Moonlight Kiss

thanks to my son, Clint, for working nearly around the clock getting this event put together.” Pete grinned as he held up his hands once again, waiting for the crowd to quiet down. “Before we get started I want to tell you that I’m gonna have not one but several exciting announcements, so don’t even think of going anywhere.”

Reid looked at Addison with raised eyebrows. Everybody, even the children, fell silent while Pete paused for dramatic effect.

“This stage,” Pete began, “is temporary. Very soon Jason and his crew are going to start on a permanent outdoor arena that will host some amazing talent, drawing from nearby Nashville and beyond. We have to clear some more land but we hope to be up and running by next spring!” He eased his hands in a downward motion for silence. “And I thought it would only be fitting to have one of our own do the honors of singing on this here spot for the very first time. Ladies and gentleman, fresh from Nashville, give it up for Cricket Creek’s very own . . . Jeff Greenfield, along with his band, South Street Riot!”

The crowd erupted into wild applause when Jeff and his band walked onto the stage. Jeff grabbed the microphone from Pete and shouted, “How’s it goin’, Cricket Creek? Y’all ready to party?”

Reid put his pinkie and thumb to his lips and whistled before looking down at Addison. “Jeff sure knows how to work a crowd!”

Addison nodded her agreement. “You got that right!”

“I want to thank Pete and Clint Sully for hosting the first of many concerts to come right here in my hometown of Cricket Creek, Kentucky! We’re gonna start off with a cover of Jason Aldean’s ‘My Kinda Party’ to get ya’ll up on your feet and then play a few of our own songs. But like Pete said, don’t go anywhere because this is just the beginning of what’s going to be an amazing night!” Jeff shouted and then signaled for the band to begin.

As predicted the crowd was up on their feet, dancing and singing to the popular song. Nobody even thought about sitting on the lawn chairs or lying on blankets. Reid listened to his brother’s voice and smiled. Not too long ago he was just a kid sitting on the front porch, strumming his guitar for friends and family—most of whom were now in the crowd, singing and cheering him on. Jeff had one of those deep, rich, versatile voices that could rock it out or sing a slow, soulful ballad. Reid felt a sense of pride, but a twinge of guilt hit him when he remembered how he had preached against Jeff going off to Nashville. Never again would he ever discourage anyone from pursuing their dreams. Failing is better than never trying, Reid thought while tapping his foot to the music. Reid mused that it was funny because Jeff was actually more reserved and quiet than outgoing Braden, but he simply came to life up on the stage, like he owned it.

“How many of y’all ever been so much in love that you couldn’t see straight?” Jeff shouted, and was met with cheers, and whistles. Reid grinned when Cody looked at Sara and raised his hand. “The next song is one of our own called ‘Outta My Mind with Lovin’ You,’” Jeff said, and launched into a heartfelt ballad that had the crowd swaying to the beat while listening to the story the lyrics told. And then, showing their diversity, they slid right into a banjo-filled bluegrass song that had people linking arms and dancing to the fast-paced tune.

Addison came up on tiptoe and said in Reid’s ear, “Jeff is amazing. My dad would love to have their music in his store. I’m blown away by how good they are.”

Reid smiled and then looked over at his mom and dad, who were beaming with parental pride.

“And the women sure are swooning,” Addison added. “Jeff has star quality, for sure.”

“Thanks,” Reid said, and gave her a quick kiss. His mom caught his eye and gave him a subtle thumbs-up. Instead of shaking his head, Reid nodded his agreement, making her smile.

At the end of the energetic song Jeff tipped his cowboy hat and then raised his hand for silence. “This brings me to the second big announcement of the night. I’m proud and thrilled to announce that my band and I just signed with a record label.” He waited for the cheers to die down and then said, “That’s only the beginning. Let me introduce rock legend Rick Ruleman to tell you all about it.”

There was a heartbeat of stunned silence followed by more wild applause. Reid stood still while his heart raced. He looked down at Addison, but she stared wide-eyed at the stage and seemed as surprised as everyone else at the unexpected news. But the guy that walked onto the stage didn’t even begin to resemble the long-haired rocker that Reid remembered. Wait. . . . Reid tilted his head to the side. Hadn’t he seen this guy a couple of times having lunch at Wine and Diner with . . . Maggie McMillan?

Reid leaned in close to Addison’s ear. “Do you know anything about this?”

“I’m clueless, Reid. Truly,” she added, and seemed a little bit shaken up.

“Hello there, Cricket Creek, Kentucky! Give it up for the amazing Jeff Greenfield and his band, South Street Riot!” After the cheering died down, he said, “I know I don’t look like the Rick Ruleman you’re used to seeing so I thought I’d better convince you.” He took the electric guitar from a stagehand. He quickly went into one of his complicated guitar riffs that made the audience go wild. “That’s from my first hit single, ‘Jagged Edge.’ But what you don’t know is that ‘Jagged Edge’ was supposed to sound like this,” Rick announced, and then signaled for Jeff and his band to join him.

The bluesy, soulful rendition of the famous song was nothing like the huge hit that made Rick Ruleman a household name. Jeff harmonized, and Reid had to admit that the result was pretty damned awesome, and the crowd sure agreed.

“When my record label wanted hard rock I gave it to them,” Rick explained after the song ended, “but my heart has always been in a different place. But when ‘Jagged Edge’ went gold, then platinum, the stage was set, if you’ll pardon the pun,” he said, and the audience tittered with laughter. “But now that I’m um . . . of a certain age, I finally decided it was time to shed the long hair and leather—and, damn, that leather was hot and I don’t mean in a good way,” Rick continued, and the crowd laughed again. “I’ve decided to start my own record label, called My Way Records, and when Pete Sully sent me Jeff’s demos I knew I’d found some amazing talent. We’ve been jamming all week long down at the cabin I’ve been staying in. With the help of my son, Garret, we’ll be scouring the area for more talent and looking for studio musicians. Tonight is just the beginning of great things to come!”

Reid glanced at Addison, who was watching with avid interest. A few people who obviously knew about the rumors looked her way, and he drew her close, putting a protective arm around her in spite of the bit of discomfort he felt at seeing the famous father of her ex-fiance standing up onstage. And apparently going into business with Reid’s brother, not to mention bringing Garret into the fold.

“You might wonder how I ended up in Cricket Creek,” Rick continued. “Well, I actually came here to apologize to Addison Monroe, my son, Garret’s, ex-fiancee. There were some untrue and ugly rumors that I broke up my son’s engagement by having an affair with Addison. The rumor was started by my publicist to create some publicity. I fired him. But when I saw Addison’s lovely shop and knew she was flying under the paparazzi radar I decided to do her a favor and keep my distance. But now I want to give a public apology to Addison Monroe for being pulled into the ugliness of something she had no part of and didn’t deserve to be drawn into. Addison and Garret parted friends, and I’m so very pleased that she’s doing well in this amazing town of yours!”

Reid tightened his grip on Addison, letting his fingers caress her arm supportively. She had a faint smile on her face but appeared slightly stunned. He could tell that she didn’t like the attention, but she nodded and raised one hand in recognition of the apology.

Rick paused for the applause and then said, “And there is one more person that I need to apologize to. Maggie McMillan.” He looked in the direction where Maggie stood with Tristan and Savannah. “Maggie, I’m so sorry that I didn’t tell you my true identity . . . but, in reality, since I’ve been living here in Cricket Creek, I’ve stopped pretending to be someone else and I feel like I’ve come home.” Rick looked at Jeff, who nodded to the band. “Since you won’t listen to me, I’m going to cover a song by one of my favorite artists, the late, great Jim Croce.” Rick then started singing “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song.”

When they got to the last stanza Rick said, “Come on, Cricket Creek. Lend your voices and sing along. I need all the help I can get . . .” he said, and smiled down at Maggie, who was clinging to her son’s arm while wiping tears with her other hand. When the song ended she blew him a kiss and the audience applauded wildly. “And now I’m going to give the stage back to Jeff Greenfield. There’s a woman I need to hug.”

28 The Real Deal