Trails of Love

by Melissa Foster

  “Holy shit,” Jillian whispered. “You guys, we shouldn’t—”

  “Shh!” Jax and Nick said in unison.

  “You’re off, cracker. Your energy is all out of balance. I can feel it. This isn’t right.”

  Morgyn took a shaky step forward with tears in her eyes and reached for his hands. Her hands were sweating, and it killed him knowing he was the cause of her angst.

  She swallowed hard and said, “Then don’t leave me. Be the man I know you to be. Keep all your promises. Take me with you. There’s too much good we can do to walk away or leave the project in someone else’s hands. Those people are far more important than where I sell my stuff or if I have a shop of my own. I realized in Seattle that I wanted to do more to help others, too, Graham. We can do this together. I can get out of my lease instead of renewing it, and we can figure out what to do with my business after we come back.”

  “Oh my gosh, that’s so sweet,” Charlotte whispered.

  “I won’t ask you to put your life on hold for that long.” He squeezed her hands to keep them from trembling. “I can’t ask that of you, sunshine.”

  “If you can’t go without me, then you don’t have to ask. I’m going. I have savings. I was playing with the idea of buying the caboose, but that’s a luxury I don’t need. I can afford a plane ticket, and how expensive can it be to stay in a place where they grow and hunt for food? We aren’t a conventional couple, Graham. We’re meant to float wherever we’re needed. We’re meant to make a difference. I didn’t realize that until just now, but don’t you see? The universe is testing us, and it’s up to us to make the right decisions.”

  “Sunshine,” he said, his throat thick with emotion. “That’s asking a lot of you, and it feels selfish.”

  “It would be more selfish if you walked away from the chance to help those people to be with me. I don’t want to be the one who makes them lose out. We have more than we need in this world. We have two homes, two amazing families. We’re so blessed.” She shrugged, a smile lifting her lips as she said, “This is who we’re meant to be. Know it. Trust it. Accept it. Right?”

  They reached for each other at the same time, and he said, “Always,” as his lips came down over hers.

  Applause and cheers rang out, and Jillian threw her arms around them and said, “I love you guys so much. I want what you have.”

  “Guess that means I’m heading to Belize,” Zev said.

  “This is definitely going in a book!” Charlotte called out, and they all laughed.

  “A bestseller,” Graham said, and then he kissed Morgyn again and said, “I couldn’t love you more than I do right now.”

  “That’s too bad,” Morgyn said. Then she went up on her toes and whispered, “I was sort of counting on you showing me just how much more you loved me tonight with hot make-up sex.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  MORGYN’S HEAD HADN’T stopped spinning since yesterday. She and Graham had celebrated their decision about Belize with a barbecue at his parents’ house. His mother hadn’t been surprised that Graham had been ready to give up going to Belize for Morgyn, because, she’d said, Your happiness has become his happiness. She’d confided in Morgyn that Graham had always been the peacemaker in the family and that she believed the treehouse he and his brothers had built as kids was one of his peacemaking endeavors. She’d said it had been a tough year, with Beau and Nick both full of teenage testosterone and at each other’s throats. The project had given them something to focus on, a reason to work together, and it had done the trick. While working on the project, Beau and Nick had once again become close. From what Morgyn had witnessed earlier that morning, they were clearly still just as close. Beau had called Graham before the fashion show and they had spoken for more than an hour.

  Now the fashion show was in full swing. Between lightning-fast clothing changes, models parading on and off the runway, flashes of lights, and blaring music, the warehouse vibrated with beautiful chaos. Friends of Jillian’s were modeling the clothes. They might not have been professionals, but they were sure pretty enough to be. There were two gorgeous brunettes, Gemma Gritt and Chelsea Helms; an adorable blonde named Jewel, who was married to one of Jillian’s cousins; Dixie Whiskey, a tall redhead who was all legs and badass attitude; and Dixie’s friend Isabel Ryder, who looked just like the lead actress from Blindspot, one of Brindle’s favorite shows. They strutted down the runway like they’d been modeling their whole lives. Morgyn had never been to a fashion show, and she didn’t think her clothes were worthy, but the women made her dresses, jeans, flare-legged hippie pants, and everything else they wore look like a million bucks.

  “I saw your cowboy brother out there. Is he still single?” Dixie asked as she shimmied into one of Jillian’s sexy corset dresses. Her flame-red hair looked stunning against the black leather, and her tattoos gave off the edgy vibe Jillian had said her new clothing line needed. She glanced at Morgyn and said, “You must have all sorts of hot cowboys where you live.”

  “Some of the hottest,” Morgyn answered.

  Jillian buttoned the back of the corset and said, “I didn’t know you were into cowboys, Dix. I’d think you’d go biker all the way.”

  Dixie scoffed. “My family founded the Dark Knights motorcycle club. If I ever want to have a man in my life, he’s either got to be part of the club or from a whole different world.”

  “Then you’re out of luck.” Jillian turned Dixie by the shoulders, giving the outfit a once-over. “Nick’s not in a motorcycle club, but he rides.”

  “Perfect,” Dixie said with a smirk. “At least for tonight.”

  “That’s TMI about my brother. Now get out there and shake your gorgeous booty.” She gave Dixie a shove toward the stage.

  “Morgyn, is this right?” Gemma twirled before her in one of Morgyn’s halter tops and flare-legged pants.

  “Almost!” Morgyn grabbed a handful of necklaces and slipped them over her head. Then she fashioned a colorful bandeau around Gemma’s forehead. “God, you make my clothes look hot. Thank you for doing this.”

  “Are you kidding? Dress-up is what I do! I own Princess for a Day Boutique in Peaceful Harbor. You should come by and see it. We could use some hippie outfits for the kids to dress up in. Maybe you could make a hippie princess dress.”

  “I’d love to!”

  “Not now!” Jillian nudged Gemma toward the stage. “Can’t get off schedule, princess. Go show them how fantastic you look!” She spun around and said, “That’s the last one. Then I’ll go out and take my bow and introduce you. Are you ready?”

  “Ready to pass out, maybe. My heart hasn’t stopped racing all day,” Morgyn said as they watched the girls strut across the stage. “Thank you for sharing your spotlight with me. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I never would have gotten if not for you, and I’ll never forget it.”

  “You’re crazy. Do you know how rare one-of-a-kind merchandise is? Jax is out there lining up buyers who want to talk to you after the show.”

  “Buyers? What does that mean?”

  “It means they’ll want to place orders to carry your stuff in their stores. Jax and I have loads of connections. We’ll make you a star! His fashion shows are huge affairs that take place all over the country. If you ever design wedding gowns, let him know because he’s the man in the know. If only you weren’t leaving for Belize next month. We have a lot of planning to do to get your consignment business to the right people.”

  She was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from Graham’s family. “We?”

  Jillian rolled her eyes. “I told you I’d teach you about grassroots marketing. You’ll need it now more than ever.”

  Jillian’s name was announced over the loudspeaker, and Morgyn’s nerves caught fire.

  “That’s me!” Jillian said. “When they call your name, you own that runway. Head up, boobs out, smile pretty. Graham’s out there waiting for you. Focus on him and you’ll be fine. This is your coming-out party, Morgyn,
and I’m proud to share the stage with you!”

  Jillian hugged her, then hurried off, leaving Morgyn in a state of panic. She repeated Jillian’s instructions in her mind. Head up, boobs out, smile pretty. When her name echoed in the warehouse, she froze.

  A strong arm slipped around her waist, startling her.

  “Come on, sunshine. This is your moment.”

  Graham’s coaxing, comforting voice made her heart swell. “How did you know I needed you?”

  “You’re part of me. I’ll always know.”

  GRAHAM WATCHED MORGYN from across the room as Jillian introduced her to the people Graham knew were her most influential clients. Morgyn’s smile never faltered as she shook hands and blushed at what he was sure were a host of much-deserved compliments. Seeing her creations up onstage had sparked overwhelming emotions in him, but when Morgyn had joined Jillian to take a bow, he’d thought his heart might climb out of his chest.

  Jax sidled up to him, looking sharp in an expensive dark suit and purple tie. His hair was brushed back, and perfectly manicured scruff made his chiseled features appear even more defined. “I’ve got to give it to Morgyn. She knows how to work a room.” He handed Graham a drink and said, “How does it feel to see your girlfriend being swept up in the world of retail stardom?”

  “Is it weird to feel insanely proud of her? You should have seen her this morning when we heard that John, the homeless man from Seattle, got hired for the job I recommended for him. She lit up so bright, I thought I’d never see that look again. But this? Look at her, Jax. She’s in her element and she doesn’t even know it.”

  “I wondered if you would notice that. Even Jilly looks nervous, but Morgyn doesn’t. She looks thankful or appreciative. That blush she’s got going on works in her favor, and it doesn’t look like it’s from nerves. It’ll endear her to them. She’s not the cutthroat businessperson they’re used to. Do you think she realizes the buyers she’s talking to are worth millions?”

  Graham chuckled. “I don’t think she’d care.”

  A better question was the one ping-ponging around in Graham’s head. Could their timing for the Belize trip be any worse? Now that buyers had found her, he couldn’t help but wonder if they’d made the wrong decision. This was just the beginning for Morgyn. He knew how rare solid business opportunities were. He turned down five times as many as he took on, and the last thing he wanted was for her to miss out on something that could catapult her career to unheard of levels.

  “How about you?” Jax asked. “Do you care?”

  It was a good question. Graham mulled it over as he took a drink. Morgyn trusted him completely, just as he trusted her. He needed to be sure they were taking this next step for all the right reasons. She shined brightest when she was helping others or doing what she loved. He’d known she loved everything about her business, but what he hadn’t realized was what her enthusiasm might spark in industry professionals.

  “Tough question?” Jax said with a raised brow.

  “Yes, because I care a hell of a lot about Morgyn’s happiness. But I don’t give two shits about the prestige or money that could accompany it. The question is, should I? For her sake?”

  Jax shrugged. “You’re asking an artist. All I know is, even if my gowns never sold, I’d still make them. I’d starve, but then I’d come live with you in that treehouse, hunt squirrels for food, forage the forest for nuts and berries.” He glanced at Morgyn and said, “Your girl is hot, but right now? That mix of confidence and bashfulness? I bet every one of those suits is sporting a chubby.”

  Graham ground his teeth together. “How about you keep your nuts and berries at your place—and thoughts like that to yourself.”

  WHEN THEY ARRIVED at the airport several hours later, Graham was still wrestling with the worries that had plagued him all day. Morgyn had been speed-talking ever since the fashion show, raving about how excited everyone was about her designs and how honored she felt to have shared the stage with Jillian. Her goodbyes with his family had been emotional for everyone, most surprisingly him. He hadn’t realized how seeing his family welcome Morgyn into their close-knit circle would make him feel.

  “Is it crazy that I’m tearing up right now?” Morgyn asked as they came to her gate. “When did I turn into such a mushy girl?”

  He gathered her in his arms and kissed her salty tears away. “You’re my mushy girl, and you’ve been on an emotional high for days.”

  “I know, but I’m always on an emotional high,” she said adamantly. “It’s everything. I love your family so much, I want to live in your treehouse as much as I want to live in Oak Falls. And even though we’re only going to be apart for a few days, that makes me sadder than anything else, and I’m not a sad person. So what’s wrong with me?”

  He swallowed hard, realizing she hadn’t said anything about traveling to Belize. “You’re in love, sunshine. I hear it messes with the strongest of people. Myself included.”

  “Then it’s worth it.” She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight. “I might have to sleep on your side of the bed tonight.”

  “Damn, baby. I’m going to miss the sweet, loving look you’re giving me right now, and your octopus-like sleeping habits.” He reached into his bag and slipped his lucky hat on her head. A bright smile stretched across her beautiful face, and she sighed.

  “Now I feel a little more aligned,” she said, adjusting the hat. “I love you, cracker. Good luck with your meetings in New York, and thank you for letting me tag along to Seattle. You know what I’ll be thinking about while I’m flying?”

  “Our club initiation?”

  Her fingers curled into his shirt, and her eyes darkened as she whispered, “Well, now I will be. I was going to say how incredible it will be to travel to Belize together and help all those people.”

  Her words eased the tangle of worries inside him. After several steamy kisses, he watched her disappear through the gate, hoping like hell they were doing the right thing.

  Chapter Nineteen

  WEIRD DIDN’T COME close to describing how it felt to wake up Wednesday morning without Graham by her side. It was almost as strange as coming back to her small, happy town, where there weren’t homeless people or millionaires vying for her merchandise. She couldn’t stop thinking about the people in that tiny village in Belize Graham had told her about. She’d left a naive, small-town girl, and her limited travels had poked holes in her safe little bubble. The rest of the world was seeping in and puddling around her. She was so busy reacclimating to real life, working in her greenhouse, checking on the deer garden, and working at the shop that all those uneasy feelings were pushed to the side. She’d gotten so swept up in taking care of business she had to get done that when she finally arrived home that evening and saw Graham’s truck in front of her house, her heart went crazy. For a second she thought he was there, making reality that much harder to accept.

  They talked on the phone late into the night. Hearing his voice had soothed her longing, but she’d woken up Thursday morning missing him again. Only this time, as she worked in her shop, trying to figure out how to organize the closing of her business, she thought about how much had changed—for her and within her—adding to her discomfort.

  She had three weeks to move out of her retail space, arrange for her inventory to be sold on consignment, and figure out who would take care of her plants and deer garden while they were in Belize. Could she really close the doors to the retail space where her business had come to life? The space she’d been so proud of? An empty feeling swirled in the pit of her stomach. She sank down to a chair in the back of her shop, thinking about the buyers she’d met at the fashion show. She’d been so caught up in the moment, she hadn’t realized the full extent of the opportunity Jillian had given her. Several of the buyers wanted to carry her merchandise. Some had wanted to place large orders. Orders there was no way she could fill—and orders that would suck the enjoyment out of what she did. They didn’t want her to make severa
l of the same products. That wasn’t the issue. They loved her one-of-a-kind merchandise, but they wanted so much of it, she’d have to work fast and furious to meet the demand.

  Would it make her ungrateful if she chose not to mass produce?

  “I must be crazy,” she said as she crossed her arms over the table and rested her forehead on them.

  “Nah. I talk to myself all the time.”

  Morgyn’s head popped up at the sound of Beckett’s voice. He strode toward her in jeans and a T-shirt. The sound of his boots on the floor was comfortingly familiar—not because they were his, but because it was a sound she had grown up with. Cowboy boots on grass, gravel, linoleum, hardwood…

  “Beckett. What are you doing here?”

  “Nice to see you, too,” he said as he sat down beside her and stretched his long legs out in front of him.

  She remembered how he used to make her heart go wild. A teenage crush finally reciprocated as twentysomething new adults. It was funny how quickly that had changed.

  “Sorry,” she said. “I’ve got a lot on my mind, and I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  He stretched his neck to either side, the way he used to when he played football for Oak Falls High. His green eyes held hers with a seriousness that reminded her of how disconnected they were in the most important aspects of their relationship. “Neither did I.”

  “Then why are you here?”

  “You look good, Morgyn. Better than good. You look happy.”

  She rolled her eyes. “What do you want, Beck? I know I don’t look that way. I have about a hundred things shooting through my mind.”

  “You’re wrong, Morgyn.” He leaned his elbows on his thighs and rubbed his hands together, eyes still locked on her. “You might feel conflicted or have a lot on your plate, but that doesn’t change what I see. I came to apologize.”