by Leah Atwood
“Are you okay?” His eyebrows creased with genuine concern.
She held up a hand and took a deep breath. “Let me say everything before I lose my nerve.”
Bryce nodded.
“Last December I started having some health problems. The doctors told me I needed to rest. All I could think about was that my life I’d carefully organized into a tray of orderly compartments was snatched from my hands and scattered over the earth. The week before Christmas, I could tell something wasn’t right. I returned to the doctor and was told I needed complete bed rest for the next few weeks. Still in denial, I didn’t listen. I kept going full speed, wrapping up all the details for the Christmas benefit concert. On Christmas Eve, I ended up in the hospital, with repercussions that will stick with me the rest of my life.”
“Are you okay? What was wrong?” Worry gripped him. She was one of his best friends.
“It’s a personal issue that I don’t wish to delve into, but suffice it to say, the experience changed me.”
“I’m so sorry,” he muttered, reaching out to touch her arm. Her answer didn’t satisfy his concern for her, but he had to respect her privacy.
She jerked away. “I didn’t tell you this for your sympathy. I made a choice and I’ll have to live with that. But I did learn a valuable lesson. No job, no career, is worth the sacrifice of certain things and to think so is pure vanity. Conceit told me no one could go on without me if I took some time off, took a few steps away. Don’t make the same mistake I did.”
“I just took a month off.”
“And your career is still here. Yet, you’re not happy because you’re aware that you’re not giving Gracie everything you can.”
“You’re confusing me. First you’re mad because I took the time off, now it sounds like you’re telling me to take off more time.”
“That was before I knew your reasons. As your manager, you should fire me for my advice I’m about to give, but I like to think part of our success is because we’ve always been friends and looked out for each other’s best interests, not just our own.”
“Yes. And I’ve always appreciated that. True friends are hard to come by in this business.”
“Then take what I say to heart. Put Gracie first, be a part of her life. She deserves the best of you. Tell me what I need to do, as your manager, to make that happen, even if you have to take a step back. Career-wise, that’s a horrible idea when you’re on fire right now, but as a dad, you won’t regret it.”
Bryce leaned back, stunned by everything Caroline had told him. Fjolla’s words from earlier returned. You can’t live in two worlds. The best thing to do is find a way to blend them into a new life. “You don’t think it has to be one or the other?”
“Absolutely not, but I do believe if you don’t find a way to blend them, you will fail at both.”
He gave a dry laugh. “Fjolla said something very similar this morning.”
“I knew I always liked her. So what’s it going to be, Bryce?”
“I want Gracie with me, whatever it takes.”
“Then that’s what we’ll make happen.”
“Do you believe in God?”
She pinched her lips together and scrunched her nose. “Where did that come from?”
“For all we’ve been through together, we’ve never discussed spiritual beliefs. Do you?”
“Of course. Most people do.”
“But do you believe in having a relationship with him?”
Caroline arched a wary, perfectly manicured eyebrow. “Are you becoming one of those Jesus Freaks?”
Annoyed at her condescension, he had to keep himself in check. There was a time he would have said the same thing. “I’m a Christian now. For a year, since after that tour when I almost drank myself to death.”
“I’ve seen a difference in you,” she admitted. “I thought you were finally maturing.” She gave him a playful swat, trying to lighten the mood.
“Like everything else this year, I didn’t know what to do about it, but I don’t want to hide it anymore. I need to start living my faith openly. I’ve come to realize it’s not enough just to stop certain behaviors.”
“I can work with that. Country music fans embrace artists with strong faith.”
“This isn’t about public perception. It’s a personal decision I’ve made in my life, and I don’t want it turned into marketing.”
Caroline backed off. “Just don’t push it on me, please. That’s two major revelations. Anything else you want to tell me since we’re having full disclosure today?”
He grinned. “I met someone.”
Caroline perked up, her shoulders no longer slumping. “Do tell.”
“She lives in Oden Bridge, the small town my grandparents are in. She’s a first-grade teacher.”
“So cliché.” Caroline rolled her eyes, playfully.
“Be nice,” he chided. “Her name is Sophie, and she’s beautiful—gorgeous brown hair, green eyes with tiny gold flecks in them, a smile that could light the way in the dark. She’s been sheltered, but not exactly in a bad way. She hasn’t experienced much in the way of the world, but she has a solid moral fiber. The first time we met, something between us clicked. When I’m with her, the weight of my problems fades away. I told her my past, everything. I can talk to her about anything.”
“She sees the real, deeper, you, not the one you let people see?” Caroline knew him too well.
“Exactly.” He smiled. “She’s a lot of fun too, and by fun, I mean innocent fun. She makes me laugh and feel alive.”
Her eyes twinkled. “I never thought I’d see the day Bryce Landry fell head over heels in love.”
He didn’t bother denying it. Regardless of what his mind told him, his heart knew the truth.
Chapter 13
Sophie repeatedly checked her phone, pacing back and forth, as the knots in her stomach grew. Bryce would be here any minute. He’d called ten minutes ago to tell her he was leaving Gramps and Gram’s house. Three weeks had passed since she’d seen him, but not a day went by in which they hadn’t spoken.
She missed him.
Every night, she’d fallen asleep thinking of him, replaying their conversation from the day, reliving their kiss. She’d finally convinced herself he wasn’t a dream. Shamelessly, she gave up her striding and went out front to wait for him, sitting on her front steps. The sun was low in the sky, almost below the horizon when she heard his truck rumbling down the street. She jumped up, shoving her hands in her pockets, waiting.
He parked, and his face lit with a grin when he saw her. He jumped out, approached her but stopped several feet away. Innate shyness stopped her from stepping toward him, all too aware they’d been apart for longer than they’d been together. For several seconds, they stood as statues, staring at each other but not moving, not touching.
“I missed you, Sophie,” he uttered in a low tone, full of tenderness. His arms hung at his sides and he wore his typical jeans and T-shirt ensemble.
The wonted bond she always felt in his presence returned. “Me too. I mean you. I missed you too,” she clarified, flustered.
“You’re adorable when you blush.” He took a step toward her.
Her fists came out of her pockets and she took a step closer to him
“It didn’t fade did it?” he asked, his brown eyes searching hers.
She shook her head, the energy between them palpable. “It’s stronger now.”
“Because we’re building something great.” He took the final step toward her, pulling her into a long-awaited embrace.
She returned the hug, soaking in all she could of his comfort, knowing their time together was brief. “How was the drive?” she asked, forcing herself to back away.
“A little traffic, but nothing major. After I called you from the rest stop, it was smooth sailing.”
“Good. I was worried about Friday traffic and all.”
“I almost forgot. I bought something for you.”
She ducked her head. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Get used to it, sweetheart. I like doing things for others.” He walked to the truck, opened the back door and retrieved a small brown paper bag. His smile broadened when he handed it over.
“Should I look now?”
“Go ahead. I meant to wrap it, but it wasn’t delivered until the last minute. Literally, I was loading my bags when the Fed Ex man delivered it.”
She lifted the folds of the bag and peered inside. A book. She pulled the paperback out, her eyes widening. “This is the new Gwendolyn Gwen that doesn’t come out until September. How did you get it? How did you even know she’s my favorite author?”
“That first day at the park you were reading one of her books. I didn’t know she was your favorite, but risked an assumption you were a fan. It’s an advanced reader’s copy. Look inside.”
Opening the book, she saw an inscription on the cover page.
To Sophie,
May love stay with you and never leave.
Happy Reading,
Gwendolyn Gwen
“I love it. Thank you.” Tears of happiness, from seeing him, from his thoughtfulness, pooled at the corners of her eyes.
Bryce’s gaze darted around. “Not that I care what others think, but maybe we should go inside before your neighbors wonder why you’re standing out on your lawn crying.”
Book in one hand, she reached for Bryce with the other. “Ready for tomorrow?” she asked, as they walked inside.
They went to the living room, taking a seat on the sofa. She sat sideways, one leg tucked under her and the other dangling against the front edge of the furniture. Bryce sat close by, at an angle with one arm draped over the back cushion.
“As much as I can be. I’ve performed in front of crowds reaching upward to thirty thousand with nerves of steel, but the idea of meeting your parents, yeah, can’t say I’m looking forward to it without some trepidation.”
She laughed at the look of terror on his face. “They’ll like you. Mom already does, though she’s probably sick of hearing about you.”
“Been talking about me?” He winked and smirked.
“Fishing for compliments?” she shot back. “We haven’t told Mia yet. To be honest, I’m a little nervous she’ll embarrass me when she meets you.”
“That bad?”
“Remember the group of teen girls you whined about the day after you left?”
“Hey, I don’t whine. But yes, I remember.”
“Mia could put them to shame with her exuberance.”
Bryce rolled his eyes. “I’m sure she can’t be that bad.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“She’ll be fine. Even if she’s as bad as you say, she’s one girl.”
“Since you know all about my parents now, what about your parents?”
An instant freeze overcame Bryce. “What about them?”
“Anything. You never talk about them. I could count on one hand all the things you’ve told me about them.”
“There’s nothing to say. I’ve told you how they are.”
She advanced the subject with care. “You don’t think telling them about Gracie will make a difference in their attitudes?”
“One day I’ll tell them. That’s all I’ll commit to for now. Believe me when I say they are nothing like your parents.” His clipped tone derailed the topic.
For now, she let the subject drop. He obviously was in no mood to discuss them and she didn’t want to ruin their evening. “Tomorrow— are you coming over before or after my parents arrive?”
“Would you mind if Gracie and I come over early? I thought we could help with dinner.”
“How so?” She arched a suspicious eyebrow. “I thought you don’t cook unless it’s done in the microwave or atop a grill.”
“Doesn’t mean I can’t help in other ways.” He dropped his arm from the back of the sofa. “I just want to spend the time with you.”
“Be here at five,” she told him. Her initial idea had been to have her parents show up first, and then Bryce and Gracie, but the extra time with him would be nice.
Her mouth gaped from a yawn and she covered it. “I’m sorry. Last night, I didn’t sleep much and was outside all day.”
“It’s all right. I need to get back and get some sleep too.” He stood up. “I’ll call in the morning.”
She proceeded to follow him to the front door. “Drive safely. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He leaned his head and kissed her forehead before leaving. “You are even prettier than my memory,” he whispered, then walked away.
The following day, she made a trip to the grocery store. Linguine, lettuce, zucchini, yellow summer squash, bell pepper, lettuce and a loaf of Italian bread. She crossed off each ingredient after she placed it in her buggy. She’d planned the dinner menu based on the meal she was best at preparing, her own version of a shrimp scampi, but with chicken replacing the seafood, served over pasta, a salad on the side and garlic bread made from her homemade spread. Dessert would be a cheesecake she bought from the bakery yesterday.
The car radio flashed three o’clock when she reached her house. Bryce and Gracie would be coming in two hours, her family in three. Until now, she hadn’t let herself worry much about her family meeting him, beyond her sister’s reaction. With the timer ticking, her insides balled with nerves. Her father had been strangely quiet on the subject, to the point of detouring the conversation every time Bryce was mentioned. Mom wouldn’t give any hint to her father’s thoughts either, only saying it will be fine. Ambiguity at its finest.
The situation was in God’s hands. Although she desired her father’s approval, this was her relationship. She’d listen to her father’s concerns if he voiced them, but ultimately she knew Bryce to be a changed man. She saw his heart, knew the gentleness and honor within him.
Chapter 14
Stepping back, Bryce observed Gracie. He’d done a pretty good job, he noted with pride, puffing out his chest. His daughter’s hair was styled in two braided ponytails which rested against her back. Putting aside his masculine pride, he’d asked Gram to teach him how to fix Gracie’s hair in different fashions. Soon, Gracie would be living with him and these were the things he had no idea how to do. Clumsy at first, he’d finally managed to coerce his fingers into working together. The braids weren’t perfect, a few hairs stuck out here and there, but they were the best he’d done so far. Allowing her to choose her own dress, he’d breathed a sigh of relief when she’d picked a navy sundress with sunflowers.
“Ready to go see Miss Sophie?” He stooped down, straightening the beaded necklace she’d insisted on wearing. The childish piece of jewelry didn’t match her dress, but he didn’t have the heart to make her take it off. Especially not after she informed him that Sophie helped her make the necklace last week.
“Ready, Freddy.” She giggled at her rhyme.
“Come on, kiddo.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and they left the house. Leaving without telling Gramps and Gram bye felt strange, but they’d left a half hour ago for a dinner at the VFW.
Arriving at Sophie’s, he parked along the street, saving the space in the driveway for her parents. Gracie was already unbuckled by the time he opened her door. She jumped out, unassisted, and ran across the lawn to knock on the door. Sophie came out on the steps and Gracie threw short arms around her legs in a hug.
Watching them, his breath swooshed away. Sophie was a natural with kids. She’d be a wonderful mother. The thought blew his mind. He’d never allowed his mind to travel that far. That Gracie came with him was a given and, of course, the woman he eventually married would step in and accept the role of a mother to her— but he’d never pictured that woman until now. And the image materializing was the one he could see with his own eyes as he looked toward the door.
His heart pounded. Looking up, his gaze collided with Sophie’s. Something passed between them. Could she know what he’d been thinking?
“Coming in?” She’d already sent Gracie inside the house.
“No, I thought I’d stay out here,” he joked, needing a release from the potent depth of thoughts circulating his brain.
“Did you bring your apron?”
Confused, he almost asked, What apron? Then he remembered. “I thought you said I wouldn’t need it?” He threw her a wink.
“A kiss won’t protect your clothes.” She flashed a toothy grin before walking inside.
Following her, he went to the kitchen where the counters were covered with various foods and wares.
“What do you want me to do?”
“Think you can handle putting the salad together?”
“Can’t be that hard. What all goes in?” He scanned the various piles.
“Everything right there,” she answered, pointing to a large bowl with several bags beside it. “I cheated and bought everything pre-cut and sliced. All you need to do is make it look pretty in the bowl.”
“I think I can handle that. Gracie, want to help Daddy make a salad?” he called out.
Little feet came running across the tile floor.
“Wash your hands first,” he instructed, lifting her to the sink. He pumped soap from the dispenser, rubbed their hands then rinsed them off. Turning to Sophie, he asked, “Do you have anything I can use as a step stool for Gracie?”
“I can pull a chair over, but last week she just sat on the counter when we made cookies.”
“That’s right.” He narrowed his eyes, giving Gracie a stern look, but was unable to keep his mouth from twitching into a smile. “I thought you were going to save me some of those cookies.”
“I was, but they were too yummy, Daddy,” she said in all seriousness.
Heaving a dramatic sigh, he nipped her cheek. “I suppose we can let it slide this time, but only if you can help me make this salad as beautiful as Miss Sophie.”
Gracie shook her head left to right. “Nothing can be as pretty as Miss Sophie.”
