38. A Pleasant Surprise

CHAPTER 38

A Pleasant Surprise

CALEB

T he wood was rough under my fingers, a few splinters catching on my calloused skin. Couldn't have that - last thing we needed was some city slicker getting a splinter and raising a fuss.

"Gonna need to sand this down," I muttered to myself, making a mental note.

Peanut meowed from her perch on a nearby hay bale, as if offering her agreement. I chuckled, shaking my head at the little furball. "Thanks for the input, cat."

I moved on to the microphone stands, giving each one a thorough once-over. The metal was cool to the touch, a bit of rust forming at the base of one. Nothing a little simple cleaning couldn't fix, but it was another item for the to-do list.

The speakers were next. I ran my fingers along the wires, checking for any frays or weak spots. Can't have the sound cutting out mid-performance. That'd be a disaster. As I worked, I hummed under my breath, the melody of that unfinished song playing on repeat in my head.

"Alright, let's test this baby out," I said to no one in particular, plugging in my guitar. The amp hummed to life, a soft buzz filling the air. I strummed a chord, the sound reverberating through the empty barn. Not bad, but could use a little tweaking.

I fiddled with the settings, playing a few more chords until the sound was just right. Crisp, but not too sharp. Full, but not overwhelming. Perfect.

With the equipment checked, I turned my attention to the decorations. Sarah and Mom had gone all out, stringing up fairy lights and hanging hand-painted signs. I adjusted a banner that had come loose at one corner, making sure it was secure.

"What do you think, Peanut?" I asked, stepping back to survey my work. "We ready for this shindig?"

Peanut yawned widely, showing off her tiny teeth before curling up into a tighter ball. I snorted. "Yeah, that's about how I feel too, girl."

I grabbed my guitar and settled onto a nearby stool, my fingers finding their place on the strings without much thought. The opening chords of that old song - the one Liam and I first played together - filled the barn.

Damn, had it really been twenty years? Felt like yesterday and a lifetime ago all at once.

As I played, memories washed over me. Liam's smile, the way his eyes lit up when he sang, the feeling of his hand in mine. But mixed with the sweet memories were the bitter ones - the fight, the accident, the years of silence.

I hit a sour note, the dissonant sound jarring me back to the present. "Shit," I muttered, shaking my head to clear it.

Focus, Winchester. You've got a job to do.

I took a deep breath, centering myself, and started again. This time, I let my mind wander to the new song - the one I was writing for Liam. The one I'd started back in high school and never finished.

The verses came easily enough, flowing out of me like they'd been waiting all this time. But when I hit the bridge, I faltered.

"Come on," I growled, frustration building. "Why can't you just cooperate, huh? "

Peanut meowed, her green eyes fixed on me. I sighed, setting the guitar aside for a moment.

"I know, I know. I'm overthinking it." I ran a hand through my hair, probably making it stand up in all directions. "It's just… it's gotta be perfect, you know?"

I trailed off, the weight of tomorrow's fundraiser and Liam's absence settling heavy on my shoulders. What if I couldn't finish the song in time? What if the fundraiser was a bust? What if Liam decided New York was where he belonged after all?

I picked up the guitar again, determined to get this bridge right. As I played, I tried to lose myself in the music, to forget about all the worries gnawing at my gut.

The barn filled with the sound of music and the occasional frustrated groan. But slowly, surely, the song began to take shape. And with each note, each word, I felt a little closer to Liam - to the future we were fighting so hard to build together.

As I sang, memories of that day started flooding back. Me and Liam, barely more than kids, huddled together in this very barn, our voices blending in perfect harmony. I couldn't help but smile, closing my eyes and letting the music wash over me.

Then, halfway through the second verse, I heard another voice join in. My eyes snapped open, and there he was. Liam. Standing right in front of me, a soft smile playing on his lips as he sang the next part of the song.

For a second, I thought I was hallucinating. Maybe I'd finally cracked under the pressure. But then Liam moved closer, his hand reaching out to touch my arm, and I knew he was real.

"Don't stop," he murmured, nodding towards my guitar. "Keep playing."

So I did. Our voices rose together, filling the barn with a sound I hadn't heard in twenty years. As we hit the climax of the song, I felt something inside me shift and settle. Like a puzzle piece finally clicking into place.

The last note faded away, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. Then, unable to hold back any longer, I jumped up from my seat and pulled Liam into a crushing hug.

"You're here," I mumbled into his neck, breathing in his familiar scent. "You're really here."

Liam laughed, the sound rumbling through his chest. "I'm really here. Sorry I'm late. Had to finish everything up in New York."

I pulled back, cupping his face in my hands. "I don't care about that. You're here now." Then I kissed him, pouring twenty years of longing and love into it.

When we finally came up for air, I grabbed Liam's hand and tugged him towards the edge of the stage. "Come on, sit down. Tell me everything."

As we settled onto the stage, our legs dangling over the edge, Peanut seemed to materialize out of nowhere. She made a beeline for Liam, meowing insistently.

Liam chuckled, scooping her up. "Hey there, little one. Did you miss me?"

I watched as Liam cuddled Peanut, murmuring soft words to her. The sight made my heart do a funny little flip in my chest. "She's not the only one who missed you," I said, bumping his shoulder with mine.

Liam looked up at me, his eyes soft. "I missed you too. More than I can say."

"So," I said, leaning back on my hands. "What happened in New York? You finish up that big deal?"

Liam sighed, his expression turning serious. "It's a long story. But the short version? I quit my job. Left my father's company."

I blinked, sure I'd misheard. "You what?"

"I quit," Liam repeated, a note of defiance in his voice. "Turns out, dear old dad wasn't just expanding the business. He was buying up companies and running them into the ground. All for profit."

"Jesus," I muttered. "How'd you find out?"

Liam sighed, his expression a mix of relief and disbelief. "It's a long story, but the short version? Well let's just say that I met someone who changed everything."

I felt a twinge of unease. "Someone?"

"Yeah," Liam nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "His name's Leon. He's the CEO and owner of the company. Turns out, he's been planning to take down my father for a while now."

I blinked, trying to process this new information. "Leon? How does he fit into all this?"

Liam shifted, his hand finding mine. "He offered me a deal, Caleb. A way out. He bought my father's company for more than its net worth, effectively cutting my ties to the whole mess."

"Wait, what?" I sat up straighter, my mind reeling. "Just like that? Why would he do that?"

"Believe it or not, he wanted to help," Liam explained, his voice soft. "He said he'd been watching my father's shady dealings for years, waiting for the right moment to strike. When he heard I was back in New York, he saw an opportunity."

I narrowed my eyes, skepticism creeping in. "And you trust this guy? Someone you just met?"

Liam squeezed my hand. "I know it sounds crazy, but yes. He didn't just offer to buy the company, Caleb. He gave me a deal that would let me live my life with you. No strings attached."

My heart skipped a beat at his words, but I couldn't shake off my wariness. "That's a lot to take in, Li. How can you be sure he doesn't have some hidden agenda?"

"I vetted him thoroughly," Liam assured me. "And believe me, I was just as skeptical at first. But Leon he's different. He understands what it's like to live under the shadow of a controlling father. He wanted to give me the freedom he never had."

I let out a long breath, trying to wrap my head around it all. "So, what now? You're just free? Just like that?"

Liam nodded, his eyes shining with something that looked a lot like hope. "Just like that. I'm out, Caleb. No more corporate life, no more living up to my father's expectations. I can be here, with you, building the life we always dreamed of. "

I wanted to believe him, wanted it more than anything. But years of disappointment and missed chances had made me cautious. "You sure about this, Li? It's a pretty big change."

Liam cupped my face in his hands, his gaze intense. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I love you, Caleb. I want this - us - more than I've ever wanted anything. If you'll have me, that is."

Looking into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there, I felt the last of my doubts melt away. "Of course I'll have you, you idiot," I murmured, pulling him close. "I've been waiting twenty years for you to come home."

As I held him, I silently thanked this mysterious Leon, whoever he was. He'd given us a chance I never thought we'd have. And this time, I wasn't going to let it slip away.

I couldn't help but grin like an idiot, my heart feeling lighter than it had in years. Liam was here, really here, and he was staying. It felt too good to be true, but the warmth of his hand in mine was real enough.

"So," Liam said, breaking into my thoughts, "what's been going on around here? How's the fundraiser coming along?"

My smile faltered a bit. "Ah, well, about that…"

Liam's brow furrowed. "What? What happened?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "The bank moved up the deadline. We've got until Sunday now."

"Sunday?" Liam's eyes widened. "But that's tomorrow! How the hell are we supposed to raise that kind of money in a day?"

I shrugged, trying to keep my cool even as my stomach churned with worry. "We'll figure it out. We always do."

But Liam wasn't listening. His face had darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes. "It was him, wasn't it? My father. He must have pulled some strings, tried to screw us over one last time."

"Whoa, easy there, tiger," I said, grabbing his shoulders. "We don't know that for sure. And even if it was him, getting all worked up about it ain't gonna change anything. We just gotta deal with what's in front of us. "

Liam took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm himself. "You're right. I'm sorry. It's just… God, I'm so sick of his games."

I pulled him close, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "I know, babe. I know. But hey, we're in this together now, right? Whatever comes our way, we'll handle it."

He nodded against my chest, then pulled back, a glint in his eye that I recognized all too well. "Actually I might have an idea. A way to get the money quick."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? This ought to be good."

Instead of answering, Liam pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Jimmy? Yeah, it's me. Can you come down to the stage? Now? Thanks."

He hung up and turned back to me, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Alright, Denison, spill," I said, crossing my arms. "What are you cooking up in that pretty head of yours?"

Liam just grinned. "You'll see."

A few minutes later, Jimmy came stumbling into the barn, looking like he'd just gone ten rounds with a tornado. His hair was sticking up in all directions, and there were what looked suspiciously like chicken feathers stuck to his shirt.

"Jesus, Jim," I said, fighting back a laugh. "What happened to you?"

Jimmy shot me a glare. "Martha happened. That damn chicken is a menace to society."

Liam snorted. "I see Martha hasn't changed much. Still ruling the roost with an iron claw, huh?"

"You have no idea," Jimmy grumbled, brushing off his shirt. "Anyway, what's the big emergency?"

Liam's expression turned serious. "I've got a plan. But I'm gonna need your help to pull it off."

Jimmy and I exchanged a look. When Liam got that tone in his voice, it usually meant something big was about to go down.

"Alright," Jimmy said, crossing his arms. "Let's hear it. "

Liam took a deep breath. "I want to reveal myself as Corey King. At the fundraiser."

For a moment, there was dead silence in the barn. Then Jimmy and I both started talking at once.

"Are you out of your mind?" "Liam, are you sure about this?"

Liam held up his hands. "Guys, guys, hear me out. Jimmy, I need you to leak the news to the press. Let them know that Corey King is going to perform at a small-town fundraiser. Can you imagine the buzz that'll create?"

Jimmy's eyes were wide. "Liam, this is… this is huge. Are you absolutely sure you want to do this? Once it's out there, there's no taking it back."

Liam nodded, his jaw set in that stubborn way I knew all too well. "I'm sure. It's time. I'm tired of hiding, tired of living two separate lives. And if this can help save the ranch? Then it's worth it."

I reached out, taking his hand. "Li, you don't have to do this. We can find another way."

He squeezed my hand, smiling softly. "I know I don't have to. But I want to. For you, for us, for this place that's always felt more like home than anywhere else."

I stared at him for a long moment, searching his eyes. All I saw there was determination and love. Finally, I nodded. "Alright. If you're sure, then I'm with you. One hundred percent."

Liam's smile could have lit up the whole damn barn. "Thanks, Cal. That means everything."

Jimmy cleared his throat. "Okay, so we're really doing this. I'll need to make some calls, set things in motion. We don't have much time if we want to maximize the impact before the fundraiser."

Liam nodded. "Do whatever you need to do. Just make it big, yeah?"

Jimmy snorted. "Liam, honey, when have I ever done anything small?"

As Jimmy wandered off, already tapping away at his phone, I turned back to Liam. "You know, when I woke up this morning, I sure as hell didn't expect the day to end like this."

Liam chuckled, wrapping his arms around my waist. "What, with your long-lost love returning and deciding to out himself as a secret rock star?"

I pretended to think about it. "Nah, I meant Jimmy getting his ass kicked by a chicken. The rest is just a normal weekend around here."

Liam laughed, the sound warming me from the inside out. "God, I've missed this. Missed you."

I pulled him closer, resting my forehead against his. "Missed you too, Li. More than you know."

We stood there for a while, just holding each other. The barn was quiet except for the soft sounds of Peanut purring nearby and Jimmy's muffled voice as he made calls outside.

Finally, I pulled back a bit. "So, Corey King, huh? You ready for the world to know who you really are?"

Liam took a deep breath. "Honestly? I'm terrified. But also… excited. It feels right, you know? Like it's time to stop hiding and just be me. All of me."

I nodded, understanding completely. "Well, for what it's worth, I think you're pretty amazing. Both as Liam and as Corey."

He smiled, a hint of that old shyness I remembered from our teenage years creeping in. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," I said, leaning in to kiss him softly. "And I can't wait for the rest of the world to see it too."

Just then, Jimmy burst back into the barn, his eyes wild with excitement. "Okay, it's done. I've got calls coming in from every major news outlet. This thing is about to blow up."

Liam's eyes widened. "Already? Damn, Jimmy, you work fast."

Jimmy grinned, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "What can I say? I'm a miracle worker. Now, we need to start prepping. We've got interviews to schedule, a performance to plan, and about a million other details to iron out."

As we headed out of the barn, Liam's hand in mine and Jimmy trailing behind us still muttering about press releases and exclusive interviews, I couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed in just a few short hours.

This morning, I'd been a guy trying to save his family's ranch, missing the love of his life, and hoping against hope that somehow, everything would work out. Now? Now I was walking hand in hand with that same love that I had thought I lost twenty years ago.

Life was funny like that sometimes. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, it throws you a curve ball. But as I looked at Liam, saw the excitement and love shining in his eyes, I knew one thing for certain.

Whatever came our way, we'd face it together. And honestly? I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

"Hey, Liam?" I said as we walked.

"Yeah?"

"I love you. You know that, right?"

He squeezed my hand, his smile brighter than the sun. "I know. I love you too, Caleb. Always have, always will."

And in that moment, with the ranch sprawling out around us and the future stretching wide open ahead, I knew that everything was going to be alright. More than alright, actually.

It was going to be amazing.