by Carol Ross
The melodic tune of a fiddle cut through the air and made her eager to see Jon in action. Guitar and banjo joined a few notes later. People began to file inside the barn. As the girls finished their cherry crisps, the rhythmic thump of boots on the wood floor carried outside.
Brenna asked, “Hey, girls, you want to go inside and dance? Is that okay, Lydia?”
“Absolutely. I’m going to clean off our table and I’ll be right in. Thanks, Brenna.”
Lydia gathered up the remaining paper plates, bowls and napkins and headed to the garbage can. She’d just tossed the trash when JT Brimble stepped up beside her. “Evenin’, Ms. Lydia.”
He’d pulled his blond curls back at the nape of his neck, where they looked much better. Turning on a smile, Lydia said, “Hello, JT. How are you tonight? I like that ponytail.”
He seemed taken aback by her friendliness. “I’m good, thank you. Uh...” Lydia waited because he seemed nervous, like there was something he wanted to say. Clearing his throat, he went on, “I’d like to apologize for my behavior at the Silver Stake the other day.”
“Oh...” Now Lydia was the one surprised.
“My mama would have been mortified is the answer to your question. I was disrespectful, and my comment was crude. And I want you to know that is not how my mama raised me. Your comments made me think and I wanted to thank you for that. I’m sorry.”
“Apology accepted. I appreciate you trying to make it right.”
He looked relieved. “Thank you for going so easy on me.”
“Well, we all make mistakes, don’t we? I wouldn’t want anyone judging me too harshly for mine. I learned that little nugget of wisdom from my nana.”
JT had an adorably crooked smile and Lydia could see why he was popular with the ladies. “My grandpa used to say the same thing.”
That’s when Lydia noticed Marilee eyeing them from where she was standing by the beverage station. She reminded Lydia of the hawk who sometimes sat in the tree beside the coop, eyeing the chickens.
“Let’s go inside,” Lydia suggested. “I’d like to hear that music a little better.” And see Jon.
Together, they walked toward the barn. The music stopped as they stepped inside. The musicians were huddled together on a wooden stage set up in the corner.
JT shuffled his feet a bit and then looked at her. “I’d also like to add that I think you’re the neatest thing to happen to Falcon Creek in a long time. And that’s not a line, that’s the honest truth.”
Lydia was touched. “Thank you, JT. And just so you know, you’re on the right track there. Women love honesty. They value it way more than a tired old pickup line.”
JT grinned. “Jon Blackwell is a lucky man.”
“Why would you think—?”
He tilted his head toward the stage. Jon was watching them. Her breath caught as he granted her the full force of his smile. She waved. He winked and shifted the fiddle in his hands.
JT leaned toward her. “I think I’ll go try a little of that honesty on Tess Carnes.”
Lydia laughed and shooed him away. The first notes of a song resonated through the room. Lydia watched, captivated by the sight of Jon playing. She didn’t care what he said about his brother having talent, which she knew to be true—Jon Blackwell had his share.
One song turned into another and the girls skipped up to her.
“Lydia, will you dance with us?” Gen asked.
“Are you kidding? I’d love to. I’ve been waiting my whole life to dance with you two.”
* * *
FROM HIS SPOT on the stage, Jon watched Lydia step onto the dance floor with Abby and Gen. For a moment there he’d feared he’d have to watch her with JT. They were playing a popular line-dance song and it only took a few beats before she owned it. She held one of the girl’s hands in each of her own. Looking down, she moved her own feet and gave them instructions. They joined her, stomping their little boots in time to the music. She beamed. Anyone could see how much she adored the girls. Jon felt a moment of happiness so intense it left him stunned. Soon the three of them were joined by Sofie and Zach and Matt and Peyton.
Lydia was of those people who was completely comfortable on the dance floor, drawing attention to herself without trying. It was understandable as she had a natural rhythm, and danced with grace and ease and skill—he knew she’d practiced as much as she’d said. The total and complete joy she had for life shone through, like it did in everything she attempted.
As much as he wanted to dance with her, at that moment Jon decided it was a good thing he was playing. He didn’t think he’d be able to keep from swooping her into his arms and telling the whole place how much he loved her.
They’d played several songs when Gordie, who was on guitar and singing the lead, signaled to him. Jon nodded. Gordie opened the song with a few soft notes. Jon picked up the tune. The soulful Irish song showcased the fiddle and was the most challenging in his repertoire.
Lydia was standing at the edge of the dance floor visiting with Sofie. When Jon started playing the first difficult section, she spun around and looked at him. She opened her mouth and closed it again, and he smiled because he could imagine her dropping that cake.
CHAPTER TWENTY
LYDIA TOLD THE girls goodbye and helped secure them in Pete’s pickup. She waved as they pulled away. Back inside, she spotted Peyton in the middle of the dance floor. For a woman who claimed she wasn’t thrilled about a “hoedown,” she seemed to be having an awfully good time. She watched Jon and the dancing for a few more minutes before heading back outside to find a cold drink. She said hi to a few people milling around. Cup of ginger ale in hand, she turned to find Marilee standing in front of her.
“Hello, Marilee.”
“Hi there, Lydia. Having a good time?”
“Yes, I am. Thank you.”
Beer bottle in hand, Marilee tipped it toward her. “Would you like a beer?”
“No, thank you.”
“You probably don’t drink, do you? Paragon of virtue that you are.” Marilee added a nasty sneer.
“Never acquired a taste.”
“Hmm. Well, it seems you’ve acquired a taste for cowboys, though, haven’t you?”
Lydia rolled her eyes. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m not stupid. You and JT? And anyone can see that something is going on with you and Jon. Nanny with benefits, maybe?”
Lydia blew out an impatient sigh. “That’s none of your business.”
“It is my business,” she snarled at her. “Jon and I belong together.”
“Marilee, I’m not stupid. Everyone knows that Jon is not a fan of yours. Not after what you did to his daughter. And I’m telling you, if you ever lay a hand on Genevieve or Abigail again, if you ever so much as look at them crossways, you’ll have me to contend with. All that working out you do will be no match for my wrath.”
Marilee’s jaw dropped and she stumbled back a few steps.
“Now, I need to go. Jon and I have a date for a dance.”
Lydia noticed a few heads had turned but she didn’t care. No one was going to mess with the girls or Jon on her watch. She was almost to the barn when she felt the phone vibrate in her pocket. Hating the rush of panic the sensation caused, she veered around to the side of the building and pulled the phone out of her pocket. “Tanner, hi.”
“Where are you? Why is it so loud?”
“I’m at a...dance.”
His voice vibrated with tension. “You’re out dancing? Perfect. Well, why not? Since your face is already splashed all over TV what could it hurt? Did you forget to tell me that you’re going to be on Good Day USA?”
“No, not me. Jon is. How do you know about it? It’s not supposed to air until next week.”
“Yeah, Thursday, that’s what the teaser said,” Tanner said calmly bef
ore raising his voice. “Lydia! Your face was on national TV. What were you thinking? I can’t even... It doesn’t matter. The damage is done. You need to go. Now. Clive could be there anytime. He could be there now for all I know.”
“When, Tanner? When did you see it?”
“Meredith called and said Hailey saw the preview tonight. I have no idea when it first aired.”
“Oh, no... What did she see?”
“Your face, Lydia. Hailey DVR’d the show. Meredith went over to her house and watched it. She says it’s a pretty quick flash of you in the background, but Hailey recognized you. Which means someone who knows you and Clive will recognize you, too.”
“Okay, um... Let me think.” It seemed unlikely that the teaser could have been aired before today. Clive probably couldn’t get here this quickly. Still, she’d have to leave tonight. She would explain to Jon and say goodbye, throw her suitcase in the car and drive all night to put some distance between her and the ranch. But what was she going to tell him?
“Are you getting in your car right now? I’m afraid Clive will have people at the airports in Montana so you’re driving to Boise, Idaho. A ticket to California will be waiting for you when you get to the airport.”
She didn’t want to run. Lydia was tired of running. That’s when an idea that had been forming in her mind officially became a plan. Her own personal Hail Mary pass. “Tanner, I want you to know that no matter what happens, I love you. You’ve been more than a friend to me through all of this. Thank you.”
“Lydia, you can thank me later. When you’re out of there and safe.”
* * *
LYDIA WENT BACK inside the barn and leaned against the wall behind her to watch Jon. A short man with a pot belly and a big sweet voice was singing about fishing and Friday nights. She needed to find a way to tell Jon...something. How was she going to explain all of this? His gaze found hers as the final few bars of the song resonated through the room. He moved toward the lead singer and spoke a few words. Stepping off the stage, he placed the fiddle in its case. Another cowboy whom Lydia didn’t recognize took his place.
The music started again. Lydia recognized the song immediately—“Butterfly Blue” by Chance Blackwell. Jon’s gaze captured hers. Her rancher. Heart full, soul alight, she pushed away from the wall and walked forward to meet him. Jon was weaving between couples who were pairing up to dance to the poignant song about love and regret and chasing your dreams. Knowing Jon, hearing Chance’s story, realizing she had to say goodbye... The lyrics burned and made her want to cry. But she refused to spoil this perfect moment because they also made her want to tell him how very much she loved him.
They met on the edge of the dance floor.
“Hey,” Jon said, taking her in his arms and drawing her close. He enfolded one of her hands in his. His other hand rested low on the curve of her back. They fit so well together.
“Notice how I made sure there was no cake in the vicinity?”
She laughed, and the knot of despair loosened. “I appreciate that. When you started playing ‘The Silver Spear’ I almost passed out.” Satisfied grin in place, she shook her head in disbelief.
“Can’t believe you know that song.”
“I told you how it is with me and music. I can’t believe my rancher is a musician.”
Eyes twinkling, he said, “Oh, yeah? Well, my nanny is a dancer. But I’m not—”
“Please don’t tell me how much more talented your brother is than you because then I’ll have to name all the famous dancers who are better than me. You have a beautiful gift, Jon.”
“All right. I’ll just say thank you then.” Mouth barely crimping a smile, he whispered, “You have a beautiful everything, Lydia.”
They stared into each other’s eyes and Lydia hoped he could see every bit of the love overflowing from her heart. She felt certain that the combination of this moment and Marilee’s drunken ramblings would result in her and Jon’s relationship being the talk of Falcon Creek by tomorrow. She felt a stab of regret that she was leaving him here to make up excuses about why she’d left. But maybe her plan would work, and she’d be able to come back and they could...
Across the room near the back door, among the swell of people congregated there, a flash of coal-black hair caught her eye. Fear and anger and reality pierced through her fantasy. No. Please, no. Not before she had a chance to explain. The air froze in her lungs as the crowd parted to offer a clearer view. There, standing out like a sore thumb in a suit and tie, was Clive. His beefy minion, Gary, glowered next to him.
“Lydia, what’s wrong?”
She became aware of the fact that she’d stopped moving. The song had ended and was replaced with an upbeat tune.
Jon’s hand tightened on her hip. “Are you going to pass out on me after all?”
“I think I could use a drink of water and a breath of air. And I need to tell Sofie something before she leaves. Will you meet me by the bar outside?” What she needed was a distraction.
“Sure. I could use a drink myself.”
Jon leaned in and pressed his lips against her ear. “I love you.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and turned to walk away.
Her fingers tightened around his and he looked back at her. “Jon...” She could hear the desperation, the panic in her voice. Swallowing down tears, she softened her tone. “I love you, too.”
His smile echoed her declaration. Deliberately, he let his gaze fall to her mouth. “I’ll see you outside, where I’m going to kiss you.” He walked away.
Clive had his back to her and was probably scanning the faces of the people seated along the wall and at the smattering of tables. A fresh blast of fear left her body tingling. Now was not the time to break down. Lydia noticed JT standing off to one side talking to Matt, Tom, Zach and Scooter.
She approached them. “Hey, guys,” she interrupted firmly.
A chorus of greetings rang out and Lydia lifted her hands to halt any conversation or teasing. “Listen, guys, please don’t think I’ve lost my mind. I’m going to ask you to do something for me, okay? I know it’s a lot to ask but please do it, if not for me, then for Jon. I love him and the girls. I want you all to know that. So whatever happens next, or whatever this guy says, don’t believe it.”
“Lydia, what are you—?” Zach said.
“Please, Zach, just listen. There are two men in suits standing over by the back wall. One of them is my ex-boyfriend, Clive Howard. The other guy is his bodyguard, Gary. Clive is a dangerous man and an abuser and he’s here for me. He’s going to try and make me go with him. I don’t want him anywhere near Jon or the girls. But I have to go.”
Scooter’s shrewd gaze narrowed.
“Did he hurt you?” JT asked. “I’ll kick his—”
“Yes, JT, he’s hurt a lot of people, including me. And he’ll hurt more to get to me. I need to leave. Jon is waiting for me outside and I’d like a chance to say goodbye.” Zach was glaring, looking furious, and she couldn’t blame him. “I know what you’re thinking, Zach. But I never meant for this to happen. I didn’t want to put Jon or the girls in danger. I have to—”
Scooter said, “Lydia, if this man has broken the law then you and me need to have a conversation.”
“Scooter,” she said, giving him a beseeching look, “it’s way more complicated than that.” Lydia glanced at Clive, who’d sidled up to a crowd of women that included Marilee. It would only be seconds before Marilee gave her away. “I appreciate your concern more than I can say. But this all happened in Pennsylvania, before I ever moved here. It’s so much bigger than Falcon Creek. I—”
“Lydia, darlin’,” Tom interrupted, “I suspect it’s too late to get into all that now. He’s here. We’ve got this. Go on and do what you need to do. Jon will be okay. We’ll make sure of it.”
“Thank you, Tom. I hope I...” Lydia choked on a sob, pulled
it together and said, “Thank you, guys. I love you all, too. Goodbye.”
Lydia hurried outside, where she saw Jon waiting. What could she say to him to make him understand? She should have written him a letter in case this happened. She’d been in denial, she could see that now. And before that, she’d been so convinced running was the answer. She knew now that safety was just an illusion. The only way to face her problems was head-on, the way Jon did. He tackled every challenge that life threw at him. She wanted to do that. Starting now.
Approaching him, she said, “Jon, I need to tell you something.” But Jon was scowling over her shoulder. Squeezing her eyes shut, she knew what she’d find when she turned around. But she wasn’t afraid anymore. Anger and determination fueled her now. Perfect. Finally, she’d found her courage. And it was too late.
* * *
JON KEPT HIS focus on the man in the suit. Like fog creeping across the pasture on a cold fall day, an unsettling feeling engulfed him. He’d be hard-pressed to name many people in Falcon Creek who even owned a suit. He didn’t know any who would wear one to a music jam.
The guy kept coming, until he was way too close. He stopped, looked oddly at Lydia and said, “There you are, honey. Finally found you.”
Jon felt the words like a punch. Lydia grimaced.
“Lydia, you know this guy?”
“Yes, unfortunately, I do.” Lydia pivoted, so that she faced the suit. “Clive, I want you to leave.”
“Ha. I bet you do. And I’m going to, but you’re coming with me.” With a smirk, he looked Jon up and down. “Hey, cowboy, didn’t your nanny tell you she had a fiancé?” Jon kept his face blank. The guy went on in a wry tone, “No? Well, I’m not surprised. She’s a thief and a liar. But you’re probably starting to figure that out already, huh? At least the liar part. Let’s go, Lydia. We have a plane to catch.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“Oh, you’re going. You’re going or your country-boy hick here and his little twin dolls will pay.”
