Sweet Harmony (21 page)

Silly Love Songs

W
HILE DEEP IN THOUGHT ABOUT LYRICS TO A NEW SONG, Cat opened the hatch of her SUV and reached for her suitcase handle.

“Can I help you with that?”

“
Eeek!
”
Startled, Cat backpedaled but forgot to let go of the suitcase handle. She stumbled and, feeling an odd sense of déjà vu, let go and braced herself for the impact, but Jeff dove forward and, like a linebacker in a football game, tackled the suitcase just before it slammed into her legs.

Wow. That was impressive. Wide eyed, she watched Jeff land on top of the luggage. He grunted, then rolled to the left and tumbled into the grass. “Well, that hurt like hell. You really need to stop packing bricks.”

“Jeff!” Cat ran over and knelt down beside him. “Are you okay?”

“Define
okay
,” he said with a slight grin.

“Okay as in, is anything broken?”

He blinked up at her for a moment. “Only my damned heart, Cat.” With a groan, Jeff sat up and looked at her.

“Oh, Jeff.” She glanced away.

“Are you ever going to include me in these decisions you keep making? I think my vote should count for something.”

She reached out and put her hand on his cheek. “I’m so sorry.”

Jeff closed his eyes and then let out a sharp sigh. “Seriously, Cat. You have to talk to me. Don’t keep me in the dark.”

“Yeah, I hate the dark,” she tried to joke, but he didn’t even crack a smile. “Let’s go inside.”

“Good idea.” Jeff nodded and then glared at the suitcase before picking it up.

Trembling fingers made unlocking the door a task until he took pity upon her and did it for her. Cat had rehearsed what she was going to say to Jeff all the way from Mia’s, but butterflies in her stomach were making her forget the entire speech. She was going to have to wing it, which was nothing new, but still . . .

Cat flicked on the light and then turned to Jeff. Her smile trembled a bit. “Can I get you anything?”

“Just an explanation will do.”

“Okay, well, I need a bottle of water. Have a seat on the sofa and I’ll join you in a second,” she said and then headed into the kitchen. She took a swig of water, letting the cold liquid slide down her dry throat, and then joined him on the sofa. While trying to piece together her scattered thoughts, she grabbed a pillow and hugged it to her chest while playing with the gold fringe.

“You can start anytime now.”

“I love you.” She put a hand over her eyes and then peeked through her fingers at him. “That part was supposed to come last but I had to say it. You know, to break the ice.” When he didn’t respond, she continued. “Not that broken ice is always a good thing, I guess. There was that time when I was ice-skating—”

“Cat, I love you too,” Jeff gently interrupted. “But
that doesn’t fix everything. We need to talk, communicate. Look, I understand what you did and why you did it. Snake said that you overheard Jax and Colin arguing. I get that you were trying to make my life easier and your selfless act blows me away. But it’s not the answer. Running away is never the answer.”

“Unless you’re being chased by a bear. Then run away. Or is it play dead?” Cat knew her jokes were an attempt to mask her nervousness, but she couldn’t stop herself.

Jeff reached over and cupped her chin. “But you weren’t being chased by anything.”

Cat looked at him with serious eyes. “But I was, Jeff. I was being chased by fear. I didn’t want to burst into your life and wreck your dreams and all that you’ve been working toward. I didn’t want to come between you and your best friends. I couldn’t be
that
girl.”

“So what’s the answer? Having separate careers? Cat, I wouldn’t be able to stand being gone from you for weeks, or even days on end for that matter. I’ve looked up at this cabin a million times watching for you to come home. You know what Snake said? He said that we could win a damned Grammy and it wouldn’t make me happy if you weren’t in my life.” He rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. “And he’s right. Now talk to me. Please.”

Cat put her hand to her mouth when she was hit with a wave of emotion. She knew she had to keep her tears at bay in order to tell him everything that needed to be said. “When I sang at the wedding this weekend . . .” She had to pause and swallow hot tears welling up in her throat. “Some things became clear to me. Kelly, the bride, is fighting cancer. She had no idea I’d be singing when she walked down the aisle. I will remember the joy on her face as long as I live. Jeff, her hair was just growing back in and she was so thin and frail, but I’d never seen anyone as beautiful or radiant. Or happy. And who knows how long she has with her amazing husband? Will she live to have his babies? Be a grandma?” Cat put her
hand to her chest and swallowed. “And then it hit me . . . hard and all at once.”

Jeff reached over and took her hand. “Tell me, baby.”

“I realized that I miss my charity work so much. It means more to me than performing. I want to bring happiness in the form of music to those battling cancer. Whether it’s at a wedding or prom or in a hospital room, I want to heal and help if only for a little bit. I want to call it Sweet Harmony. I’ll get other artists on board and make it happen.”

“I love that idea.”

Cat smiled and leaned her cheek into his palm. “Rick and Maria are on board with it too. My Way Records will play a big part in the project.”

“Rick and Maria are amazing people.”

“You’re right. I was so thrilled with their response. And I hope to get my parents involved so I can keep them home, maybe even get them to move to Cricket Creek.”

“I know you must miss them.”

“And that’s not all. Jeff, after writing with Maria I know that’s where my real love of music lies. Songwriting. I think I’ve always known that.”

“Wait. . . .” Jeff frowned. “So you don’t want to tour?”

“Yes,
with you
, but I’ll get to that part in a minute.” She bit her bottom lip. “But first, I have a confession to make.”

“Okay.”

With her heart pounding Cat tossed the pillow aside and scooted around to face him. “I . . . I spent the day with your mother yesterday. At your family farm.”

Jeff’s eyes widened. “You did?”

“She gave me a tour on a big green tractor and at one point let me drive, which was a mistake because I almost ran into a fence post—but I’m getting sidetracked. Sara came over with little Katie and I held her. And, well, I want babies.” She gave him a shy smile. “Your babies.”

“I’m glad you clarified that part,” Jeff said and she laughed.

But then Cat looked over at the stone fireplace, swallowed, gathered her courage, and turned to him. “And I told your mother that I wanted your babies—like, blurted it out like I do sometimes.” She looked up at the ceiling and shook her head. “And then wanted to die—well, not die, but have a trapdoor open up and swallow me. Or maybe have a giant pterodactyl swoop down and carry me away. You get the picture.”

Jeff laughed. “So what did Mom say?”

“That I needed to marry you first and then I said okay, I like that idea.” Cat inhaled a deep breath. “And then Sara and your mom laughed. And so did little Katie, even though she didn’t know why.”

“Did Mom say anything else?”

Cat gave him a soft smile. “She said that you told her you loved me.”

“I did.” He shook his head. “Knowing you, Sara, and my mother, I can actually picture this happening.” Jeff shook his head. “I knew the three of you would get along. And be trouble. Looks like Katie is going to be following in her mother’s footsteps. So then what?”

“Sara said I should do it. Apparently you Greenfield boys are a little bit slow on the uptake when it comes to asking your girl to marry you.”

Jeff chuckled. “Sara speaks her mind. She was instrumental in bringing Reid and Addison together. They are true steel magnolias. Beautiful, strong Southern women.”

Cat shook her head in wonder. “Yeah, the fake wedding that was real . . . I’ll never forget it. I couldn’t believe that something as crazy as that could be pulled off.”

“Only in Cricket Creek.” Jeff shrugged. “I was so bummed when you left and didn’t stay for the reception. I wanted a slow dance with you,” he added with a chuckle.

“Really? Well, I remember you looking so handsome in your tuxedo.” Cat nibbled on her lip for a moment and then said in a rush, “And speaking of that . . . Jeff Greenfield, will you marry me?”

Jeff stopped in midchuckle. “Cat . . . are you . . . Wait—are you serious?”

“For once in my life, yes. Totally. Will. You. Marry. Me?” Her heart pounded so hard that she thought she might pass out and not hear his answer.

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

“Um,
hell
yes.”

“He said
yes
!” Cat jumped up and spun around in a graceful move.

“That was beautiful.”

“I have my moments. Well, not many, but that’s what makes them special.”

“Every moment with you is special, Cat.”

“You say that now,” she said and then tossed her head back and laughed with pure delight. She smiled and held out her hands to him.

Jeff took her hands in his and pulled her into his arms. And then he kissed her over and over until she was breathless and giddy with happiness.

“I love you, Cat Carson. And I want to marry you.”

“Well, this is good news because Sara is already planning a big barn wedding. It’s such a gorgeous setting.”

“You will be a stunning bride.”

“I just hope I don’t trip or something.”

“I’ll catch you if you fall.” He pulled her in for another long kiss. “I’ll always be there for you. You know that, right?”

Cat nodded.

Jeff suddenly angled his head sideways. “Wait. I have to ask you something.”

“Okay.”

“So were you with Mia earlier when I called?”

“Yes—
and
she told you things she shouldn’t have, and I kept kicking her, but Mia can’t be stopped when she is on a mission.”

She scooted to face him and then sat cross-legged.
“Since moving here to Cricket Creek and living out here in this cabin, I started to feel a sense of peace like I’ve never known before. You see, when I was a child I was kidnapped.”

“Oh, Cat,” he said as he reached out and took her hands in his. “Dear God.”

“I don’t remember really, only that I was in a dark and scary place, most likely the trunk of a car. I . . . I still get a sick feeling sometimes when I smell exhaust fumes.”

“And the fear of the dark.” He squeezed her hands. “God . . .”

“My mother told me that she prayed and prayed for my safe return, telling God that she would devote her life to good works if I was returned to my parents unharmed.”

Jeff reached up and wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb.

“Understandably, they became overprotective and my childhood was sheltered.”

“Ah, that’s why you watched the Cubs on television rather than go to the games.”

Cat nodded. “I was always dropped off and picked up from school and I was never allowed to stay the night with anyone. So I developed a love of reading and music, being on my own so much. It wasn’t until I found out that I could make people laugh that I came out of my shell. And then it wasn’t until I met Mia at a charity event that I rebelled and started traveling and seeing the world with her. College wasn’t for me but I knew I wanted to sing and, well, you know the rest of the story.”

“So, Cat, what now?”

“We get married in that big red barn and live happily ever after.”

“Well, that’s a good plan.”

“I thought so.”

“But surely you’re not going to quit singing?”

“Jeff, I really love singing with you. I want to perform
with you but on a more limited basis. Release a single here and there. Pick and choose our songs together carefully. I want to travel with you on the Shane McCray farewell tour and perform and write songs, but I want to take a big step back from the limelight and leave time to raise a family someday. When we record something together I want it to be something amazing.”

He nodded.

“And I want to do the charity work that I’ve missed so much.” She raised her hands up in the air. “Like that Keith Urban song, ‘I just want a little bit of everything.’” She looked at him and smiled softly. “So how do you feel about all of this?”

“I think having it all is a very sweet plan.”

“Sometimes I surprise myself in my infinite wisdom.”

“So do you want to hear
my
plan?”

Cat leaned closer and wrapped her arms around him. “Yes.”

“I want to make you happy. Everything else is just gravy.”

“I like your plan. In fact, I think it’s the best plan ever in the whole history of plans.”

“I had a feeling you would.” Jeff smiled but then his eyes turned serious. “I told my mother what was going on with the band and how much I love you. She advised me to choose the path that means the most to me. You mean the most to me, Cat. I don’t want love to just be in the songs that I sing but in the life that I live.”

“Just no sad songs, then, okay?”

“Okay.” Jeff pulled her into his arms. “Just silly love songs, like the Paul McCartney song.”

“Oh, there’s nothing silly about love songs. In fact, I think we should write one together.” Cat tilted her head up for a kiss. “But first, I need a little inspiration.”

“And you will get it.” He gave her a soft, lingering kiss. “I plan on loving you today, tomorrow, and always.”

“That’s all the inspiration I’ll ever need.”

And I Love Her

J
EFF PACED BACK AND FORTH BACKSTAGE UNTIL SNAKE grabbed him by the arm. “Would you pul-
ease
stop that?”

“I can’t,” Jeff answered. “I’m too damned nervous.”

“Jeff, Cat already said yes,” Colin reminded him, and the rest of the band nodded in agreement.

“No . . .
I
said yes. This is different.” Jeff reached into his jeans pocket for the millionth time and touched the felt box. “We decided not to make our engagement official until I had a ring, but she has no idea I’m going to do this today.”

“You gonna get down on one knee?” Snake wanted to know.

“Should I?” Jeff felt another surge of panic and looked at his band members for help. Again, they all nodded their agreement.

“Okay.” Jeff shook his head and reached into his pocket again.

“Do you really think that ring is gonna jump out of your jeans?” Colin asked with a laugh.

“Just chill, man,” Sam told him. He slid his guitar to the side and gave Jeff a quick guy kind of hug.

“This is gonna be epic,” Jax agreed. “Hey, Jeff, I’m sorry for all the shit I put you through. Cat is a super cool chick. I really regret being such an asshat.”

“Yeah, you were kind of an asshat.” Jeff gave Jax a shove. “But looking back, I think everything had to happen the way it did for Cat to figure out what she really wanted. We’re gonna record some sweet-ass songs together, but she will have the time to do what’s important to her.” He shook his head up to the sky. “And damn, I love her.”

“Where is she?” Sam asked. “It’s almost time to go on.”

“Last-minute wardrobe change. She spilled sweet tea on her white jeans,” Jeff said with a chuckle.

“Does she have any idea of your surprises?” Colin asked.

“Neither one,” Jeff replied and felt his heart thump.

“Can I see the ring?” Sam asked.

“No!” Jeff said.

“Just a quick peek before Cat gets back?” Sam insisted.

“A quick peek at what?” Cat asked.

“Nothing!” they said in unison, but Jeff made the mistake of putting his hand over his pocket. His eyes met hers and she smiled.

“So . . .” Cat tilted her head to the side. “What’s in your pocket?”

Jeff cleared his throat. “Cat . . . I don’t—”

“No,” she interrupted softly. “Perfect timing, actually,” she added and Jeff understood. These guys were going to be like brothers to her and it suddenly felt right to include them in this special moment. Cat stepped closer and, knowing what was going to happen, the band formed a protective circle around her and Jeff, hiding them from any onlookers.

Jeff reached in his pocket, pulled out the ring box, and knelt down on one knee. Flipping the lid open, he said, “Cat Carson, I love you with all my heart. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Cat put her hand to her chest and nodded. “Yes!” She held out her hand for him to slip the ring on her finger. “Oh!” She gazed down at the delicate solitaire.

He’d chosen a ring that was perfect and unpretentious, just like her. Jeff got up to his feet. “You like it?”

“I love it. I love you!” Cat threw her arms around his neck and hugged him hard.

Jeff kissed her and then grinned when she stepped back and spun in a slow circle showing off the ring.

“Snake, are you crying?” Cat asked.

“Hell no!” Snake shook his head but then laughed and swiped at the corner of his eyes. “Aw, damn,” he said and then pulled Cat in for a bear hug. Each of the guys hugged her in turn and Jeff watched, having trouble keeping his own emotion under control.

“Can I announce our engagement onstage?” Jeff asked.

“Yes, absolutely,” Cat said and then threw herself into his arms again, nearly knocking him over.

•   •   •

Colin peeked his head around the wall and ducked back. “They couldn’t have fit one more person on that lawn. This is crazy.”

“I’m still floored that Shane wanted to open the tour here in Cricket Creek,” Sam said.

“Maria wrote six of his number ones,” Cat reminded them. “And she’s got one more amazing song for Shane up her sleeve that she enticed him with.” Cat leaned in closer. “You didn’t hear it from me, but Rick is trying to get Shane to retire here in Cricket Creek,” she said, just loud enough to be heard above the crowd. “Apparently Shane is an avid fisherman and Maggie has a huge log cabin for sale with a private dock overlooking the river.”

“That would be amazing if Shane McCray retired to Cricket Creek,” Snake said and shook his shaggy head. “I mean,
wow
—I can’t even wrap my brain around that.”

“You can’t wrap that brain around anything,” Colin said and was rewarded with a shove.

“Oh gosh, Pete is announcing us!” Cat did a little happy bounce that Jeff thought was so damned cute. She looked down at her ring and hugged him again, drawing a collective laugh from the band.

“How y’all doin’, Cricket Creek, Kentucky?” Pete shouted, and then had to wait for the applause to die down before he could be heard. “As y’all know, we have the honor of having the iconic Shane McCray start his final tour right here in our town! It doesn’t get any better than that. . . .” he said and then had to wait again. “Wait. It
does
get better than that. We have our very own Jeff Greenfield and South Street Riot in the house!” The crowd went nuts.

Jeff leaned close to Cat’s ear so she could hear him. “Pete is eating this up.”

Cat nodded. “This is so awesome. I love it!”

“And as a very special guest, we have the one and only Cat Carson! Wait—she’s our own now too!” He waited and waited for the applause to die down and then shouted into the microphone, “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give it up for Jeff Greenfield, Cat Carson, and South Street Riot!”

Jeff grabbed Cat’s hand and they all headed onto the stage. He looked out over the crowd and spotted his family. With a grin Jeff grabbed the microphone. “Hey, Cricket Creek, is this exciting or what?” he shouted and raised his hands when the crowd erupted with wild enthusiasm. “Before we begin, I have a little something I want to announce. No . . . I take that back. Make that a
big
something I want to announce,” he corrected, and the audience became silent in anticipation. “I just proposed to the beautiful, one and only Cat Carson.”

Jeff turned to Cat. She raised her left hand in the air. “And I said yes!”

The crowd erupted with wild applause. “Kiss!” someone shouted, and so he did—not that he needed any encouragement.

“Look over to the left by my family,” Jeff said into her ear.

Cat spotted her mother and father and then put her hand over her mouth. She looked back at Jeff and smiled.

“Surprise.”

“Oh, Jeff!” Tears immediately slipped out of the corner of her eyes and she waved to her parents, who were clinging to each other. Turning back to Jeff, she said to him, “Just when I think I can’t love you any more than I already do . . .” She grabbed him and hugged him while the crowd cheered on and on.

Jeff said to her, “Well, I have one more surprise.” Stepping back, he nodded to Snake and then strummed the first four notes to the Beatles song “And I Love Her.”

A hush fell over the crowd and Cat put her hands to her cheeks. Looking into her eyes, Jeff sang the lyrics straight from his heart. Simply but eloquently, the words said it all.