Bailey sat at the kitchen table, sipping a cup of coffee. Dawn was just beginning to break over the horizon. She had been up for a couple of hours thinking about Trace and how much he’d come to mean to her.
She and Trace laughed a lot. They shared the same sense of humor which she found very sexy. There was something about shared laughter that created a special kind of intimacy between two people. He got her, and Bailey got him.
Shortly after eight a.m., her doorbell rang.
“Who in the world is here at this ungodly hour?”
Bailey was surprised to see Trace at her door. “Good morning.”
He smiled. “I thought I’d bring you and your mother breakfast.”
“Perfect timing,” she responded. “I was just going through my refrigerator trying to figure out what to cook.”
Trace followed Bailey into the kitchen.
“So, what did you bring?” she asked.
“I picked up some southwestern omelets and fresh fruit from Michele’s restaurant. I remember you saying that your mother loved their omelets.”
Smiling, Bailey said, “You’re going to make her day.”
“I was wondering who had the courage to come knocking at the door this early,” her mother said.
“Trace brought breakfast, Mama,” Bailey announced. “It’s your favorite from Michele’s restaurant.”
“Praise the Lord,” her mother said. “I was craving one of those omelets. I guess the Lord heard me.”
The three of them sat down at the table.
Bailey stared at him, this handsome man who had invaded her life. The man who had restored her laughter, had shown her that she could still have a life and had become her inspiration to write again. What Bailey felt now was a fragile, tentative hope that she hadn’t felt for months... hope that she could one day get back to writing, and it was all due to Trace. It was at that moment Bailey realized that despite her every intention to the contrary, she was falling in love with him.
After her breakup with Colton, Bailey wasn’t sure she would ever be able to trust another man, but she felt differently about Trace. They were kindred spirits. It wasn’t hard to trust him. It wasn’t hard to love him—Bailey only had to allow him into her heart.
Harini buried her child a week ago.
“Are you feeling any better?” Pip inquired when he found her standing near the fireplace.
“I’m numb,” Harini responded.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have sent Colton away. He could’ve helped you through this.”
She shook her head. “Trust me, I didn’t have much of a choice. I gave him an out and he took it.” Harini’s eyes welled with unshed tears. “Like you said, it was never going to work between us. I’m just glad he can’t go back to Bailey. I can’t stand seeing her win.”
“I hate seeing you this way.”
“It’s not fair, Pip, but there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s gonna take time, but I’ll get through this heartache. I always do. For now, I need to get myself together so that I can focus on my writing. It’s the only thing I have left.”
“I’ll leave you to it,” Pip said. “I’m here if you need me, sis.”
“I know. I’ll be fine.”
Alone in her office, thoughts of Bailey entered her mind. Harini was sure her nemesis would be jumping for joy over her painful circumstances. She was sure that Colton had already reached out to let her know he was a free man.
I know she won’t take him back, but it still hurts because Colton made it clear that he didn’t love me.
Harini was used to winning. It bothered her that Bailey still had Colton’s heart. But I have the book and my story is coming out. She kept vigil over the social media outlets, but nothing from Bailey had come through. In fact, it looked as if she had closed all of her accounts.
The idea that Bailey had run away like a timid rabbit thrilled her. She was a great writer and would’ve been fierce competition for her, but Harini wasn’t about to let that happen. She would be number 1 at all costs. She had worked too hard to settle for less.
She wasn’t in the mood to write anything, so she just sat at her desk and stared out the window.
After dating for two years, Trace and Bailey said their I do’s during a beachfront ceremony in Wilmington on the first day of July. There were no more shadows across her heart and trusting him came easy. She was finally able to lay the past to rest.
Bailey and Trace made the rounds at their wedding reception, greeting everyone in attendance.
“Your mother is trying to get your attention,” she whispered in his ear. “You better go see what she wants.”
“I’ll be right back.”
Cassidy hugged her. “I’m so happy for you. You and Trace make such a beautiful couple.”
Maurie embraced her next. “Welcome to the family.”
Bailey grinned. “This is the happiest day of my life. Can y’all believe it? I’m married.”
The trio burst into laughter.
“It’s so good to have the old Bailey back.”
“Cass, this is the new Bailey. I’m definitely not the same person.”
“How is your mother doing?” Maurie inquired. “She looks pretty in that purple gown.”
“She’s having a good day, thank the Lord,” Bailey responded. Her mother had suffered a stroke six months earlier. “She doesn’t have any major issues with her hand. It’s gotten so much stronger. Life is good for all of us.”
“That’s wonderful,” Cass said.
The music started playing.
“Let’s party,” Bailey said. “I need to find my husband, so we can have that first dance.”
“You do that,” Maurie said with a chuckle.
On the dance floor, Trace pulled Bailey into his arms, drawing her close. He pressed his lips to hers, settling for a chaste kiss, instead of the lingering, passionate one they both desired.
His eyes traveled down the length of her, nodding in obvious approval. “You look so beautiful, sweetheart.”
Bailey held up her left hand to show off the nearly two-carat emerald-cut engagement ring with its platinum matching band. “This is truly the happiest day of my life—becoming your wife.”
They were soon joined on the dance floor by family and friends. Bailey and her new husband danced into the beginning of their new life together.
On their first wedding anniversary, Bailey welcomed Trace home to a candlelit dinner.
He presented her with a beautiful bouquet of red roses and a gorgeous tennis bracelet. “Happy Anniversary.”
“I have something for you as well. Bailey handed him a gift.
He unwrapped the gift and opened the box to find a custom card with the miniature pink and blue pacifiers attached, then his gaze traveled to her. “Is this… are you…”
Bailey nodded. “We’re having a baby.”
A grin spread across his face. “I’m going to be a daddy.”
“You are,” she confirmed. For as long as she lived, Bailey didn’t think she would ever forget the look of pure joy on his face when she told him about the baby she was carrying.
“This is the best gift you could’ve ever given me.” Trace got up and walked over to where she sat. “I love you, sweetheart. More than you will ever know.”
His declaration rang in her heart, in her very soul. She felt his love washing over her, through her. Bailey kissed him. “I love you, too.”
“I can’t believe we’re having a baby. I know we talked about starting a family. I just didn’t expect it to happen this soon.”
“Neither did I,” Bailey said. “I thought I had a stomach flu until I realized that I was late. That’s when I took the pregnancy test. I saw my doctor this morning and she confirmed it. We’re pregnant.”
Trace stood, leaned over Bailey and placed his lips over hers. He brushed a light kiss across her forehead. “I want you to know that you’re my dream come true, sweetheart. The answer to a prayer.”
“You�
��re so good to me, Trace. My life can only get better from this moment on. In fact, I have another surprise for you,” Bailey announced. “I’ve started writing again. A book. At least, I think it’s going to be a book.”
“That’s wonderful. Have you considered joining a writer’s group?”
“I’m not ready for something like that,” Bailey answered. “I’m not comfortable sharing my work with anyone else.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re writing again.”
“Me, too. To be honest, I really missed it. The stories haven’t stopped coming. I have so many—it was hard trying to decide which one to write first.”
“So, do you have a title yet?” Trace inquired.
“No,” Bailey responded, “but I’m really excited about this story.”
He chuckled. “I can tell.”
“Hopefully, I’ll have it finished by the time the baby comes. Then I can shop it around while I’m on maternity leave.”
“I’d like for you to think about leaving your job,” Trace said. “This will allow you to be home with our child and write full-time.”
“Really? You wouldn’t mind?” This was more than Bailey ever expected. She wanted nothing more than to be a full-time writer and mother. The timing was perfect. Bailey was burnt-out with working claims.
“Not at all. I would prefer it.”
Bailey kissed him. “You really are the best husband a woman could want.”
“I hope you’ll always feel this way.”
“As long as there are no secrets between us—we’re good,” Bailey said. “I don’t like hidden agendas.”
Chapter 17
June 2018
“We’re so happy to have the bestselling author of Black Rain, Bailey Hargrove with us tonight to discuss her new book, Seasons…”
Smiling, Bailey strolled confidently through the crowd, turned right, and headed toward the podium. A couple of flashes exploded, sending purplish spots flashing across her eyes. She turned to face the sea of people who had come to the bookstore to meet her. She never expected to find the bookstore filled to capacity. Seeing so many people there for her, thrilled Bailey beyond words.
When her first book came out last year, Bailey drew a decent crowd, but it paled in comparison to her signing now. Her eyes traveled to Trace, who was taking photographs of the readers in the audience who’d ventured out to see her.
Bailey read a passage from Seasons. When she was done, the room erupted in applause. “Thank you,” she murmured. “I hope y’all will enjoy taking this journey with Elyse.” Her gaze traveled the length of the area. “Are there any questions for me?”
She briefly recalled Harini mentioning how much she hated book signings. Bailey had been shocked by the admission. It was the opposite for her. Bailey loved meeting her readers. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be standing here now.
After Q & A, Bailey sat down to autograph copies of her books. It thrilled her whenever someone walked up with both Black Rain and Seasons. She was proud of her literary babies.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” Trace questioned when they were in the car and headed to the hotel. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Ten years ago, I never thought I’d get here,” Bailey said. “I’d pretty much given up.”
He inclined his head, asking, “Does it still bother you? What happened?”
“At times,” she admitted. “I think what hurts most is that I thought she was my friend. I trusted and admired Harini…”
“At some point you two are going to run into each other.”
“I know,” Bailey said. “It’s one of the reasons I didn’t attend a lot of literary events—in the beginning. I didn’t want to be anywhere near Harini, but now I think we can actually co-exist. I don’t have to talk to her.”
“I thought you said you’d forgiven her.”
Bailey shifted her position in her seat. “I have, Trace. I just don’t want to have anything to do with Harini. I’ve eliminated all the toxic people in my life—this includes her.”
He nodded in understanding. “It’s foul what this woman did to you. I know you feel helpless.”
“Harini basically colored within the lines. You can’t copyright an idea.”
“She actually thinks that it’s okay to do something like that to someone you call a friend?”
“Trace, that’s just it. She was never my friend,” Bailey responded. “She didn’t care anything about me. She had an agenda from the moment I met her—I was just a pawn.”
Bailey shrugged in nonchalance. “It was a valuable lesson. I won’t ever be that naïve again.” She leaned against him and wrapped an arm around him. “Why don’t we change the subject? I want to celebrate.”
“Unfortunately, I have to head to the airport to catch a flight. When you were signing books, I received a call from the hospital. One of my patients has been admitted. I’ve already booked my flight home.”
“I’ll ride to airport with you.”
“No, the driver’s going to drop you off first, then take me,” said Trace. “I know you’re tired, so get some rest. You’ve got a busy week ahead of you.”
When the car pulled in front of the hotel, Bailey kissed her husband. “Thank you for coming with me, Trace.”
“Enjoy the rest of your book tour. I’ll see you when you get home.”
Bailey walked him to the door. “Give Maddie and T.J. a kiss from me. I’m missing them like crazy already.”
Since leaving Philadelphia in 2008, she’d met and married a wonderful man; given birth to two beautiful children and was now a published author. Bailey couldn’t ask for anything more—her life was just as she always wanted. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since early afternoon. She’d been too nervous about the signing.
In the hotel, Bailey perused the room service menu, then called and placed her order.
While waiting for her food to arrive, Bailey’s thoughts centered on Harini. She’d heard from Cassidy that the child conceived with Colton had died. At that time in her life, Bailey had not been able to summon up any sympathy for the woman, but now she felt differently, having suffered her own miscarriage six months ago.
She and Trace decided to wait another six months before trying to conceive again.
Delayed but not denied, Bailey thought as her gaze bounced around the luxurious hotel room. She finally had the life as a successful author that she’d dreamed about, and she had a loving husband and two adorable children. Harini, on the other hand, was alone. Her relationship with Colton hadn’t lasted long at all. Bailey had no idea whether her singleness was a personal choice or not, but there were times when she detected a glimpse of loneliness in her eyes whenever she was caught on camera unguarded.
“It’s inevitable. I will see you again,” Bailey whispered. “Only this time I won’t be the same woman.”
Bailey threw herself on the bed. She felt herself sinking deliciously into it. It was like resting on a cloud.
She rolled completely over and off the other side and opened the door to the bathroom. Its shining white porcelain and tiles gleamed at Bailey. She gazed admiringly at the tub, which was sunk into the floor.
Tentatively Bailey touched its sides. Smooth.
Turkish towels were on the rack. She moved quickly and picked one up. It was light and soft and fluffy. She buried her face in it. It wasn’t coarse like the cotton towels.
She took a deep breath. This was luxury.
She climbed inside and leaned back in the tub lazily, a delicious languor seeping through her. The water was covered with sparkling exploding bubbles, and their perfume hung heavily in the air. Slowly she stirred, running her hands down over her body.
Bailey could feel her flesh soften in the water. She pulled a towel from the rack beside the tub and wadded it into a small pillow. Carefully she placed it on the edge of the tub and leaned back on it to keep her hair from getting wet. Bailey closed her eyes.
This felt so good.
So good.
The next day, Bailey stood outside the hotel and looked down at Broadway. Despite the morning hour, the streets were already crowded. Everybody was going somewhere. People had intent, serious faces and never once stopped to look around. She’d enjoyed New York City.
Thirty minutes later, she was headed to the airport.
Her next stop, Philadelphia.
“I see Bailey Hargrove’s new book is out,” Pip announced. “Her first one did really well, and it’s been optioned for a movie. Are you planning to attend her signing tonight?”
“No,” Harini responded dryly. “I have no intentions of watching Bailey flaunt her success in my face.”
“You didn’t think we’d ever hear from her again, but I knew better.” Pip glanced over at her. “How is your new book coming along?”
She sent a sharp glare in his direction. “You know how it’s doing.”
“Looks like sales are just okay? I wonder why…”
Harini’s body stiffened in her chair. “Pip, what did you say?”
“You know if you’d stay off of social media picking fights with everyone—you might actually come up with a solid storyline. But you’re too nosy to stay off the Internet. You are always looking for dirt on folk—it’s how you get off. It’s starting to affect your sales. Readers don’t want to read about authors beefing with each other. Truth be told—it’s a turn-off.”
“I don’t agree. If that were true, then reality shows wouldn’t be so popular now,” Harini countered. “Besides, they should know the truth about some of these people.”
“Then start with yourself,” Pip challenged. “Tell your readers the truth.”
“You might be my brother, but I don’t have a problem kicking you out of my life. You are either with me or against me.”
“Ooooh… I’m so scared…” He eyed Harini. “What’s got you in such a mood? I know it’s not just because Bailey’s in town.”
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