by Sandy James
Tom was more patient. Still perusing through the papers, he said, “May I have a moment to review these and converse with my client?”
“Of course,” Savannah coolly replied. Her heart was beating so fast she could barely breathe, but she’d never let them know exactly how afraid she was.
With a shake of his head, Michael said, “Not until she tells me the rest of it.”
Tom gave a slight roll of his eyes and then focused on the papers.
“The rest,” she said, “is that this deal is only good for the next ten minutes.” She savored Michael’s confused expression and how his attorney’s head popped up.
Savannah pressed the point home. “The forms for signing your parental rights and another form waiving a family court hearing are in there. All you have to do is sign them, walk out of this office, and never look back.”
Her ex settled back in his chair as Tom leaned closer and whispered as he pointed out things in the papers.
Then Tom said, “I need a few moments to confer with my client.”
“Absolutely,” Savannah replied. She made no move to leave when Geoffrey offered her a nearly imperceptible shake of his head.
After several moments of whispering, the lawyer glanced up to Geoffrey. “Who would notarize the hearing waiver?”
This point had been stressed by Geoffrey in their planning meeting. The only true error they could make in this process was giving Michael any chance to claim he’d been coerced into giving up his daughter. They were walking a fine line, and Geoffrey had gone to great lengths to create documents that would hold up in court.
“I believe you’re a notary, Mr. Cummings,” she replied. “We’d be happy if you could handle that chore to show these papers are being signed by your client with your consent and approval.”
He nodded, said a few more things to Michael, and then set the papers on the table, opening the packet to the first of the pages requiring Michael’s signature. He fished a pen and his notary stamp out of his briefcase and put them next to the papers.
Michael crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at Savannah. “I gotta say, sweetheart—”
A low growl rumbled from Brad’s chest.
Tom slashed his hand down again, a gesture that was becoming quite familiar, a show to Michael that he should cool it, which made Brad settle down as well.
With an indignant huff, Michael continued, “I never thought you’d have the guts to stand up to anyone, let alone me.”
Again, she drew on Geoffrey’s coaching and her belief that this was all in Caroline’s best interests. She might want to see him punished for the hell he put her through, but getting him out of their lives was the true goal. “I’m just trying to be fair—to both of us.”
For the first time, Geoffrey jumped into the fray. “Tom, you need to stress to your client that this is an important offer. We’re saving his future and asking for very little in return. Mr. Hart has had no contact with the minor, and all we’re requesting is that he continue to do so.”
Greg added his scripted piece of advice. “He can reinvigorate his management career.”
Grateful to have Brad subtly rubbing her leg, Savannah kept her spine straight and her chin lifted. “So what do you say, Michael?”
* * *
The moment the office door shut behind Michael and Tom, Savannah’s legs went weak. She sagged against Brad, who had quick enough reflexes to keep her from sprawling on the carpet.
Geoffrey patted her shoulder. “My dear Savannah, you were amazing.” He handed the file of signed paperwork to Penelope. “Please make sure Ms. Wolf and Tom Cummings receive copies of all of these after I personally go to Judge Hicks to obtain his signature.”
“Congratulations,” Greg added.
Brad held her tightly, which was exactly what she needed at that moment. Her courage had seen her through, but now she wanted to borrow some of his strength.
Penelope set the folder on her desk and disappeared into a small alcove. She came back a few moments later with a silver tray that bore five champagne flutes and a green bottle.
Once drinks were passed around, Geoffrey raised his glass. “To our Savannah, who was able to grow balls as big as any elephant.”
After laughter and sips, Brad gave her a smile that reached deep inside her to touch her soul. “You were amazing,” he said.
Her face flushed hot. “Thank you.”
“Only one more hurdle left.” Greg checked his watch. “Are you ready to tape your segment on Wake Up, America? We’ve only got an hour or so to get you ready.”
“Oh, I’m ready,” she announced. “After talking with Ethan last night, I feel good about this. Although…it’s still really hard for me to trust any reporter.”
“They’re not all bad,” Greg said. “You only need to win a few over to your side, and things will turn around.”
“That’s what Ethan told me, and growing up with cameras pointed at him all the time, he would know.” She let out a sigh. “I guess if I can face down Michael, talking to a reporter shouldn’t be too tough. After all, that’s exactly what Ethan’s parents did and it worked for them.”
Geoffrey nodded. “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also asked the press to keep their distance from their kids—a trick I believe they borrowed from Princess Diana. That request is being honored.”
Brad draped an arm over her shoulders. “Just be yourself, Savannah. Ask them to leave Caroline in privacy. I know you’ll get through to them.”
“Even if the paparazzi don’t buy into your plan,” Greg said, “your fans will. It never ceases to amaze me how much people can impact what the press does.”
“Social media’s influence,” Geoffrey said before frowning. “That can be a double-edged sword.”
“Which is why I’m going on television to win people over.” Savannah glanced up at Brad. “I think I’ve got all my bases covered. Don’t you?”
“I sure hope so,” he replied. “I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”
* * *
Savannah took a bracing breath as Brad parked in his usual spot close to Words & Music. She’d survived the taping for her appearance on Wake Up, America, and now she just wanted a glass of wine and a bite to eat.
He killed the engine. “How do you feel?”
She took his hand. “I feel fantastic.”
“It went really well.”
“It did. I can only hope it’ll work.”
He nodded. “You put the ball firmly in their court. If any of the paparazzi bother your daughter again, the good guy reporters will let them have it.”
“And my fans?” It was still hard to trust in the people who only knew her through her music. “Do you think Ethan’s right, that they’ll support me in asking for Caroline’s privacy?”
“You’re starting a website, joining a bunch of social media—”
“When I hire an assistant,” she reminded him. “No one has time for posting on all those sites.”
“You’re promising to be more available in return for giving your daughter some space. Of course they’ll support you.”
As Brad climbed out of the car, Savannah decided not to wait for him to come around and open her door. Today had been all about her striking out on her own, being a strong, independent woman. She might as well continue the trend.
Hand in hand, they walked into the restaurant, and when she saw Randy setting up the equipment, it dawned on her exactly what today was. An ironic laugh fell from her lips.
Brad knit his brows. “What?”
“I’m back where I started.”
His perplexed expression didn’t ease. “Pardon?”
She inclined her head toward the stage. “It’s Indie Night. That’s where all of this began.”
A smile bowed his lips, and he raised her hand to kiss her knuckles. “So it is. I suppose that means we’ve come full circle.”
“We really have.”
Brad led her to a table, and after they were
both seated, Cheyanne came over to take their order. Once they were alone, he gave her another smile. “Do you regret any of it?”
She shook her head. “Not a single thing.”
“Well, then. I suppose this might be the right time to tell you that Ethan, Russ, and I want to sign you to a new contract.”
“You do? But with Allied wanting me to do a few out-of-town shows and—”
“Let me explain the details before you get your back up.” The teasing tone took the bite out of his words.
“Explain away,” she said.
“You’ll be a permanent headliner, but…we’ll be flexible. You can take time when you need to record or if you need to tour, especially since you made Allied promise you’d never be away from home more than a few weeks a year.” He shot her a grin. “There’s only one requirement.”
“Oh? And what’s that?”
Brad winked. “You have to sleep with one of the partners.”
“Ethan or Russ?” she teased.
When she glanced at the stage, she caught the first singer standing in the wings, looking terrified. Her heart went out to the young performer. “I think I’ll sneak backstage for a minute.”
“Why?”
“Because I see a very nervous singer who might benefit from a pep talk.” On that, Savannah headed toward the stage door.
* * *
As Savannah walked away, Brad couldn’t help but smile. So like her to want to help someone she didn’t even know. It was one of the thousands of reasons he loved her.
If someone had told him a year ago that he’d be writing songs again and that he’d have a woman like Savannah Wolf in his life, he would’ve told them they were insane.
Not one to question his good luck, he watched as she took the singer’s hand and started talking to her. He wondered if Savannah saw the wide-eyed admiration in that performer’s eyes or if she knew how much her talk would help the girl face the large Words & Music crowd. Just before Randy went center stage to introduce the first act, Savannah gave the singer a quick hug, then she came striding back to the table.
Although everyone around him, including Savannah, was watching the performance, Brad watched her. One thought summed up the future that lay before him.
Damn, but I’m a lucky man.
Epilogue
Three months later…
Savannah opened the door to the mudroom and stepped inside her home, smiling when she saw Brad’s boots resting next to Caroline’s shoes. He’d promised to take Caroline for pizza tonight while Savannah sang a couple of songs with Tony Plunkett as he debuted at Black Mustang. Although she was sorry she was too late to read her daughter a bedtime story, she would sneak in and give Caroline a kiss.
When she stepped through the door into the kitchen, she stopped short. From where she stood, candlelight shimmered all around her. None of the lights were on, but it seemed as though candles were on every table, giving the kitchen and living room a soft glow.
Her gaze settled on Brad where he stood next to the fireplace. The gas logs were lit, adding more ambience to the setting. While she would’ve assumed he’d planned a seduction, Savannah had to rethink when she saw Caroline standing next to him, holding his hand.
Both were grinning.
“What’s all this?” Savannah asked.
“We got surprises, Mama,” Caroline answered, her voice loud with enthusiasm.
Arching an eyebrow, Savannah locked eyes with Brad. “Surprises, huh?”
He nodded as Caroline dropped his hand to skip over to her mother. Then she took Savannah’s hand and led her to the couch. Two manila folders rested on the coffee table. As Savannah sat, Caroline crawled up to plop next to her on her right, and Brad took a seat on Savannah’s left.
“So what are these?” She nodded at the folders.
“Those are the surprises!” Caroline announced.
Leaning forward, Brad picked up one of the folders. “Caroline and I have had a long discussion and we think there are some changes that we need to make.”
“Oh, you do, do you?”
Since Caroline was nodding vigorously, Savannah couldn’t help but smile. The two of them had obviously conspired for a common goal, and she was dying of curiosity to discover what they had in store for her.
Opening the folder, Brad plucked out a piece of paper and set it on Savannah’s lap. “We think it’s time.”
She looked down to find a marriage license application that had been conveniently filled out with her name and Brad’s. Before she could say anything, he was down on one knee, holding a small red velvet box. “You know how much I love you and how much I love Caroline. There’s nothing more in the world I want to do than make us a family. I’d be honored if you would marry me.”
Her heart started slamming against her ribs. They’d talked about marriage a few times, but they’d pretty much abandoned the subject after she’d convinced Michael to relinquish his parental rights to Caroline. So she’d assumed Brad was content with the way they split their time between his mansion and her home without worrying about the two of them marrying.
But after all the time she’d spent with Brad, she’d learned the kind of man he was—a man who valued love, home, friends, and family.
This was a man Savannah could lean on, depend upon.
This was the man she loved beyond words.
“We asked Pop-pop if you should marry Brad!” Caroline announced. “Pop-pop said ‘it’s ’bout damn time’!”
That statement made a laugh bubble up, so she didn’t scold her daughter for the direct quote. Knowing that Brad loved her enough not only to speak to her parents but to include Caroline in the decision made the answer easy. Placing her hand on Brad’s arm, Savannah nodded. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
A cheer erupted from Caroline, while Brad gave Savannah a smile and opened the box. Inside was the most beautiful ring. A teardrop sapphire was surrounded by small diamonds. As he slid the ring on her finger, he said, “It seemed like the right color.” Then he touched the blue strands of her hair.
“It’s perfect,” she said, a bit breathless.
“It’s my turn!” Caroline picked up the second folder. A paper slid out and fell to the floor. The girl picked it up and handed it to her mother. “Brad’s gonna be my daddy!”
“He is?” This application was for adoption, and just as the marriage license application was already filled out, this one had all of its blanks completed—all except the line for Savannah to sign.
“If you agree to it,” Brad said, sitting next to her once again. “When I asked Caroline if it was okay to marry you, I told her I wanted to be her father.”
“And I said yes,” Caroline announced with a decisive nod. “Can he, Mama? Can he be my daddy?”
Heart filled near to overflowing, Savannah had to fight the desire to weep. All she could do was nod.
Brad stood and then tugged her to her feet. A moment later he was kissing her.
Not to be excluded, Caroline jumped off the couch and tried to squeeze between them.
With a chuckle, he picked her up and kissed her cheek.
“We’re a family now,” Savannah said, unable to stop a few tears from spilling over her lashes.
With a broad grin, Brad gave Savannah a quick kiss. “‘A family now.’ That sounds like the perfect title for a new song.”
Don’t miss the next book in Sandy James’s Nashville Dreams series!
Read on for a preview of
Can’t Let Her Go.
Available in early 2018.
Chapter One
Holy shit. It’s her. It’s really her!”
Ethan Walker glanced up from the bar in response to his business partner Russ Green’s words of awe. “What are you talking about?”
“Not what. Who. Chelsea Harris, that’s who,” Russ said. “She’s here.”
“Who’s that?” Already annoyed at having to cover a Saturday night shift for one of the bartenders, Ethan didn’t have the patience
for Russ to be going gaga over some woman. The older he got, the more Ethan hated crowds, and Words & Music was packed tonight.
“Chelsea Harris.” Russ leaned against the bar and frowned. “Have you been living under a rock?”
“On a farm,” Ethan grumbled as he set two drafts on a waitress’s tray, wishing he’d been a little less sloppy with the foam. He wiped his wet fingers on a bar towel and moved on to the next order.
“Thanks, Ethan,” she said with a saucy wink before whisking the booze away.
“Welcome,” he mumbled in return. The last thing in the world he wanted to do was flirt with one of his staff. Sure, most of his waitresses were pretty damn cute. But as his daddy always cautioned him, he kept work and fun separate. He shifted his focus to Russ. “Okay. You’ve got my attention now. So what’s with this chick?”
“Chick?” Russ let out a snort. “You’re really clueless. The last thing I’d ever call someone like Chelsea Harris is a ‘chick.’”
Well aware of exactly who Chelsea Harris was and that she’d breezed in with her entourage about fifteen minutes ago, Ethan had some fun jerking Russ’s chain a little more. After all, teasing his two partners was one of his favorite pastimes. He shrugged. “Then tell me why I should know her.”
“She’s only the hottest thing to hit country music in the past five years.” Russ’s disgruntled tone and emphatic gestures made Ethan fight a grin. “Look over to high-top table eight, dipshit. You can’t miss her. Hell, the woman can’t seem to get a moment of peace.”
Eyes already on the subject of their conversation, Ethan only shrugged again, despite the fact that nonchalant was the last thing he felt.
Chelsea Harris was gorgeous. A mane of long, wavy red hair. A curvy figure, the kind he preferred. But it was how she seemed entirely unfazed by the way the people around her buzzed with excitement and took her picture with their cells. Most celebrities ate that kind of attention up. Not her. She was chatting with the two other women sitting at her table, both of whom appeared to be friendly rather than celebrity suck-ups. A rather beefy security guard kept a close eye on her. Even though he wore dark clothes and was trying to blend into the wall, he was easy for Ethan to notice.
