"I'm going to be a policeman when I grow up," he confided, looking at Marty almost defiantly.
"That's wonderful, Brody." She swallowed a lump in her throat. "How about I make you a mural of policeman doing good things like riding bikes and horses or playing ball with kids?"
He thought the idea over seriously. "No Daddy?"
"No Daddy. Just happy stuff. It will still remind you that they dealt with your daddy and that he can't ever hurt you again, but I hope it will make you think happy thoughts, not sad ones."
He tilted his head, considering her words, then finally agreed. "Okay. No Daddy."
Marty smiled with relief. It would still be a challenging mural but not near as dark as she had first imagined it.
"You're going to love it," she promised, pulling the little boy to her for a quick hug. His arms wrapped around her waist and her heart melted. She was quickly falling in love with these kids and that was dangerous. She was only here for six weeks.
"So, how about you and Bonnie show me around outside a little bit? I haven't got to see much yet."
"Have you seen the orchard?"
"Nope."
"Or the horses?"
"No, not the horses, either."
"Well, come on then. You've got to see the horses." He grabbed her hand and tugged her towards the door.
"Let's get Bonnie," she reminded him.
"Okay, but let's hurry."
They spent the next few hours wandering around the grounds of the farm. They roamed through the orchard, the trees laden with ripening fruit. They snatched a handful of sweet grapes from the vine and took off their shoes and waded barefoot in a creek that tumbled past the fruit trees.
Then they headed to the corral and checked out the horses. They were beautiful animals, sleek and shiny. Marty noticed a chestnut mare who was accompanied by a young foal with three white socks prancing around her. Several other horses grazed contentedly in the pasture, a couple of them approaching the fence to greet their visitors.
It was like an enchanted forest as far as Marty was concerned. The air was ripe with scents of flowers and fruit, a gentle breeze wafting the perfumed air softly around her. The sky was sapphire blue dusted with fluffy white clouds meandering across the satin surface. There was an air of tranquility, a feeling of peace that stirred her soul.
She was surprised how drawn she was to this place. She'd lived such a nomadic lifestyle for so long she rarely thought of settling down in one spot. She thought she might always be a drifter.
But there was something about this place, this farm, that meshed with her soul. It was such a peaceful dwelling, untainted by city traffic or pollution or garbage on the streets. It was like a haven away from crowds and noise. If somehow, someday, she were to ever settle down she hoped it would be someplace like this.
The artist in her yearned to paint the tranquil scenes surrounding her, to capture the peace and serenity on canvas. She'd always specialized in murals, but now she felt a hunger to capture these vistas, to preserve the horses and the deer and the rabbits in still life.
She shouldn't be having these thoughts. There was no way she would ever make her home at Misty Melody Farms—no way she could stay in one place. Hell, that's why she did what she did, moving from one place to another. There was a restless spirit in her. A gypsy's soul.
Maybe she was more like her father than she thought. He'd always been on the road, a happy wanderer, traveling the country.
But that's where the resemblance ended, she reminded herself. He'd been a party animal, a social butterfly. She'd always been more of a loner. She didn't make friends quickly, the party scene had never appealed to her.
But being around these kids was different. It felt natural, right. And so did the farm. She'd never felt as immediately at home anywhere as she did here.
Well, that was just something she'd have to get over. Misty Melody Farms wasn't her home…and it never would be.
Chapter 9
Marty focused on work for the next few days, avoiding Jake as much as possible. She sketched out plans for Bonnie's room, delighting in the fairy tale theme. She was going to use a color scheme of pinks and lavenders, misty greens and baby blue. One corner would feature a huge tree with branches spreading on either side of the wall. A swing hung from a branch and a little fairy with blonde ringlets and big blue eyes sat there swaying back and forth. If the fairy had a distinct resemblance to Bonnie, that was on purpose.
Soon after breakfast each day Marty made her way to the little girl's room and started painting. She was happiest when she was working. She threw herself into the scene, carefully creating tiny pink flowers scattered across the grass, lavender blossoms wrapping around the stump of a tree. Birds frolicked overhead and a happy bunny took shape peeping from around a bush covered in pale blue blooms.
Late one afternoon, Marty stopped and stretched. She'd been at it for hours and her muscles protested as she moved to clean up her supplies. It was time to call it a day.
"Hi." Jake's voice startled Marty out of her reverie, making her jump at the unexpected interruption. "I just thought I'd come and see how you're doing."
"Oh, hi. Come on in and take a look." She motioned for him to enter, suddenly feeling shy at the thought of him critiquing her work.
He walked into the room and stared at the walls she was painting. He just looked for a long moment, not saying anything. She held her breath. Somehow his approval seemed more important than that any other client.
"It's magic," he finally said, and Marty felt her breath rush out of her. Thank goodness. She didn't know how she would have reacted if he'd disapproved.
"It looks so alive, so real."
"Thanks. I try to make it feel like you've walked into the picture."
"And you've succeeded. It's wonderful." He turned and eyed her seriously. "You are very talented."
Marty felt hot color rise in her cheeks. "Thank you."
"Did you always want to do murals or would you rather do canvasses?"
Marty shrugged. "I think every artist would like to do canvasses but they have to sell if you're going to make a living. I love murals…and they sell."
"I know what you mean. My real love is composing songs, but until I made it big singing nobody wanted my songs." He grew thoughtful, rubbing a hand across his stubbled chin. "That's why I think I can cut back on my appearances now and focus more on writing. I've even got a recording studio out back. That's where I spend a lot of my time."
"That's great, Jake."
"I think it's best for the kids, too. They need some stability, including an adult they can count on." His voice was soft, his eyes filled with concern. "I worry about them."
Her heart clenched at the thought of the twins. "They've been through a lot. Do you know Brody wants his room done in cops? He says it'll help remind him that the cops took his Daddy away and he won't ever be able to hurt them again."
Marty instinctively reached out a comforting hand, laying it on his lower arm. "Well, for what it's worth, I think you're doing a wonderful job with the kids." The contact sent a sizzle burning through her. She dropped her touch as fast as possible, stuffing her fingers into the pocket of her denim shorts.
"Thanks, Marty. I appreciate that. This is a whole new ball game for me." He forced his mind back to the subject at hand. "They seem to really like you, too."
Marty grinned. "I'm glad, because I'm crazy about them. They're just as cute as they can be."
He smiled back. "I think so. Hey, I promised to take them to the zoo this week. How would you like to come help corral the little critters?"
"Oh, I couldn't. I need to keep working in order to get finished on schedule."
"You can take a day off. You know what they say about all work and no play." He winked at her. "The kids would be thrilled. And it will be so much fun watching them enjoy the day. Besides, I could really use your help keeping an eye on them."
She would love to see them visiting with the animals…and the two of them mig
ht be a handful for one lone man. But still, she hesitated. It would mean being alone with just him and the twins for an entire day.
Of course, it's not like he could try any funny business with two curious preschoolers along.
Drawing in a deep breath, she finally nodded. "I'd love to go with you."
A wide grin split Jake's face. "How's Thursday sound?"
The day after tomorrow. So soon. Well, might as well get it over with.
"Great. Thursday."
Chapter 10
Thursday morning dawned crisp and clear, a perfect day for the outing. Marty was a bit disappointed. She'd kind of been hoping for rain—a reason to delay the trip—but it wasn't to be. By 8am she was in the front seat of the big SUV with Jake, the kids strapped in the back, and on the road to Nashville.
Bonnie and Brody were bouncing with excitement. They'd never been to a zoo before and all they could talk about was lions and tigers and bears.
"And the lions, they'll go rahhh!" Brody roared and Bonnie joined in. Both kids were roaring and making pawing motions at each other.
Marty couldn't help but chuckle to herself. It was so good to see them laugh, to forget about what they'd seen, what they'd been through. She vowed then and there to do her best to make this a beautiful, memorable day for these little ones. So what if she was nervous being around Jake Stryker, bad boy musician? This day was for the kids.
Soon, Marty had the kids singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Old MacDonald," and other songs they all knew. Jake joined in and his rich baritone, even on these childish tunes, sent shivers racing down her spine. Her own voice wasn't bad but it was nothing compared to his opulent timbre.
It didn't take long before they were rolling into Nashville. By the time they pulled into the zoo, the kids were nearly overwhelmed with excitement. They unbuckled their seatbelts almost before the car was stopped.
"Hold up now," Jake directed. "Remember, we need to all stay together. And what should you do if you get separated from us?
"Go tell a zoo person you're lost," Brody stated firmly.
Jake chuckled and agreed. "Yep. Tell them we're lost."
"And nobody goes anywhere until you get sunscreen on," Marty reminded them. "Okay, let's get out but stay right here until I get this stuff on you. Got it?
Two heads nodded eagerly and they scrambled out of the car. Both of them danced with impatience while Marty smoothed cream over their fair skin. It was just a little past nine, but the Tennessee sky was a clear, cloudless, and cerulean blue, and the temperature was on the rise. She took her time, enjoying the feel of their baby soft skin, her heartstrings tugging. She was surprised how close she already felt to these two.
Marty straightened up and smoothed imaginary wrinkles out of the coral colored gauzy blouse she'd paired with khaki shorts then turned to face Jake. Much to her surprise, he'd donned a baseball cap with a wide brim and sunglasses so his face was only partially visible.
"I try to use a bit of camouflage when I go out in public." He shrugged. "Sometimes it's just easier than drawing attention to myself."
Marty had never really thought about it but she could imagine Jake Stryker would cause quite a stir if he were recognized. He'd dressed casually in a light shirt and blue jeans and could almost pass for an ordinary man but not quite. Not in Marty's book anyway. There was something about him that made him stand out…
"Come on, Marty, let's go." The twins pulled at her hands and she took one hand in each of hers. Jake took Bonnie's other hand and together they headed for the entrance to the zoo.
It had been a wonderful day…at least right up until the end. They'd visited the monkeys on Gibbons Island and watched the comical meerkats watching them. They saw giraffes and alligators, dozens of varieties of birds, including fascinating flamingos and colorful parrots. They fed lorikeets and giant tortoises and even got to pet goats and get up close and personal with the kangaroos.
Jake had been like a proud papa all day, taking dozens of pictures and telling the kids about the animals. He bought them all frozen bananas and they had a lunch of hot dogs and chips. When the kids got tired of walking, they rented a giant two-seater stroller and Jake and Marty rambled along the shady paths while the kids rode in comfort.
For the most part they were just another family there for a fun afternoon. There were a few times Marty noticed a couple of women whispering and pointing in their direction, but fortunately they were too shy to approach and ask if he were Jake Stryker.
Eventually, they made their way to the Jungle Gym, a playground that was any kid's dream come true. Bonnie and Brody were tired but still found the energy to take full advantage of the playground equipment.
The two adults gratefully took a seat on a bench while the kids played nearby.
"Wow. They're like little Energizer bunnies. They keep going and going…" Marty chuckled as she watched the two little blonde heads bent over some wildflowers.
"I know. I bet they'll sleep all the way home in the car." Jake eyed them thoughtfully. "They've been so good all day."
Marty tipped her head and eyed him from behind her sunglasses. "So have you. Who would have thought a big superstar like you would enjoy something as simple as a day at the zoo?"
"I love the zoo. In fact, I make regular donations. But the personnel all know I want to be treated like any other visitor when I come here. I like walking around, eating popcorn, and being just another human being. It keeps me grounded."
The kids ran up to them just then, begging to be pushed in the swings. They complied, Jake pushing Brody and Marty pushing Bonnie. It was an easy time, a happy time, all of them laughing and smiling.
Just as Jake gave Brody another big push a busty blonde ran up, snatched Jake's hat off, and squealed.
"Oh my God! You're Jake Stryker! I knew it was you. I could just tell." She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a big smacking kiss right on the mouth.
Jake stood frozen with shock. He was used to aggressive fans but this was a little too much. He put his hands on the bouncing woman's waist, trying to pry her off him, but she clung like a barnacle to a ship.
"I'm your biggest fan, Jake. I swear I am." She squeezed her arms even tighter and looked up at him with adoring eyes.
"That's real nice, Ma'am." He managed to choke out the words despite her stranglehold on his neck. He pulled at her arms. "But if you don't mind, I can't breathe."
She let go, although reluctantly, and only managed to maneuver her arms to his waist instead of his neck.
"I just love you, Jake. I love everything you do. By the way, my name's Lulu Bennett from Birmingham, Alabama."
"Nice to meet you, Ma'am." Jake again struggled to free himself from her grip. He was just starting to succeed when he looked up and saw a man running towards him…a big, angry man.
"Hey, you, let go of my wife." He reached out with one hand and pulled the bleached blonde away and used the other arm to ram a ham-like fist directly into Jake's nose.
Chapter 11
Marty drove the SUV towards the farm, glancing over now and then at the passenger seat where Jake reclined with an ice pack on his sore nose. A peek in the rearview mirror confirmed that both children were fast asleep in their car seats.
Poor Jake. Before he could even pick himself up off the ground after the man punched him, Lulu had turned on her husband, yelling and screaming at him. She finally managed to convince her husband that this was Jake Stryker, her favorite country star, and that it had been her that accosted him, not the other way around.
"I sure am sorry, Mr. Stryker," he'd said in apology and held a hand out to help Jake up. "I'd gone to the bathroom and when I came back I saw my wife in the arms of a strange man. I thought you were attacking her."
"Really? Right here in the playground with my niece and nephew and a lady with me?" Jake shook his head and reached up to wipe away the blood that was trickling from his nose. Marty could tell his first instinct was to pound this man's face into a pulp, but beca
use of the kids and a desire to avoid a crowd, he held back.
"Oh, do forgive Hoss, please?" Lulu interjected on her husband's behalf. "He can't help it if he's a big, dumb oaf."
Hoss hung his head, his little wife continuing to berate him, Lulu slapping his arm repeatedly.
"I'm mighty sorry," he reiterated. "Say, we probably ought to get you to the ER. I think I done broke your nose."
"You think?" Jake's voice held a sarcastic edge. "That's okay. I'll take care of it. All I want from you is for you to get far away from me."
"I can't go if you don't say you forgive me," Hoss stubbornly insisted.
"Okay, okay, all is forgiven." Jake even stuck out his hand for Hoss to shake, and the other man grabbed it and shook it vigorously.
"Are you sure I can't drive you to the hospital?"
"No, no, that's okay. Marty here will take care of me." Jake glanced over to where she huddled with the frightened children hugging her knees, their faces hidden against her legs. Damn, this would have to happen when they were with him. The last thing they needed was exposure to more violence.
He stepped over and wrapped the three of them in his arms. "Hey, it's all right. Just a little misunderstanding."
He'd been so kind to the kids, so patient with their fear. He got down on his knees and looked them each in their eyes, reassuring them he was okay, that this had been an accident, a misunderstanding, and nothing to worry about. They were safe and he would always keep them safe.
They'd made their way to the small clinic there at the zoo where Jake was cleaned up and given an ice pack for his face. He refused to go to the hospital. There was nothing they could do for a broken nose, anyway, and this wasn't the first time his nose had slammed into an angry fist.
Marty had at least talked him into letting her drive. Heck, his eyes were so swollen he could barely see. Now his eyes were closed, his head tilted back against the seat. Despite the ice pack resting on the bridge of his nose, he looked at peace.
The man was so much different than she had expected him to be. Instead of brash and abrasive, he was almost humble. Instead of being a showoff, always wanting to be the center of attention, he avoided the spotlight. His behavior in this was unlike any of the musicians she had known before.
Bad Boy Series: Soul Songs (Bad Boy Romance Book 2) Page 4