gaze travel across the distance. “I think I know what I want.”

  His heart raced, and he held his breath for a second before responding. “You do?”

  “Yeah. I know I was supposed to take some time to think about it, but it didn’t work out the way I expected.” She waved her hand toward the church. “This opened my eyes to what I want.”

  He swallowed, pushing down the wild hope bubbling up inside him. “Listen, before you go any further, let me say that I was a fool. I shouldn’t have put everything on you to decide. You have a career and a life ahead of you, and I want to be a part of it, no matter what. And no matter where. If you’ll have me, I’ll move to Nashville so we can be together and you can still work. All I want is to know is if I have a place in your life.”

  She took his hand, looking up at him through sooty lashes. “Of course you do. Let’s take a walk.” That wasn’t exactly an answer, and he couldn’t tell if she was about to tell him that she had feelings for him, too, or if she was ready to move on with her life. For all he knew, her time in Nashville had been productive, and she’d decided to sell him the house so she could put her career in high gear.

  They wound through the dispersing crowd, leaving the church behind, and walked the few short blocks to the cemetery. The bright sunlight, singing birds, and usual traffic in town made for an oddly ordinary backdrop for the day that could change his life forever. Macy paused outside the elaborate wrought-iron scrolls of the gates. “I actually parked here instead of at the church. I wanted to pay your dad a quick visit, if that’s okay with you.”

  She could be telling his father good-bye forever or thanking him for the home she planned on living in. Nothing in her demeanor told him which way she was leaning, and it was torture. They walked through the tidy cemetery without speaking or touching, the dappled sunlight filtering in through the canopy of leaves, which brought the temperature down a few degrees in the shade, Gavin had come by the cemetery frequently enough that he no longer felt hesitant, making it a true visit with his father rather than the stuffy ritual of paying respects he’d performed many times over the years for his mother and grandparents. They reached the peaceful plots where his parents were buried, side by side.

  “Hey, Dad.” Gavin touched the top of the granite headstone gently.

  “Would you mind if I have a few minutes alone with your dad?” Macy asked.

  “Of course.” He could wait a few more moments to find out her decision.

  • • •

  Macy shifted, not sure what to do with her hands now that she was alone at the grave site. With no flowers to leave this time, she shoved her hands into her pockets and addressed the silent headstone.

  “Hi, Jack. I wanted to come by today to thank you properly for the house. The last time I stopped by t
o see you, I didn’t realize how much it would change my life. I didn’t know what a big deal it was, but I’ll bet you did.” If Jack were there, he’d be smiling, so proud of himself for pulling one over on the kids. “I don’t know how you knew, but you did. I never thought I’d come back to Sweet Ridge, and I never in a million years would’ve guessed that I’d want to make a life here with Gavin. He’s perfect for me, and I think he feels the same.”

  She looked down the path, enjoying the chance to watch Gavin unobserved for a moment as he sat on a bench in a clearing. He’d always had the confidence that she lacked, probably thanks to the family and money he’d been born into. Now they were on equal footing, and it was endearing.

  “I shut myself down after Tori died, and I don’t know how you realized what I needed to open my life up to happiness again, but you got it just right. I’ll never forget you, and I’ll always be grateful. Gavin looks like he’s about to fall over from the suspense, so I’d better go rescue him.” She set a hand on the top of the stone. “I’m sure we’ll be back to visit you again soon. ’Bye, Jack.”

  Macy joined Gavin and led him to the car, nervous but excited to share her plan with him.

  • • •

  They parked on the street downtown, close to This Bud’s for You, and stopped on the sidewalk by the empty space next door. Macy obviously wanted to do this her own way, but he couldn’t wait much longer. Nothing could have prepared him for the hole that opened up in his life when she left. He’d fallen in love with her, and he hated that they’d wasted so much time. Having Macy in his home and in his heart for even a short time made it impossible to live without her.

  Finally, she looked up at him, her blue eyes holding his future. “I didn’t know what to think about you, Gavin. You were so angry with me, and every time I saw you, I was reminded of Tori and everything I’d lost. I wanted to leave and never see your face again.” She laughed softly. “And then you accepted me for who I am, and you showed me that my life doesn’t have to be over just because one chapter ended. The day I met those kids and finally sang again after all these years was like I had been reborn. I never thought I’d sing again, and now I can’t seem to stop.”

  Macy was beautiful, completely at peace, and Gavin worried that it was because she’d found the strength to return to her career and leave him behind, the confidence to go it alone. He was at a loss for words. “I’m glad.”

  “I’m going to start a solo career. I never thought I would, but I really don’t think I’ll be happy if I don’t start making music again.”

  So there it was. She was going back to Nashville to start working on a new page in her career. A career and a life that had nothing to do with Gavin. He swallowed hard, and put what he hoped was a convincing smile on his face. “I think you’ll be great.”

  “I’ve got one more season on my contract with America’s Next Country Star, and then I’m not going to renew. I’ll save the TV shows for when I retire again.” She stepped closer to the big plate-glass window of the empty retail space and looked in. “I think I’m going to buy this place.”

  “What?”

  She bounced a little on her toes, clearly excited. “I think it would be a great spot for a recording studio.”

  “Wait, are you saying you don’t want to go back to Nashville?”

  “I have to go back and forth for work, at least until my contract ends, and that’s going to be tough. Our season is short, but the hours are grueling. I might not be able to do everything I want from Sweet Ridge, but I can make this my home base, and I’ll be here more often than not. I’ll hire someone to keep the business running while I’m gone, and I can record here when it’s time. We can rent out rooms for music lessons, and I can sell studio time, make it into something really great for people here. Most importantly, I want to take over Mr. Procter’s group. Those kids need someone, and I want it to be me.”

  “I need you, too.” Gavin took her face in his hands and bent down to kiss her, afraid for a moment that he’d spoken too soon, pushed too hard.

  She snaked her arms around his waist and pulled herself closer, fitting into his embrace as she melted against him. Her lips parted as he deepened the kiss, imparting the longing and desire he felt for her, what words couldn’t express. Tucked in the shadow under the building’s awning, they weren’t completely hidden from passersby, but they weren’t out in the open, either. He took advantage of the moment to soak in every detail of the woman he’d fallen in love with, the way her hair felt between his fingers, how her lips moved beneath his. He’d always remember the exact moment he found out that Macy was coming home to stay.

  “I’m in love with you,” he whispered against her lips.

  “I know.” She laughed softly as he touched his forehead to hers. “I love you, too.”

  “Now that I have you back, I don’t think I can ever let you go.”

  “You won’t have to. I mean, you already live in my house.” She took his hand as they walked back to the car. “I was thinking maybe we could move into the master bedroom.”

  Gavin sent up silent thanks to his father. In taking away what he thought he’d wanted, he’d given him so much more. It was a funny way to do it, but Gavin knew he wouldn’t have appreciated it any other way. The house was nothing without someone to share it with, and he couldn’t have picked a better match than Macy if he’d tried.

  He’d fought for the house. He got a home.

  Acknowledgments

  Being involved in another Crimson Romance continuity with Nicole Flockton and Robyn Neeley has been a true pleasure and a privilege. Thank you, girls, from the bottom of my heart for the experience. Bringing the Cooper boys to life with you two has been so much fun, and I’m so glad we found a way to work together again.

  Thank you to Tara Gelsomino, for your guidance in getting this project started and for giving us the chance to put it together. We are all grateful for your support and your belief in us and in these books.

  And to Julie Sturgeon, thank you isn’t big enough. Yet again, you bravely took on the task of editing our connected books. Your thorough revisions, delivered kindly and with humor, have taught me so much. I’m proud to be able to say that I survived Julie’s edits!

  More from This Author

  The Election Connection

  Monica Tillery

  Lily Ashton took Congressman Ford Richardson’s offered hand and pulled herself out of the Town Car, careful not to scuff her Louboutins on the pavement or flash her panties to the paparazzi. Ford kissed her temple before waving to the crowd and flashing his best campaign smile. As usual, she played it up, gazing at him in adoration for the cameras, though to be honest, it wasn’t much of a chore. His thick, dark hair, strong jaw, and polished good looks were easy on the eyes. He wore a suit like nobody’s business, but they hadn’t been dating quite long enough for her to know what was beneath those expensive fabrics. She had a good idea, though, and the warm, muscled skin she felt beneath her hands when she slipped her arm around his waist during fundraisers and cocktail parties told her she was in for quite a treat if things ever went that far.

  They hurried past the onlookers, tossing out smiles and waves, but no comments, until they reached the hotel where her best friend’s wedding reception would be held. Once they were safely inside the posh lobby, Ford slowed his stride and took her hand. Her heels clicked against the mirror-smooth marble floors, and the rush of guests traveling through the space moved the hotel’s signature lemon-coconut scent over them in a fragrant breeze.

  “Thank you for that.” He always softened when they were alone, turning off the public persona and becoming more human and less politician.

  “For what?” She smoothed her hair and took in the details of the gorgeous hotel lobby. From the impeccably dressed hotel employees to the sophisticated décor, every aspect of the space screamed elegant decadence.

  “For the pictures out there. This is Carly’s day, not mine. I wish we could just go out sometimes and
not have photographers waiting outside.” He’d leaned close enough for her to feel the warmth of his breath on her neck and catch a hint of his sophisticated scent.

  If he thought any of the paparazzi outside had come to catch a glimpse of him, then the campaign had scrambled his brain. Carly and her new husband, Michael, were both amazing bakers who met as rival contestants on a reality baking show but ended up falling in love last year when they teamed up to work on a celebrity wedding. Their popularity exploded when they joined forces to create a show on the Cuisine Network where they traveled the world, putting their own spin on popular tourist attractions with inventive themed cakes. Viewers were rewarded with a romantic proposal on the last episode of the season, and the big day had finally come. They had made a slew of famous friends through the show and in working on high-profile weddings. Their reception was going to be teeming with A-listers from every facet of entertainment.

  “We can, but maybe not to the wedding of two television stars who have a ton of famous friends. I’m sure half the paparazzi don’t even know who they’re waiting for, and you just got some free publicity, Congressman. You’re welcome.” Cameras did follow Ford much of the time they went out, but sometimes she wondered if he didn’t enjoy the attention a little more than he let on.

  With a gentle hand at her elbow, he led her into the reception, and she stood in awe of her friend’s glamorous dream made reality. Lily had worked closely with Carly during every step of the wedding and reception planning, but seeing it all come together was breathtaking. The hotel was spectacular, but the decorated ballroom was almost unbelievable. Soft pinks, creamy ivories, and stark blacks mingled in the fabrics, their wedding cake, the china, and linens. It was gorgeous, but weddings were always bittersweet for her.

  She felt mentally healthy enough to be genuinely happy for her friend, though, and watching the pair say their vows earlier was magical. Lily was ready to celebrate them now. The newly married couple bustled into the lobby and stood outside the ballroom doors, waiting for the emcee to announce their arrival, so there was no time for self-pity. She exchanged elated grins with Carly and watched as they drifted in, the crowd parting for them, and walked to the dance floor.