Second Song Cowboy (Second Chance)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  He’d never needed a whole lot in life. He’d always been a simple man with little needs. Could April live this way? Fact was, he could never leave his home, the ranch and his brothers. April’s life back in Nashville had no place for a man like him.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  APRIL GLANCED AT her reflection in the full-length mirror as excitement dripped through her.

  After Dante had called her earlier asking her and her mother to come for dinner at Brooke Creek with the family, she’d anxiously searched all of her clothes and came up empty on what to wear. Everything was too small, except for a couple pairs of shorts and tank tops. She’d ordered a new wardrobe online, but nothing had arrived yet.

  Thankfully, her mother found a yellow, summery dress at the boutique in town that fit her blooming figure. April hadn’t left the farm since the media explosion.

  Smoothing her hands down her new curves, she realized her body was changing and she wasn’t sure this was the pregnancy glow she’d heard all the fuss about. Her breasts were tender and swollen. Her face was broken out and she had the weirdest cravings—ice cream with hot sauce.

  Her stomach was growing fast, making everything seem real. She would be a mother.

  Her heart fluttered. Each day brought more awareness.

  Now if she could manage her relationship with Dante, things would be perfect.

  She’d started to get things in perspective. Before Kiefer left for Texas, he’d sent out a press release stating that April was back in Nashville, refreshed after a vacation and was neck deep in a new album. A hired model, closely resembling April, was used to thwart media. From what she’d heard, the tabloids believed the ruse. However, that didn’t disengage the media’s interest in Dante. She’d heard though that Deckland had scared a few people off his property and was on photographer patrol.

  Shrugging off any negativity, she went downstairs.

  Kiefer and her mother were waiting in the kitchen. “Is Dante here yet?” she asked.

  “No, not yet, but you look gorgeous.” Anneta beamed. April swept a glance over her mother’s designer top, long skirt to the black, bejeweled high heels. She didn’t have the heart to tell her mother that she was overdressed.

  “Thank you. And Kiefer, are you sure you’re okay with accompanying us? It’s not really your cup of tea.”

  Kiefer tugged at his neon blue tie. “I’ve told you that I’m not letting you out of my sight until this whole rumor mill comes to a dead stop. Someone has to be looking out for your career if you’re not willing to.” He rolled his eyes.

  April smiled. She had a feeling through all of his talk that he did care for her.

  Hearing tires on gravel, her heart picked up speed as her palms turned clammy. She hadn’t seen Dante since he’d stormed away angry. Tonight she would make everything right. Rolling her ring around her finger, she swallowed back her anxiety. She was married to the man and yet every time he pulled into the driveway she was that teenage girl again waiting for the boy of her dreams.

  She heard the truck door slam and she wrung her hands together. He was coming. Soon he’d be near her and everything would be okay.

  Boots on porch.

  Several creaks of the old wood.

  The loud squeak of the screen door opening.

  She brought her chin up, their gazes met. Her chest tightened and she resisted the urge to run into his arms and melt.

  Sexy and virile. That’s all she could think as she smoothed her gaze over his blue-striped button down and nice fitting jeans. She’d missed him.

  “I’m starting to like Texas more and more,” Kiefer practically meowed the words.

  Dante then slid his attention to the other man. “I’m Dante. And you are…?”

  “I’m Kiefer, April’s manager.” He held out a manicured hand. Shaking hands, Kiefer’s lips parted slightly. “My…what large, callused hands you have.”

  Dante chuckled. “I guess they are.”

  “We haven’t seen much of you lately.” Anneta patted her perfectly coiffed blonde hair.

  “April has been enjoying her time with you. I’ll have her all to myself during our honeymoon. And April and I have many years to come.” Honey oozed from the top of Aprils roots to the tips of her toes. She loved that man with her entire being. He was right, it was time she got her priorities straight. He took a step toward her and butterflies fluttered inside of her stomach. “You’re beautiful.” He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. Her knees quaked. “Are you ready, sweetheart?”

  Ready wasn’t the word. Hyped up on endorphins, every part of her body screamed for hot cowboy. Her nipples bunched against the material of her tight bra and her thong suddenly felt two sizes too small. The flesh at her inner thighs quivered and her juices flowed, moistening her panties. Could it be possible that she wanted him more each time she saw him?

  “Anneta and I will be riding in my Benz. We will run along and allow you two lovebirds a moment of privacy.” Kiefer ushered her mother out the door. April swore she heard her mother’s exasperated sigh, but now, all that mattered was her husband.

  “I’m so sorry, Dante.” Her vision blurred. The roller coaster started its decline.

  “No apology necessary. I’m a tough-skinned man and can take a lot.”

  She charged into him and he folded his arms tight around her. Laying her head against his chest, she listened to the strong beat of his heart. “I don’t want to be without you again,” she murmured into the material of his shirt.

  “We’re together, sweetheart. We just have different addresses at the moment.” He buried his nose in her hair and she heard his deep inhale. “My God you smell so good.”

  His zipper swelled against her stomach and she rubbed against the bulge. “We’re on the same page.” She brought her face upward and wriggled her brows.

  “Damn, woman! I must insist that you stay the night with me. I miss holding you.” His raspy voice brought the hair up on her arms.

  “I think that can be arranged.” He brought his mouth to hers and dug his fingers into her hair. By the time he brought his head up, she was breathless and filled with need. “Do we have to leave?”

  He stepped back. “Yes, we do. I’d have a lot of angry folks if I didn’t come back with you.”

  “Is that right?” Curiosity charged her. “What’s going on?”

  He shrugged. “Just an engagement dinner for a lovely country singer.”

  A smile pressed her lips. “An engagement dinner?”

  “It’s only a private affair.”

  “How long have you known about this?”

  “For some time. Peyton did most of the work and I just sat back and fiddled my thumbs,” he admitted.

  “I know this hasn’t been easy. Can you stick it out a little longer?” she asked.

  “Hell, I waited fifteen years. What’s another few weeks?”

  ****

  Dante watched April across the yard. She was standing with Peyton and Kiefer, her head bent back and laughter spilling from her pretty lips. Her hair was bouncing across her rosy cheeks and her eyes twinkled with joy. He’d never seen a lovelier woman.

  This is the way he wanted to see her every day.

  His gaze dropped to her stomach. Although the material of the dress was loose fitting, he could see the baby bump and it stole his breath. She carried his child. A part of them grew within her, their blood and bones entwined. What better gift could a man receive?

  Every beat of his heart cried for April. His soul ached for her when they were apart. He realized for the first time what Dillon meant when he said, “Love is like living for the first time.”

  April made him want to be a better man. He’d crawl the earth to be by her side.

  “Dante, why are you over here by yourself?”

  He brought his chin around. Anneta was standing next to him. She looked like a fish out of water with her expensive clothes and shoes. “I’m just observing,” he finally answered.

  With
a batting of fake lashes, she gave him a stiff smile. “April is special, isn’t she?”

  “Very much.” He shifted his gaze to his wife again. Peyton was whispering something in her ear.

  “I’ve always wanted the best for her. Is it possible that I can be blunt?” One over plucked brow came up. She tapped her adorned fingers on the crystal wine goblet.

  “Of course.” He brought his bottle of cold beer to his lips and took a long drink.

  “I’m not sure you’re what is best for my daughter.” She brought her dark gaze upon him. “I realize you two had a summer fling years ago, before she made something of herself, but it’s possible some things should stay in the past.”

  He winced at her truthfulness. “Everyone has a right to an opinion.”

  “I married April’s father because I was pregnant. We were young and when I told him about the baby, he asked for my hand in marriage. He was living in this good for nothing town and he saw me as his way out.” She sniffed loudly. “I agreed, and some months later, April was born. Money was never a problem and we could afford to travel, have the best nannies. Unfortunately, April is different than I was. I know my daughter and her dedication to this baby…and to you.” Her sidelong glance nailed him with a sliver of disgust. “Oh, you’re a man who wields great power with your looks, charm and other capabilities.” With a delicate clearing of her throat, she continued, “But I’ve learned the hard way that once the appeal wears thin there isn’t much left except a career.”

  He knew exactly where she headed. Emptying the bottle, he tossed it into a nearby trashcan. “April’s lucky she has you to look out for her. But rest assured, April and I will be happy and whatever choice she makes regarding her musical career is hers to make.”

  Her laugh sent chills up his spine. “Ah, we both know that’s not true. Weren’t you assuming she would give up everything and stay here?” Her upturned nose wrinkled.

  “She’s pregnant, Anneta. I believe she will make the best decision for our family, but no matter, I will be here taking care of her and our child, whatever she decides.”

  Taking a long drink from the glass, she swallowed loudly. “It’s easy to imagine that we’re needed. I plan to help my daughter with this pregnancy too.”

  “That’s great because I know how much that means to her. But if you’re against April and I getting married, then why are you supporting her with the wedding?”

  Looking at him through fake lashes, she sighed. “I believe before the wedding you will see that you don’t belong in her world. This is your life.” She swept a hand through the air. “And she belongs in a world of fans.”

  “You’re wrong. April and I belong with each other. It doesn’t matter what you think.” His patience thinned.

  “Is that so?” Her laughter scraped against his nerves. “Who did she ask to accompany her for the baby’s first ultrasound?” He winced. “Ahhh, so she didn’t tell you, did she? Poor, poor man. I’m sorry. I don’t like being a bearer of bad news, but you needed to know.”

  Every muscle ached as truth sunk in. He had to believe April had an excuse why she took her mother and didn’t tell him. “Excuse me.” He forced the words through tight lips.

  He moved his way across the freshly mowed lawn, searching for April. He spotted her sitting at one of the tables. He zig-zagged through the maze and people, barely hearing their congratulations as he moved closer to the only person he wanted to speak with. The only thing that could smooth his doubts was hearing her reasoning.

  Finally reaching her, she saw him as a smile swept across her face. “Hi, handsome.”

  “April, we need—” An awful squeal came from the makeshift stage. “What the hell is he doing?” Dante squinted as Kiefer tapped the head of the microphone with two fingers.

  “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “What’s wrong?”

  “We need to talk.”

  “Hello, partygoers.” Kiefer’s shrill voice broke through Dante’s attempt to speak to his wife. “I’m Kiefer, April’s manager. I wanted to take it upon myself to tell you how happy I am for her. She has found Mr. Right. I know all of you are her fans, so don’t fret. A wedding ring on her finger doesn’t mean you won’t hear from her again. In fact, she has signed a contract to perform at four shows after the wedding.”

  Dante blocked out Kiefer as he turned to April who had gone pale. He swallowed the shards of glass in his throat. “Is this true?”

  Her bottom lip trembled. “I was going to talk to you about the shows in private. It’s not how it seems. Let me explain.”

  “Your mother is right. I don’t belong in your world, and you certainly don’t belong in mine.” He tore his gaze away as he brushed passed her.

  “Dante! Wait!” She jumped up and grabbed his elbow.

  He turned and looked at her, putting up his wall of protection. “What?”

  “Let’s talk.”

  “So now we need to talk, huh? When did you plan to tell me about the ultrasound?” He didn’t bother to warm his cold tone. By her silence, he guessed she’d wanted to keep it a secret. “Thankfully, your mom and Kiefer are more open than you are.”

  “You don’t understand—”

  “I don’t understand? Really?” He laughed. “What about the honeymoon you asked me to plan? When did you think you should tell me it was off?”

  “What’s going on here?” Anneta interrupted them. “You two are causing a scene.”

  “Back off, Anneta. This is between April and me.” He didn’t even bother looking at the older woman.

  “Who do you think you are?” Her lips thinned and she clenched her hands into fists.

  “Who do I think I am? I’m her husband…that’s who. But don’t worry, apparently it wasn’t a ‘real’ wedding considering April didn’t feel the need to tell you.” He gently pulled his arm free of April’s grasp. He saw his wife’s expression turn icy as he walked away. If he’d looked back, he couldn’t do what needed done. And he couldn’t allow her do draw him in. Right now, he couldn’t think through all of the emotions swarming through him. Betrayal nicked his heart as his veins froze. The last person he’d ever thought could have betrayed him just proved to him that he couldn’t believe in anyone.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  APRIL SLIPPED OFF her shoes, avoiding her mother’s probing glare from across the kitchen. Kiefer hadn’t stopped apologizing since they’d left the party early. In the end, she knew she couldn’t blame him.

  “I’ll talk to him. After I explain that you’ve decided to do the shows then take a long break, he’ll see that you’ve put him as a priority,” Kiefer said.

  “You should think this over, April,” Anneta huffed. “You’re talking about your career. You can’t drop everything and expect to take up where you’ve left off.”

  “Mother, it’s my choice.” April poured water into the kettle and put it on the stove.

  “Talk to her, Kiefer. Tell her this is a huge mistake,” Anneta cried.

  “I’m not always good at keeping my opinions to myself, but on this, she’s made a decision.”

  Anneta threw her hands up in frustration. “You’ve got be kidding me! This is insane.”

  “Lots of people take breaks from their musical career. Some come back stronger than ever. I need to do this for my family.” April wished her mother would understand.

  “Your family? I’m your family,” Anneta whined.

  “Yes, and so is Dante and this baby.” April placed her palm over her small baby bump. “He was telling the truth. He’s my husband.”

  Kiefer backed toward the door. “I need my beauty sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.” He was out of the room before April could respond.

  Anneta didn’t even acknowledge him. “If he’s your husband then he’ll allow you to follow your dreams.” Her mother’s expression became bitter.

  The dam inside of April broke. “Let me inform you of some truths, mother. He did step aside and allow me to follow my dreams fifteen years
ago when all I wanted was to stay here and be with him. I know you couldn’t begin to understand that because you have no clue what true love means. Why can’t you be happy that I’m happy?”

  “Why do you think I’ve done everything the way that I have? Everything was for you, and to give you things.”

  “That’s accurate. To ‘give’ me things when what I wanted was your time. Why do you think I didn’t tell you that Dante and I are already married?”

  Her mouth twisted. “I have no clue why you’d lie.”

  “Really? No idea whatsoever? I thought for the first time in forever you wanted to be a mother to me. I must admit, the last few days have been rewarding, but now it all makes sense. You were doing all of this, pretending to want this wedding just so you could sabotage my relationship with the only man I’ve ever loved.” April bit back tears. No way would she give her mother the satisfaction of seeing her pain. “I hope you’re happy because it appears you have what you wanted. Dante walked away.”

  “April, I only wanted you to have what I never had.”

  “If that were true then you would have wanted love for me, because that’s something I never really knew until Dante came into my life.” Leaving the room, she kept walking even when her mother called after her. For the first time in her life, she saw things clearly where her mother was concerned. April could no longer allow her parents to dampen her outlook on life. She’d given them far too much control up until now.

  She took the stairs two at a time as tears fell to her cheeks. Losing Dante the first time was pure hell. The second time would destroy her.

  ****

  Dante signed off on the shipment of hay and handed the paper back to the delivery person. He grabbed one of the bales and tossed it over his shoulder as he saw a woman walking toward the barn. His gut clenched and he dropped the hay. “Did you lose your way, Anneta?”

  Her gaze narrowed and her mouth thinned. “Looks like I’m at the right place.”

  He didn’t have time for dealing with her this morning. She crossed the grass and her heels were stuck in the soft dirt. He resisted the urge to smile and instead, offered help. “Here.”