Page 33 of Reckless Hearts
Chapter 18
Our flight landedin Nashville just as the sun came up over the horizon. I woke London who was asleep with her head on my shoulder, with a kiss to her temple.
“We’re home, darlin’.”
My driver was waiting on the tarmac for us and drove us back toward our house in the hills of Nashville.
I turn on my phone that was powered down since the awards ceremony last night and see an explosion of text messages popping up, all good luck or congratulatory messages. As I scroll through, I see Cam’s pop up.
Cam: Congratulations! You deserve it. You’re a helluva songwriter.
Cam: Taylor went apeshit when he saw you on TV. He said he liked your boots.
I smile broadly at this because I was wearing a pair that I’d actually gotten a smaller version of for Taylor’s upcoming birthday. He’s always stomping around in my cowboy boots like a goof.
Cam: I miss you. You and London. Your speech was…it was…fuck. It meant a lot to me. I need to see you.
My heart skips a beat as I recall my acceptance speech last night in front of millions of TV viewers. It was short and sweet but said everything I meant from my heart.
“Thank you to the AACM Association for this honor. Thanks to my manager, Aimee, for busting her ass for me. Drew and Candi, thanks for your guidance and faith in me all those years ago. And most of all, I accept this award on behalf of the two constants in my life. My two best friends. The loves of my life. Cam and London – you mean everything to me. I wouldn’t be here tonight without your love and support. My heart belongs to you. I love you both.”
I glance over to where London is slumped against the side of the car, having fallen asleep again on the ride home.
I hold my breath as I type out a quick reply and then roll down the glass divider between the driver and me.
“Benjamin, there’s been a change in plans. Take us to Chester Fork.”
* * *
The car slowsdown as it drives down the long gravel driveway leading up to the Lucas home. London slowly awakens, likely from the jostling of the car and crunching of the ground under the tires.
She’s hazy from sleep and rubs her eyes as she peers out the window.
“Where are…wait, what are we doing here?”
She positions herself upright in the seat and stares at me incredulously. I give her a devious smirk and show her the text messages Cam had sent, along with my response.
It said, “Don’t move. We’re coming home.”
Her green eyes widen and shine through tears that threaten to spill over. She covers her quivering lips with an equally shaking hand.
“Sage…oh my God, Sage. I love you so much.” She throws her arms around my neck and peppers me with happy kisses.
The car pulls to a stop in front of the old farmhouse that was like my own childhood home. Every happy moment was spent either at Cam’s or London’s homes, memories that I cherish more than anything in this world.
The door swings open and I follow London out of the car, just as I look up to find a little boy running at top speed toward us. I open my arms and catch him, swinging him around in the air.
“Sage! Sage! Did you bring your twophy? Did daddy tell you I liked your cowboy boots? Did you get to talk to The Wock?”
I laugh at Taylor’s enthusiastic questions and inquisition, answering each one of them.
“Yes, my trophy is in the trunk and I’ll show it to you later. And I’m glad you liked my boots. Maybe you’ll get some new ones for your birthday. And yes, Dwayne Johnson was the one who presented me with my award on stage, and I may have gotten him to sign his autograph for a little boy that loves his movies.”
Taylor squeals excitedly and jumps out of my arms, doing the funny little arm-swinging, floss dance that’s all the rage right now, and then pumps his arm in the air with a “yes!”
As he jumps into London’s awaiting arms, I lift my gaze and meet Cam’s sorrow-filled eyes as he stands on the porch, his arms crossed at his chest, leaning against the post. It feels like it’s been years since I’ve seen him, even though it’s only been months.
He’s put on some muscle and some additional weight, probably from his mom’s home cooking, and it looks really good on him. His T-shirt fits tightly around his pecs and biceps that strain in their crossed position.
