Page 100 of Broken Pieces

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Brooks

The wedding went off without a hitch, just like Harper said it would.

In fact, it went so well, multiple newspaper and magazines have come to the property to do pieces on the farm.

And not just the farm. But also on “The newest sensation to come out of Southern Tennessee” or that’s what Tennessee Lux posted on their website; a magazine dedicated to luxury living. The article is supposed to make it into the print version as well. And they are talking about Raelynn. My heart can barely contain how proud I am of her. Her Croquembouche was the most amazing thing I have ever seen made. Watching her finish off the dessert by drizzling caramel all over it and having it harden on contact to the air was mind-blowing in and of itself. Jess was more than thrilled with it and guests had asked her all night who made the desserts.

I think I fell more in love with Rae that night than I ever thought I was capable of.

That giant gaping hole Leigh had left was finally full again. I admired Rae for her work ethic, her stamina, and her overall ability to create something magical. Not to mention I snagged a few of the desserts and I nearly melted to the floor with every bite.

Blueberry pie is no longer my favorite dessert. It is anything that Rae makes. And if she wants to bake me French desserts I can’t even pronounce the name of on a daily basis, I will die a happy man.

“To Raelynn! The best thing to come out of Southern Tennessee!” Easton shouts as we all hold up shots. We are celebrating the article about Rae at Sawyer’s. All of us beyond excited for her and her future.

I hope that she plans to open a bakery and fulfill those dreams she had before they disappeared at the backfire of a shotgun. Of course, it worries me too. I don’t want to lose her, but I am afraid that her passions will take her far away from me. Out of White Creek, out of Tennessee, maybe even out of this country.

It’s a feeling that has been irking me for days, ever since the fair, but I try not to let it show as we celebrate her.

I slam my shot and grab another off the table and drink it immediately.

“What’s wrong?” Rae asks me.

I look into her eyes, her beautiful emerald eyes that used to be so lost and now look so hopeful. I set my shot glass down and cup her cheeks as I bring my mouth to hers. “I love you, Blue.”

“I love you too, Brooks,” she says as she clears her throat. “But I know you, and I know something is up.”

“It’s fine. Everything is fine.” I eye the shots on the table and fight the urge to grab another.

Rae must notice and pulls me away from the table. “Don’t lie to me, Brooks. I know something is wrong. You don’t drink like this in public.”

“I swear to you I am fine,” I respond.

She doesn’t look happy with me. And I hate lying to her, but it may be for the best. Maybe if I get her to hate me, she won’t let me be the one that holds her back from her potential.

She finally acquiesces and grabs my hand as she leads me to the dance floor.

“I love you, Brooks. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without you. Hell, if it weren’t for you, I would have never agreed to that damn wedding. But the way you believe in me…” she pauses as she searches my eyes, “The way you believe in me makes me think I can do anything. You give me a hope I haven’t had since my parents passed. A hope I’ve been searching for for ten years.” Tears prick the corner of her eyes as she continues, “You are the reason for my happiness Brooks. And I can’t find a way to repay you for that.”

I have no words. My entire heart is exploding in my chest. This girl, this woman means more to me than anyone ever has in my life. I wrap her tight in my arms and kiss her. I might not have words to express well enough what she means to me, but I know that this kiss, right here, shows her more than anything how much I love her, how much I need her, and how I will never let her go.

Someone coughs behind us and pulls us out of the love trance we got caught up in.

“Hey lovebirds, sorry to interrupt,” Harper says. “But the County Herald wants to take a picture of you for the article they wrote.”

Rae pulls away from me. “Oh right, I forgot they were gonna be here tonight.” She pecks me on the lips. “Don’t have too much fun without me. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

I watch her walk away. Still blown away that she is mine. I walk over to the bar and grab another beer while she gets her picture taken.

“Is that Raelynn Calloway?”

I turn to the guy next to me and stumble when I see who it is. Michael Hardy, Derrick Hardy’s brother.

I can’t get words out before he continues. “She looks pretty fuckin’ hot. Hotter than she did in high school. ‘Course she ain’t as hot as Tacoma, am I right dude?”

Fire flares from my eyes as I look at him. “Don’t fuckin’ talk about her.”

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