by LuAnn McLane
And so he left.
But as Rick drove back toward the cabin his despair turned into determination. He loved Maggie McMillan and he was going to show her just how much he cared for her. But first he needed to put into action the plans he’d been working on for the last couple of weeks. His plans included his son, Garret.
“And it’s about damned time,” Rick said as he pulled up to the cabin, and felt a little bit better about himself. But after walking inside he felt a pang of sadness. The table was set for the dinner that never happened. Sighing, Rick looked away from the table and headed into the office and sat down at his desk. After gathering his notes he put in a call to Pete Sully. It was time to get the ball rolling.
27
Coming Home
“JEFF!” REID HURRIED ACROSS THE YARD WHEN HE SAW his brother’s Ford F-150 come to a stop in front of the house. As soon as Jeff’s long legs emerged from the truck, Booker and Little John pounced on him with so much canine love that Jeff started laughing.
“At least somebody missed me,” Jeff said with a grin. He pushed past the dogs and gave Reid a bear hug. “How’ve you been, bro?”
“Good,” Reid replied. “What brings you home from Nashville?” Reid asked, and then shook his head. “Wait. Are you the special concert that Sully’s been talking about all week? The whole town is buzzing with anticipation. There was speculation it could be either you or Cat Carson.”
Jeff hesitated and then tipped his cowboy hat back. “I’ve been sworn to secrecy but I’ll tell you this much: Don’t miss it.” He hesitated again. “And make sure the whole family is there.”
“Are you kidding? I think all of Cricket Creek is going to be there. There’s a stage set up with a sound system that looks incredible. They’re roasting a pig. Come on, I promise not to tell.” Reid gave Jeff’s shoulder a shove. “What the hell’s going on?”
“If I told you, I’d have to kill you.”
Reid sighed. “Okay, damn, you’re a tough nut to crack.”
“Just get there early. You bringing that girl you’ve been seeing?”
“I’ll bring Addison. She’s been talking about it all week too.”
“Wow, would you just look at you?”
“What?”
“The mighty Reid Greenfield has fallen in love.” Jeff shook his head. “Well … well, first Sara and now you. Mom must be happy.”
“Hey, hold on, now. I didn’t say I was getting married.”
Jeff chuckled. “Speaking of that, how is the barn renovation coming along?”
“Ahead of schedule. They’ve got so many requests that Sara is talking about moving her wedding date up.”
Jeff reached down and scratched Booker’s ears. “Are you finally on board with the whole thing?”
Reid shrugged and then gave Jeff a wry grin. “Everything I’ve shot my mouth off about has become a success and this is no exception.”
“You were just looking out for Sara.”
“My heart has always been in the right place. But listen, Jeff. I’m sorry I didn’t encourage you to pursue your singing career years ago. I regret that I took Mom and Dad’s side and became part of Team Guilt that tried to keep you here on the farm. You’re super-talented. I hope I didn’t hold you back.”
Jeff shrugged. “It means a lot to me to hear you say that but, in truth, you know how hardheaded I am. The more you preached against it the more I wanted to prove you and everybody else wrong.”
Reid nodded but he knew his brother was being generous. “Ahhh, so then you owe your success to me?” He jabbed his thumb at his chest. “Do I get a cut?”
Jeff gave him a shove. “Yeah right. But seriously, make sure you’re all at Sully’s tonight.” Although Jeff sounded causal there was a nervous energy about him that told Reid that whatever was going down was going to be something big.
“Damn, you have me curious. The whole doggone town is buzzing with excitement, no matter where you go. Can you give me a little hint?” He looked at Jeff expectantly. “You know I could probably wrestle it out of you.”
“Not anymore, big bro. I work out. And I think I’m taller.”
“Well, then, I guess I’ll just have to wait. Everybody else is in the house getting ready. There’s leftover meatloaf and mashed potatoes in there.”
Jeff started hauling some of his stuff out of his truck. “Awesome. I could use some of Mom’s cooking.”
“I’ve got to go and shower up before I pick up Addison. I’ll see you there. Oh and, Jeff?”
“Yeah?”
“I’ve still got you by a good inch.”
“In your dreams! And I bet I can beat you and Braden arm wrestling.”
“You’re on!” Reid laughed. It would be good to have all of his siblings together. It sure had been a while.
After a quick shower Reid tugged on some cargo shorts and a blue golf shirt. Since the tail end of spring had started yielding some summerlike weather he dug out his flip-flops, glad to be out of his boots. After tossing a blanket and some lawn chairs in the bed of his truck he headed over to pick up his girl.
“Hey, baby. Aren’t you ready?” Reid asked when Addison answered the door in her bathrobe. “Jeff told me it’s going to be packed so we’d better get a move on.” He leaned in and kissed her.
“Your brother is in town?”
Reid nodded. “Yeah, and he knows what this whole mysterious thing is all about. He wouldn’t tell but said that the family should be there. It’s definitely more than just a concert. I have a feeling there’s going to be some sort of announcement.”
“Wow, okay. I’ll hurry. I was talking on the phone with my mom and the time got away from me.”
“Everything okay?” Reid asked, since Addison seemed a little bit distracted, but she gave him a bright smile.
“Yes, we’ll talk about it after the concert,” she said. “I’ll be ready in just a few minutes. It’s still hot out, right?” she called over her shoulder.
“Yeah, perfect night for an outdoor concert.”
True to her word Addison emerged from her bedroom less than fifteen minutes later. She wore a deep yellow sundress dotted with white butterflies and carried a white sweater. “I didn’t have time to curl my hair.”
“Are you kidding? I love it like that.” Reid reached over and tucked a silky lock behind her ear. “You look amazing, Addison.” He leaned down and kissed her bare shoulder. “Mmmm and you smell so good. I wanna gobble you up,” he added with a playful nip. He spanned his hands around her waist and pulled her against his body. “God, I want to kiss you, but if I do I won’t be able to stop.”
She giggled and then reached up and rubbed her hand against his cheek. “Oh … sexy stubble.”
“You said you liked it even though my mom will give me crap for not shaving.”
“Mmmm, yeah, I like it when you rub—”
“Stop.” He put a fingertip to her lips and groaned. “Don’t say it. You’ve already got me half aroused.”
“Only half?” She reached over and checked.
Reid laughed and then grabbed her hand. He loved that she had become open and playful with him. Being with her was coming naturally, easily, and he loved it.
He loved her.
And tonight he was finally going to tell her.
“You’re right. The weather has been calling me outside,” Addison commented as they headed for his truck. “I’ve been looking forward to the concert all day long, and after you told me what Jeff said I’m over-the-top excited.”
“You’ve got me super-excited too.” He shot her a wicked grin.
“Oh stop,” she said, but the pretty pink color in her cheeks spoke otherwise.
Reid reached over and took her hand and brought it to his lips. After so many years of worry it felt so good to feel happy and as close to carefree as his personality would allow. So much of his mood had to do with the pretty woman sitting in the passenger’s seat. “Wow,” Reid said when they pulled into the parking lot of Su
lly’s Tavern. “It’s already getting packed.” The main lot was nearly full but Pete had set up a grass field with additional parking.
Addison looked at him with raised eyebrows. “Seems like this is going to be quite the event.”
“Let’s hurry so we can get a spot near the stage,” he said, and came over to open Addison’s door. He handed the blanket to Addison and picked up the chairs. “Pete sure did do this up right,” Reid commented. The field that butted up against the parking lot sat on a ridge overlooking the river. Chairs were to the side and colorful blankets were spread across the grass, giving the appearance of a giant patchwork quilt. Children ran around, laughing and chasing one another, while adults stood in groups, chatting and drinking longneck beers. The aroma of barbecue wafted through the air, making Reid’s stomach rumble.
“Wow, look at that.” Reid pointed to a stage that had been erected at the far end of the field. “I could see it from the road but up close it’s even more impressive.” Huge speakers flanked each side, telling Reid that this really was going to be something else. Beneath the conversation and laughter was a buzz of anticipation. “This is probably the biggest event in Cricket Creek since the opening day of the stadium.”
“Sure looks that way,” Addison agreed. “Oh hey, there’s your family.” She waved to Sara, who spotted them at the same time.
“Follow me,” Reid urged, and weaved his way through the crowd, heading for a spot near the stage. They waved to several people, including Maggie, who sat with Tristan and Savannah. Noah Falcon sat with the Cougars baseball team, who were signing autographs for eager children. Mia Monroe tossed T-shirts and baseball caps to the crowd. It seemed to Reid that most of Cricket Creek really was in attendance. He placed the chairs in the row that his mother had saved for them and grinned. “This is something, isn’t it?” They were greeted with hugs.
“I got y’all some food,” Sara said, and handed them two plates with foil-wrapped sandwiches and bags of potato chips.
“The roast pig is amazing,” Braden told them. “I’ll go get you guys a couple of beers.” He shook off Reid’s offer of money. “This one’s on me.”
“I guess no one got Jeff to tell what in the world is going on?” Reid asked.
“I did my best,” his mother admitted. “I even tried to bribe him with his favorite red velvet cake but it was a no-go.”
“I told y’all just to be patient,” Reid’s father said. “We’ll know soon enough.”
“Not soon enough for Sara,” Cody said with a laugh. “Poor little thing had been practically jumping up and down with excitement all day long.”
“Can you blame me?” Sara slipped her arm around Cody’s waist and looked up at him.
“I sure can’t,” Addison said as she accepted the ice-cold beer from Braden. “Thanks.”
Reid tapped his bottle to hers. “To a memorable night.”
A few minutes later a hush fell over the crowd when Pete Sully sauntered onto the stage and grabbed the microphone. “Welcome, everybody, and thanks so much for coming!” He had to put his hands up, waiting for the applause and whistles to die down. “Save your applause, ’cuz you’re gonna need it. First, I need to give a huge thanks to Jason Craig and his crew for getting the stage built on such short notice. They worked their tails off. And thanks to my son, Clint, for working nearly around the clock getting this event put together.” Pete grinned as he held up his hands once again, waiting for the crowd to quiet down. “Before we get started I want to tell you that I’m gonna have not one but several exciting announcements, so don’t even think of going anywhere.”
Reid looked at Addison with raised eyebrows. Everybody, even the children, fell silent while Pete paused for dramatic effect.
“This stage,” Pete began, “is temporary. Very soon Jason and his crew are going to start on a permanent outdoor arena that will host some amazing talent, drawing from nearby Nashville and beyond. We have to clear some more land but we hope to be up and running by next spring!” He eased his hands in a downward motion for silence. “And I thought it would only be fitting to have one of our own do the honors of singing on this here spot for the very first time. Ladies and gentleman, fresh from Nashville, give it up for Cricket Creek’s very own … Jeff Greenfield, along with his band, South Street Riot!”
The crowd erupted into wild applause when Jeff and his band walked onto the stage. Jeff grabbed the microphone from Pete and shouted, “How’s it goin’, Cricket Creek? Y’all ready to party?”
Reid put his pinkie and thumb to his lips and whistled before looking down at Addison. “Jeff sure knows how to work a crowd!”
Addison nodded her agreement. “You got that right!”
“I want to thank Pete and Clint Sully for hosting the first of many concerts to come right here in my hometown of Cricket Creek, Kentucky! We’re gonna start off with a cover of Jason Aldean’s ‘My Kinda Party’ to get ya’ll up on your feet and then play a few of our own songs. But like Pete said, don’t go anywhere because this is just the beginning of what’s going to be an amazing night!” Jeff shouted and then signaled for the band to begin.
As predicted the crowd was up on their feet, dancing and singing to the popular song. Nobody even thought about sitting on the lawn chairs or lying on blankets. Reid listened to his brother’s voice and smiled. Not too long ago he was just a kid sitting on the front porch, strumming his guitar for friends and family—most of whom were now in the crowd, singing and cheering him on. Jeff had one of those deep, rich, versatile voices that could rock it out or sing a slow, soulful ballad. Reid felt a sense of pride, but a twinge of guilt hit him when he remembered how he had preached against Jeff going off to Nashville. Never again would he ever discourage anyone from pursuing their dreams. Failing is better than never trying, Reid thought while tapping his foot to the music. Reid mused that it was funny because Jeff was actually more reserved and quiet than outgoing Braden, but he simply came to life up on the stage, like he owned it.
“How many of y’all ever been so much in love that you couldn’t see straight?” Jeff shouted, and was met with cheers, and whistles. Reid grinned when Cody looked at Sara and raised his hand. “The next song is one of our own called ‘Outta My Mind with Lovin’ You,’” Jeff said, and launched into a heartfelt ballad that had the crowd swaying to the beat while listening to the story the lyrics told. And then, showing their diversity, they slid right into a banjo-filled bluegrass song that had people linking arms and dancing to the fast-paced tune.
Addison came up on tiptoe and said in Reid’s ear, “Jeff is amazing. My dad would love to have their music in his store. I’m blown away by how good they are.”
Reid smiled and then looked over at his mom and dad, who were beaming with parental pride.
“And the women sure are swooning,” Addison added. “Jeff has star quality, for sure.”
“Thanks,” Reid said, and gave her a quick kiss. His mom caught his eye and gave him a subtle thumbs-up. Instead of shaking his head, Reid nodded his agreement, making her smile.
At the end of the energetic song Jeff tipped his cowboy hat and then raised his hand for silence. “This brings me to the second big announcement of the night. I’m proud and thrilled to announce that my band and I just signed with a record label.” He waited for the cheers to die down and then said, “That’s only the beginning. Let me introduce rock legend Rick Ruleman to tell you all about it.”
There was a heartbeat of stunned silence followed by more wild applause. Reid stood still while his heart raced. He looked down at Addison, but she stared wide-eyed at the stage and seemed as surprised as everyone else at the unexpected news. But the guy that walked onto the stage didn’t even begin to resemble the long-haired rocker that Reid remembered. Wait… . Reid tilted his head to the side. Hadn’t he seen this guy a couple of times having lunch at Wine and Diner with … Maggie McMillan?
Reid leaned in close to Addison’s ear. “Do you know anything about this?”
“I�
��m clueless, Reid. Truly,” she added, and seemed a little bit shaken up.
“Hello there, Cricket Creek, Kentucky! Give it up for the amazing Jeff Greenfield and his band, South Street Riot!” After the cheering died down, he said, “I know I don’t look like the Rick Ruleman you’re used to seeing so I thought I’d better convince you.” He took the electric guitar from a stagehand. He quickly went into one of his complicated guitar riffs that made the audience go wild. “That’s from my first hit single, ‘Jagged Edge.’ But what you don’t know is that ‘Jagged Edge’ was supposed to sound like this,” Rick announced, and then signaled for Jeff and his band to join him.
The bluesy, soulful rendition of the famous song was nothing like the huge hit that made Rick Ruleman a household name. Jeff harmonized, and Reid had to admit that the result was pretty damned awesome, and the crowd sure agreed.
“When my record label wanted hard rock I gave it to them,” Rick explained after the song ended, “but my heart has always been in a different place. But when ‘Jagged Edge’ went gold, then platinum, the stage was set, if you’ll pardon the pun,” he said, and the audience tittered with laughter. “But now that I’m um … of a certain age, I finally decided it was time to shed the long hair and leather—and, damn, that leather was hot and I don’t mean in a good way,” Rick continued, and the crowd laughed again. “I’ve decided to start my own record label, called My Way Records, and when Pete Sully sent me Jeff’s demos I knew I’d found some amazing talent. We’ve been jamming all week long down at the cabin I’ve been staying in. With the help of my son, Garret, we’ll be scouring the area for more talent and looking for studio musicians. Tonight is just the beginning of great things to come!”
Reid glanced at Addison, who was watching with avid interest. A few people who obviously knew about the rumors looked her way, and he drew her close, putting a protective arm around her in spite of the bit of discomfort he felt at seeing the famous father of her ex-fiancé standing up onstage. And apparently going into business with Reid’s brother, not to mention bringing Garret into the fold.
