Chapter 18

18

R eagan finished packing her bag and then picked up her cell phone. She sent a text to her new group of girlfriends, basking in the fact that she had a core group of women who supported her.

She had missed the Wednesday group dinner this week, which had been canceled. Holden and Finley had flown to New York and then Chicago for the beginning of a book tour. Holden’s new thriller, Inside Threat , had released earlier in the week, and he was promoting it. He and Finley would fly back to Texas for the movie’s premiere and then be back on the road, hitting seven more cities, from Seattle to Phoenix to Miami.

Braden had been the one to cancel the friends’ dinner, saying that although he did the cooking, Harper was simply exhausted these days and needed to rest. Her due date was growing close, and she was putting in long hours at Weddings with Hart, trying to make certain everything was in order for her departure. Everyone had understood, and they had decided not to meet again until after the baby came.

Reagan had shared that news with Aunt Jean during one of their cooking lessons. Cooking had proven to be a wonderful outlet for her, one she truly enjoyed. Aunt Jean suggested the next time the group met, she should volunteer to prepare the meal for them. She would approach Braden and Finley with that idea, confident in her new skills. She hoped to enter their rotation of cooks.

Her text told her friends that she was leaving this morning for Austin with Tucker and that they planned to make it a romantic getaway in conjunction with the premiere. Immediately, she was flooded with responses, wishing her good luck, with everyone saying they couldn’t wait to hear an update about her relationship with Tucker. It was wonderful to have a group of friends she could depend upon, something she’d never had, and they— and Tucker —were the reason Reagan had decided she would stay in Lost Creek. Though she still didn’t know what she would do to earn a living, she was open to anything that allowed her to remain the small Hill Country town.

A light tap sounded upon her door, and Reagan’s heart began beating in double-time, knowing it was Tucker. She had just seen him at breakfast, and yet she was eager to be in his company again. She wasn’t ready to attach a name to the feelings he stirred within her and couldn’t help but wonder if anything would change between them after this weekend together.

Opening her door, she greeted him.

“Are you ready to hit the road, Caramel?” he asked.

“I’m ready if you are,” she replied.

“Do you mind taking your car? I thought as long we were in Austin, we could see about getting you a new vehicle and turning in the rental.”

“That’s a great idea.”

“Let me get your bag for you,” he offered.

Tucker went and claimed the suitcase she had packed, and they went downstairs, where Aunt Jean awaited them.

Her aunt embraced her, brushing her lips against Reagan’s cheek. “You two have a wonderful time in Austin. Tell Holden I can’t wait to see his new movie.”

“Will do, Miss Jean,” Tucker said.

They put their luggage in her rental and stopped to gas up before leaving Lost Creek. They would reach Austin by eleven o’clock.

“I hope you don’t mind that I talked to the salesman who sold me my truck and Josie her car. He’s got some new models for you to look at, as well as a few which are only a year old, if you’re thinking of buying used. I say we go there first and see if we can strike a bargain. I also talked with the hotel people where Ana Ramirez had arranged for us all to stay Saturday night. They were able to let me book the same room for tonight, as well as tomorrow night.”

She glanced to him and back to the highway. “My, Cowboy. You’ve been busy.”

“Busier than you think. I told you I was going to get a song out of the other night. I went back to the B&B and wrote half of it. I finished up the other half yesterday afternoon after the lunch run.”

“You amaze me, Tucker,” Reagan told him.

“I have to admit I’ve been pretty surprised myself how quickly songs have flowed. Maybe I had a lot of this bottled up in me, and now the dam is broken, they’re all spilling out. I don’t always expect it’ll come this fast and furious, but for now? I’m reveling in the speed of writing. I just hope the quality is there.”

“Even though I’m a neophyte when it comes to music, the quality is first-class,” she said reassuringly. “When do you think you might contact Matt?”

Reagan looked at him and saw the thoughtful expression on his face as he answered her.

“I’d told myself I wanted a half-dozen songs. Once I finish tweaking this latest one, I should be good to go. I’m thinking about trying them out, though, on a broader scale.”

“Do you want to get our group together and play for them?”

“No. I think they would only be all too willing to tell me whatever I played for them was good. What I need is an impartial audience. Dax is willing to give me an opportunity to play at Java Junction.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Music and coffee in the morning?”

Tucker laughed. “Dax keeps the coffeehouse open late on Saturday nights. He has local talent come in and play for an hour or so. I may want to take him up on his offer.”

“You should,” she said enthusiastically. “That would be a terrific way to test your new songs and see the response they receive from an audience.”

He didn’t say anything, and Reagan wondered what he was thinking about. She knew he would open up to her, given time.

Finally, he said, “I haven’t played in front of an audience since the night Josie was killed. I never played a single show where she wasn’t there, cheering me on.”

Reagan reached for his hand and squeezed it. “Josie will always be with you, Tucker. In spirit. You shouldn’t have any qualms about playing because she’s always in your heart.”

He raised their joined hands and brushed a soft kiss against her knuckles. “How did I get so lucky to find you, Reagan Bradley? I don’t think many women would be nearly as understanding as you are.”

“Remember, I’m in your boat. The lifeboat of survivors. We both have lost loved ones. We’ve come through the worst emotional storm imaginable, Tucker. We’ve dealt with grief and survivor’s guilt. Always know you can talk about Josie around me. I don’t look at it as if I’m competing with a ghost. I know how much she meant to you, and I would never want you to forget about her and what the two of you had. Just like I’ll always remember all that Arch was and what he meant to me.”

She swallowed, emotion welling within her. “But I’ve finally realized I have decades left. To work. To live. To laugh. To love. I’m grateful I came to Aunt Jean and Lost Creek. Not only do I have her support, but I’ve gained a network of friends who are loving and giving. Besides, coming here led me to you.”

He kissed her hand again, threading his fingers through hers. “I feel the same, Reagan. About you. Coming to Lost Creek. This is the place I want to stay. I want to become a part of this community. I’ve made a start with the group of friends we have and working with Ry at Smokin’ Sweethearts.

“I could be happy here for the rest of my life. I hope that includes you.”

Reagan gasped at this declaration, and Tucker quickly said, “I’m not trying to rush you. I don’t even want to say those three words to you just yet, but my heart is leaning that way. I’m open to whatever happens with us today. Tonight. This weekend—and beyond.”

She couldn’t deny her feelings for this man. Although they hadn’t known one another very long, her heart told her Tucker Young was the only person on the planet who would ever completely understand her.

And love her.

They drove the rest of the way to Austin in silence, both lost in their thoughts. When they reached the city limits, Tucker finally broke the quiet. He gave her directions on where to go, and twenty minutes later they pulled into the car dealership. Checking in at the front desk, he asked for Ray Richards, and the receptionist paged the salesman.

A nice-looking man in his mid-forties with a million-dollar smile approached them.

“Tucker Young. It’s been a while.” He offered his hand to Tucker, and they shook.

“This is Reagan Bradley, who I was telling you about.”

“I hear you’ve been living in New York, Reagan. Bet you’re a subway rider.”

“It’s the only way to get around the city,” she said cheerily. “I’ve moved back to Texas, though, and I need to purchase reliable transportation.”

“New or used?” Richards asked.

“I’m careful with my money, so I’ll look at both and then make a decision.”

“Sedan or SUV? Wait, don’t tell me. You’ll want to drive both.”

Reagan laughed. “You’re pretty astute, Ray.”

She looked at new models first, both sedans and SUVs, and then she studied two used cars available. In the end, she decided to buy new and test drove a couple different vehicles.

Two hours later, Reagan drove off the lot in a silver SUV. She liked sitting high because it gave her a better view of the road and other cars around her. She drove to the Austin airport, with Tucker following her in the ugly puce rental car. While he removed their bags and transferred them to her new SUV, Reagan went inside and turned in the keys and signed the necessary paperwork.

She came out grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

“I’d say you’re mighty pleased with your purchase,” Tucker drawled.

“I am,” she said. “This is a big step for me, buying a car. Planting roots.”

Committing to you.

“It’s after one. I’m starved,” he announced. “Are you up for some Mexican food? There’s a terrific place not five minutes from here.”

“You’re speaking my love language,” she teased. “Sour cream enchiladas do it for me every time.”

He directed her to the café, which was located in a strip shopping center. Tucker declared the best hidden jewels were in strip centers. After their food arrived and Reagan sampled a bite of enchiladas, she agreed with him.

They lingered over lunch, sipping their iced tea, as Tucker told her about the new smoker arriving early next week.

“Ry has really needed it at the winery because some of the wedding receptions have included a lot of guests. A second smoker will really make things easier, prep-wise.”

“How are your lessons coming with him?”

“It’ll still take time for everything to sink in because the art of barbequing is something you never totally perfect, but I’m confident in my meat smoking skills now.”

His gaze met hers. “I’m the one who gave Ry the money for the smoker. It’s part of the insurance settlement I got and never touched. I considered it blood money. Dirty money that was meant to make up for Josie losing her life and me losing her.”

She placed her hand atop his. “You were right not to spend any of the money right away, Tucker, but investing in Ry’s business is a good thing. Now that you’re working with your cousin, this new smoker will help make things more convenient for both of you and help Smokin’ Sweethearts grow.”

Nodding solemnly, he said, “I agree. I haven’t a clue what the rest of the money will go toward. I’ll need to give it a lot of thought, but buying the smoker is a good start. One Josie would have approved of.”

Reagan liked the fact that he could talk about his wife openly. It was good seeing Tucker come to terms with Josie’s death. While her death would always stay with him— just as Arch’s stayed with her —she could see them both moving beyond the pain and sorrow and simply remembering the good times with their lost loves.

He glanced at his watch. “It’s almost time to check into the hotel. We have time to make one quick stop before we do so.”

Curious, she asked, “Where?”

“You’ll see when we get there.”

Once more, Tucker gave her directions, and they pulled up in front of a place called Amy’s Ice Cream.

“Hands down, the best place for ice cream in Austin. Amy’s has some pretty interesting flavors, but they’re all good.”

They got out of the car and stepped up to order. Reagan perused the menu and decided upon a dip of Mexican vanilla, while Tucker got a double dip of Belgium chocolate and sweet cream. Since it was chilly, they returned to the SUV and sat inside to eat their cones.

“I need to do a little shopping while we’re in town,” she told him, savoring her ice cream.

“Hell, Caramel, I carried in those suitcases of yours and lugged them up the stairs. You couldn’t possibly need anything else,” he teased.

“Actually, I need some jeans. Probably two or three pairs. I haven’t had any in years, and Austin has plenty of places for me to shop for them.”

“Well, little lady, we need to take care of that. Let’s go check in and leave our bags in the room. I have a couple of places I can take you to shop.”

They drove to Sixth Street in downtown Austin, where The Driskill Hotel was located. Tucker told her it was an iconic, historical hotel and a big deal to stay here. Their room was spacious and even had a private balcony with a beautiful view of the city.

Reagan glanced at the large bed, thinking of what they would be doing in it later.

Tucker slipped his arms about her. “I see you looking at that bed, Caramel. Don’t worry. We’re only going to do whatever you feel comfortable doing. If we just wind up kissing and cuddling before we fall asleep, I’m good with that.”

“It wouldn’t be fine with me. We talked about how important communication is, Tucker. I’m being honest with you now. I want you so much my teeth ache, but I’m scared to death.”

“Why?” he asked, his concern obvious.

“I’m not the most experienced woman when it comes to having sex. Arch was the only man I’ve ever been with. I’m afraid of disappointing you.”

He kissed her softly. “You could never disappoint me. Whatever we do together will be special. Because it’s between us. I won’t be like Arch. You aren’t like Josie. We’ll create something special together, something meant for the two of us.”

His words reassured her, helping Reagan to push her fears away.

“Then I don’t see any reason why we should wait any longer. Make love to me, Cowboy.”

Surprise lit his hazel eyes, even as desire darkened them. Tucker kissed her.

And the magic began.