Rodeo Song

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  God had fixed everything.

  The song faded into the opening strains of “Elusive Dream.” Garrett had asked her to dance to both songs as he sang. But she’d thought it would be too intimate and private. She’d almost promised to dance with him at their wedding, but he hadn’t mentioned marriage lately. And she certainly wouldn’t pressure him. He had enough pressure without her adding to it.

  Garrett sang the final words to the song and the audience went wild as the music faded. “You remember Jenna Wentworth, Dallas. Remember I told you we were only friends?” He paused. And the silence turned dramatic. “I was wrong.”

  “What are you doing?”

  He hadn’t said anything about going public with their romance.

  “I’m ready for the world to know—I love Jenna Wentworth.”

  Whistles and catcalls echoed through the applause of the crowd and Garrett dropped to one knee. “Jenna Wentworth, will you marry me?”

  Her chin trembled and she pressed her fingertips to her mouth.

  The crowd began to chant. “Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.”

  She threw her arms around him but movement at the front of the stage caught her attention.

  A familiar-looking woman. But Jenna couldn’t place her. As the woman held up a poster board, Jenna saw her stomach. A very pregnant stomach. She read the sign.

  This Is Garrett Steele’s Baby!

  Chapter 14

  Desiree. She’d promised to make Garrett pay for not hiring her back. Eight months ago.

  Jenna fled backstage as security confiscated the sign and escorted Desiree to the nearest exit. Garrett turned to go after Jenna.

  But Sebastian caught his arm. “Sing another song. Act like nothing’s up. Finish the concert. I’ll see to Jenna.”

  He wanted to see to her himself. But Sebastian was right. He owed it to his new label. His first Christian concert. Would his label even still want him after this debacle?

  Would Jenna? His insides quaked.

  Surely Jenna didn’t believe Desiree’s claim. She was upset. Embarrassed.

  Get through one more song. Then he could comfort her. Lyrics escaped him. What song was he even supposed to have closed out with?

  “Amazing Grace.” That wasn’t the song, but he could come up with the lyrics if he focused. And he could use a dose of God’s amazing grace right now.

  He whispered to his guitar player. The musician transitioned into the opening strains of the song. The band followed.

  Get through this song. Help me, Jesus.

  Garrett sang the song as he never had before. Clinging to each word. Needing God’s strength. Needing God’s blessings.

  He couldn’t think about whether anyone in the crowd had seen the sign. If they believed it. What his record label would think. Or do. What Jenna thought. Or would do.

  God’s amazing grace would see him through. Even if he lost everything. Even if he lost Jenna.

  * * *

  Bright September daylight spread across Jenna’s living-room floor. Curled in a ball, she sat on the couch, still fully clothed.

  If not for Sebastian, she’d probably be wandering the streets of Dallas. But he’d gotten her a cab and paid. His words still rang in her ears. For what it’s worth, I don’t believe her.

  After she got home, the house phone rang until she turned it off. Then her cell. Surely Garrett wouldn’t come to her house and lead reporters there.

  Now they had a story.

  And Jenna remembered where she’d seen the pregnant woman. Eight months ago. Backstage. The woman who’d pushed her way into Garrett’s VIP room as Jenna was leaving to meet him for dinner.

  Now she knew what had taken him so long to get to the hotel.

  Nausea turned her stomach and a bitter taste rose in the back of her throat.

  Her doorbell rang. Great. The reporters had come anyway. She didn’t move.

  “Jenna, it’s Nat and Caitlyn. Let us in.”

  That meant the story had hit the news. Her cousins had come for support. And she needed it.

  She strode to the door. They’d both pulled for her and Garrett to reunite. Surely they wouldn’t smuggle him here.

  “You’re alone.” Her voice quivered. “Just the two of you?”

  “Except for two security guys Garrett sent over,” Caitlyn called.

  Security guys? That was why the reporters hadn’t shown up.

  Natalie might cross her fingers and tell a little white lie for what she thought was for Jenna’s own good, but Caitlyn wouldn’t.

  Jenna opened the door.

  “Surely you don’t believe it.” Natalie handed her a carton of ice cream and rushed inside. “Desiree Devine is insane. She’s been calling, trying to get Garrett to hire her back for months. And she said she’d make him pay for not doing it.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Caitlyn hugged her. “We couldn’t read the sign from where we sat last night. But that horrible woman has been all over the news saying horrible things about Garrett.”

  She needed all the hugs she could get.

  “Eight months ago, when I went to Garrett’s concert with Tori, Desiree came backstage as I was leaving. Garrett had talked me into having dinner with him at his hotel.” Her voice quivered. “It took a long time for him to get there. I was about to leave when he finally showed up.”

  “Oh, come on, Jenna.” Natalie propped her hands on her hips. “Do you seriously believe Garrett had sex with her and then dinner with you?”

  “I know he lived a promiscuous life.” Jenna hugged herself. “And he was intimate with Desiree in the past.”

  “The past, Jenna. Garrett was cleaning things up even before he reconnected with you.” Natalie aimed the remote and clicked the TV on.

  “I don’t want to hear what they’re saying.”

  “Well, you’re going to.” Natalie turned the sound up. “He’s doing an interview with Sammie this morning to clear things up.”

  “So you do know Desiree Devine?” Sammie’s bland newswoman tone pierced Jenna’s frayed nerves.

  “Yes, I know her. I’m ashamed to say, we lived together once.” Regret registered in Garrett’s voice and slumped shoulders.

  Regret he’d shacked up with Desiree? Or regret he’d gotten caught?

  “How long ago was that?”

  “Almost eight years ago. I’d been in Nashville about a year. I was singing in dives and barely making enough to pay my rent. Desiree discovered me, became my agent and launched my career. I’ll always be grateful to her for that.”

  “And you had a relationship?”

  “It lasted about six months. Until she caught me cheating on her.” Garrett sighed. “I’m not proud of any of this. I lived an immoral lifestyle up until almost two years ago, when I woke up with a woman I didn’t remember meeting.” Garrett closed his eyes. “I stopped drinking after that and stopped sleeping around.” He gazed directly into the camera. “I haven’t been with anyone since.” Sincerity rang through his words.

  He’d told her himself he’d lived like a monk. Why had she doubted him?

  “So you’re saying Desiree Devine’s claims—that you had sex with her after your January Dallas concert and she’s carrying your child—are false.”

  “Desiree did manage to get backstage after that concert, but we talked—that’s all. I’m willing to take a blood test to prove it. And there’s no chance any woman could be pregnant with my child now or in the future. Not until Jenna and I get married. And then only Jenna will ever have a chance at conceiving my child.”

  Her eyes stung. He still wanted to marry her? After she’d walked out on him?

  “How does Jenna feel about all of this? Did you get an answer to your proposal?”

  “Jenna is embarrassed, a
nd to me, the worst part of all of this is that she’s hurt. It kind of ruined the moment and she hasn’t had a chance to give me an answer.”

  Because she wouldn’t answer when he’d called. And even with his world falling apart, he was worried about her.

  Sammie turned to the camera. “You heard it here first, viewers. Garrett Steele says Desiree Devine’s story is fake. And the engagement might still be on. This is a Sammie Sanderson exclus—” The TV clicked off.

  “See.” Natalie set the remote down.

  She had to go to him. Let him know she believed him. But she’d walked out on him with the world watching. How could she make it up to him?

  “Natalie, can you set me up an interview with Sammie? ASAP?”

  “You—Jenna Wentworth—want to go on television?”

  “No. Not really. But I have to.”

  “To do what?”

  “To tell the world—and Garrett—I believe him. Not her.”

  “Good for you.” Caitlyn gave her a fist bump.

  Her cousin’s antics got a grin out of Jenna. But the pressure in her chest didn’t let up.

  She’d hurt the man she loved by letting him down with her disbelief. Could she ever make it up to him?

  * * *

  On the set of Good Morning Texas, Jenna stared at the camera.

  “Loosen up.” Sammie patted her arm. “You’re so stiff. Try to be natural.”

  Natural. There was nothing natural about airing the personal details of her life on television. Was this what life with Garrett would be like? Maybe. But happily ever after with Garrett would be worth any cost.

  “Ready?” Sammie was way too perky. “We’re almost on.”

  “We’re live in five, four, three, two...” the director counted down.

  The theme song played and Sammie smiled into the camera.

  Which camera? Jenna bit her lip and chose the one Sammie was looking at.

  “Jenna Wentworth, owner and head designer of Worthwhile Designs with locations at the Galleria Dallas and the Fort Worth Stockyards, is here with us this morning. Not only is Jenna a much-sought-after designer, she’s also apparently the girl of Garrett Steele’s dreams.” Sammie’s lip curled in disbelief. “So, Jenna, what’s your take on Desiree Devine’s claims?”

  Jenna swallowed the lump in her throat. “I don’t believe her.” Despite her nervousness, conviction rang clear in her tone.

  “You’re taking Garrett’s side on this matter?”

  “Of course. And I’d like to give him an answer to his proposal.”

  Sammie’s eyes lit up. “Listen up, Texas. Garrett Steele’s proposal hangs in the balance.”

  “Yes.” Jenna’s voice quivered, but she looked directly into the camera. “I’ll marry you, Garrett. I love you and I want to be your wife.”

  “And the plot thickens.” Sammie turned to the camera. “You heard it here first, Texas. Jenna Wentworth is standing by her man. This is an exclusive interview with Sammie Sanderson.”

  Had Natalie remembered to call Garrett about the interview? Had he watched? The director’s voice cut into her thoughts.

  “And we’re clear.”

  “Thank you so much, Jenna.” Sammie was downright giddy. “These interviews may just launch me to prime time.”

  Jenna stood and walked away. One of the crew unclipped her mic pack, and as soon as she could slip away, she was out the door.

  Only one viewer mattered.

  * * *

  Garrett sat on the floor in the middle of the great room. Where he’d sat with Jenna so many times picking paint, flooring or fabrics. The tiles were cool on his bare legs under blue jean cutoffs. He still needed the other houses redecorated. But she wouldn’t come back. Even for that.

  The massive oak desk she’d gotten him as a housewarming gift sat in the corner. Cowhide lined the sides and the privacy panel capped with a Texas lone star in the center.

  Concentrate on the good news. His new record label had promised to stick with him until a paternity test could be taken. If he passed—and he would—he’d still have a label backing him. But none of it meant anything without Jenna.

  At least he’d talked his parents into moving into the largest extra house on the property. But did he even want to stay in Aubrey if he couldn’t have Jenna?

  The doorbell rang. He’d let Flora get it.

  Movement in the entryway. He looked up.

  Jenna. He jumped from the floor and was at her side in seconds.

  Her hand shook as she tucked her hair behind her ear. “I talked Flora into letting me in without being announced. I hope that’s okay.”

  “You’re here.” Garrett swept her into his arms. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “Of course I’m here. Didn’t you see the show? Natalie was supposed to tell you to watch.”

  “She did. But I’m so distracted, I forgot.”

  “I can’t believe this. I go on live television to answer your proposal and you weren’t watching.”

  “You answered?” He put enough space between them to look into her eyes.

  “Yes.”

  His chest squeezed. “Is that the answer, or yes, you answered?”

  “Yes, I answered.” She grinned. “And I answered yes.”

  Garrett kissed her and her lips yielded to his. Heat rose through him and he forced himself to pull away. “I thought you were done with me. You wouldn’t answer my calls.”

  “I’m sorry. I was confused.”

  “With just cause.” He cupped her cheeks in his hands.

  “But when I saw your interview with Sammie, I wondered why I ever doubted you. I’m sorry I did.”

  “You’re here now. And I’ll prove it to you. I’m having a paternity test, but not until the baby is born. It’s safer for the baby that way.”

  “You’re a good man, Garrett Steele.” She closed the gap between them, pressing her face into the shelter of his chest.

  “I’m trying to be the man you deserve. We should wait until after the paternity test to get married. So we won’t have anything hanging over our heads.”

  “Why? You’re not the father. There’s nothing hanging over our heads.”

  He pulled her away from him again, enough to see her. “What did I do to deserve you?”

  “I can see the tabloids now.” She rolled her eyes. “Some rag will run pictures of all the models in your past. And then me. I’m just Jenna Wentworth from Aubrey, Texas. There’s no way I can measure up.”

  “You’re wrong. No other woman ever measured up to you.”

  “They’ll say I can never keep your interest.”

  “Don’t you understand, Jenna? You’re worth so much more to me than any of those women. You’re the woman I was trying to forget.” He rained soft kisses across her eyes, nose and cheeks. “Their beauty was only surface deep. You’re beautiful inside and out. You more than measure up. You’ve held my interest for almost nine years and that’s never going to change.”

  “Stop teasing me.” She grabbed him, cupping the back of his head with both hands, and pressed her lips to his.

  But he couldn’t stay there and keep his sanity. He pulled away and she ran her fingers through his hair.

  He grabbed her wrists. “Don’t.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s all stiff with product.”

  “I don’t care. I’ve wanted to run my hands through your hair since I first saw you at your concert.”

  “Really?”

  “I wish you hadn’t cut it.” Her fingers tangled in his hair.

  “Me too. Only because I hate having to fuss with it. When it was long, it didn’t take product to tame the curl. His Calling says I can grow it back.”

  “They’re
sticking with you?”

  “They want me to lie low until the paternity test and finish the new album, then a debut concert followed by a three-month tour. Is that something you can live with?”

  “As long as I get to live with you.”

  “Then we better talk wedding.” He rubbed his nose against hers.

  “You’re not just trying to get me in your bed, are you?”

  “Every night. Until death do us part.”

  “October first?”

  “The anniversary of our first date.”

  Her eyes grew shiny. “You remember?”

  “My heart hasn’t been the same since.” He took a deep breath. “But that’s only a month away. Are you sure we shouldn’t wait until after...?”

  “I’ve waited almost nine years for you, Garrett. The longer we wait, the more chance there’ll be of the press getting word of it. And I don’t want to wait anymore.”

  “On the subject of waiting—” he pulled free of her and strode across the room to the other side of the breakfast bar “—you better stay over there to be on the safe side.”

  Her face turned an adorable shade of pink and he fell even deeper.

  * * *

  To throw the press off, Jenna wasn’t getting married in her own church. But that was the only disappointment on her wedding day. She waited in a classroom at Nat’s church with her mom and cousins fluffing her dress.

  The modest sumptuous white satin with clean, classic lines suited her perfectly as Caitlyn fastened Garrett’s wedding gift—a topaz-and-diamond necklace.

  “I almost forgot.” Natalie set two tickets on the table. “My wedding gift.”

  “Tickets to Six Flags.” Jenna grinned.

  “You and Garrett have the park to yourselves the last Friday in October. Wish I could watch him scream like a girl when he rides his first roller coaster.”

  “You’re awesome.” Jenna hugged her.

  “I try.” Nat smirked.

  Someone pecked on the door.

  “They’re ready,” Daddy called.

  “You look beautiful.” Mama tucked a stray tendril under Jenna’s veil.

  “Thanks.”