Rodeo Song

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  * * *

  July blazed outside with heat waves rolling off the limo, but the air-conditioned interior made her shiver. Garrett had shown her how to adjust the temp, but she couldn’t focus.

  Slowly going insane behind the doctor’s office. The nurse had ushered her there, promising Garrett would be right out. Please, Lord. Don’t let it be bad news.

  His security guards appeared first, then Garrett. The two men flanked him as they rushed the waiting car. Garrett crawled in beside her and the door shut. Darkened windows surrounded them as the limo started moving.

  “Well? What did he say?”

  “I love you, Jenna Wentworth.”

  Chapter 13

  “I love you.” Her insides melted and she traced his jaw with her fingertips. “Hey, you can talk.”

  “I can do a lot of things.” He pulled her into his arms.

  She closed the gap between them and kissed him. With all the fervor she’d dreamed of. He pulled her closer until she couldn’t breathe, then gently pushed her away.

  “Didn’t I try to kiss you a few months ago and you didn’t let me. Now you’re kissing me. I guess you were waiting to hear me say, ‘I love you.’”

  “The sweetest words I ever heard. But your recommitment to Christ sealed my heart.”

  “If you expect me to wait until our wedding night—” his gaze held hers “—you better not kiss me like that again. Just so you know, this isn’t an official proposal. I’ll wait till I’m fully recovered and do something really romantic.”

  Her breath caught.

  “We’ll get married and settle in Aubrey.” He caught her hand as if that was all he could trust himself to touch. “And my touring schedule will be light. Only a few months at a time and maybe you can go with me some. Like an extended honeymoon. In between very short tours, I’ll be home for several months. How does that sound?”

  “Like a dream come true.”

  “Until then, we’ll need to make sure some carpenters or ranch hands are around so I can remain a gentleman.”

  God had fixed everything. Garrett’s heart. His throat. His dreams. Their dreams.

  * * *

  Cameramen repositioned equipment in the studio while Sammie Sanderson primped next to Garrett. Jenna stood at the edge of all the activity and gave him two thumbs up. And his heart soared.

  God had been so good to him. And Garrett needed to let the world in on his blessings.

  He’d gone to church with his family yesterday. And Jenna. For the first time in years. Most of the people knew him there, but the pastor had warned the newcomers before he arrived. And the congregation focused on Christ and not Garrett.

  “We’re live in five, four, three, two...” the director counted down.

  The theme from Good Morning Texas played. As the song faded, the camera zoomed in on Sammie.

  “We’re live with Garrett Steele this morning to learn about some recent health issues he’s had. Tell our viewers all about it, Garrett.”

  “Midtour, I began having voice problems.” Garrett stared into the camera. “But I was stubborn and didn’t go to the doctor when I should have.”

  “Because you were afraid he’d cancel your tour, right?”

  “Yes. So I completed the tour and pushed the new tour back to rest my voice.”

  “But you did a two-month stint at the Fort Worth Stockyards Championship Rodeo.”

  “Against my doctor’s advice.” Garrett shot the camera a sheepish grin. “When I finally visited the doctor, I learned I had a polyp on my vocal cord. He did a biopsy and the growth wasn’t cancerous.”

  “But the polyp had to be surgically removed, right?”

  “A month ago, I had successful surgery and my singing voice is improving daily.”

  “So you’ll be scheduling the new tour soon?”

  “As soon as my doctor releases me, I’ll let you know.”

  “Any other new developments in your life you’d like to share with our viewers?”

  Garrett’s gaze sought Jenna’s. “Something very important. I was raised in church and became a Christian at a young age. But after I went to Nashville, I fell away from my beliefs. Facing biopsy results and this surgery put things in perspective for me. I’ve repaired my relationship with Jesus and plan on living for Him in the future.”

  “Uh, that’s nice.” Sammie cleared her throat. “Tell us about the next album. Will you build on the success of your new single, ‘Elusive Dream’?”

  “Yes, I’m planning a new album. ‘Elusive Dream’ will be the cornerstone for it.”

  “Well, that’s all the time we have. Thank you, Garrett, for being with us this morning. So glad to hear about your amazing recovery.” Sammie focused on a different camera. “You heard it here first on Good Morning Texas.”

  The theme song started up.

  “And that’s a wrap,” the director shouted.

  “This is live television, Garrett. You could have warned me about the God stuff.”

  “If I had, you probably wouldn’t have given me the chance to say anything.”

  “True,” she huffed. “Too late now.”

  One of the crew unwired him and he strode toward Jenna.

  “I’m so proud of you.”

  “I figured it was time the world knew I’m different. And why.”

  “Thousands will hear about Jesus through you.” She blushed. “If we weren’t in a crowded studio, I’d kiss you.”

  “Let’s get out of here, then.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and headed for the exit.

  With Jenna by his side. Right where she belonged.

  As his security guys shuffled them into a waiting car, his phone rang. He dug it out of his pocket. Mike Parish—an exec from the record company.

  “Mike, what’s up?”

  “Saw the interview this morning. I’d like to schedule a meeting with you.”

  “Sure. When?”

  “How about Thursday? Say, one o’clock?”

  “I’ll be there. Thanks.” He ended the call and put his arm around Jenna’s shoulders. “I’ve got a meeting in Nashville with my record company. Probably to discuss the new album and tour. Want to come with me?”

  She leaned her head into his shoulder. “I have a new client waiting.”

  “I won’t be gone long.” Regret filled his tone. He kissed the top of her head. “I might take time to check in with Sebastian and Amanda, but I’ll only be gone twenty-four hours, tops.”

  “You’ll be gone longer once the new tour starts up.”

  “But not as long as before. We’ll get through it.”

  Already their careers pulled them apart.

  “You’ll be back for Caitlyn’s wedding, right?” She snuggled against him.

  “Wouldn’t miss it.”

  He couldn’t lose her again. He wouldn’t.

  * * *

  Garrett flipped through a magazine in the lobby of Down Home Records. He’d spent hours practicing in the sound studio but hadn’t let anyone hear yet. Not even Jenna. His throat felt better than it had in months. His voice wasn’t quite there yet but improved every day, and his doctor expected a full recovery.

  But was he ready to record? Ready for another tour?

  His heart wasn’t ready to be away from Jenna.

  The secretary’s phone buzzed and she answered. “Yes, I’ll send him in.” She hung up and turned to Garrett. “Mr. Parish will see you now. This way.”

  With as much nonchalance as he could manage, he stood and followed the secretary. She pecked on a door and ushered him inside.

  The huge cherry desk dwarfed Mike Parish. Platinum and gold records lined every available wall space.

  “Garrett, have a seat.” Wi
th a grim expression, Mike gestured toward the nailhead chair facing his massive desk.

  Something twisted in Garrett’s gut. “Mike, good to see you.”

  “We discussed your outing your surgery since the doctor’s checkup went well. But we didn’t discuss that thing you threw in at the end.”

  “My Christianity? That’s what this is about?”

  “Over the past few years, you’ve cleaned up your image. A few months ago, you got a new publicist. Now—” Mike thrust his hand toward Garrett “—this haircut. I signed a sex symbol turned rebel. And ended up with a tame, nice guy.”

  Garrett’s mouth went dry. “‘One Day’ was number one. At the top of the charts for three weeks when it released and went platinum. And the video brought it back to number one for another month. ‘Elusive Dream’ is number one, and my sales barely leveled off while I’ve been out of the public eye. Now that the surgery is over, I’ll—”

  “I don’t think your voice is up for the intensive touring I’d planned. Your hair won’t grow fast enough and your new publicist tells me you want to shorten your next tour.”

  “Yes, sir.” Garrett cleared his throat. “My touring has left me little time for a personal life.”

  “Your personal life doesn’t sell records. At least, not anymore.” Mike leaned back in his chair and propped his feet on his desk. “Are you aware that your contract is up for renewal?”

  Garrett’s breath sputtered. “With everything I’ve had going on—no, I hadn’t thought about it.”

  “I’ve enjoyed launching your career, Garrett, but I’m sorry—the studio has decided not to renew your contract. We don’t think your new image fits our brand.”

  He’d given his heart and soul to Down Home Records and this was what he got in return. Garrett’s heart sank. A dozen arguments came to mind. None of them would matter. He wanted to knock that snide smile off Mike’s face. But he’d just gone live on television and told all of Texas he was a Christian.

  Live up to it, Steele. He stood and offered his hand to Mike. “It was a pleasure working with you.”

  Mike frowned, as if he’d expected an argument or even a punch, but he clasped Garrett’s hand. “It’s nothing personal. Just business.”

  “I understand.” Garrett headed for the exit.

  A bump in the road. Maybe this was God’s will. Not having a career would certainly fix his problem with Jenna. They could get married and live happily ever after.

  But could he live happily ever after without singing?

  * * *

  Clutching her bridesmaid bouquet, Jenna focused on Garrett’s expression as Caitlyn and Mitch exchanged vows. His song was next and he looked worried. Was he nervous about his voice? Was he not ready to sing yet?

  But it was more than that. He’d been distracted and quiet since returning from Nashville. Every question about his trip brought evasive answers or a change of subject. Had his record company insisted on a longer tour?

  All the unanswered questions spun in her brain when she should be focused on the happiest day of her cousin’s life.

  The rustic Ever After Chapel was gorgeous with tiny clear lights wound everywhere and miles of tulle. Each of the bride’s attendants wore teal-green blingy cowgirl dresses from Caitlyn’s store and the groomsmen wore matching cowboy shirts and black jeans.

  “I do.” Caitlyn’s smile could light up Dallas. And Fort Worth, too.

  The pianist began the intro for “One Day.” Garrett cleared his throat and began singing. Each note resonated. Pitch perfect. Garrett lost himself in the song.

  As he healed before her eyes, Jenna’s vision blurred. Yes, his voice was back. Maybe even better than before. And she was happy for him.

  Yet his perfect pitch would take him away from her. Again.

  But this time, she’d go with him on some trips. And when she couldn’t, he promised to come back to her. She had to cling to that promise.

  The song ended. Caitlyn and Mitch lit the unity candle as the pastor read verses on marriage, then pronounced them husband and wife. The happy couple kissed and led the bridal party toward the fellowship hall.

  Jenna hugged her cousin and the Texas Ranger she’d finally married then scanned the room as guests arrived. No Garrett. Where was he? Was he afraid fans might stalk him?

  Movement to her right. Garrett ducked into a classroom. She hurried to congratulate him.

  His eyes widened as she opened the door, but the strain in his expression relaxed once he realized it was her.

  “Your voice—it’s sensational.” She hugged him. “Better than before. I couldn’t believe how long you held those notes.”

  Nothing. He didn’t say anything.

  She pulled away enough to look up at him. “What’s wrong? Is your throat bothering you?”

  “I’m fine. We’ll talk later, but I think I’ll head home. If I stay, I might be a distraction. Give my congrats to Mitch and Caitlyn.”

  “Garrett. Tell me what’s wrong. Are Sebastian and Amanda okay?”

  “They’re fine.”

  “You’re leaving for the tour? Soon? And it’s longer than you wanted?”

  “None of the above.”

  “Then what?” She traced his jaw with her fingertips.

  “My contract is up for renewal. I didn’t even realize it with everything going on. They’re not renewing it.”

  “What? That’s crazy. ‘Elusive Dream’ is number one. And your voice—it’s better than ever.”

  “I’ll explain later. There is a bright side—it was in my contract that I retain rights to the songs I wrote. I’ll still have royalties coming in. In the meantime, you need to get back in there and celebrate with Caitlyn. Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

  But was he? She pressed her cheek against his chest. “There are other recording companies. With brains. Someone else will sign you. Especially since you still own your songs.”

  “Possible. But that would mean more touring than I want. At least this way—we’ll be together. Living our happily ever after.”

  But could Garrett be happy without his successful career?

  * * *

  The house was perfect. The tiles were cool on Garrett’s bare feet as he paced the terra-cotta with splashes of white and Texas lone stars. Jenna had captured the essence of exactly what he wanted. But now she was gone, designing someone else’s house. His days without her were lonely.

  More than anything, he wanted to propose and marry her. But could he, with his future up in the air? Years of royalties would still come in, but was it wise to keep the ranch? Could he implement the riding and rodeo schools he’d planned with no future recording career? The sound studio would go unused.

  And what would he do with himself? He’d never had a backup plan.

  The doorbell rang. Flora was already gone, but no one could get through the gate without the security code. Just in case, he peered through the peephole.

  Jenna.

  Heart soaring, he swung the door open. “Hey. I didn’t know you were coming.”

  Natalie stood beside her, putting a halt to the greeting he wanted.

  “Neither did I.” Jenna stepped inside. “Nat has news, but she wouldn’t tell me anything.”

  “You’ll never guess—not in a bazillion years—who called me.” Natalie had a definite bounce in her stride.

  “The Enquirer?”

  “No, silly. Maybe you both should sit down.”

  “What? Just spit it out.” Jenna perched on the arm of the couch and he sank into the seat beside her.

  “His Calling Records.”

  His insides went into orbit. “The Christian label.”

  “They want to sign you. They saw your interview and they think it’s time to launch a new genre—Christian Coun
try music.”

  Jenna let out a squeal and hugged him.

  “They’re waiting for your call.” Nat handed him a slip of paper with a name and number on it.

  “They’ll want me to tour.”

  “I already warned them that you’re wanting more home time. It sounded like they were okay with it.”

  “This is what you’ve wanted.” Jenna squeezed his hand. “The label you wanted to sign with eight years ago. What are you waiting for?”

  “You’re okay with this?”

  “I want you happy. And I always thought you should use your talent for Jesus.” She stood and dragged him to his feet. “Now, go call them.”

  Since her cousin was watching, he barely grazed her lips with a soft kiss. If it worked out with His Calling Records, he’d need lots of lip time with Jenna to celebrate.

  * * *

  Through blurry vision, Jenna watched Garrett from backstage. Eight months since she’d attended his New Year’s concert right here at the American Airlines Center. And so much had changed.

  Topping the list—Garrett had recommitted to Christ. His surgery was a success. They still loved each other. Garrett had a new label. He’d tour less and this was his first Christian concert.

  Billed as a miniconcert, tonight was geared to let fans and potential fans know he could still sing postsurgery. But barely three months since his surgery, he wouldn’t be expected to perform a regular-length concert and risk his still-recovering voice.

  With his new album barely started, he’d stuck with standard hymns tonight and revealed one new Christian Country song he’d written. And since the lyrics were clean, he’d sing “One Day” and “Elusive Dream.” To her. Onstage.

  The intro for “One Day” began. Her cue. She stepped onstage and Garrett ushered her to a tall stool. Was it the spotlight or nerves that bathed her in a sheen of sweat? She’d never be comfortable in the spotlight, but she’d better get used to it.

  Holding her hand, Garrett sang the song that initially brought them together. This time, she lost herself in his eyes, knowing he meant every word.

  Eight months ago, when he’d sung the song to her, she’d been so torn. Torn between her feelings for him and knowledge that their lives and worlds could never blend. But she’d been wrong.