Not So Wrong: Love Grows series, Book Two

by Regent, Renee

  “I can’t believe you’d do this for me.”

  I stepped closer, so only she could hear me.

  “Why wouldn’t I? You and Sparker deserve this chance. And because I love you.”

  She threw her arms around my neck, still holding the contract and envelope in one hand. She kissed my cheek and whispered, “I love you too. Damn it.”

  Then we kissed, a long, happy kiss, in front of her family and everyone in the trailer park that was peeking out their windows.

  She took my hand and led me inside the trailer. We sat at the tiny kitchen table, sipping lemonade, while I told her about my concept for the show. The place was small and plain, but the love between the occupants was obvious. The children seemed to be in awe of their aunt, and Cissy was too.

  Once the initial euphoria of the idea calmed, Melanie began asking the hard questions. I’d even given her the number of an entertainment lawyer in Atlanta, who video-chatted with us to answer her questions about the contract for the filming and for our song publishing contract with Forward Dream Studios. I admired her attention to detail and her resolve to do things right. When the call was over, she still had a few questions for me.

  “If I accept this, I’ll have to be back in Atlanta for an extended period of time for meetings and filming. What about my family?”

  “We can negotiate an advance and even a stipend for you. Or you can let me help out.”

  She gave me a skeptical eye on that one. I had to mention it.

  “Perhaps a loan might work. If we’re successful, I can pay you back.”

  “Whatever works to get you on board.”

  Cissy walked over at this point, leaning a hand on her sister’s shoulder.

  “Stop being so stubborn. When a gift falls from heaven, you take it.”

  At that moment, an older woman appeared in the doorway from a bedroom. I assumed it was their mother, from the resemblance. There was an unfocused quality to her eyes, sharpening as they landed on me.

  “You’re the one. I saw you in a dream.”

  Melanie looked at me, shrugging. It was a strange comment, but I stood and bowed.

  “Good day, madam. My name is Spencer Colebank.”

  She stared at me for a long moment and then smiled.

  “Be good to her.”

  “Always. You can count on it.”

  Then she turned and disappeared into her bedroom, leaving us to look at each other in awed silence. Then Cissy quipped, “Well, if Mamma approves, you’d better do it.”

  Melanie picked up a pen and signed the contract.

  * * *

  The first thing I did when I returned to Atlanta, besides having the ’Vette detailed, was arrange a meeting with Daris and his parents. I asked them to my condo for drinks and had a caterer deliver a food tray so I wouldn’t have to worry about preparations. I wanted my guests to be relaxed as well. It was time for a serious conversation.

  As I waited for them to arrive, I poured myself a glass of soda and lime. I didn’t drink scotch as much as I used to, and I needed a clear head tonight. Melanie had called earlier to wish me luck. I had confessed to her all the details about this meeting before I left Florida. I no longer wanted to have any secrets between us. To my immense relief, she was proud of me for doing the right thing. She understood I never meant to hurt anyone, though it didn’t excuse my past behavior.

  I counted myself a lucky man.

  Daris texted me when they were on the way up, and I met them at the elevator. We all hugged, laughing and talking about Daris’ trip to London and the plans for the new resort the Avantes were building under Gibson’s guidance. Dorothy’s excitement was contagious, and I found myself mentally making a note to visit once it was done. She showed me a photo on her phone of the proposed building site.

  “The lake view is the showpiece. It’s a small lake, so it’s peaceful. But there’s a beach and places where we can put in docks.”

  I served appetizers of soft cheeses and bread, grapes and olives, with fresh fruit and gourmet cookies for dessert. They all drank wine Carl had brought, and soon we were settled on the sofa, relaxed. The conversation lagged and I took the opportunity.

  “Carl, Dorothy,” I started and then nodded at Daris, “and you, too, D. There’s something I need to tell you.”

  Their faces switched from animated smiles to quiet concern. Daris’ eyes narrowed. Maybe he sensed what was coming, but it didn’t matter if he objected. He had suffered because of my silence long enough.

  His voice was filled with trepidation. “What’s up, Spence?”

  I looked him in the eye, hoping my sincerity showed on my face.

  “Daris, I’m sorry for my part in that mess, so many years ago. I never meant for you or your parents to be hurt. It all went wrong, and I didn’t know how to fix it. But I should have owned up to it, long ago.”

  Carl and Dorothy looked from me to their son, confusion on the faces. Daris ran a hand over his braids and let out a sigh.

  “It’s okay, bro. We’ve settled it.”

  Dorothy’s tone was cautious. “Settled what, Daris?”

  I addressed them, sparing him the awkward explanation.

  “I was the one responsible for the party at your house the night my dad died. I invited a girl, she invited too many friends, and it got way out of hand.”

  Carl grunted. “I’ll say. Lost my damn car that night.”

  My gut twisted. Carl had spent years restoring that 1958 Corvette, and it was his baby. He had just put the finishing touches on it, and that night it ended up crashed in a ditch, the driver and occupants nowhere to be found. Insurance had paid, but that hadn’t eased his anger over having his car stolen.

  “And I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I’ll write you a check right now, for any car you want on the planet.”

  His dark eyes bore into mine. “Are you crazy? I don’t want your money.”

  “I mean it. I regret my part in what happened. Besides my uncle’s family, you two and Daris were the only people that truly cared about me and my dad.”

  My voice broke on the last word. I swore I was going to handle this in a calm, mature manner, and here I was, about to break down.

  Dorothy reached over to touch my arm. Her voice was soothing and low.

  “That’s why we forgive you. Yes, it was a bad thing, but you got caught up in the moment. Name one bad thing you’ve done since then.”

  I blinked. She was right. I hadn’t intentionally done anything wrong. I was human, and sometimes I could do better.

  “Thank you, all of you. If you ever need anything from me, please ask. I will be there.”

  Carl was quick to point his finger at me.

  “I’m going to take you up on that once we get this resort built. We’re going to need all the help we can get.”

  There was much hugging, smiles, and even a few tears that night. When they left, I realized how truly blessed I was to have people like that in my life. I may have lost my parents, and I still missed them every day. But I was loved and admired.

  I cleaned up the kitchen and wandered into my music room. I sat down at the piano and played. A bright, uplifting tune flowed through my fingers, becoming a lush, vibrant song as I poured my elation over the keys.

  I was a happy man.

  Epilogue

  Four months later

  Melanie

  It was the final day of filming our segment on the Second Chance Showdown set. The camera crew had become like family to us, following us around for weeks. They had filmed Sparker practicing in Mackie’s basement, performing at an outdoor concert in the park, and on two different bar sets. We’d had to fake some drama between the band members just to make it interesting. But in the end, we came together as a tight unit for the final performance in our introductory episode.

  The studio was set up like a small auditorium, and the audience was filing in. Cissy and the kids would be in the front row. Mamma was relaxing at Spencer’s condo, with her care nurse,
but she would be watching on a video cam relayed to one of his laptops. He’d insisted on setting it up, even though we had no idea whether Mamma would understand what was going on.

  But that was how he was—one of the most caring and considerate men I had ever met. He’d been even better since we got back together. He got along with his own family now, which meant Sacha and Gibson hung out with us regularly. I waved as I saw them taking their seats next to Cissy. Gibson was holding Jonathan, so he just nodded. Sacha blew me a kiss, and I returned the gesture before I walked backstage.

  I found Spencer who, as one of the producers, was surrounded by people asking questions. He’d seemed even more nervous today, although by now, he should be used to his new role. I guessed it must be because this final performance was a sentimental one for us.

  Daris had given us his blessing for me to sing The Theory of Us, even though Quira’s cover of it had just been released. It was racing up the charts, and everyone agreed the recognition factor would boost ratings for us. I was surprised to see him, and his parents, when they came by earlier to say hello before joining the audience.

  It seemed everyone we knew was here.

  “There she is,” Spencer said, motioning me over. His Uncle John and Aunt Angela stood next to him, beaming. I greeted them with hugs.

  “I’m so glad you came. Everyone is here today.”

  Uncle John smiled, a rare event for him. His next words were even rarer, from what I’d been told.

  “We are so proud of you both. Spencer may have found his calling as a producer.”

  Angela patted my arm. “And you sing like an angel, dear. I thought that the first time, when you and Spencer played together at my piano.”

  “Thank you.”

  I felt myself blush. I was still that shy little introverted girl, deep inside. But a performance was about to start, and she would step aside for my other persona.

  They left to take their seats, and we had a moment alone. Spencer pulled me into a kiss and then let me go.

  “It’s showtime. I’ll be watching from the wings.”

  “I love you.”

  “You know I do, love. Forever and always.”

  His words gave me the final push of courage I needed. The director shouted for everyone to take their places. Mackie, Reb, and Donna were already at their marks, and I moved to mine at center stage. A technician adjusted the microphone and it was go time.

  We had rehearsed the song many times, doing the version that was slower than the Quira recording. This would differentiate us, so that it would not sound like an attempt to copy her. I also introduced the song as one I had co-written, which was a proud moment for me. Reb played the opening notes, and then Mackie and Donna fell in.

  I gave the best performance of my life. How could I not? This song was the culmination of so many things. So much had happened since we began working on it, and tonight it had come full circle. I meant every word, loved every note, and it showed.

  When the final notes played, I experienced complete exhilaration. We all bowed, and the audience stood and cheered. I looked back at the band and saw Spencer walking toward me, clapping.

  I expected the director to announce the scene had been cut and filming had stopped, but he didn’t. When Spencer held out his hand to take my microphone, I was flustered.

  What the hell is he doing?

  “Sparker! Aren’t they awesome?”

  He said this to the crowd, who cheered, most still on their feet. Then he looked at me and paused.

  “Melanie, I have something to ask you.”

  Why he was doing this in front of the world was beyond me, unless…

  With microphone in hand, he got down on one knee. Suddenly the lights bearing down on the stage became hot, and spots were swimming before my eyes. I heard myself squeak, “Oh, no.”

  My hands flew to my mouth as I waited for what came next. He pulled a platinum diamond ring from his pocket and held it up to me. The crowd drew in an audible collective breath.

  “Melanie S. Parker, will you marry me?”

  His honey-brown eyes sparkled with hope. A tear slid from my own eye, and I held out my hand.

  “Yes, Spencer Colebank. Yes!”

  He slipped the ring on my finger and rose, sweeping me into an ecstatic kiss. The crowd cheered, even more enthusiastically than before. Now I understood why he’d insisted everyone we knew attend and hoped that Mamma was indeed watching.

  We were mobbed by well-wishers, and it was much later, at the celebratory dinner, that we finally had a moment alone.

  “Did I surprise you, love?”

  I jabbed his arm with my finger.

  “Hell, yes. I was so nervous about the song, this was the last thing on my mind.”

  “You killed it, by the way. I bet Sparker wins the competition.”

  “We will, but we don’t want any extra help. This is ours to win or lose, however it turns out.”

  “I have faith, but I know what you mean, future Mrs. Colebank.”

  He kissed my hand, causing a series of sparks up my spine. I was going to show him how I felt about his surprise, tonight. I couldn’t wait for that and all the nights that would follow.

  I saw Sacha walk by our table, and she gave me a wink. She knew what I was feeling. I had told her that the life she had was not in the cards for me. Now I had that and so much more. My career was on the upswing, my family was well taken care of, and I had the man I loved by my side.

  It seemed I had found my miracle, after all.

  * * *

  Spencer

  Shortly after my thirty-sixth birthday, I married the woman I love.

  She is my best friend, my collaborator, my partner. Her sharp wit, clear head, and strong support gets me through my darkest days. Her passion and affection carry me through the longest nights. She’s my spark, the reason I have become the man I am today. I no longer play the blues, drinking scotch by myself, wallowing in my loneliness. I have made peace with my past. I have made amends.

  I confessed everything to Daris and his parents, and to my surprise, they forgave me. All those years I carried my guilt like a badge of honor, when it was only an anchor, dragging me down.

  I apologized to Uncle John for the times I’d let him down. He dismissed my apology, saying there was no need.

  “I was rougher on you because you needed more guidance. After what you’d been though, it was understandable. But look at you now. I could not be prouder.”

  I even visited my father’s grave and asked for his forgiveness for neglecting him that night. A sense of peace came over me, though I will never know if he truly heard me. In the end, it didn’t matter. I knew.

  Now my days with Melanie are filled with joy. We are successful, we have fun, and we enjoy spending time with our families. Soon, we’ll have a family of our own.

  There are so many regrettable things I’ve done in my life. But it turns out, there was nothing so wrong that it couldn’t be made right. All it took was the truth.

  A Note To My Readers

  I hope you enjoyed Melanie and Spencer’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it. I’ve long had ties to the music industry, though I am not a musician or singer myself. This book was written as a tribute to all the great musicians and singers who are out there, working hard, doing a fabulous job, and not getting the recognition they deserve. At the end of the day (or night, lol), it comes down to love of what they are creating. I wanted Melanie and Spencer to not only overcome their past turmoil and fall in love, but to each find success in what they loved most—making music.

  It was tense at times, but also great fun, and I plan to explore the lives of other mismatched couples in the Love Grows series. Book Three, Not So Far, (Audrey’s story) is next. Stay tuned!

  I always appreciate honest reviews, so thanks in advance to any readers who take the time to write an online review.

  For news, exclusive content, and special promotions, (and a free mini e-book) join my newsletter at h
ttp://www.reneeregent.com/newsletter-sign-up

  Special Thanks to:

  Amy, Kat, and Candi for their invaluable feedback; and to Ashley Collver, Tyler Messer, and Scott Wilson, for their music industry expertise. Special thanks to Richard Schrout of Joint Venture Studios. You all helped to make Melanie and Spencer’s story come alive.

  Also by Renee Regent

  Love Grows Series

  (Contemporary Romance):

  Not So Broken, Book One

  The Higher Elevation Series

  (Paranormal Romance, Supernatural Suspense):

  Unexplained, Book One

  Untouched, Book Two

  Undeniable, Book Three

  Running In Snow, A Holiday Novella

  About the Author

  A true believer in the power of love, Renee writes stories of mismatched people who fight the odds to be together. Whether battling the supernatural or their own inner demons, her characters will always find their way to a happy ending.

  Renee lives in Atlanta with her husband, three cats and four turtles. When not working or writing, she can be found sitting on her deck enjoying nature. Wine may or may not be involved….