Page 77 of Nashville Lights

Shane’s vision for property development is also very much in line with Nate’s. Nate told me all about the group from Seattle who wanted to build seven hundred houses on the farm next to Sugar Mountain, and that he’d killed the deal. Both Shane and Nate are dedicated to developing land so that it makes sense to the Tennesseans who have farmed it for generations. Which made me love him even more, if that was possible.

My hot rockstar of a fiancé didn’t actually “sign” with me because we didn’t see the need to bother with the paperwork, but he’s agreed to cut an album. He already has a recording studio, after all. And it turns out he’s got enough original material for three entire records. We’re going through them to decide which ones to put on his first album. Kade’s going to do some of the production and I plan to start approaching record labels next week.

Luke and Leo got a record deal with one of the bigger labels—the first one I approached—the week after the hoedown. The deal will easily ensure that they can hire as many farmhands as they want as they record and tour. In fact, they couldn’t believe it when I told them how much money they’d just made.

My brothers insisted that Luke, Leo and Nate come to the warehouse and show them what I’d been raving about.And it’s been decided: the opening acts for The Tucker Brothers Band’s next tour will be, on alternating nights, Ruby on one night and Luke and Leo on the other.

Nate’s not making any plans to perform. Not until after we hear back from Social Services. We’ve also decided to wait to take a honeymoon until things are settled. Nate joked darkly about honeymooning in Cincinnati and I told him we’ll take it as it comes. Whatever happens, we’ll stay together.

I walk into the kitchen to find Daisy and Nate sitting at the table, heads bent over the picture they’re coloring. Her homework assignment was to create a piece of art with the first letter of her name, and to get one of her favorite people to help her color it.

They both look up when I walk in. “Miss Roxie, look! My D has butterflies around it! Just like on my necklace you gave me.” She hasn’t taken it off since I put it on her.

“And they’re pink,” I smile, kissing her blond head.

“Hey, beautiful,” Nate drawls, smiling that slow smile I fell in love with so many years ago. Each time I see it, the love just compounds itself like a spiraling galaxy of stars. I lean to kiss his head too but he slides his warm palm under my hair and kisses my lips.

Daisy grins. “Uncle Nate, you love Miss Roxieso much,” she giggles.

“I sure do, darlin’.”

I go over to the stove to put the kettle on. “I’m craving hot cocoa with marshmallows. Who else wants some?”

“Me!” Daisy says.

Familiar, beloved country music is playing softly in the background. The house is clean and tidy and the flowers Daisy picked from Aunt Lou’s garden are in a vase on the table, infusing the air with their soft fragrance.

Everything looks so inviting and homely, I can’t help but wish Ainsley Beal could see us now.

As it turned out, Jenny Jenkins decided to take over Nate and Daisy’s case after the day they visited the warehouse, declaring it “a high-profile and high-priority case” and one that needed to be handled by the department’s director.

Nate’s hopeful, but there haven’t been any other home visits. Each time he calls, he’s told that they’re still waiting for the judge’s deliberation.

Nate’s phone rings from where it’s sitting on the table.

We can both see the name on the screen.

Jenny Jenkins.

We exchange a glance and Nate answers the call. “Hi, Jenny…good, thanks…yes…okay…of course…you did? Can you…yes, we’re home all day…all right, we’ll see you soon.”

He ends the call. That little furrow is back, the one that always shows up when he’s stressed about something—and especially when this particular topic is mentioned.

“Jenny’s in the area and she said she’d like to stop in to see us.”

“Oh. Well, that’s good.” I was just thinking it would be the perfect time for a home visit.

“Is Jenny the new lady who’s deciding if I can live with you?” Daisy asks, her little face worried now.

“Yes. She said she has some news.”

I’m almost afraid to ask it. “What news?”

“She said she’d like to discuss that with us in person. She’s only ten minutes away.”

Daisy’s eyes fill with tears. “I’m scared,” she sobs.

Nate wipes her tears. “Don’t be scared, sweetheart. Remember, we’re a team. We stay together no matter what.”

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