He coughed gruffly, clearing the emotion clogging his throat. “Gotta go, mom. There’s an emergency up front.”
“Okay, honey.” The gentleness in Georgianna’s voice hinted that she’d seen through his excuse to get off the line before he embarrassed himself in front of her. “I’ll see you soon. And please think about what I said. Holding onto the pain and anger only scars your soul. I don’t want that for you.”
He swallowed roughly. “I love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, sweetie.”
They said their goodbyes and hung up. He placed his phone on the desk and laced his fingers, pressing his forehead against the steeple they’d formed. She was right. He needed to get past this. Needed to heal, once and for all. Not just for himself, but Zoe and Hunter too. Because he could never build a future with them without first forgiving his past.
CHAPTER TWELVE
If he hadn’t seen the spectacle with his own eyes, he never would have believed forty-plus people could fit inside a postage-stamp-sized backyard. Squeezing Zoe’s shoulder and tucking Hunter close to his side, he followed his beautiful angel into the congested throng. “I didn’t think this many folks lived in Red Creek.”
She laughed. “Oh, they don’t. Tay trucked half of them in from the next county.”
He wasn’t sure if she was kidding or not.
“Oh, there’s Tay.” Zoe started hustling them in that direction. She released Dylan’s hand for a moment to hug the other man. “I’m so glad you got a good turnout for the party.”
He noticed the flash of appreciation in Taylor’s eyes as the man took in Zoe’s eyelet camisole and denim skirt. Yeah, only wants to be friends, my ass. He shook Taylor’s hand when it was extended his way, putting a little something extra in the forceful squeeze. Judging from Tay’s smirk, he’d gotten the message loud and clear.
“Glad you three could make it.” Taylor scratched his jaw. “I’m just wondering the wisdom in keeping this a complete surprise from Callie. We know how fond she is of F bombs, and that’s when she’s not dealing with a bunch of people startling the bejeebers outta her. Who knows what’ll pop out of her mouth?”
“We’ll pray for the least terrifying outcome.” She patted Taylor’s arm reassuringly.
They spoke for a few more minutes before Taylor excused himself to go call Callie with the excuse that Josh was ready to be picked up. Abby approached them, a man that Dylan assumed to be her husband next to her side. “Hey y’all, quite a turnout, huh? Mr. Walker, I’d like you to meet my hubby, Elbert.”
He exchanged handshakes with the man. “Great to meet you. And please, no Mr. Walker business. It’s Dylan.”
Abby’s expression turned hopeful. “Any chance you’re going to grace us with some entertainment tonight?”
He chuckled. “I would, but my guitar and amps are back in Nashville.” He’d debated bringing his old Rogue acoustic guitar along. It might not be as flashy and sexy as his Gibson Stratocaster, but it offered the same security blanket his music always provided during tough times. In the end he’d left it behind, figuring he’d be too busy to get the use out of it.
“Taylor would probably be fine with you borrowing his guitar.”
Elbert rubbed Abby’s nape. “Hon, you’re being pushy.”
She blushed. “I am. Please forgive me.”
“Nothing to forgive.” Dylan cocked an eyebrow. “I just didn’t realize that Taylor played guitar.”
“Not professionally, like you.” The man in question stepped next to Dylan and inclined his head. “You’re more than welcome to use my Rogue. I know it’d mean a lot to Callie hearing you play.”
“No shit, you have a Rogue? That’s what I practiced on.”
“Same here.”
Zoe sighed. “And so the male bonding begins.”
Abby clapped her hands. “You should perform with Dylan.”
Panic flashed across Zoe’s face. “What? No. I only teach singing.”
“Oh, baloney.” Abby grinned. “According to Sue Sweeny, you have a gorgeous voice. Time to show it off, girl.”
Dylan rubbed Zoe’s stiffened spine. “It’s totally up to you, baby, but I would love to accompany you. I’d even let you pick the song.”
She gritted her teeth. “How generous of you.”
“Yeah, everyone’s been pointing out my magnanimous nature lately.” He winked at Abby. “So what do ya say?”
“I’ll think about it.”
Taylor’s cellphone beeped, immediately putting a halt to the conversation. He scanned the incoming text and waved his arm in the air. “Everyone, Callie’s minivan was spotted down the block. We need absolute silence from here on out.”
A hush fell over the crowd. Dylan leaned forward to whisper in Zoe’s ear. “I haven’t been this excited since getting to see you in only panties and cowgirl boots.” She pinched his arm, earning his low chuckle.
The minutes ticked by in excruciatingly slow increments. Just when he was worried folks would grow restless and start chatting again, muffled voices drifted from the inside of the house. A moment later the sliding glass door opened, revealing Callie’s profile as she said something to her son. She tossed up one arm. “I’m not climbing no tree to get that kite. We’ll buy you—”
Forty-something voices shouted “Surprise!” in unison.
Callie jolted. “Holy fuck!”
Taylor grunted. “Coulda been worse.”
Josh dragged his befuddled mom down the deck steps. Callie was immediately engulfed in a sea of hugs and Happy Birthday wishes.
Her forehead scrunching, Callie stared at the balloons tied to the crabapple in the corner of the yard. “But it’s not my fuckin’ birthday.”
Taylor pinched the bridge of his nose. “We know. Now could ya stop using that word?”
Zoe squeezed her friend’s arm, gaining Callie’s distracted attention. “Tay wanted to get your mind off of today and create a happy memory instead.”
The confusion cleared from Callie’s face. Her eyes filming over with tears, she gaped at her brother. “Y-you did this for me?”
“And Josh,” Taylor added, ruffling his nephew’s spiky ginger hair.
“Aw damn.” Sniffling, Callie wrapped her arms around her brother and son.
The emotional scene got to Dylan a bit and he hugged Zoe to his side and kissed Hunter’s temple. The love and connection this community shared was amazing. Or, more appropriately, and in Callie’s immortal favorite word—fucking amazing.
A cake was wheeled outside and Callie cut a slice before smashing it against Josh’s mouth. Giggling and sputtering white frosting and chocolate cake, he chased her into the crowd. A second later Callie faced her sad fate, laughing and cursing a storm at the kids who tackled her and held her in place for Josh’s retaliatory cake smash.
While everyone was preoccupied with the kids’ antics, Dylan grabbed three plates of the decadent dessert and passed one to Hunter and Zoe. He took a bite of the cake and hummed around his mouthful of sugary goodness.
Zoe watched his lusty appreciation with a twinkle in her eye. “Lord, you do have a sweet tooth.”
“Especially when chocolate is involved.” He waggled his brows. “Only thing missing is the whipped cream.”
She blushed all the way to her platinum roots.
Callie jogged up to them, breathless and covered in cake. “Abby says you both are gonna perform a special song for me. Do I get to pick it?”
Zoe groaned. “I didn’t say for sure I would do it.”
“You have to.” Callie’s gaze turned pleading. “It’d mean the world to me. And knowing my Tom is listening in from Heaven, it makes it even more special.”
Zoe snuffled. “Damn you. No way I can say no to that.”
Callie pumped her fist in the air before cupping her hands around her mouth like a megaphone. Considering the volume her voice carried, not like she needed it. “Listen up, folks. We’re getting a live concert from our very own Zoe Chapman and Dylan Hu
nter, so gather ‘round and get ready to shake what ya mama gave ya.”
Taylor clapped Dylan on the back. “I’ll grab my Rogue.”
“Thanks, man.” Dylan glanced at Callie. “What’s your first pick?”
“Honkytonk First Date.”
Zoe sighed. “What is it with everyone and that stinkin’ song?”
He grinned. “It’s a classic.”
Taylor approached with the Rogue acoustic and Dylan accepted it with a nod. He swung the strap around his neck and settled his butt against the deck post. Positioning the soundboard, he open tuned the guitar by running through the notes in the D major chord. The familiar vibrato of the box and the strings between his fingertips sent a rush of exhilaration through him. How the hell had he gone an entire week without immersing himself in that sensation?
Well, you had a mighty fine substitute every time you were balls-deep in that special little lady eating you up with her gaze over there. He returned Zoe’s smoldering stare and acknowledged his inner voice had a most excellent point.
Zoe cleared her throat, preparing for the opening line of the song. He could see her knees shaking slightly. Aw, sweet baby, don’t be nervous. You’re gonna kill it. She must have somehow intuited his mental encouragement because she relaxed her shoulders. Nodding, he led her in with a strum of the C chord. She opened her mouth—and nearly knocked him on his ass with the powerhouse voice that emitted from her vocal chords.
Where the hell has she been hiding that? Dazzled and impressed as shit, he quickly got his groove back and finger-plucked the perfect chords to harmonize with her melody. When they reached the chorus he joined in with his own baritone and Zoe smiled at him, her vivid green eyes sparkling like the brightest emeralds. The crowd was hooting and clapping, several of the youngins creating their own dance steps. It was a blast to watch, but the best part was Zoe tiptoeing her fingers along his shoulder and swaying along with him, their voices blending in duet. In that moment they were having their own little honkytonk first date. In front of forty some people, but it only added to the joy.
The song ended too soon and several Bic lighters waved in the air, signaling the desire for an encore. He glanced at Zoe. “One more?”
“Sure. Why not.”
Callie high-fived Josh. “We want Moonshine On My Mind.”
Zoe stiffened. “Could you please pick another song than that?”
“I know it’s completely inappropriate.” Callie waved her arm. “Why do you think I chose it?”
He strummed the opening bars, but Zoe didn’t immediately join in. A glance in her direction confirmed that she was still glaring at Callie. He coughed pointedly and ran through the intro again. She picked up the chorus, her inflection flatter than the Sahara. Getting through her joyless performance of the song proved to be a trial. He breathed a sigh of relief when he closed on the ending note without either one of them getting pelted by rotten tomatoes. He swung the guitar strap from his neck and passed the instrument to Taylor.
Scratching the back of his neck, he approached Zoe. “Take it you’re not a fan of that song.”
“No.” Her face tight, she glanced up at him. “My father was a drinker. Guess what his favorite poison of choice was?”
Aw shit. “Baby, I didn’t know. You shoulda said something. We coulda picked a different song.”
Her features slowly softened. “No. It’s what Callie wanted.” She rubbed her eyes, but not before he caught the gleam of moisture sheening their surface. “God, I ruined her song because of my stupid issues.”
His heart aching for her, he hugged her close. “You did fine. And don’t ever think the way you feel is stupid. Sometimes old hurts take a long time to heal.” Fuck, did he know that better than anybody.
She clung to him, her tears forming a wet spot on his T-shirt. “C-could we maybe go home?”
He massaged her nape. “If that’s what you want to do, absolutely.”
“I do.” She knuckled her cheek, wiping at the dampness. “I don’t want to be a wet blanket on Callie’s party.”
“She’s not gonna think that.”
“I know. But I do. Plus I could really use the quiet right now.”
He nodded. “Should we say our goodbyes to Callie, Taylor, and Josh?”
Securing her approval of that plan, they made their way to their host and guests of honor. After convincing Callie that they were leaving due to Zoe’s sudden migraine, Dylan scooped Hunter into his arms and led the way to the exit. They’d parked by the downtown office in order not to give any clues to Callie earlier, so the short walk into town gave them all a moment to wind down. He slid a sideways glance to Zoe and noticed that she seemed to be relaxing with each step she took. Good.
He had a million questions tumbling in his brain, but he didn’t dare voice any of them. Not until she was in a better frame of mind.
D. Walker Mineral popped into view, its upstairs bank of windows reflecting the orange ball of the setting sun. He dropped his focus to Dusty’s SUV and the large black conversion van parked next to it. He frowned. Not because he hadn’t seen the vehicle in town before, but rather because it looked awfully familiar. He blinked. No, it can’t be.
Tightening his grip on Hunter, he picked up his pace. Zoe grumbled next to him. “Why are you walking so fast?”
He was close enough now he could make out the license plate. He broke into a grin. “I can’t believe it.”
“What?”
Instead of answering, he snagged her hand and hauled her along with him. He skidded to a stop behind the van and set Hunter down before kicking the rear door with his boot. Zoe groaned. “Now I know where our child gets it from.”
Giggling, Hunter got into the act by pounding his little hand on the metal. Dylan offered his son a proud fist bump.
Grumbling sounds issued from inside the vehicle. The door swung open, revealing a scowling Trin. “Jeez Louise. Some of us are trying to meditate back here.” She squinted at Dylan. “You don’t look like you’re contemplatin’ hangin’ yerself.”
“Uh, why would I be?”
Malcom popped his head out, his expression sheepish. “I mighta told everyone that to get them here.”
Dylan scratched the back of his head. “Why? What’s going on?”
“Man, we’ve got to get this rift straightened out. So since you couldn’t come to Nashville...”
Disbelief crept through Dylan. “Are you tellin’ me—?”
The driver’s side door opened, and the last person Dylan ever expected to log nine hours on the road just to see him climbed down from the van. His boot heels ringing on the pavement, Luke Pendergrass stepped into view. The worry in the man’s gaze instantly morphed into suspicion. “You don’t look suicidal.” His attention drifted beyond Dylan and moved to Zoe. A strange stillness settled over him. He moved his lips, but no sound immediately vacated his mouth. Finally he choked out one word. “Moonshine.”
A distressed noise came from Zoe. Dylan slashed his attention to her just as she took a stumbling step backwards. She steadied herself before he could reach her. The way she was staring at Luke sent prickles of foreboding down Dylan’s spine. For a brief moment he got that weird sensation again, like he was standing outside of himself, looking in at a scene he didn’t fully comprehend but probably should. “Zoe?”
“No.” The single syllable flew from Luke’s tongue like a bullet. “My daughter’s name is Moonshine.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
This was a nightmare. It had to be. She’d wake up any minute and these figments of her past would dissolve into the ether.
Before she could blink him out of existence, her father clomped in her direction and cupped her face. “Moonshine.” He whispered the despised name like he half expected to wake up any second now too.
“Stop calling me that.” She swiped at the useless flood of tears, breaking Luke’s tenuous hold on her. “I hate it.”
Who the hell scribbled the word moonshine on their daughter’s bi
rth certificate anyway? Oh, that’s right. A drunk who showed up several hours after his child’s delivery because he’d been sleeping off the effects of a three day bender. Her mom had eventually gotten the hospital to correct the name to Zoe on her birth certificate, but her father had—and apparently still—refused to use it.
Luke rifled his fingers through his thick, graying blond hair, looking eons older than his forty-eight years. Zoe’s heart cramped. Her entire life she’d worked hard at numbing herself, and in one fell swoop she was right back where she started. A desperately lonely little girl who cycled between hating her daddy and loving him so much it hurt.
It was always the ones you loved who hurt you the deepest. She’d been shown that truth, time after time.
The tense quiet surrounding them was thick enough to take a steak knife to. Wiping her eyes again, she stared dispassionately at their audience. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Dylan yet. She felt too raw, too exposed. Like the painful scars of her past were oozing out there in the open for everyone to see.
“Moon—” Luke sighed when she gave him a hard look. “Zoe.”
She almost keeled over in shock. It was the first time she’d ever heard him use her real name. Probably he thought that’d win her over. Well he had another think coming. She bent over and picked up Hunter. Luke stared at her son, his features frozen in disbelief. “Is...he your boy?”
“Yes. You’re a grandfather. Congratulations. I’m sorry I didn’t have the nurse call you while I was in labor so you could commemorate the moment with a fifth of Jim Beam.”
Luke winced. “I’ve cleaned up my act. Haven’t touched a drop of alcohol in over a year.”
She wanted to believe him. But after a lifetime of similar lies and empty promises it was hard to trust anything that came out of his mouth. Hugging Hunter to her chest, she finally glanced at Dylan. He appeared shell-shocked. Guilt and regret churned her stomach. She didn’t like that she’d had to keep this secret from him, but there’d been no other choice. If she’d revealed who her dad was it would have put Dylan in the middle of her and Luke. That’s something she’d wanted to avoid at all costs.
Dylan: The Sons of Dusty Walker Page 12