Page 14 of Beneath Southern Stars

“You said someone saw me?”

She nods.

I stand.

And pace, draining my beer in the process. Once it’s down to only a drip of foam, I set the bottle on the table and continue my movements. I could pack up our things tonight and hit the road before dawn. We could be home by lunch. Except I was finally starting to relax, and Pepper saw the town transforming into what is sure to be a winter wonderland over the coming days. That’s why I brought her here. To take a break from home and our life. While I wasn’t sold on the idea at first, I admit it’s madea difference. I can see the difference in my baby girl with each passing hour.

“Would you mind telling me what you know?” I ask as I move back to my seat.

For the next five minutes she catches me up on the gossip of Ryan Miller being in Magnolia Grove. Of course, the story itself is short but she finds it necessary to give me mini backgrounds on each of the players, most of whom seem to be teenagers. Teens have social media. This could be bad.

“I told Nash to keep this quiet and he agreed to talk to Micah and Ginny. Mattie Lincoln—you know, the famous quarterback—and Boone—he’s Nash’s dad and also a really good bull rider. Like world famous good. Anyway, I reminded him we have our own celebrities here in town and while they’re used to this town, someone like you may not feel the same way.”

“Someone like me?”

“Real famous.”

The serious look on her face and the way she says “real famous” are too funny not to draw a laugh from me. “I hate to break it to you, darlin’, but Mattie Lincoln is a god among men. I just play the guitar and sing a little.”

“This is no time to be humble, Ryan. You’re not from Magnolia Grove but we have very few boundaries here. I mean, sure people are respectful, and we love one another, but they will butt right in on your business. And Pepper. I mean, they will smother her once they know.”

If anything was going to stop me from playing this off, it’s the mention of my daughter. By the look on her face, I would gather my expression is one of fear and protectiveness.

“No, not like smother her in a bad way. Like they’ll want to take care of her. By the way, I’m very sorry for your loss. For hers too. My heart just breaks for you both.”

“Thank you.”

She nods and stands. And following the same path I was on, begins her own pacing. I watch as she seems to be having an internal battle. Her news should have me freaked out and on the phone with Gordon. Except, in my gut I don’t think this is as big of a deal as Laney believes. If the kids had posted anything or spread the rumor, I would have heard this from someone else. Either my sister-in-law, who has alerts for anytime my name hits the media, would have called or my mom would have mentioned it on our call earlier.

It’s been radio silence. It means, they kept their word.

“I don’t think those kids have said anything.” Laney stops and turns to face me, her eyebrows narrowed. “If they had, I would have known immediately.”

Laney’s shoulders drop and she exhales loudly before returning her seat. “That’s a good point.”

“Tell me about your town. Do you think anyone would out me if they knew? I could pack up our things and go home, but I don’t want that for Pepper. She is more herself here than she has been since Katie passed. Today...” I clear my throat, swallowing the emotions of the memory leaving the bookstore.

“Today, she spoke.”

That’s why I don’t want to leave. Laney sees Pepper. She saw her silence and instead of judging her, or me, she let my baby be herself. Why would I want to take this all away from her when it may be exactly what we both need?

“I brought her here for a break from the darkness that has loomed over us for a year. I want her to experience what Magnolia Grove offers for the holidays. She deserves to be a kid. I’ll call my manager and give him a heads up, but do you think if we don’t deny who I am people will be okay letting us be?”

Seconds turn to minutes as she considers my question. Nerves begin to stir in my gut. What if she says no? Can we do something else? Sure. Do I want to? Not really.

“I think we may need reinforcements, but it’s doable. Leave it to me, superstar.”

Chapter Ten

Laney

A few dayshave passed since I shared a beer with Ryan on his back deck. He’s stayed around the house, not taking chances by going into town. I know this because his truck hasn’t moved. Not because I’m keeping track. Actually, that’s untrue. I did have to check the mail and may have seen it in the same spot each time.

Last night, after spending time cross-checking my lists for the Jubilee opening ceremony this weekend, I sat on the back deck and let my mind calm. For the briefest moment, I wondered if I had taken on too much with the Jubilee, helping out in town, and my own business. But as I lay beneath the stars, I was able to see things more clearly. It’s always been like that for me, looking up at the vast beyond and knowing there is so much yet to be discovered makes my problems hold little significance.

Maybe next year I’ll bring on a co-chair for some peace of mind. Or cap the number of orders per week for my own business. Regardless, help and boundaries are going to be necessary. As I battle a set of yawns and sip on my first cup of coffee, my eyes scan social media searching for any mention of Ryan Miller being in Magnolia Grove. Thankfully, the only reference to my neighbor after scrolling multiple pages is asingle reference to a song he wrote being released by a popular new artist.

With a little breakfast in my stomach and a fresh cup of coffee in my hand, Steve and I meander outside. Gone are the beautiful stars I love so much and in their place, a bright blue sky. While my buddy sniffs his way around the yard, I spot check the plants in the decorative planters that border the deck. Eventually, our perusing ends and we make it inside the greenhouse.

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