I need to remind myself that life isn’t like a romantic song. Besides, my main focus at the moment is my music career. It’s probably smart not to make more of this crush, and it will eventually dissipate.
As we finish eating dessert, the conversation shifts to the spring town activities. Everton’s got a celebration for everything, and it seems spring comes with a town sock hop. I quietly laugh as I listen to them talk about the event, explaining how everyone dresses up from the era, and the whole town comes together.
“Actually, Mr. Powell asked if you and Knox would play,” Harris says with an easy smile.
“Yeah, of course,” I smile in return. Granted, if they want me to play, it’s part of my responsibilities, but it would be a blast to perform for the town.
“I already told him yes,” Harris winks.
“Daddy, we’re going, right?” Penny asks Gavin quietly.
“Yeah, sweetheart.” He wraps his arm around her protectively and smiles down at her, and I’m pretty sure my heart melted into a puddle of goo. I tear my eyes away from them before it becomes awkward gawking.
“Yes! Last year’s was so much fun,” Penny adds with a toothy grin. “‘Member Abbie?” She calls across the table.
“Sure do. You ate three cupcakes and danced your cute little tushie off.”
Penny nods vigorously, and everyone laughs at her enthusiasm. I catch Gavin’s eyes for a beat as I look from Penny to him and offer a timid smile. He smiles tightly before taking a drink of water and looks back at his daughter.
I sigh and inwardly roll my eyes. Does he have to be so handsome and mysterious? A part of me wants to pull him into a hug when I see the sad shadow that’s always cast around him. It’s subtle, but there’s no denying Gavin carries a heavy load on his shoulders.
After we help Averly clear the table and place all the dishes and silverware in the dishwasher, I walk over to Eli, who is carrying Mason, and peek at the cute little baby and his button nose. He is so adorable, it almost makes me want a baby.
“Do you want to carry him?” Eli smiles.
“Can I?” I nod.
“Of course.”
I hold a bundled up sleeping Mason and cradle him to me, swaying him as I take in every detail. Friends with babies are the best thing.
I find Gavin watching Mason with pursed lips. “We’re gonna get going. Thanks for having us,” he announces. After a round of goodbyes from him and Penny, she looks at me and waves.
“Bye, Famous Singer.”
“Sutton,” Gavin corrects.
Penny looks at her dad with an eye roll, causing everyone to laugh. “I know, Daddy, but I like calling her that.”
I bend down, keeping Mason balanced, and smile. “Me too. Maybe you can help me make it come true.” My eyebrows lift.
Penny nods with wild enthusiasm, and a wide smile splits her face. “Yes, I can do that.”
“Thanks. You can be my lucky charm.”
Penny squeals and dances around.
“Penny, let’s go,” Gavin says with an abruptness I never imagined him to have toward his daughter.
I stand back up, frowning, before focusing back on Mason in my arms. I bounce him as his eyes begin to blink open and softly hum.
My body jolts when someone places their arm around my shoulder, and Abbie’s giggles hit me.
“You scared me.” I look over at her with narrowed eyes.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to. Gavin’s gone through a lot, so don’t take anything personally,” she confides.
I nod and keep my eyes trained on Mason.
I can’t imagine what Gavin’s life must be like or the way his mind now assesses everything and everyone he meets.
“Penny likes you. She’s usually not so outgoing with someone until she knows them well enough,” Abbie adds.
“She’s sweet. I like her, too.”
“Now, give me my nephew.” Abbie holds her arms out.
I lift my eyebrows in question, and she laughs. “He’s not my nephew officially yet, but hopefully one day,” she confesses.
Smiling, I hand Mason over instead of being a greedy baby carrier. I have no doubt that one day she and Finn will get married, and she will officially be Averly’s sister-in-law and Mason’s aunt.
Finn walks over to us, placing his arm around Abbie and moving Mason’s blanket away from his face so he can look at him. I watch as he kisses Abbie’s temple and whispers something that causes her to blush and smile. Giving them some privacy, I walk into the living room and sit on the sofa.
My mind wanders to my future, attempting to imagine what it will be like. Dreams of having a family of my own, a successful music career, and a house full of laughter pulls me away from the conversation. I sigh and smile.
“Sutton,” Faith pulls me out of my thoughts. “When do you go back to Nashville?”
I shake my head and respond, “I’m in Everton for a couple more weeks to record my music video before heading back to Nashville for a few shows, and then I come back.”
“That’s a lot of traveling,” she comments.
“Yeah,” I nod. Maybe Ainsley was right when she said that I’m spending more time here than Nashville these days.
“Hey, she keeps me in business. Don’t discourage it,” Averly jokes.
I laugh and nod. “I most definitely do.” Her bed and breakfast is amazing, and I wouldn’t imagine staying anywhere else when I come into Everton.
“That reminds me,” Averly says. “Would you rather stay in the guest house since you’ll be here for so long? You’ll have a kitchen and more space to move around.”
“Really?” My eyes pop open.
“Yeah. My manager just moved out into her own place nearby. Same price as your current room.”
“Well, since you twisted my arm…” I roll my eyes playfully, and we all laugh.
“Great. I’ll make sure it’s ready for you tomorrow.”
“Thank you. Honestly, I’m happy in my current room, but it’d be nice to cook and not eat out or pester Knox and Ainsley for meals.”
“You’re not a pest,” Ainsley shakes her
