Chapter 22

22

R eagan mulled over the action she was about to take. It might totally blow up her entire relationship with Tucker.

Or it might help make it stronger.

She had never been someone to meddle in anyone else’s business, but Tucker wasn’t just anyone. He was the man she loved. She wanted the best for him. He still had lingering doubts about his songwriting ability, which she believed in wholeheartedly, and was now balking about playing at Java Junction on Saturday. Reagan had told him it was a small venue and would help give him the feedback he sought. But she was going to take it a step further.

She was going to try and contact Matt Hardy— and see if Matt could be there.

First, she had Googled the country singer, trying to learn a little about him. He was thirty. Married with two small children, a boy who was three and girl who’d just turned one. He’d been nominated for but never won a CMA, one of the most prestigious awards given in country music. His songs had done well on the charts, but he hadn’t had a truly big hit since the ones Tucker had written for him a few years ago. He lived on a ranch in Bandera, which was less than half an hour from Lost Creek.

Reagan’s heart told her if Matt released any of the new songs Tucker had written since he’d come to Lost Creek, it would help push his career to new heights. While she was no song expert, Tucker’s lyrics had touched her heart when she’d heard them. The accompanying music only added to the experience of the song. She believed they could be hits and should be heard, starting with Matt Hardy.

He had a Facebook page which was strictly for business. It posted his touring schedule. Made fans aware of new releases. It didn’t look as if he interacted on the page and probably never saw it, letting some social media person manage the page. She struck out again when she found that he didn’t have accounts on Threads or X. Turning to Instagram, hope sparked within her. While Matt did post occasionally, the posts were not related to his career. It was more a glimpse into his personal life. A picture with his wife on a date night. Playing with his dog and son. Reagan had no idea how often Matt checked the account, but she sent a direct message to him.

Matt—I’m Tucker Young’s girlfriend & know you’ve tried to reach him. He took your sister’s death hard & hit the road, trying to find who he was without Josie. He’s come to Lost Creek & is writing songs again. His confidence has been shaken, but I think you’d be interested in the songs he’s been writing lately. He’s going to play the new stuff at Java Junction, a coffeehouse in town, this coming Saturday at 7. If you can come, message me. I think it would be a good surprise for Tucker.

Hitting send, Reagan only hoped she had done the right thing. According to Matt’s online fan page, he had finished a short tour in October and wouldn’t be going out on the road again until late January. She prayed he’d see her message and decide to come hear his brother-in-law play.

Going down to breakfast, she heard Tucker and Aunt Jean talking in the dining room and joined them.

“What’s on your agenda today?” Tucker asked brightly, as if she hadn’t spent the night with him and slipped from his bed only an hour ago.

As she poured herself some orange juice and placed scrambled eggs and bacon on her plate from the buffet, she said, “I’m going into town to have coffee with the girls, which is why I’m passing on coffee now.”

“Oh, who’ll be there?” her aunt asked.

“Harper, for one. Since she wasn’t able to go to Austin this past weekend, we promised we’d get together this morning and spill all the details of the weekend. I’m also going to share with them about Tucker playing Saturday night at Dax’s coffeehouse.”

“That sounds like fun,” Aunt Jean said. “Remember to talk to Harper about that dinner.”

Since she’d been taking cooking lessons almost daily with her aunt, they had talked about how it might be nice if the two of them cooked Thanksgiving dinner for their entire group. She didn’t know what plans the others had and was going to bring it up today over coffee, hoping they could prepare the holiday meal at Harper’s house for anyone who wanted to come.

An hour later, Reagan walked into Java Junction. She waved to Emerson and Finley, who were already seated and placed her order with the barista before joining them. She saw Harper and Ivy enter together, Ivy holding her sister’s arm, leading her to their table and helping Harper into a seat.

“I’ll place our order,” Ivy said. “You sit. Doesn’t she look ready to pop any moment?”

“Quit saying that,” Harper said. “You’re going to be in my shoes, with a belly like a basketball, sooner than you think.” As Ivy left, Harper added, “She’s right. I can only take baby steps on feet I haven’t seen in two months. Every breath seems short. I’m so glad Braden made me take off this week before my due date. I just hope I don’t go past it.” She rubbed her belly. “I’m ready to meet this little fellow.”

When Ivy returned, she said, “I haven’t told Harper a word about the weekend.” She looked at Reagan. “I think Reagan should start us off.”

Laughing, Reagan deliberately avoided what she knew Ivy wanted to talk about.

“The movie was incredible. It had me on the edge of my seat. And we rode in limousines to the premiere, just like real Hollywood people. There was an actual red carpet to walk. Fans cheering. And a huge party after. Then we?—”

“Come on, Reagan,” Ivy said. “You know what I meant.”

She arched her eyebrows innocently. “Oh, do you mean the stuff about Tucker and I getting together?”

“You’re really together?” asked Harper, looking excited. “Like, together-together.”

She grinned. “About as together as a couple can be.”

“I knew it!” Harper declared. “Braden and I called it. You two just look right together. Anyone could see how you clicked. I’ll bet you’re already finishing each other’s sentences.” She paused. “Is it awkward, being at your aunt’s B&B?”

“Tucker moved from the house into one of the guest cottages. In fact, Aunt Jean said it’s the one Holden rented when he first came to Lost Creek.”

Finley’s face brightened. “Oh, that’s perfect. It’ll give you a place to be alone, with no worries about who’s in the next room or anyone watching you sneak to and from each other’s room.” She gave Reagan a knowing smile.

“That’s what we thought. Tucker wanted to be respectful of Aunt Jean. It will allow him to have some privacy for his songwriting, and it’ll give us a place to get away without being self-conscious of others inside the inn.”

“Ry and I are really happy for you,” Emerson said. “Being in love suits you, Reagan. You look so happy.”

“I feel happy,” she shared. “I’ve had a rough couple of years. Tucker has changed everything for me. I may not know exactly what the future holds for me work-wise, but my personal life is secure.”

“Well, you’ll be working for Weddings with Hart for a short while,” Harper said matter-of-factly. “As the business grows, I may need to hire on more help. Since you’ll be staying in Lost Creek, that might be an option.”

“I know I’m working that huge wedding on Friday,” she said. “Paula, Dayna, and I are meeting tomorrow morning to make certain we all have our designated responsibilities lined up. For Saturday, Paula said she wouldn’t need me.”

“No, that’s a small birthday party for a gentleman turning ninety,” Harper said. “They only wanted to rent the facility. Family is taking care of bringing in the food, all of his favorites. One of his grandsons is a DJ. He’ll be providing the music. Paula and Dayna will dress the tables for the occasion and will clear when they finish eating and clean up. You wouldn’t be needed for that.”

“It’s a good thing because Reagan has somewhere to be Saturday night,” Ivy revealed. “Tucker is playing Java Junction.”

“Really?” Finley asked. “Why am I just hearing about this?”

“I told Tucker I’d tell everyone in person this morning. I doubt Harper can make it, but I hope some of the rest of you can.”

“Absolutely, we’ll be there,” Emerson guaranteed.

“If I haven’t had the baby, I’ll have Braden roll me in. Probably in a wheelbarrow,” joked Harper. “I didn’t know Tucker sang. I just thought he wrote a few songs for his brother-in-law. And I didn’t know he was writing songs again.”

“He’s written several since he’s come to Lost Creek,” Reagan said proudly. “He took a break from songwriting after he lost his wife, but he’s interested in making it his full-time career.”

“And here I thought he was going to be a barbeque man,” Emerson quipped.

“He does enjoy working with Ry,” she insisted. “I think he wants to do both. He’s a little worried that his new batch of songs won’t live up to the previous ones he wrote for Matt. I don’t know squat about country music, but Tucker has played several for me. They all sound terrific. I’m hoping he’ll get a good reception at Java Junction Saturday night.”

Reagan kept to herself that she was also hoping Matt Hardy might be there in person.

They returned to the movie premiere, giving Harper details on all she missed. Their friend wanted to know what everyone wore and what food they had eaten. After they had finished discussing their weekend in Austin, Ivy said it was time for her to get to the tasting room. Emerson said she had a cake consultation. Finley mentioned she needed to pack again because she and Holden were leaving in the morning for the remainder of his book tour.

“Oh, before you all go, Aunt Jean and I have something to ask.” She swallowed, working up her courage. “I’ve been taking cooking lessons from her, and eventually, I’d like to be added to the Wednesday night rotation, once Harper’s had Beau and we get back into scheduling dinners for the group again.”

Finley smiled. “Braden and I would like that. Holden actually has helped me prepare the last two meals I’ve cooked for the group. He’s really learning his way around the kitchen.”

“I’m happy you want to do this, Reagan. Let me have this baby, and then we’ll need to get back on track for Wednesdays. Maybe that first Wednesday in December?”

“Thanksgiving is late this year,” Reagan said. “Aunt Jean and I were hoping we could come over that day and cook the holiday meal for you, Braden, and Beau. And if anyone else would like to come, you’d be welcome. That is, if you agree to it, Harper.”

“Agree? I’m happy for you and Miss Jean to do so,” Harper said. “Usually, Mom does all the cooking, but this Thanksgiving, she and Dad are taking a trip to New York City. She’s always wanted to see the Macy’s parade in person, so Dad said this year was as good as any. You know our kitchen and dining room are large. The more, the merrier!”

“We’ll be there,” Ivy promised.

“The book tour is definitely done by then, so expect Holden and me to show,” Finley added. “Usually, my brother and sister-in-law do Thanksgiving for the family since Mom and Dad put on Christmas. This year, though, they’re splurging and going to a resort in Mexico. They never get fun in the sun and time to themselves because they operate Hill Country Water Sports during the warmer months. Mom and Dad thought that sounded like fun, so they’re going with them.”

“Let me check with Ry,” Emerson said. “We’d planned to eat at his parents’ house, but we can always drop by and visit with everyone before or after we eat.”

“Perfect,” Reagan declared. “I’ll let Aunt Jean know. Maybe Harper and I can stay since you all need to run off. We’ll work on the menu.”

They said their goodbyes and then Harper said, “This is a sweet offer, Reagan. Especially since it’ll be our first holiday with a new baby, I wasn’t expecting much as far as a meal went. What do you have in mind?”

They talked about a traditional turkey and dressing, along with sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and a fruit salad.

“Those sound great,” Harper said, “but Braden simply has to have mac and cheese. The man could live on that.”

“Got it,” Reagan said, making a note on her phone. “We’ll also have a couple of side surprises. What about desserts? Aunt Jean was thinking pumpkin and pecan pies.”

“Those are perfect. Thank you so much for doing this, Reagan. And I’m so happy for you and Tucker. You make a great couple.”

“We’ve decided we’re in it for the long run. We’ve both lost loved ones. Tucker lost his wife, and I lost my fiancé shortly before our wedding. This second time around, I’m finding love a little richer. Different, too, because I’m in love with a new man. We still have a ways to go, but I can’t imagine my life without Tucker in it.”

As Harper started to get to her feet, Reagan saw she needed help and assisted her.

“Thanks. I really…” Harper’s voice faded. Then her eyes grew large. “Oh… oh!”

A loud whoosh occurred, and she saw a sudden puddle at her friend’s feet. Understanding dawned on Reagan.

“Your water’s broken!”

“My water’s broken!” Harper echoed. “Yes!”

“Dax!” Reagan waved at him, and he came rushing over.

“Harper’s water broke. Someone will need to clean this up,” she explained.

“My water broke,” Harper repeated, her face beaming. “It’s time. I need to call Braden.”

“Should I call an ambulance?” Dax asked worriedly.

“No,” Harper assured him, suddenly back into practical Harper mode. “First babies take hours and hours to come. My labor pains will be far apart. Plenty of time to get to the hospital in Boerne.”

“Should you sit?” Dax asked worriedly.

“It’s better if I walk some now. If you can stay, Reagan, I’ll get you to walk up and down the sidewalk with me. It’s sunny and not terribly cold today.”

“Happy to stay with you,” she assured her friend.

Harper dug her cell from her purse and called Braden. “It’s time. My water broke!”

Reagan could hear Braden’s excitement coming through the phone.

“Reagan is with me now. We were about to leave Java Junction. Dax has a terrible mess to clean up.” More water began dribbling from Harper. “I’m going to be outside, walking along the pavement. Yes, I’m fine. Get my overnight case, the one sitting by the dresser. Yes, I’m fine. See you soon.”

Harper ended the call. “Men. I think he’s more nervous than I am.” She slid her arm through Reagan’s. “Shall we?”

They left the coffeehouse, more than a few interested customers watching them, and Reagan knew the small-town gossip network would now light up, letting the residents of Lost Creek know that Harper Hart Clark had gone into labor into the middle of Java Junction.

They strolled up and down the sidewalk of the square, not bothering to cross to the other side. Harper was content to walk at a leisurely pace and talk. She told Reagan a little about the brother their baby would be named for, as well as Braden’s other brother, whom they would call once the baby had arrived.

“You’re so calm,” Reagan said.

Harper grimaced. “A little pain. Not bad. And you’ll be calm, too, Reagan. We’re a lot alike. I think when things around us fall apart, we’re women who keep our heads screwed on straight.”

Braden arrived twenty minutes later, bounding from the car, rushing to his wife.

“Are you okay? Hurting?”

“It’s not too bad,” Harper replied easily. “Just ready to get this show on the road.”

“I had to leave the vineyard. Go to the house. Get your bag. I got here as quick as I could.” The words spilled from him.

“I know, Braden. Let’s say goodbye to Reagan. Do you know she and Tucker are together? We can talk about that on the way to the hospital.”

“Thank you, Reagan,” Braden said fervently. “We’ll let you know when Beau makes his appearance.”

She hugged Harper. “You’ll do great, Mama. Love you.”

The words came easily from Reagan. She had never had a friend to love— and now she had an entire group whom she did, feeling free to express that love aloud. She loved these friends who already were becoming sisters of her heart, as well as the amazing men they had married. Reagan also loved her new life in Lost Creek.

And she loved Tucker Young with all her heart.

Driving back to the B&B, her heart soared with a happiness unlike any she had ever experienced before. She found Aunt Jean and shared the news that Harper had gone into labor and how they had been granted permission to prepare a Thanksgiving feast.

Aunt Jean’s practical nature came out. “Then we better start planning. Think about what needs to be bought. How many will attend. Come have a seat at the kitchen table. I’ll get a notepad and pen.”

As they seated themselves, Reagan counted aloud. “You, me, and Tucker make three. Braden, Harper, Ivy, and Dax seven. Finley and Holden nine.”

“What about Harper and Ivy’s parents?”

She explained about their absence, thanks to their New York trip. “Emerson is checking with Ry. They were supposed to eat with his parents.”

Just then, her cell dinged. Reagan read the message.

“It’s from Emerson. She said she talked to Shelly, and if Shelly and Shy can come, they’d be happy to bring some barbequed ribs and brisket, in addition to the turkey we’ll make.” Reagan smiled. “Shelly said that let her off the hook.”

“Oh, no, it doesn’t,” Aunt Jean fired back. “That gal makes the best rolls in the Hill Country. If she’s coming, she’s gotta bring those yeasty rolls.”

Grinning, Reagan said, “I’ll let Emerson know.”

She typed a quick message to her friend, saying the four of them were welcome, as was the barbeque, but Aunt Jean insisted on Shelly’s famous rolls. Emerson texted back that she’d make sure that happened, leaving several emojis that caused Reagan to laugh.

Closing her texts, she opened the list she and Harper had come up with and shared it with her aunt.

“So, looks like thirteen of us then,” Aunt Jean said. “We should plan for fifteen or so. Never know if someone’ll drop in or not, unexpected. Even with the barbeque Shy’s bringing, I think it’ll take two turkeys to feed that crowd.”

They fiddled with the menu. Aunt Jean mentioned preparing her roasted butternut squash, which contained onions, spinach, and cranberries. They debated on whether or not they would only serve sweet potatoes and finally decided they better add mashed potatoes to the mix, as well. The last thing her aunt said was needed were some glazed carrots and cranberry sauce.

“It isn’t Thanksgiving unless you put cranberry sauce on the table,” Aunt Jean insisted.

“This is a lot of food,” Reagan said. “I hope we haven’t bitten off more than we can chew.”

“Piece of cake,” her aunt declared. Pies’ll be baked the day before. I may ask Emerson to do those, so she feels like she’s contributing something. Bakers always want to be helpful, and that gal is a sweetheart.” Her aunt looked over the menu again. “We can do some prep work the night before. I’ll talk to Braden early next week, after the baby’s home and settled. I’m sure he’ll let us into his kitchen then and the next day.

“But I’m telling him it’s hands off, as far as he’s concerned. The feast will be our contribution to their first Thanksgiving at home as a family.”

Reagan hugged her aunt. “Thank you for taking me in. Teaching me to cook. For always being here for me, no matter what.”

Tears filled her aunt’s eyes. “Baby, you’ve always meant the world to me. I’m just thrilled you’re back in Lost Creek and have found a good man to love. And I mean it. Marry him soon. Don’t waste time.”

She laughed. “I’ll think about it,” she said, putting her aunt off. Marriage to Tucker still seemed down the line a ways, in her mind.

“We’ll do the shopping together,” Aunt Jean announced. “Saturday morning, so be ready. Next week, it’ll be a zoo, no matter where you go. I’d already put in my turkey order, but I’ll call now and change it to two.”

Reagan excused herself, going to her room. Tucker would be finishing up his lunch shift soon. She was eager to tell him about Harper and how Thanksgiving was shaping up.

She couldn’t help it. She opened her phone to Instagram, knowing it was too early to have heard from Matt Hardy, yet she couldn’t help herself.

To her shock, a message awaited her.

She read it once. Squealed. Read it again.

And then dialed the cell number Matt had left for her.