His 2nd Chance (The Sumner Brothers Book 6)

by Lori Ryan

  It had always worried Grant how Sophie made herself so vulnerable to her fans, often walking out into the crowds to visit with them. Most of those venues had metal detectors and security companies checking and double-checking fans. Tonight they didn’t, and the realization that he hadn’t thought far enough ahead pissed him off more than he liked to think. If anything happened to her…

  “What’s got you in such a foul mood?” Jake asked. “I thought you’d be glad to see her perform.”

  He was, he always was blown away watching Sophie sing and interact with the crowd. But tonight was different. Tonight he was worried.

  “Grant.” Jake turned to him. “What’s going on man, you look like you’re about to murder someone.”

  Grant stiffened at his words. “Nothing.”

  “It’s definitely something, bro.”

  He didn’t want to betray Sophie’s trust but he needed someone to talk to. His twin brother had always been his confidant.

  “Some nut job passed a threatening note to Sophie a few concerts ago.”

  “Oh, shit. Is that why there’s extra security around her?”

  Grant nodded, thankful his brother didn’t press for more information. That was Jake’s way. He’d been a political strategist and had always mapped out scenarios before speaking his mind.

  “Well, the extra security’s a good thing,” Jake finally said.

  “I didn’t order a fucking metal detector. What the hell was I thinking? She’s basically a sitting duck up there on that stage.”

  “Dude,” Jake said, pointing around the crowd, “there are at least five security guards standing on either side of the stage. My guess is her sister has brought in some plain-clothed dudes, too. She’s covered.”

  Grant’s gaze snapped to Jake. “Seriously? You think so?”

  “Sure.” Jake shrugged. “We used to do it for the senator all the time. Sophie’s smart, she’s got a good team. They’ll protect her. Especially if they know there’s a real threat.”

  Grant released a sigh he’d been holding for what seemed like forever, trying to convince himself that Sophie was safe. But until she was under his roof and in his arms again he’d never fully believe it.

  Jake began to scan the crowd and Grant was thankful. Even though they weren’t identical twins, he and Jake had always had a connection that surpassed most bonds siblings shared.

  “Sophie still hasn’t signed the divorce papers?” Jake asked.

  “If she has, she hasn’t told me.”

  “I figured she’d present them to you this weekend since you were coming face to face for the first time since your meltdown.”

  “Shit, I hadn’t thought of that. Do you think she will?”

  Jake shrugged. “Don’t know. I’m still curious as to why she hasn’t already. Have you talked to Jackie about it?”

  He’d talked to Sophie’s sister about several things over the last couple of weeks, but not the divorce papers.

  “No, she hasn’t said anything. She helped get Sophie here though, so I’m grateful.”

  “I thought Jackie hated your guts.”

  “I thought so too.”

  “What changed?” Jake asked.

  “No clue.”

  “Did you tell Sophie what happened after she split? Why you went off the deep end?”

  “No.” And he never planned to. If he was going to win Sophie back he wanted to do it on his own, not because she was grateful for what he’d done to protect her.

  “You could score major points if she knew,” Jake said. “Just saying.”

  He probably could. But Grant also knew he had a lot to atone for and he wasn’t sure any acts of heroics months later could win her over. Only his actions in the here and now could get her back. He needed time, though. He needed more than a weekend to get her to see he’d changed.

  “Dude,” Max said, butting up next to them, “those chicks are fucking crazy.”

  “What chicks?” Jake asked.

  Max nodded toward the side of the crowd where they’d set up the sales tables. “Over there. Buying up those calendars.”

  Jake and Grant turned to watch, laughing when they saw Ben and Emmett caught in the crossfire as Lina’s firefighter roommates signed each calendar. It was much like a mob mentality as just about every woman who got a signature also wanted to pose for pictures.

  “I seriously think Dak is going to kill my wife over this,” Max said.

  Grant turned and studied the large man. Dak was well over six feet tall and built like a power lifter.

  “I’m going to have to prove my manhood and pummel him before he hurts Devlin,” Max said with a playful grin.

  “Dak posed half naked for the photos,” Jake said. “Why is he so upset?”

  Max laughed. “Because of the graphics she and her designer added. Can’t say as I blame the guy.”

  “Oh, hell,” Jake said. “What did they do to his photo?”

  “Dak is holding a fire hose between his legs. The designer photoshopped water coming out. And underneath, it says, ‘No one can resist my big hose.’”

  Grant sputtered a laugh. “Oh my God, that’s awful. If I were you, I’d hide your wife.”

  “It’s for a good cause though,” Jake said. “Lina will calm him down.”

  Since Dak and Lina were roommates, and more like brother and sister, Grant knew if anyone could calm the big burly firefighter down, Lina could.

  They all stared at the table where Jake’s girlfriend stood, collecting money, a huge smile on her face.

  “I don’t think she gives a shit what Dak thinks,” Max laughed, “she’s just raking in all the money for the town. He’s actually being a good sport, but jeez.” He shook his head, then turned back to his brothers. “What are you two knuckleheads doing over here?”

  Jake was about to speak but Grant gave him a look.

  “I hate when you do that silent twin talking bullshit,” Max said.

  “Sorry,” Jake shrugged, grinning.

  “Yeah, sure you are.” Max rolled his eyes. “So, baby brother,” he stared at Grant, “how’s Operation WYWB going?”

  “What?”

  “Win your wife back,” Max explained.

  “Oh, yeah, not as good as I’d hoped. She won’t even commit to a few days. How the hell am I supposed to get her to stay for an entire month?”

  “Has she asked you to sign the divorce papers?” Max asked.

  “No, not yet, but Jackie said she’s planning on it.”

  “That’s where you get her,” his brother said.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Tell her if she stays for thirty days and it doesn’t work out then you’ll sign the divorce papers.”

  “I don’t want to sign the divorce papers,” Grant said.

  “Then you better work that Sumner charm and win her back, dude. Worked for me.” Max puffed out his chest. He’d just married Devlin, the woman driven away with unkind words at one point in their relationship.

  “Yours was different, Max. What’s going on with me and Sophie is…complicated.”

  “Then maybe you should tell us about it instead of trying to handle it yourself. That hasn’t really been working for you, has it?”

  Grant didn’t want to air their dirty laundry. He knew he had a lot to make up for. He wasn’t even sure if thirty days would be enough.

  Sophie began strumming her guitar and they all turned their attention toward the stage.

  “Hey everyone,” she spoke into the microphone.

  The crowd erupted into cheers.

  “I want to thank you for coming out and supporting the Canyon Creek Film Festival. I know a lot of people have put in tons of time and effort to make this a success.” She scanned the crowd and her eyes met his. It was a sixth sense between them. No matter how much distance separated them, they’d always been able to find each other.

  “I want to start off the show with my song More Than Love, the title track from Healing Grace
, one of the movies that will be showcased at the festival this weekend.”

  The fans cheered, their noise deafening, and Grant drew in a deep breath. He’d heard the song before and couldn’t help but believe it was their story, even though she’d written it for the movie.

  The film was about a young teen couple whose love burned fast and strong but eventually drove them apart. Fate brought them together again, though life hadn’t been kind to either. Through their broken hearts they found a way to heal those around them and eventually each other. It was a touching movie based on a popular novel.

  Sophie strummed her guitar and one-by-one the other instruments joined in. Her eyes fluttered closed as she began to sing, something she did on songs she felt deep in her soul.

  It takes more than love to heal a broken heart,

  There must be truth and grace,

  To fill the empty parts

  If ever I knew this, the time is now

  Because it takes more than love,

  Someone please show me how

  Grant knew she was right. It did take more than love, something he hadn’t realized until Sophie had walked out the door. He’d left her, emotionally, a long time before she walked away.

  Grant pulled his phone from his pocket and brought up Jackie’s contact information, typing out a text.

  GRANT: Can you still give me 30 days?

  Jackie had said she could clear Sophie’s schedule for a month, if he could convince her to stay that long. He knew holding the divorce papers over her head was low, but didn’t they deserve a shot before he signed them?

  He waited for what seemed like forever. He had no idea where Jackie was, if she’d even stuck around for the festival. Finally his phone vibrated in his hand.

  JACKIE: Yes.

  It was one word, but it was enough.

  Sophie finished out the song, her voice ringing clear through the night.

  It takes more than love, let me show you how.

  The lyrics were true. And he had thirty days to show her he finally understood.

  Chapter Seven

  Sophie stepped out of the rental car, not at all happy that Jackie had brought her to The Lodge at Canyon Creek—Jake’s family’s hotel.

  The lodge was a beautiful structure. She knew how much time, effort—and money—Grant’s mother and father had sunk into the gorgeous hotel. She also knew they were in financial straits due to the debt they’d taken on. It wasn’t something Grant had talked to her about, but Jackie had found out.

  “It’s beautiful,” Sophie said as they made their way into the lobby.

  The inside reflected the outdoors they’d just left. The floorboards were wide planks of natural wood, the ceilings vaulted with beautiful, handcrafted beams. A large wagon wheel adorned with lights hung from the rafters.

  “Wow,” Jackie said, moving to stand beside Sophie. They both took in the majesty of the hotel. It was a vision, Valerie Sumner’s vision she had no doubt. Sophie would bet it had been her husband who made it come to life. He was the architect of the place, but unfortunately he hadn’t lived to see its completion.

  “Remind me again why I have to be here.” Sophie sighed. She was hit with nostalgia for a time when she and Grant had been at his parents’ smaller bed and breakfast, happy to be in love and be surrounded by his family.

  “Contractual obligations,” Jackie said.

  Sophie mouthed the words with her. She knew the answer. She had agreed to sing the title song and stay for the screening and after party.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Sophie spoke sarcastically, saluting her. “Tell me where to be, what to wear and I’ll be there.”

  Jackie stopped and turned to face her. “Is that really how you feel? That I tell you what to do?”

  Sophie shook her head. “No. I know if it weren’t for you I’d be a bumbling mess most days. I’m just…” How could she put into words how Grant still affected her? Even knowing he was so close at the lodge had her nerves on edge.

  “You’ll be fine. Come on.” Jackie led her through the large lobby.

  Sophie drank in every sight. It looked a lot like Valerie and John’s large home. Even though she’d only visited a handful of times, she still remembered the feelings of warmth and comfort the home imparted. They had managed to carry that over to the Lodge.

  Sophie followed behind her sister like a small child.

  “Sophie,” someone called from behind them.

  She turned and saw Valerie Sumner, her mother-in-law, standing a few feet away. She was just as beautiful as the last time she’d seen her—tall, elegant, regal. Valerie always intimidated Sophie, although there was no reason for it. Probably because she was in awe of the woman. Raising six boys, one of them Grant, couldn’t have been easy.

  “I thought that was you,” Valerie said, making her way toward Sophie and Jackie. “It’s so good to see you.” Valerie stretched out her arms and Sophie sank into an embrace. She had missed Valerie.

  After a short hug, Valerie pushed her back and looked her up and down. “You’re just as beautiful as ever.” Her eyes twinkled with that motherly affection that Sophie had drank in when she first met her.

  Valerie Sumner was the type of person who never met a stranger. It served her well in the hotel industry. And with her large, extended family.

  “Your concert last night was amazing.” Her mother-in-law smiled. “Lina said they raised over five thousand dollars for the town.”

  “That’s wonderful news,” Sophie said.

  Valerie turned to Sophie’s sister. “Jackie,” she said, tugging her into an embrace, “it’s so good to see you too.”

  Jackie tentatively wrapped her arms around Valerie. She’d never been the touchy-feely type, but around Valerie Sumner no one had a choice.

  “What are you girls doing here?” Valerie asked, looking from one to the other.

  “Mrs. Sumner,” Jackie said, “I’m thirty-seven years old, hardly a girl.”

  Valerie waved a hand in the air. “If you’re younger than me, you’re a girl.” She smiled affectionately and Sophie realized she’d missed Grant’s family, almost as much as she missed him.

  “We’re headed out to the panel discussion that Grant is leading. It’s here at the barn.” Sophie said. Jackie had told her that Grant’s family had not only built the lodge but renovated an old barn into an event venue.

  Valerie’s expression grew conspiratorial, as if she knew a secret. “Oh, yes, the barn. I believe they’ve already started, but why don’t I walk you out there.” She strode toward the back of the lodge that held a beautiful view of the woods and Canyon Creek Mountain.

  “At first we called it the Wedding Barn,” she said, “but since we’ve held so many events besides weddings, we just changed the name on our marketing.”

  “You’ve done an amazing job here,” Sophie said as they stepped outside. She surveyed the large area. A winding walkway meandered through the cleared area. Wildflowers decorated the ground. Off to the side was what looked like a Zen garden. Dotted throughout the land were free-standing cabins. “I know John would be very proud.”

  Valerie’s expression fell and Sophie could see the sadness in her face.

  Sophie reached out. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  Valerie patted her hand and gave her a tight smile. “It’s all right, dear. I just thought it’d be easier by now, hearing his name. But it’s not.”

  Sophie swallowed down a lump. She couldn’t imagine losing the love of her life after over thirty years of marriage like Valerie had. And yet, she’d walked away from the man who she thought was the love of her life. Knowing how much Valerie must be hurting, Sophie wondered how the woman even got out of bed every morning.

  “I came to the funeral,” Sophie admitted.

  Valerie stared at her. “You did? I didn’t see you.”

  “I didn’t want to intrude so I stayed back.”

  “Did you say hello to Grant?”

  She shook her
head. She’d wanted to pay her respects and had intended to say hello but hadn’t found the courage once she’d arrived.

  Valerie frowned. “Sophie, you’re family, you’d never be an intrusion.”

  And just like that, her heart broke a little more. Valerie had always done her best to make Sophie feel a part of the Sumner family despite her hectic lifestyle.

  “Well, I’m glad you’re here now,” Valerie said softly. “So,” she shook her head as if clearing her thoughts and gestured to the cabins as they walked along the path, “these are private cabins guests can rent. We tried to place them far enough apart so people have their privacy and a taste of the woodlands that surround our land, but close enough that they can enjoy the conveniences of the lodge.”

  In a sudden flurry of motion, someone burst out of one of the cabins, flushed and flustered.

  “Maggie,” Valerie said, rushing toward her. “Is everything all right?”

  “Um,” the woman stuttered, glancing around the property, “yeah, we were just, uh…”

  A man popped out of the cabin. Ben, Grant’s brother. “Oh, hey, Ma.” He nodded. “Hey, Sophie.” He said her name as if she were an old family friend he saw every day.

  “Hey, Ben. How are you?”

  He stretched, arms wide, as he walked down the steps. “Better now.”

  Maggie reached out and slugged him in the chest.

  Ben tried, unsuccessfully, to suppress a smile. “What? I am better.”

  “You’re better after cleaning cabins?” Valerie asked with a raised brow.

  “Yeah,” Maggie swallowed. “We’re um, we’re done here. Let’s go, Ben.” She reached for his hand and started to race back to the lodge but Ben snagged her back, dragging her into his embrace.

  Slowly, Maggie gave up the fight and sank into his arms.

  Something inside Sophie ached at the sight of them. Her eyes burned at their display of affection.

  “Oh, hey, Sophie, I forgot you haven’t met Maggie.” Ben released the woman and pulled her toward them. “This is my wife, Maggie. Maggie, this is my sister-in-law, Sophie Day.”

  Maggie smoothed back her hair and wiped her hands on her jeans before extending an arm. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m a huge fan.” Maggie laughed nervously. “I mean, I’m sure you hear that all the time.”