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What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 9)

Page 92

by Kristine Cayne


  “Until tomorrow?”

  “Until tomorrow,” he promised, letting her go. He watched as she walked away, leaning on Jameson. The last look she’d shot him had a promise of a future.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Blaine laid a rose on her dad’s headstone the next morning. It was just one of the things she wanted to do today. From beside her, Jameson lowered and set his own down. “I’m sorry I missed out on so much, Daddy. I promise I’m going to live my life better from now on. If you’re watching, I hope you know I love you, even though my actions didn’t show it the last few years you were around. I’ll take care of Mom and Jameson.” She wished she was talking to Dad himself, not a headstone where he was buried beneath. Memories of their childhood filled her mind. She choked back a sob.

  Her brother slid an arm around her shoulders. “You’re doing just fine. I promise you, Dad was proud. What you said yesterday – God, Blaine. I still wish I’d known what you went through. We just need to move on and not live with regrets.”

  “I know. I’m trying to let it all go,” Blaine promised. “I came home to start over, and that’s what I plan to do. Put this all behind me. And if something comes up then I’ll handle it better.”

  Jameson nodded. “I’m glad to hear it. Ready to go?”

  “Yeah. Thanks for coming out with me this morning. I need to do the next few things by myself, if that’s okay with you.” She’d been enjoying his company this morning. They had gone out to breakfast and talked, just the two of them.

  “If it’s what you want.”

  “It’s what I need. I’ll be by later and we’ll go swim at Mom and Chet’s.” Blaine shook her head. “That sounds weird. But she’s happy, and … I like him after all.”

  “Me too.”

  Mom told them the news this morning. She was officially moving in with Chet.

  “You’re going to be a great husband, too. I can’t wait to see you kiss your bride on your wedding day,” Blaine said to him as they headed back to her car. “Melody asked me to be her maid of honor. I said yes.”

  “That’s great! Hey, you’ll have a wedding one day. I can’t wait to see my big sister walk down the aisle, or maybe dance.” Jameson’s eyes twinkled.

  Blaine laughed, pulling out her keys. “It’ll be a while for my own wedding. I probably wouldn’t dance down the aisle either.”

  “I’m hoping you and Randy are going to work things out. I’ve seen how happy you two were before chaos hit. Don’t let his family get in the way.”

  “I’m not.” Blaine already had her plan set in motion. She had to go do a few things before talking to Randy. “Mind if I drop you off at the house?”

  “Nope, I’m fine with it. I’m glad we had a chance to talk this morning and spend some time together.” Blaine drove away from the cemetery, feeling a little more relieved. She dropped Jameson off at home ten minutes later and drove to the restaurant she’d gone to with Randy a few weeks ago when she’d seen Serena. She was in luck. Serena was there waiting tables. When Blaine walked in, she looked up and waved.

  “Hey! How are you? Want a table or booth?”

  “Actually, if you have a few minutes, I want to talk. I have a business proposition for you.” Serena’s eyes widened, but she led Blaine to a table and sat across from her as she pulled out the papers from earlier, showing Serena just what she had in mind. Forty five minutes later, she had Serena’s full interest and phone number with plans to talk more when she wasn’t working. Blaine was ready to leave when she bumped into Marsha.

  “Don’t hit me. I actually overheard you and wanted to run an idea by you.” Marsha held up her hands. “I know I fucked up. Trust me, my entire family, including my husband and kids are ready to disown me. I can’t make up for what I did, but … that first check I got? I’d like to donate it to your new venture. Then, if you’ll have us, I’d like to sign Madison and I up as your first clients.” She held out her hand and handed the check to Blaine.

  She stared down at it. “Marsha-” What the hell did she do now? Take it? Refuse? This just seemed weird.

  “Please, take it. I should never have done the story. I should have been smarter. What you said the other day, it broke my heart. I’m sorry you went through all that. I know it’s going to take a while for you to trust, forgive or even like me, but I need to make a change. Jealousy obviously has a bad effect, and you’ve been through hell already. Take it, please?”

  Blaine folded the check and stuck it in her purse, unsure what to make of it. She cleared her throat. “Thank you.”

  Marsha nodded. “I’d better go. I saw you and wanted to pass that on.” She bolted from the café, leaving Blaine a little flabbergasted and stunned.

  The next place she had to go was the newspaper. She dreaded it a little, but she’d written up something and wanted to give it to Mr. Hughes.

  Her legs were like rubber as she walked across the courtyard, making a beeline for the office. She ignored all the stares and whispers as she went to her destination.

  “Blaine!” he said in surprise. “Come on in.”

  She closed the door behind her, then pulled out her typed papers. “I wanted to offer this to you. My exclusive, written by me.”

  He pointed to the seat. “Come on and sit. Let’s talk.”

  Would this day ever end? Randy grew tired of the small town gossip about how Baby Stetson almost had a recording contract but blew it by fighting. Yep, the wildfire of drama was spreading. He bent his head low, focusing on the screen when in actuality, he wasn’t focusing at all. He rubbed his temples, willing the ache to subside.

  A stapled set of papers was tossed in front of him. Randy grabbed it, then looked up. He blinked, unsure if he was dreaming or not. Blaine stood beside him. “What’s this?”

  “My exclusive that’s going to run this week. You might want to look at it.” She shrugged, a smile playing at her lips. “Then I thought if you needed a break, I’d take you to lunch.”

  Randy skimmed the paper, taking in Blaine’s words. She talked about finding a passion, but not having a plan. She went into detail about working with a man the world thought was amazing, but there was a darker side to him. She laid out the facts, but she didn’t slam Frederic. Then she mentioned having to learn how to make amends with those she hurt. The last part was what surprised him the most. She talked about finding love with someone she’d known forever and how she wanted to spend every day falling more and more in love with the man who knew exactly how to play the key to her heart.

  He looked up from the paper, a smile spreading.

  “Just in case you haven’t figured it out, that man is you, Randy Hughes. You helped me realize my passion was still there, and that I just needed a change of pace. I was wondering if you had time, if I could show you the newest business idea coming to Harmony’s Echo.”

  “If that time includes being with you, then I have plenty of it.” He pointed at the paper. “Are you seriously running this?”

  Blaine nodded. “Your dad already read and approved it. I just came from his office. I want to show you the building I have in mind to lease out for my dance studio. I’m going to teach dance here. Selena, the woman who waited on us a few weeks ago, is going to be my assistant. I got the clear from the doctor a little while ago that my back is healing nicely and I can probably resume dance and other activities in about a month without causing any damage.”

  He gaped at her. “Blaine-”

  “I’ve been busy today. That’s why I came by so late. Come on, you’ll be the first man I lead across that beautiful floor.”

  Twenty minutes later, Randy followed her inside a darkened room. She flicked on the light. “This is where my dance studio will be. Just have to wait for the paperwork to be approved. What do you think?”

  Randy surprised her by lifting her up in his arms and twirling her. “I think it’s perfect! I love this, Blaine!”

  “I love you,” she whispered, kissing his lips. “I’m going to try to keep tha
t wall down for you. I’m sorry I didn’t give you a chance to explain the other day. I should have known better. You’ve been so good to me.”

  Randy set her down and wrapped his arms around her. “I love you, too. I’m happy you’re pursuing new dreams.”

  “Me too.” She leaned against him. “And I want to help you pursue yours too. I tried talking to the music producer to give you all a second chance, but he brushed me off.”

  “Oh Blaine.” He tilted her head up to give her a kiss. “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “No, but I wanted to. I may not have directly caused you all to lose a chance to meet someone who could give you the boost you deserve, but I still felt like I had to try. I almost called him a name before he hung up.”

  Randy laughed. “You crazy, blunt, beautiful woman.”

  “You sweet, not so shy love of my life.”

  “Really?” he asked, holding her close.

  “Really. What do you say I give you another Blaine Grant crash course and then take you to lunch? Will you dance with me?”

  “I’d say you just made another dream of mine come true.” Randy held her in his arms. “Have I ever mentioned I want to learn dance, especially from you? That’s the last secret I have to spill.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Five months later

  “There you go, Serena. Now if I ever leave Harmony’s Echo, the studio is yours.” Blaine waited for her assistant to sign the papers, beaming proudly at all the hard work paying off.

  “Are you sure? I’ve always wanted something like this, but I don’t want to mess up what you’ve created.”

  Blaine reached out for her friend. “None of that talk. You’re amazing. I’ve watched you grow, and even when you first started working with me, I admired you. I had no idea how much hidden talent you had.”

  “Do you think you’ll leave Harmony’s Echo again?”

  “She will. I have this feeling Blaine and Randy won’t want to be apart for long when we make the move to Nashville. We’re thinking in about a year.” Avery stood in the doorway with a smile. “Those two have been inseparable.”

  “Hey! I didn’t hear you come in!” Blaine waved. “You can stop mocking me at any time. I take back all the comments I’ve made about you and Lucas. Oh, I take back the comments about Jameson and Melody, too. Are we even yet?”

  “I’ve been here for a while. I figured I’d come early to set up the stage for the recital. I love that you want Baby Stetson to perform the songs your dancers will be dancing to. And yes, I am sneaky. I have to be, otherwise I’d never be able to leave Emily’s room safely at night without her getting too upset.”

  Blaine and Serena laughed.

  “By the way, we won’t be even for a while.” Avery winked, then sauntered out of the room.

  “I love the endorsements you’ve been getting.” Serena signed the papers, laid the pen on top and pushed them across the desk. “I’m glad Frederic’s attempts at blacklisting you didn’t stand.”

  “Me too. The bastard’s right where he belongs. He and Isabelle can figure out their problems while they both sit in jail! If I never came forward, the others never would have and I think that’s been a long lasting impression. I hate that he did this to others, but kinda relieved to know it wasn’t just me. It’s weird all of a sudden being in the news for that kind of light instead of the drama before, but it’s blowing over. Just in time to have our first recital. Couldn’t ask for anything better!” She opened up the file cabinet and put the papers in the correct folder. Everything was falling into place.

  “Really? You sure about that?” Blaine’s heartbeat sped up at the sound of Randy’s voice. There he was, leaning against the door frame, clad in blue jeans and a dark blue button down shirt.

  “Hey! I was wondering where you were. You left so early this morning.” Everything else forgotten, Blaine flew across the room straight to Randy’s arms. When he wrapped them around her and tipped her head back for a toe-curling kiss, she melted.

  “I’m sorry about that. I had a few things to do before the recital started, Matt’s not going to make it after all. Andrew’s friend’s family is going through a rough time. I guess there was an accident and his parents aren’t doing well. Matt’s going to do what he can to help. I didn’t know this before, but Andrew’s friend has a sister in Nashville. You’ll never guess who.”

  “Oh, I hope everything’s okay.” She’d gotten to know Matt and Andrew in the past few months of dating Randy. “I can’t even begin to come up with a guess.”

  “Yeah, me too,” Randy said softly. “It didn’t sound too good. The sister is Kyra Anders, the teen sensation about to make her comeback.”

  “Maybe we should go by this evening and see if there’s anything we can do?” Blaine took in his words about Kyra Sanders. She’d burst on the music scene at fourteen, made it big and then an accident about six years ago made her disappear for a while. She’d heard the news about a comeback album. “Wow. Kyra Sanders? You said this is Andrew’s friend’s sister?”

  “You two really are inseparable.” Serena laughed. “I think I’m going to sneak around you and see if any of our dancers have arrived.” She winked at Blaine before leaving the room.

  Heat rushed to Blaine’s cheeks. She wasn’t used to people trying to get away from her because she was lovey-dovey, to use her own words. “Sorry, Serena!”

  “Are you embarrassed?” Randy drew her close to him again.

  “Of us? No!” Blaine kissed him. “It’s just funny how we can clear a room.”

  “That might not be a bad thing.” He kissed her neck. “If we didn’t have to go out there and show off our first dance together, we could have a little fun right here and now.”

  A shiver slithered through her body. “I’ll make it up to you tonight.” They weren’t technically living together yet, but they may as well be. Blaine left most of her stuff at his place and pretty much never spent a night back at the house. Jameson and Melody finally had the place to themselves.

  “I’m counting on it. Come on, let’s go greet everyone. I don’t know when you’ve been out here last, but it’s starting to fill up.” Giving her one last kiss, Randy let her go, taking her hand in his instead. They walked through the office door and Blaine took in the sights of friends and family. Standing next to Avery and the Callimers, Lucas and Emily was Belinda Wainscott. Holy crap, she’d come out just for this? Belinda waved.

  “You’re here! This is – I had no idea you were coming!” Blaine had no idea what to say. Belinda had been a big help, trying to clear the damage done to her name by Frederic. She’d also been insistent on backing her up a little financially. Blaine tried to protest, but Belinda was one persistent woman! The help came in handy. She had no idea how she could repay her.

  “Avery knew. I wasn’t completely sure I’d be able to come out, so I told her not to say anything. I’ve followed your progress and I didn’t want to miss the first occasion. I’m glad to see how much you’ve done.” Belinda smiled. “This is beautiful! I’ll be here for a few days since Baby Stetson has another chance to meet with a producer. I wanted to experience all of this with you all.”

  “This is wonderful.” Blaine couldn’t stop smiling. “Thank you so much!”

  “Hi Blaine! Hey Uncle Randy!” Madison squealed from behind them. “I can’t believe the first recital is here!”

  “You’re going to be perfect up there,” Blaine said honestly. Madison had a natural talent for dancing. She’d been coming with Marsha and both were doing well. It took a while for Blaine to get over being so pissed at Marsha over what she’d done. She wasn’t about to say they were friends, but the two were getting along. In fact, Marsha was trying to convince the rest of the Hughes family that Randy deserved some support in his dream.

  Randy squeezed Blaine’s hand, then looked at his watch. “It’s time. Shall we get this party started? I’m kinda anxious to show off my progress, too.”

  Blaine had convinced Rand
y to join her for the first dance. He’d agreed, much to her surprise. “Let’s get this party started.” She headed for the microphone and tapped it. Staring at all the faces of the people crammed in her studio, a little flutter of nerves danced in her belly. “Thank you everyone for coming to the first recital! Our dancers have been working hard and are all excited about sharing what they’ve learned with you. I’ve invited Baby Stetson to perform the songs live that the students will be dancing to. I’ve also been working with Randy and he’s agreed to open up the recital by dancing with me. He thinks he has two left feet, but wait until you see what he can do.” Stealing a glance at him, she stifled a laugh at his blush. Still the shy guy in many ways, but she loved this man wholeheartedly. “Avery Bennett and my brother Jameson have agreed to do acoustics and sing for this dance, so I’ll get off this stage and let them come up here.” Hand in hand, Blaine and Randy moved to the middle of the floor. Taking in the sounds of applause and cheers, she prepared for the dance. Randy stood across from her, looking sharp and a little nervous. Once Jameson started playing the guitar and his voice blended with Avery’s, Randy moved forward, taking the lead on the routine they’d been working on for months. The room quieted other than Avery and Jameson’s collaboration.

  Blaine met Randy’s gaze every chance she could. He was amazing at this. He’d really put in so much effort in order to make this dance perfect. Even though he’d expressed his nervousness about it, he was flawless.

  When they finished, they exchanged a kiss. The room filled with thunderous applause and cheers. Blaine couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. Everyone pointed and the cheers grew louder. She turned around to see what they were cheering about and noticed Randy, down on one knee.

  She gasped, her heart thudding against her rib cage.

  “I love you, Blaine Grant. The last few months have been amazing and I can’t imagine my life without you. If you’ll have me, I want to be the man who keeps your dreams alive, makes you laugh, and drives you crazy even though I won’t always mean to. Will you marry me?” He reached into his pocket and produced a small black box which he opened, showing off a gorgeous diamond ring.

 

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