Page 59 of The Lyrics of Love

“Let’s go to the carousel and get your luggage, Pops,” Nash suggested.

Once they claimed Pops’ lone suitcase, they went to the truck. Rylie insisted that Pops sit up front while she got into the back of the cab.

“I like the new songs,” Pops declared.

Nash had sent the same videos he’d sent to his team to his grandfather, as well.

“The ones you wrote alone are, I think, the best you’ve ever written. Living in Maple Cove and meeting this woman has done wonders for your creativity. But I also like the other ones you sent along. The ones that young fella wrote the words to.”

“Jarrod will be at the studio today, Pops,” Nash revealed. “We’re meeting there early with Phil and Chuck. I wanted Jarrod to meet the two of them and get the paperwork signed before the guys show up and we head into the studio.”

“Nash was surprised at how many choices he had of recording studios in Portland,” Rylie told Pops. “He rented space in one for this week and will try a different one next week.”

“They were the two that seemed to come the most highly recommended,” he added. “I’ll see if I favor one over the other. Tell me how the farm is doing.”

Pops talked the entire way to the studio, filling Nash in on the animals and the goings-on in Nashville.

“You must go into town quite a bit and listen to live music,” Rylie said.

“I’ve always loved music. Especially when my grandson was playing it. He got all the talent in the family. But I do go in a few nights a week and on weekends. I know just about everybody who plays, big name or small, thanks to being related to this one here.” He patted Nash’s knee.

They got out of the truck and entered the studio, going to the receptionist’s desk. Before Nash could give his name, she called him Mr. Edwards and told him the others in his party were already in the conference room, which he had also booked.

She escorted them to the room and told them a coffee service had been set up for them, along with bottled waters and breakfast pastries.

Nash leaned over and whispered to Pops, “These won’t compare to Ainsley Martin’s. First stop on our way home is Buttercup Bakery.”

They went inside and greeted Phil Mooney and Chuck Cooper, introducing Rylie to both men. He also introduced Pops to Jarrod Simpson.

“Have a seat,” Phil told them, and they did so after getting coffee and waters.

“I’ve gone over the contracts with Jarrod and explained everything as thoroughly as I can to him. I suggested he have his own lawyer look them over before signing.”

The young redhead shook his head. “No, I’m happy to sign now, Mr. Mooney. Nash has been good to me. I can tell just by the way things are worded in the contract that I’m going to be well taken care of. I wouldn’t have quit my job at the store if I hadn’t trusted this guy.”

Chuck added, “Jarrod is aware how he will be on a monthly salary but that he’ll also receive a percentage of the sales of each song he writes with you. I’ve told him it’s more than a fair arrangement.”

“I agree,” Jarrod said. “Show me where to sign.”

To keep things above board, they called in the receptionist and an administrative assistant to witness the signing of the documents. Phil told them he would get copies to everyone.

“Are you going to hang around and see the guys?” Nash asked his attorney.

“No,” Phil said. “I have a flight to catch back to New York. But Chuck is going to be staying the entire time you’re recording.”

They stood and Nash shook his attorney’s hand. “Thanks for all your hard work, Phil.”

Phil grinned. “I would say thanks to you for all these new songs.” He looked over Nash’s shoulder and smiled at Rylie. “But I think she has a lot to do with this new creative output. Walk me out, Nash,” he suggested.

The pair left the recording studios, and Phil called for an Uber, which said it was four minutes away.

“Do I need to be drawing up a new prenup?” Phil asked. “Or did all the bad business with Luna scare you off marriage?”

“It surprised me to hear you say that,” he said. “Being my lawyer, I would think you would be warning me it would be too soon to get married again. Especially after the last disaster.”

“You’re a different man now, Nash. I can tell living in Oregon and being with Rylie has done you a world of good. Don’t get mad at me, but I had a private investigator look into her background. She’s the real deal. Has a good business head. Smart. Confident. No hint of a scandal or any debts. I think she’s an excellent match for you.”

It surprised him to hear about the PI, but then again, Phil always had been thorough. “I’ll keep you posted. If we do marry, though, I won’t need a prenup. Not with Rylie.”

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