by Leah Atwood
“She was talking about you.” Gracie offered up more information, unaware it wasn’t to be shared.
“All good, I hope.” He threw Sophie a wink, unable to resist ribbing her some more.
Gracie started to talk again, but Lisa intervened. “How would you like to flip the next batch of pancakes?”
“Really? I can?”
“Yes, ma’am. Come here and I’ll show you how to do it without squishing or dropping them.”
Sophie gave her mom a grateful look, then led Bryce into the living room where he hoped they could be alone for a few minutes.
“Where’s your sister?” he asked cautiously.
“Still in bed, but don’t worry. Mom warned her no internet posts or pictures about you or this trip.”
A wave of relief washed over him. Not that he disliked Mia. He didn’t know her all that well beyond what Sophie told him, but after the fallout of their first meeting, he was apprehensive. Sophie’s acceptance of his fame was slow-going—he didn’t want anything to jeopardize the progress.
Still mischievous, he grinned and crossed his arms loosely over his chest. “So what were you saying about me that had you so distracted?”
“You’re a scoundrel.” She swatted him on the arm with a light touch.
“Not the first time I’ve been called that.” Chuckling, he sat down on the sofa.
“Just for that, I’m not giving you your present.”
“Oh well,” A shrug completed his act. “Just kidding.” He scooted forward until he sat on the edge of the cushion. “What did you get me?”
“You’re not getting it.”
“I’m sorry,” he said in a pitiful, pouting voice.
“Fine.” She drew the word out for dramatic effect. “But you have to wait until after breakfast.”
“Man, you drive a hard bargain.”
“And you’re worse than a kid,” she shot back.
An impish grin graced his face. “But you like me.”
She laughed. “You’ve got me there.”
The front door opened. Alton walked in with a yellow plastic grocery bag slung over one arm and a tray of Styrofoam cups in his hand.
“Coffee man’s back,” Alton called out.
“Ah. The sweet smell of caffeine.” Jumping up, Bryce followed the scent of freshly brewed java, with Sophie right behind him.
“I stopped at the corner store and picked up a cup for each of us to tide over until a pot can brew. This one’s yours,” Alton said, setting down the tray and then handing him a cup. “I didn’t know how you take yours, so it’s black. Sugar and powdered creamer are by the coffee pot, real cream is in the fridge.”
“Black is fine.” He took the cup and bent back the flimsy tab. “Thanks.”
“Breakfast is almost ready. Mia, will you set the table in the dining room, please?” Lisa wiped her hands on the apron tied around her waist and looked at her youngest daughter.
He hadn’t realized Mia was in the room. Sophie gave him a sideways glance of amusement. Mia wore more make-up than those salesladies who used to come knocking at the door.
“We’re having blueberry pancakes and I bought a bottle of real maple syrup.” Lisa turned her attention to him. “Sophie told me that’s your favorite.”
“It is, but you didn’t have to go to any special trouble. You could have made Sophie’s favorite.”
“Nonsense.” She waved him off. “There are certain traditions this family has and one of them is getting your favorite breakfast on your birthday. Sophie’s apple cinnamon ones are there as well. And some sausage links, but they’re turkey, not pork.”
“Can I help with anything, Mom?”
“No, honey. You and Bryce go sit down at the table and we’ll all be right in.”
In the dining room, he looked at the table that could seat eight. “Does it matter where I sit?”
“Anywhere except those two,” Sophie answered, pointing to the far end chair and the one catty-corner to it.
They sat next to each other and Sophie inclined her head toward him. “I’m giving you fair warning, what’s about to come is embarrassing.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just wait.”
Lisa, Alton, Mia and Gracie all walked in, huddled together, singing the birthday song. Sophie’s mom carried a plate in each hand. On each dish was a stack of pancakes with a lit candle stuck in the center. She set one in front of him and the other, Sophie. “Make a wish.”
He made a wish and blew out his candle. Sophie did the same then looked at him. He knew their wish was the same, but what she didn’t know was that he already had a plan for making it come true.
Light conversation filled the air while everyone ate. The pile of pancakes almost won, but he ate the last bite, declaring victory.
“These are better than Fjolla’s.” He pushed his empty plate back, indicating he was finished. “Thank you.”
“Who’s Fjolla,” Alton asked, a protective inquisitiveness lurking behind sharp eyes.
“My housekeeper. She looks after things while I’m not home and when I am, she ensures my diet consists of something other than takeout.” To address Alton’s concern, he added, “I don’t know if she’s taking pity on me or just bored since her own children are grown and out of the house.”
Alton smiled and cracked a joke. “If your cooking skills are anything like mine, your housekeeper is probably taking pity.”
Everyone laughed.
“I can grill a mean steak, but that’s about the extent of it.”
“That settles it. Tomorrow we’re grilling out.” Alton shook his head with a definitive nod.
“He got a new grill last week on an end-of-season clearance deal,” Mia explained, speaking up for the first time. “It’s all we’ve heard about for two days.”
“Let’s do it then.” Bryce was always game for a good slab of meat.
“Lisa, do we have any steaks in the freezer to set out or do I need to pick up some from the market?” Alton asked his wife.
“We have some.”
“Is everyone agreeable?”
No one spoke up against tomorrow’s dinner plan.
Lisa began gathering the empty dishes and taking them to the kitchen. “Don’t go anywhere.”
Ten minutes later, she returned with wrapped packages in her arm. “Time for presents.”
When she laid two in front of Bryce, he was floored. He’d only wanted to spend time with Sophie and her family. He hadn’t expected all this in return, to be so openly included.
“Go ahead, open them.” Sophie nudged him.
Unwrapping the first box, he found a button-up shirt in the style he liked when a T-shirt wouldn’t do. It was even the brand he usually bought. Could have been a lucky guess, but he suspected Sophie had done some detective work on her mom’s behalf.
“If you don’t like it, there’s a gift receipt in the box,” Lisa told him.
“I love it. Thank you.” Picking up the second package, he repeated the process. Inside that package was an assortment of high-quality fishing lures. A smile crept to his face. He’d have to start taking more time out for fishing. “This is great.” Emotions blocked more words from being spoken.
Sophie eyed him with concern. They had a brief conversation with only looks and she seemed to understand that he needed a moment.
“My turn.” She picked up one of her gifts and tore the paper open.
He was ashamed to admit, he didn’t pay attention as she opened her pile. The inclusion into her family, when his own parents hadn’t accepted him, overwhelmed him.
“I’ll be right back,” he told Sophie when he saw her gifts had all been opened. “I’m going to grab my present for you.”
Back in the basement, he unzipped his bag and pulled out a small, rectangular box. He’d spent hours searching online retailers specializing in crafty jewelry to find something perfect. Going to a brick and mortar jewelry store would have been easier, but he wanted something one-
of-a-kind for her.
He sat on the bed, gripping the box in one hand. The other hand checked his phone, looking in vain for any sign of acknowledgement from his own parents. Sad, that Sophie’s parents had known him all of two months and treated him more like a son than his father and mother.
“Knock, knock. Can I come in?” Sophie stood at the door.
“Yeah.”
“My family too much for you?” She sat beside him, one leg tucked under her other.
“No, they’re great. They’re like a real family.”
“Well, they aren’t aliens or actors.”
Her attempt at a joke gave him a half-smile. “Not all families are like yours.”
“Ah.” She set down the package she was holding and reached out to him.
“I need to get over my parents’ attitude toward me. Usually I am, but then a day like this comes and I don’t hear from them. It’s a reminder all over again that I’m not important to them.”
“The day’s still early.” Her optimism tore him to pieces. How many years had he tried to maintain that same glimmer of hope?
“Sure,” he muttered, unconvinced. “It is what it is.” Forcing morose thoughts aside, he focused on the positive. “I have a heavenly Father, a supportive extended family, great friends, and an amazing daughter. Not to mention a fantastic girlfriend who puts up with me.”
Sophie batted her eyelashes. “I hear she’s pretty great.”
“Thank you.” The words slipped out, but he was glad they did. They needed to be said. “For being you, for keeping me grounded— always listening and never judging.”
“Here. This is for you.” She handed over the gift then entwined her hands, twirling her thumbs. “I hope you like it.”
Shredded newsprint could be inside the box and he’d love it for the simple reason it came from her. Though his head looked down at the gift as he unwrapped the paper, occasionally he raised his eyes to look at her. She still fidgeted and bit her lower lip, anticipating his response.
Box unwrapped, he saw the label. A Musician’s Study Bible. He lifted the box lid, revealing a brown, embossed leather cover. At the bottom corner, his name was imprinted, personalizing the gift. It was the best gift he’d ever received, even taking away it was from Sophie. Turning the box over, Bryce let the Bible fall into his hands. The soft leather was smooth and light but durable enough to withstand years of daily use.
“Do you like it? You mentioned you were still using one of Gramps’ old Bibles and the translation was hard to understand. The sales representative at the book store said this translation is very popular but also well-reputed.”
He placed a single finger against her lips. “It’s perfect.”
Her shoulders relaxed under a sigh of relief.
“Your turn.” After placing the Bible back in its box, he handed over the smaller box which contained Sophie’s present.
A small gasp of pleasure came out when she saw the necklace. She lifted it, draping it across an opened hand. Three thin strands of gold chain came together, connected by tourmaline stones the crafter had described as autumnal hues, ranging from bright copper to burnt sienna. Matching earrings and a bracelet remained in the box.
“They're gorgeous.”
“One of a kind— like you.”
“Will you help me put it on?” Love reflected in her eyes.
He moved to stand behind her. The muscles in his chest constricted and his hands were shaky as he gathered her hair and moved it over her shoulder. Taking the necklace, he wrapped it around her neck, fumbling with the closure until his unsteady hands secured the clasp. His fingertips lingered ever so briefly against her neck before he took a step back.
Sophie spread her hair over her shoulders then stood up. “How does it look?”
“Beautiful.” His eyes never left hers.
Chapter 21
“Do you think I’m crazy?” Sophie picked up a bottle of nail polish, decided against it and placed it back on the rack.
Kate sorted through the bottles on an adjacent shelf. “Crazy isn’t a word I’d ever use to describe you. But what you’re planning to do tomorrow— that is definitely classified as crazy. Here, what do you think of this one?”
“Ooh, I like it. This is the color I’ll go with. Do you think it’s too much?” Only with Kate, could she carry on two different conversations at once.
“Are you ready, ladies?” Kim, the nail technician with over-processed hair, approached them after having given them several minutes to pick out a polish.
“Yes.” Kate grabbed the bottle of nail color she’d first picked up. “Always trust your instinct.” She walked toward the pedicure booth, throwing a wink behind her.
Sophie followed and sat in the chair next to her. She removed her shoes and socks, rolled her jeans up and stuck her feet in the bubbling water. “Seriously, do you think it’s too extreme?”
“Actually, I think it’s perfect. And for a man who thrives on grand gestures, I’m sure he can appreciate one in return.”
Tapping her fingers against the teal vinyl armrest, she sucked in a breath and let it out very slowly. The mere thought of what she had planned almost sent her into a panic attack. “Is it too late to back out?”
“Yes. You’re going to do this, Sophie. And you’re going to do it because Bryce is the best thing to happen to you and you love him.” Kate leaned back in her chair, relaxing as her feet were scrubbed and brushed. “Don’t think about all the people. Focus on Bryce.”
“But what if I can’t? What if I get there and I freak out? What if I see all those girls throwing themselves at him and am reminded of all the things he’s done.”
Kate put a hand up, palm forward. “Stop right there,” she said firmly, her voice holding the same censure as the scowl on her face. “Where is this coming from? For all the problems your relationship could face, his past has never been an issue for you. Why now?”
“Because I’ve never seen him in performer mode, with women throwing themselves at him.” She slunk down in her seat.
“Isn’t this entire plan to show him that you accept him, all of him?”
“Yes,” she answered, staring down at her feet, knowing where this was going.
“Then quit the what-ifs. So what that he has a blemished past? Didn’t all of us until we accepted Christ? And guess what? Girls are going to throw themselves at him. He’s a hot, young celebrity for crying out loud. That part can’t be helped. Even if he quit show business right now, there would still be females chasing him. The question is—do you trust him?”
“Of course, I do.” But Kate’s admonishment had the effect of a sucker punch to the gut.
“Then you have to go all in. You’re driving yourself insane, thinking up problems that don’t exist. His past has never been an issue for you, only the public nature of his career. Don’t let it be now. Have faith— in God, in Bryce, and stop worrying. What’s the purpose of tomorrow if your brain and heart aren’t fully behind it?”
She twisted her lips. “You’re a pain sometimes, but I love you for it.”
“Tough love, Sophie. That’s what best friends are for. So what’s it going to be?”
“You’re right. I have to go all in. Love doesn’t place conditions and I’ve been trying to box him into my ideal. If I’m going to humiliate myself, I better make sure I mean what I’m doing.”
“You’ll be fine. Bryce is crazy about you—I’d be on cloud nine if I found a man to love me half as much as Bryce loves you. What I wouldn’t give to see his face tomorrow.”
“Come with me,” Sophie pleaded. “Be my moral support.”
Kate gave her a small smile and shook her head “This is something you have to do on your own, but I’ll be praying for you.”
“Thanks. Ah, I’m so nervous. Caroline is sending someone to pick me up in the early afternoon. I think I’ll die before then.”
“Did he really date his manager when he first moved to Nashville?” Kim interrupted their co
nversation, curiosity winning over professionalism.
“His past relationships are not my business to discuss.” Annoyed at the intrusion, Sophie tried to keep the bite out of her tone.
Kate looked at her, questioning if it was true.
No longer comfortable discussing Bryce or their relationship, Sophie shifted the conversation to Kate’s life. There was a new guy she’d gone out with last weekend, a transplant from Texas. Once Kate started talking about him and telling all the details, she continued until their fingernails and toenails were glossy with fresh polish.
Manicures and pedicures completed, they left the salon and walked to Kate’s car.
“What are you going to wear tomorrow?” Kate asked.
“No idea. I was hoping you’d come shopping with me and pick out something.”
“Now we’re talking. Grab dinner first or later?”
“Later. My stomach’s in knots.”
A beep emitted from Kate’s keychain and the car doors unlocked. Getting in the passenger seat, Sophie glanced at her phone. Sure enough, there was a text from Bryce.
—About to go on stage. I love you. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
“Must have heard from him. You have that goofy grin you get every time he sends a message.” Kate nudged her before turning the key in the ignition.
“No, I don’t.”
“Believe what you want. It’s cute, though. Being in love looks good on you.”
“Umm, thanks?”
“It’s a good thing.” Kate weaved through Friday evening traffic in Lafayette. “What’s the deal with Bryce and Caroline? You never told me they dated.”
“It was never serious, and it was a long time ago. There’s really nothing to say about it, and Caroline is dating Jay, Bryce’s drummer.”
“So you are completely okay with Bryce working closely with an ex-girlfriend?”
She took a sip of her bottled water before answering. “Yes. Why?”
Kate glimpsed at her with a perceptive gleam. “For someone so smart, you amaze me sometimes.”
“What are you talking about?”
“An hour ago you were stressing over what-ifs. Yet, you’ve never thought to worry about the fact that his ex-girlfriend is pretty much involved with his life on a daily basis. There’s your answer right there, and it’s that you have nothing to worry about, because you love him and have placed an intrinsic trust in him.”
