“I made mashed potatoes and stewed venison.”
“Sounds good. I’m gonna shower before Dad gets here so we can eat.”
After dinner and another round of cookies, I put Penny to bed and lie next to her to read her a story. She curls into me as I tell her about the princess, which she’s made me change into a cowgirl, and the prince. In Penny’s imagination, the cowgirl saves the prince, which I fully support. Once I finish, she’s still awake.
“How was school today?” I ask.
“Great,” she sighs. “I got an A on my spelling test, and Mrs. Jensen said I’m ready for first grade,” she giggles. “Can you believe that, Daddy?”
I smile and nod. “You’re the smartest girl, and I’m so proud of you.” I kiss her forehead.
“Yeah, then Poppy will be my teacher,” Penny’s voice rings with excitement.
Thankfully, Poppy and Faith both work at the school and keep an eye on Penny since it’s her first year at the elementary school.
“She will be, but remember that when she’s your teacher, you have to treat her like that. No special treatment.” Although she still has a few months in Kindergarten, I need to remind her that Poppy is a teacher and not her friend when they’re at school.
“I know. She’s Ms. Powell at school.”
My smart little sunshine. I smile to myself and hug her. “What else happened at school?”
“Alex threw food in the cafeteria, and he got in trouble and had to go talk to the principal. I think Patty likes him, but he always behaves bad.”
“Remember, sometimes people want attention any way they can get it,” I tell Penny. Rumor has it, Alex’s parents are splitting up, which I’m sure is the cause for his misbehavior.
“Yeah. Oh, next week we’re going to do a science experment to make ice cream.” Penny’s voice rises with excitement.
“An ex-pe-ri-ment,” I repeat each syllable so she can listen to the proper pronunciation.
“Yeah, that. How cool is that? Maybe I can teach you how to make it after I learn.” Her brown eyes brighten with hope, and I nod.
“Of course, baby girl,” I murmur, my heavy eyes closing. I blink them open to try to stay awake, but Penny notices.
“Go to sleep, Daddy. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.” Her small hand pats my cheek, and she turns to cuddle into me. I kiss the top of her head and nod, keeping my arms around her, so she knows she’s always safe and loved, no matter what.
…
“Hey,” Averly says as she opens the front door. After church, I stopped to grab a pie from The Mad Batter, our local pastry and desserts shop, before coming over to Averly and Eli’s house for lunch.
“Hi, thanks for inviting us.” I lean in and hug her.
“Hi, Averly,” Penny waves.
“Hey, beautiful. Come in.”
Penny walks in next to me, looking around their home until she spots Abbie and rushes to her. I don’t even attempt to stop her, knowing nothing will get in the way of her and her cousin.
“Abbie said you didn’t need anything, but I brought dessert.”
Averly eyes the box from The Mad Batter, “What exactly did you bring?”
“Blueberry pie.”
“Yes! You’re always welcome so long as you bring that pie,” she jokes.
“How are you feeling? How’s Mason?” I ask as we make our way into the kitchen to drop off the pie.
“We’re great. Mason has been a good baby so far. I know he’s only two and a half months, but he’s mostly sleeping through the night and only cries when he’s hungry.”
I smile. “I’m glad.”
“Thanks. Eli has him in the living room.” We move into the living room where everyone is seated, and I greet them while taking a seat on the couch. Penny is looking at Mason with soft eyes and a smile, watching intently as the baby sleeps in Eli’s arms.
She walks over to me and takes a seat on my lap, whispering, “He’s so cute.” I nod and smile, catching up on the conversation going on between Finn, Eli, and Harris.
When Eli offers a beer, I take it with a “thanks” and pop open the cap. Abbie, Averly, and Poppy talk to Penny and intently listen as she tells them about the cookies she made with my mom.
Throughout the conversation, Knox, Ainsley, and Sutton arrive, followed by Axel and Lia. Abbie elbows me subtly, and I shake my head. She’s such a pest. Abbie knows I’m not ready to date anyone, let alone a musician who doesn’t even live in town. Penny is my only priority at the moment, and I need to be fully present to make sure she has everything she needs.
Dating isn’t an option. I’ve only ever loved one woman, and it was a pure and strong love. Bouncing back from that pain isn’t something that will happen quickly. I’m more careful, more guarded with who I let into my life. Not only do I have myself to worry about, but I refuse for my daughter to hurt because I decided to bring a woman into our lives who may not stick around. It’s no longer just me, and every decision I make has double the consideration. Even if the woman is a beautiful blonde with a bright smile.
Sutton
I listen to the conversation as I sit in Averly and Eli’s dining room table for lunch. I laugh when I need to and nod at other times. To everyone else, it may seem as if I’m fully present, but my eyes continue to wander toward Gavin sitting at the other end of the table.
I watch as he leans in and helps Penny eat, cuts her food, and then looks at Axel to answer and interact in the conversation the guys are having.
I’ve always been a hopeless romantic, putting my daydreams about love into song lyrics so I can sing them to the world and pretend I’m only singing them to the person I want in my life. Usually, the face of the man I imagine listening to my songs is a blur of uncertainty. Lately, I’m picturing the quiet and reserved man sitting opposite me.
Gavin isn’t like the other guys here. He’s an introvert. While I may not know what happened between him and Penny’s mom, it’s clear it impacted him. I look away and back at Ainsley across from me, who smiles softly.
I need to remind myself that life isn’t like a romantic song. Besides, my main focus at the moment is my music career. It’s probably smart not to make more of this crush, and it will eventually dissipate.
As we finish eating dessert, the conversation shifts to the spring town activities. Everton’s got a celebration for everything, and it seems spring comes with a town sock hop. I quietly laugh as I listen to them talk about the event, explaining how everyone dresses up from the era, and the whole town comes together.
“Actually, Mr. Powell asked if you and Knox would play,” Harris says with an easy smile.
“Yeah, of course,” I smile in return. Granted, if they want me to play, it’s part of my responsibilities, but it would be a blast to perform for the town.
“I already told him yes,” Harris winks.
“Daddy, we’re going, right?” Penny asks Gavin quietly.
“Yeah, sweetheart.” He wraps his arm around her protectively and smiles down at her, and I’m pretty sure my heart melted into a puddle of goo. I tear my eyes away from them before it becomes awkward gawking.
“Yes! Last year’s was so much fun,” Penny adds with a toothy grin. “‘Member Abbie?” She calls across the table.
“Sure do. You ate three cupcakes and danced your cute little tushie off.”
Penny nods vigorously, and everyone laughs at her enthusiasm. I catch Gavin’s eyes for a beat as I look from Penny to him and offer a timid smile. He smiles tightly before taking a drink of water and looks back at his daughter.
I sigh and inwardly roll my eyes. Does he have to be so handsome and mysterious? A part of me wants to pull him into a hug when I see the sad shadow that’s always cast around him. It’s subtle, but there’s no denying Gavin carries a heavy load on his shoulders.
After we help Averly clear the table and place all the dishes and silverware in the dishwasher, I walk over to Eli, who is carrying Mason, and peek at the cute little baby and hi
s button nose. He is so adorable, it almost makes me want a baby.
“Do you want to carry him?” Eli smiles.
“Can I?” I nod.
“Of course.”
I hold a bundled up sleeping Mason and cradle him to me, swaying him as I take in every detail. Friends with babies are the best thing.
I find Gavin watching Mason with pursed lips. “We’re gonna get going. Thanks for having us,” he announces. After a round of goodbyes from him and Penny, she looks at me and waves.
“Bye, Famous Singer.”
“Sutton,” Gavin corrects.
Penny looks at her dad with an eye roll, causing everyone to laugh. “I know, Daddy, but I like calling her that.”
I bend down, keeping Mason balanced, and smile. “Me too. Maybe you can help me make it come true.” My eyebrows lift.
Penny nods with wild enthusiasm, and a wide smile splits her face. “Yes, I can do that.”
“Thanks. You can be my lucky charm.”
Penny squeals and dances around.
“Penny, let’s go,” Gavin says with an abruptness I never imagined him to have toward his daughter.
I stand back up, frowning, before focusing back on Mason in my arms. I bounce him as his eyes begin to blink open and softly hum.
My body jolts when someone places their arm around my shoulder, and Abbie’s giggles hit me.
“You scared me.” I look over at her with narrowed eyes.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to. Gavin’s gone through a lot, so don’t take anything personally,” she confides.
I nod and keep my eyes trained on Mason.
I can’t imagine what Gavin’s life must be like or the way his mind now assesses everything and everyone he meets.
“Penny likes you. She’s usually not so outgoing with someone until she knows them well enough,” Abbie adds.
“She’s sweet. I like her, too.”
“Now, give me my nephew.” Abbie holds her arms out.
I lift my eyebrows in question, and she laughs. “He’s not my nephew officially yet, but hopefully one day,” she confesses.
Smiling, I hand Mason over instead of being a greedy baby carrier. I have no doubt that one day she and Finn will get married, and she will officially be Averly’s sister-in-law and Mason’s aunt.
Finn walks over to us, placing his arm around Abbie and moving Mason’s blanket away from his face so he can look at him. I watch as he kisses Abbie’s temple and whispers something that causes her to blush and smile. Giving them some privacy, I walk into the living room and sit on the sofa.
My mind wanders to my future, attempting to imagine what it will be like. Dreams of having a family of my own, a successful music career, and a house full of laughter pulls me away from the conversation. I sigh and smile.
“Sutton,” Faith pulls me out of my thoughts. “When do you go back to Nashville?”
I shake my head and respond, “I’m in Everton for a couple more weeks to record my music video before heading back to Nashville for a few shows, and then I come back.”
“That’s a lot of traveling,” she comments.
“Yeah,” I nod. Maybe Ainsley was right when she said that I’m spending more time here than Nashville these days.
“Hey, she keeps me in business. Don’t discourage it,” Averly jokes.
I laugh and nod. “I most definitely do.” Her bed and breakfast is amazing, and I wouldn’t imagine staying anywhere else when I come into Everton.
“That reminds me,” Averly says. “Would you rather stay in the guest house since you’ll be here for so long? You’ll have a kitchen and more space to move around.”
“Really?” My eyes pop open.
“Yeah. My manager just moved out into her own place nearby. Same price as your current room.”
“Well, since you twisted my arm…” I roll my eyes playfully, and we all laugh.
“Great. I’ll make sure it’s ready for you tomorrow.”
“Thank you. Honestly, I’m happy in my current room, but it’d be nice to cook and not eat out or pester Knox and Ainsley for meals.”
“You’re not a pest,” Ainsley shakes her head.
“You know what I mean.” I lean my shoulder into hers.
“Why don’t you ever pester us for meals?” Poppy says with a pout, clearly feeling left out.
“Because the studio is in their house, and I think they feel bad for me and ask me to stay for dinner.”
“Well, you’re coming over for dinner tomorrow night,” she decides with a stern look I assume she gives her students.
“If you insist. Geez, y’all are gonna break my arms if you keep twisting so hard,” I tease.
It feels great to be a part of this group of friends. Being the outsider, I was afraid I’d come into Everton, work, and spend time alone. Instead, Knox and Harris have welcomed me in like a sister, introduced me to the people they care about, and made sure I felt welcomed. Southern hospitality has nothing on Everton.
…
Did I hear Knox correctly?
“Are you serious?” I shriek.
“Yup,” he nods.
“We’ve got to work on this right away,” Harris adds.
As soon as I got to Knox’s house and down to the studio, Knox and Harris were waiting for me to tell me the news. Matthew Barber, a friend of Knox and Harris and one of Hollywood’s greatest actors and producers, wants us to write and record a few songs for his upcoming movie. I’m about to pee myself, I’m so excited.
Matthew and Grady James own One Harbour Entertainment, a production company, and they’re working on a new film. Apparently, Matthew called them on Friday afternoon to talk to them about this possibility, but they wanted to talk it over and get more details before telling me. This is definitely the best news to start the week.
“How many songs?” I ask, clapping my hands. The excitement vibrates off my body like waves or tiny earthquakes, but that sounds more dangerous.
“Five. Some will be duets, and others will be sung alone. He’ll call later today to go over details,” Harris explains.
“This such a huge opportunity.” I lean back on the sofa and blink the tears back before they slide down my face.
“You deserve it,” Knox says.
I nod and inhale deeply, keeping my emotions intact.
“Don’t get emotional.” Harris pulls me in for a side hug. I guess I’m not that good and hiding them.
“This is just…” I’m at a loss for words. “A movie by Matthew Barber is huge. All you need to tell me is that Ronan Connolly is going to star in it,” I add.
When Harris and Knox look at each other with raised eyebrows, my eyes popped out of their sockets.
“We don’t know who’s starring yet. They’re still in negotiations.”
“Oh. My. God.” I take their I don’t know as a Ronan is going to be the star even though it could not happen.
As much as I’d like to pretend I’m cool and collected, I’m still a girl who goes a little overboard with her favorite celebrities. Not to mention I’m obsessed with Ronan’s sister-in-law’s fashion line. I will, one day, wear one of her dresses to an awards show. It’s on my bucket list, next to being nominated for New Female Artist of the Year.
While we wait for Matthew’s call, we look over our schedule, the local shows we’ll be performing in the area, and talk about my upcoming music video. Every day I wake up and give thanks for the life I’m living. It’s hard work and a lot of time away from my family, but I’ve found a great second family that I belong in.
With each moment I spend here, the more I realize that my time in Nashville may be over, but I question how I can be a successful country musician and not live in Music City. Regardless, being a musician calls for a lot of traveling, and maybe Everton being the place I always come back to will be the smartest choice since the label is here.
In the past year, I’ve spent more time sleeping in hotels than I have in my own bed. Going from gig to gig, flying to Ev
erton, and going on tour for a few months has been nonstop. I love it, but I spent as much time in Nashville as here. Over the next few months, though, I’ll be in Everton more than Nashville with all the new projects coming my way. Songs for a movie, a second album in the works, more shows, and appearances.
I am excited to be in Nashville for the American Music Awards next month with Knox and Harris. I’m not nominated this year, but I am going to bust my butt to be nominated next year. Knox, however, is nominated for the first time in two years since he took a career break, and I know people are buzzing about seeing him back at an awards show.
He and I will also be performing our duet. The experience in itself will be amazing, and I know it will be another great opportunity to put my music and name out there to continue building my career. Not to mention the other artists I’ll meet at an event like this.
When Matthew calls, we have our phone conference, and I listen intently to the details. My life is changing for the good, and I am so ready for this ride.
Gavin
I comb a relentless hand through my hair as I expel a hopeless breath. Standing in line at the pharmacy, I want to push everyone out of the way and rush to the counter. I close my eyes, and take in deep, even breaths and count to ten as I scrub my fingers over my forehead, failing at smoothing the deep lines that have formed there.
People take forever picking up medicine they have prescriptions for. I’ve never understood that.
I sigh when the line moves up a bit, but it’s not moving fast enough. Frustration shakes my body, and I shove my balled-up fists into my leather jacket pockets before I lose my calm.
When Penny called me from school saying she was sick, I left the ranch and rushed to pick her up. She looked miserable with a pale face and the groaning noises coming from her. It never gets easier seeing her sick, and if I could, I’d steal the virus from her and claim it as my own if it means my little girl is her happy self again.
After a doctor’s visit, I dropped her off at home with my mom, so Penny could nap, and I came to get her medicine.
“Hey,” a cheery voice calls from behind me.
Then I Met You: A single dad romance (Love in Everton Book 6) Page 3