Baby Stetson (Love and Music in Texas #1) (25 page)

This is it. It’s really happening!

“How are you doing? Nervous? Excited?” Lucas asked. He sat so close to her that their shoulders bumped. Lucas held out his hand. Avery took it and held on to it, enjoying the comfort his touch provided.

“Yes to both,” Avery replied, giving him what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

“It’ll be okay. I’ll be here with you every step of the way. You have nothing to fear.” Lucas’s words reached her heart, but didn’t clear the worries she had in her head. She loved that he had been there for her. Despite their rocky situation, Avery still felt safe with him. Yes, he had lied. Well, at least, he hadn’t told her straight out why he was there. Was that considered a lie? When she’d asked, he said work. It had been a job.

So, if it was only a job, what happens next?

Avery felt something more than attraction. Lucas had admitted he did too. Where did that leave them?

Don’t think about it. Don’t let yourself worry. You’ve got so much to deal with already. Just take it one thing at a time.

Avery stole a glance at Lucas. When he turned his head from the window and smiled reassuringly, Avery melted. He had her back. She knew that. Whatever came out of this trip, Lucas had every intent on making sure she was okay.

“What’s that look?” Lucas asked softly.

“Considering I can’t see myself, I can’t tell you. I don’t know what look I have.”

“Well, you looked worried earlier, but now you’re eyes have softened. You’re relieved about something. It was sudden.”

“I’m thankful for you, and this chance. I’m scared, but I’m glad to have you by my side.”

Lucas kissed her temple. “I’m happy you feel that way,” he whispered. “I’d do anything to keep that smile on your face, Avery.”

Something about that wistful tone chilled her. Maybe the feelings really were more than just lust for Lucas. That was a time and conversation for later.

The airport was busy. Avery watched in fascination at the planes taking off and landing. After they’d gone through security, checked in their bags, and waited near their terminal for their plane to come in and be able to board, Avery stared out the large glass window and marveled at the large aircrafts. Within a half hour, she would be in the air on one of those. A rush of excitement and fear collided into her all at once, and she she could no longer sit still. Avery shot to her feet and walked towards the window, wanting to view every detail.

A hand rested on her shoulder. Lucas was beside her. “Are you okay?”

Avery nodded. “I’ve just never been on a plane, and suddenly I’m a little fearful, but yet, in awe.”

“Plane rides aren’t bad. Most of them are smooth and uneventful. The view, you will love! It’s an experience everyone should have many times in their lifetime. I can’t count how many times I’ve flown.” Lucas stayed beside her, his hand still resting on her shoulder as he watched the busy runways.

“I think I see our plane, but I’m not sure yet.”

Avery let his words sink in. Lucas had been to so many places. He’d probably seen the world, or at least most of it. For the first time, Avery really thought about the world and how little of it she had encountered. Harmony’s Echo was her home, where life took a twist and gave her the best opportunity, but there was so much more beyond the town she grew up in.

If she were to follow her music dream, she could see more of the world. Go to Vegas and walk down the strip. Visit Nashville and all the iconic places to see there. Take in the view of Niagara Falls.

It was time Avery made herself a list. A life to-do list. Places to go, things to do. Not that she ever regretted the way she lived before, but she hadn’t realized how much fear had held her down. What did she have to fear? The world waited. She had Mom and Dad’s blessing and love, so why did she hold back? She’d worked hard all her life. She had paid for her truck with her own money, even if it was from working at the inn. So what if she worked at a place her parents owned? She had never been treated any differently when working. She had all the same responsibilities everyone else did.

It would take planning and saving, but Avery was going to do it. Travel. View the world. Find her dreams and work hard to achieve them. No more fears. No more worrying so much.

If only she could do that traveling with Lucas.

Now why did I go and think that?

Because you want him by your side.

Lucas Bennett had become a part of her daily thoughts. Avery knew so little about him, his mystery only intriguing her even more. But with Lucas, he could teach her so much. If Avery didn’t say something about how she felt during the next few days, she would lose her chance. It was a big risk, but how would she ever know otherwise?

As the plane lifted up above the tarmac, Lucas told Avery to look out the window and watch. She had been enjoying all the different things. She was like a little child, her eyes wide with wonder and awe. Lucas couldn’t imagine how it felt for her, the first time leaving Texas, being on a plane. She was ready to do this, and her enthusiasm gave Lucas something to root for. How someone lived for so long and never really went anywhere was a new feeling to him, but then, not everyone had a past like his. Moving, leaving from one place to another was the only thing he had ever known. The past few weeks in Harmony’s Echo taught him something. There were loving, stable families out there. Avery was a lucky woman, despite not knowing where she came from. She had a sister that was a little more than crazy, but if that’s the least of it, that said a lot. Avery had people that cared about her. She had her band and her ex, Jameson. Even though they weren’t together anymore, Lucas knew the man cared about her. But then, they had apparently grown up together. What was that like? Having a constant in your life?

Lucas’s only constant was change.

Now all he wanted was a simple life. No more sweeping problems under a rug that weren’t even his. No more deception, breaking hearts. For once, Lucas wanted to live for himself. What would that be like? He could find a place he liked, buy some land, settle down. Hell, one day maybe he could have a family.

An image flashed in his mind that surprised him, yet appealed to him at the same time.

Avery. Married to him, having his children.

What? Whoa. Lucas, married to Avery? He’d known her just a few weeks and that’s where his mind went?

She suited him. Avery brought out feelings Lucas never even knew existed. But Avery had always been settled. Hadn’t it been partly his coaxing for her to live a little, stray away from the only place she’s ever known? She wanted a life in music, and if she went to Nashville and made it big, there wouldn’t be any settling down for her. Avery’s travels would only be beginning.

Much as he hated to admit it, Lucas and Avery were in two different places in their lives right now.

His heart sank. Lucas stared at the back of her head as she watched the ground fade further and further away as the plane lifted into the air.

Damn it. You’ve got it bad.

He didn’t know if he could do it. Give up the one thing he’d been looking for to ensure Avery had everything she dreamed of.

She’d never asked anything of him, either. Other than to take her to find out what she needed to know. Lucas didn’t even know what she felt in regard to him. Why did he let himself fret over nothing when he had no idea if his deeper feelings were one sided or not?

Could he really just walk away and forget about the only woman that made him truly feel something?

“The view is fantastic!” Avery breathed, finally tearing her gaze away from the window and grinning wildly at Lucas.

“It’s always breathtaking,” Lucas admitted. This time was different. He had the chance to share this with her, and the fact that Avery was enjoying so much of it satisfied Lucas. She looked so happy. So beautiful, radiant. Lucas wanted to gather her in his arms and never let go.

“Now you have a look.” Avery’s smile faded and concern filled her eyes. “What’s on your mind, Lucas?”

You. How much I find myself needing you in my life.

“Just thinking about another breathtaking view,” he said easily. She blushed, her face turning red. Lucas laughed. He teased her hair. Avery went to stop him, catching his hand mid air. The sparks ignited again. If only they weren’t in the air, around so many other passengers. Otherwise, he would give into every desire he had at that moment.

He wondered what it would take to convince Avery to go-

No. She doesn’t need that much adventure. Geez. Get a grip on your mind.

Ha. If only.

“Can I get you two anything to drink?” A flight attendant stood at their side, watching them with an amused grin. “Ahh, young love. I remember those days well.” The woman looked to be middle aged, and she had a longing look in her eyes as she darted her gaze between Avery and Lucas.

“I- we’re-” Avery stuttered. She let go of Lucas’s arm, dropping hers to her side.

Lucas had to hold back his laughter at how flustered that comment got her. He just smiled knowingly at the woman.

“Nothing to be ashamed of, honey. I envy you right now. The love of my life, well, I lost him too soon. You enjoy what you have while you can.” The woman smiled. “Anyhow, how about that drink?”

Avery requested a Dr. Pepper and Lucas asked for a Pepsi.

“Be back with those in awhile. Enjoy your flight.” When she walked off to aid another passenger, Lucas turned back to Avery. She was red faced again.

“Did I tell you how cute you are when you’re blushing?” Lucas asked, knowing that it would only make her more embarrassed. On cue, she did. Lucas ducked when she swatted at him.

“You’re enjoying that way too much.” Avery’s eyes narrowed. But when she broke out in a smile, Lucas felt better.

More than you know.

“Maybe so,” Lucas teased. He reached into his pocket for the box he had there. Getting it past security without Avery looking had been easy. She went first and had no idea that Lucas put the box on the belt and grabbed it quickly. He could have given this to her before, or even off the plane, but this was the perfect time. “Avery. I have something for you.”

Avery’s mouth opened and her eyes went wide. He smiled and pulled out the box. Avery’s eyelashes fluttered as she looked down at it. “Lucas, what’s this?”

He opened the box, revealing the contents. A bracelet set perfectly rounded in the box. Avery gasped. “It’s a charm bracelet. I found a few charms that I felt represented you. A hat like your Stetson, a guitar, a music note, and an airplane. I thought, we could find a few charms to add to it during the trip.” His heart warmed as tears filled her eyes. Was that a good reaction? Did she like it?

“You-” Avery’s voiced cracked as she reached for the box. Lucas took the bracelet out and held it up.

“Which arm would you like it on?” he asked. She lifted her left arm and held it out, still in shock. He wrapped the bracelet around and closed the clasp. As Avery touched each charm, a smile played at her lips.

“It’s beautiful, Lucas. You shouldn’t have. I love it. Thank you, that was so thoughtful of you.”

“I wanted you to have something to remind you of this big event in your life.”

And that no matter what happens, you’ll always think of me.

Maybe that made him selfish, but if he were to never see her again, Lucas wanted her to have something to remember him by. He wouldn’t come away with nothing, even if there was no physical reminder. He hoped it would never come down to that, but a future with Avery was so uncertain.

“It’s perfect. I don’t know how to thank you.” Avery wiped a tear away. She couldn’t take her eyes away from the bracelet. When she finally looked back up at him, Lucas gently touched her cheek. A tear slid onto his finger.

“I’m glad you love it.” Lucas kissed the tip of her nose. “Your happiness is the thanks I want. I don’t need anything else.”

When Avery took his hand in hers and rested her head on his shoulder, Lucas’s pulse quickened. His reaction to her only became more intense every time.

How could it be?

I think I love this woman.

Love?

It’s a word he’d never toyed with before. He’d been in relationships, sure. Most of them were purely physical and had nothing to do with how he felt about the person. Lucas never had the time or energy for a real relationship. When he started off with Avery, it had been a major physical reaction to her, but now ... it was so much more than that. Avery meant something to him. He thought about her all the time. The strangest feeling he ever had, and Lucas actually enjoyed it.

Love.

Something he wasn’t sure he was worthy of. But then, everything about this was different.

Lucas wanted Avery in his life.

He couldn’t just let her go.

The rest, they would figure out. All he had to do was open his mouth and tell her how he felt.

Yeah right! The words wouldn’t come. They stuck in his throat. Could he really do it? Actually say what he felt? Emotions weren’t his strongest suit.

At the risk of losing it all, he had to find a way.

*****

Lucas was full of surprises. Avery tore her gaze away from the limo that awaited them. When Lucas said it was their ride, Avery nearly fell over in shock. She’d never expected all these things when it came to going to California. She figured she’d meet her birth mother, see a few places, and that was it.

Lucas had gone completely out of the way to make this a memorable trip for her. What else did he have in store?

Their luggage was put in the back for them, and the driver opened the door, standing back as Lucas aided Avery into the large vehicle. When she got settled, she had a chance to view her surroundings. Long, plush black seats lined the sides of the limo, and they were so soft and comfortable! When her eyes locked in on the small fridge near the front, Avery gasped. Seriously? These kinds of things were real? She giggled at the thought of how giddy she became at everything.

Lucas settled in beside her. “Do you like?” he asked, his eyes shining and full of hope.