Brothers of Rock: WILLOW SON (Box Set - All 5 Novels Together) by London Casey, Karolyn James (10)

“Which is?”

Emma looked at Seth. Her eyes turned glossy.

Brantley grabbed her hand and squeezed. “Hey. What is it?”

Emma rolled her eyes and tried to hide her tears. “The reason I called you. It’s not about you being in his life, Brantley. I didn’t intend for everything to happen like it did between us yesterday.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“He needs a blood transfusion. From you. He’s got a rare blood type and I’m assuming you have the same.”

“I have no idea what my blood type is,” Brantley said.

“Well, it has to be you,” Emma said. “You’re his father.”

Brantley nodded. “Is this why you got so pissed when I asked about me being his father?”

“Maybe.” Emma swallowed hard. “If it’s not you…”

“So let me ask again, Emma,” Brantley said. “Without emotion here. Without me being drunk. Without me sounding like a total ass. Do you think there’s a chance Seth isn’t mine?”

“Isn’t your what?” Seth called out. He came running to the table, drumstick in his hand, waving it, making sounds.

Brantley looked at the kid. “Uh… is there a chance you’re not my… friend.”

“What?”

“Well, I mean, you know how ninjas are, right?” Brantley asked. “They keep to themselves. I mean, I had fun making pancakes with you, kid. I’m kind of just wondering if we’re friends.”

Seth stared at Brantley. He held out the drumstick. “I’ll get back to you on that.”

Seth turned and ran away.

Brantley laughed. He ran his hand through his hair.

“Probably not the time or place,” Emma whispered. “He hears everything and understands way too much.”

Brantley mouthed Holy shit and then shook his head.

“Let me get you some more coffee,” he said. “I have to give the guys a call and figure out our schedule. Are you going to come with me?”

Emma got up and went to the kitchen.

When they were alone and out of sight, Brantley couldn’t give a damn about coffee. He grabbed for Emma’s waist and pulled her close.

“Is this wrong?” he whispered.

He kissed her.

“Probably,” Emma said.

They kissed again.

“I’m going to hang here,” she said. “I don’t want to take Seth anywhere just yet. Okay?”

“Yeah. That’s fine. I’m going to go to the studio. Meet up with our manager and talk to some record execs. You know, normal stuff for me.”

“Insane,” Emma said. “What a life.”

“Yeah, what a life,” Brantley said. “Are you good here?”

“Seriously?”

“You know what I mean,” Brantley said. “I don’t want you to worry. Or think I won’t be back. I mean, if I’m welcome back.”

Emma touched Brantley’s chest. “Yeah, you can come back. I’m going to check on my father. Check in with Cassie. I have a ton of emails to get through. Normal day for me.”

“I’ll be back and we’ll figure out whatever you need. I mean, I’ll go to the hospital right now, Emma. They can take anything from me. Blood. Organs. Fingers. Toes.”

“I think you better keep yourself together,” Emma said. “But thank you for saying that. And for the record, to answer your question… no, there’s no chance that Seth isn’t yours. I wouldn’t do that to you. If there was any chance, I would have said a long time ago. I wouldn’t have taken money…”

“Speaking of that, what’s the deal with your father’s bar?” Brantley asked. “Is he really going to lose it?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know the finances…”

“But it’s bad?”

“Yeah.”

“Why didn’t you say something? I could have given more, Emma.”

“I didn’t want to seem like I was using you.”

Brantley touched Emma’s shoulders. “New rule. Use me, sexy moves. Use me for everything you need and everything you want. You’ve done so much.”

Emma nodded, eyes glossy. “Okay. Brantley… this is…”

“I know it is,” he whispered.

He kissed her forehead and then walked toward the living room. He gave a quick peek on Seth, feeling his heart jumping a little.

Brantley left the house and stood on the porch for a few seconds. He covered his mouth and took a deep breath.

There were some heavy promises being thrown around.

And Brantley was going to keep every single one of them.

***

“You have stuff to worry about later on,” Harry said. “Right now, this is about pulling together the music and working with the marketing team. Well, more me than you guys. You’ll need to show up for photo shoots, interviews, a few autograph sessions. I’m working on equipment deals and maybe a big summer tour.”

“Maybe?” Colby asked. “We want it.”

“Everyone does,” Van said.

“The financing needs to come through,” Harry said. “Which it will.”

“Tell Portis to break out the checkbook,” Ryker said.

“What about the opening band?” Brantley asked. “I know we touched on it and then it faded out.”

“I know what I would do,” Jett said. “I’ve been saying it for a while now. There’s an east coast band that’s tearing it the hell up. They’re too big for their own good, believe it or not. They have offers to come out west but they’re hanging east, just living it up.”

“Who is it?” Ryker asked.

“They’re called After the Run. Trust me, they’re good. They’re already big time on their own. They had a small label working with them. Two of the guys have a clothing line. It’s crazy to think about. All on their own.”

Brantley pointed to Harry. “Make the call then. Figure it out. Let’s go to a show.”

“What about your situation?” Colby asked.

“Me?” Brantley asked. “It’s all good. Taking things slow. I’m letting her lead the way. She has every right to do so.”

“How’s the kid?” Jett asked.

“Good. Amazing. It’s a different world, man. I’m learning my way. We made pancakes together. I gave him a drumstick and he uses it to fight off bad guys.”

“Bad guy?” Van asked.

“You know kids, man. Stuffed animals and stuff.”

“I wish I was a kid again,” Harry said.

“No you don’t,” Ryker said. He walked to Harry. “You love being grown up and watching after us.”

Everyone laughed.

“I’m going to jam,” Brantley said. “I have to go back later. This is a quick trip here for me. I’m far from out of the woods with any of this. The kid is sick, you know? Emma said something about a blood transfusion. I guess I’m the matching type. If he is mine.”

“Any doubts?” Colby asked.

“No,” Brantley said. “Not a chance. When I look at him…”

The room was silent for a few seconds. Brantley had no words. That’s exactly how it felt. There were no words for it all.

“Okay,” Ryker said. “Let’s write a sad song. Let it all out, brother.”

It wasn’t the worst idea in the world.

The five of them grabbed acoustic guitars and went to work. Brantley felt the gears in his mind going wild. Not musically but lyrically. Ryker and Jett took the lead, strumming a few chords they called the standard sad song chords… G, E minor, D, and C. Ryker started to mess around with some riffs and playing the chords an octave higher to give it more sound.

Then out of nowhere Harry started to whistle. It sounded like shit because Harry couldn’t carry a tune with a dump truck, but it gave Brantley an idea. He started to whistle, able to line it up with the music.

Colby nodded, agreeing. He whistled too.

“Wait,” Ryker said. “Jett, play the chords and let me get some notes together to whistle…”

Just like that, the jam session turned into a real writing session. What came out of it was an amazing, deep song. Colby whistled the riff Ryker wrote on guitar while the rest of the band played chords in different positions giving the song an amazing depth.

“All we need is some words,” Van said, looking at Colby.

Colby looked at Brantley. “That’s you, brother.”

“I’ll get back to you on that,” Brantley said.

Brantley traded the guitar for a view outside the studio. His eyes scanned the buildings and he thought about Emma and Seth. All that went right and all that had gone wrong.

And after all we’ve done wrong, we can still find some right.

Lead ourselves from this darkness, bring it all into the light.

There’s nothing else that matters, except the one… this life…

“What are you thinking?”

Brantley lost his thought and saw Colby standing next to him. “I don’t know, brother. How do you write a song?”

“Just make shit up and hope it works.”

“Thanks.”

“You know, I can’t imagine what you’re going through,” Colby said. “My advice though? Write it all down. Don’t try to be lyrical right now. Just get the emotion out, man. Then we can go back and sort through it all. And hell, if you decide not to share it, I’ll take over.”

“I’m trying to figure out the right thing.”

“You’ll get it. It’s still new.”

“Not to her. She’s been doing this alone.”

“Yeah, she has.”

“She gave up so much, Colby. She pushed me away on purpose, knowing I’d hold it against her for not pursuing this dream. She gave her body to have a kid. And the thing is, man, she’s still fucking beautiful.”

“Oh yeah? You jumped back into old habits?” Colby asked with a grin.

“I consider it unfinished business. But she’s just amazing, man. Like, the changes she’s worried about are driving me nuts because they’re sexy. I can’t even describe it.”

Colby patted Brantley on the back. “I can’t believe I’m hearing this. You know, five years ago, you’d be standing here with a dozen eggs, throwing them out the window at cars. Then you’d press your ass against the window. Then the cops would be called. Then we’d call Harry for help. Instead, we’re talking family. And romance.”

“Time is a fucking weird thing,” Brantley said. He then grabbed his jeans and opened them. He turned, dropped his jeans, and stuck his ass against the glass. “But not everything has to change, right?”

Colby laughed. “There is something wrong with you.”

“So, here’s the… whoa,” Harry said as he entered the room. “Is your bare ass against that window?”

Brantley stood up and fixed his jeans. “Not anymore.”

“Oh, Christ,” Harry said.

“What’s wrong, Harry?” Colby asked.

“Besides the fact that Brantley’s boney ass print is against the window… that After the Run band is playing a gig. I can arrange you guys to fly out and attend. Just give me the word.”

“Where?” Brantley asked.

“New York,” Harry said.

“Oh…”

“No,” Colby said. “We can’t fly out. Brantley can’t. Not with this kid thing.”

“You guys go,” Brantley said.

“We decide this as a band,” Colby said.

“Can’t we fly them here?” Brantley asked.

“No,” Harry said. “They don’t give a shit.”

“Fucking rockstars,” Brantley said and smiled.

“You’re telling me,” Harry said. “You guys talk and let me know. I can arrange a private jet to take you out. See the show, meet the band, fly back. One night thing.”

One night thing, Brantley thought. That seemed to be his specialty.

“Brother,” Colby said. “Don’t worry about this. You’re not leaving that kid.”

“No, I’m not,” Brantley said. “But let me see what I can do here. I have an idea.”

Brantley grabbed his leather jacket and was on the move. He had to say his goodbyes to the guys and then head north to see Emma.

They technically still hadn’t had a first date yet… and if Brantley was going to give her a real first date, he was going to do it in total rockstar style.

***

Emma heard her father’s back pop as he climbed to his feet. He reached for the table and then wrestled with his right leg to make it work. She jumped forward but held back knowing it would offend him to say something. It also pained her because it didn’t seem fair that her father had taken on such intense duties with Seth. It should have been Brantley with Seth on the floor.

Someday… we’ll work this out…

Her father turned around, biting on his lip.

“Thought the leg was fine,” Emma said.

“It is,” he said. “I’m old, Emma.”

“An old fart,” Seth said.

“Seth!” Emma yelled.

Her father chuckled. “He got that from me.”

“Then you go to time out,” Emma said.

“I’m in trouble, Seth,” her father.

“That’s okay, Pop. She won’t stay mad long.”

Her father laughed again. “Where does he get these one liners from?”

“I don’t know,” Emma said.

Her father hobbled toward the kitchen, shaking his leg as he did so.

“How do you move things in the bar?” she asked. “You’re going to end up hurting yourself one day. For real.”

“Ah, I’m fine.”

“Why don’t you just sell it?”

“I can’t. You know that.”

“What do you mean you can’t?”

Her father got a glass and poured himself some iced tea. He turned and leaned against the counter. “I’m in the hole on the place. It’s not worth what it was ten years ago.”

“I thought the market turned back around.”

“It did,” her father said. “But when you mortgage the place over and over… it doesn’t even have a real name… it doesn’t make much money…”

“Oh, Dad.”

“Emma, I’m fine. If I wasn’t working, I’d be dead. Okay? Don’t make a big deal about me. Worry about Seth. About yourself. About… where is he?”

“Had a business meeting.”

Her father raised an eyebrow. “Business meeting? They have that?”

“He’s not all tattoos and attitude, Dad.”

“I bet that’s what you liked, huh?”

“Stop it. That’s gross. I don’t want you thinking about what I like.”

Her father stepped forward and put his glass on the counter. The same counter where she and Brantley…

Emma felt her cheeks burning red. “He’s coming back tonight. We’re trying to work it out. We’re going to take care of Seth.”

“Okay. Good. Seth deserves both of his parents.”

“Just don’t attack him with a baseball bat again,” Emma said. “You knew damn well who that was. Nobody robs a bar like yours.”

Her father smiled. “I have to rattle him a little, Em. Tell you what, when he comes back, you two take time and figure it out. I’ll come watch Seth. I want you two to talk all this out. Because I don’t even understand what the hell you two did. I want to be pissed at the guy, Em, but you keep telling me you were the one who shoved him away, too.”

“We both made a mistake,” Emma said. “But we got a miracle out of it.”

“A hyper miracle,” her father said. “But it’s goddamn good to see him running around again. I can’t take watching him in the hospital like that. A kid is meant to run. Be free and happy. Make messes. Cut their knees. Dig up worms.”

“That’s what boys do,” Emma said. “Girls are different.”

“You weren’t different.”

“I was your project,” Emma said. “Because you never got a son.”

“Aw, don’t say that. I loved you so much, Em, I never needed another kid.”

“Yeah, that’s the reason.”

Her father hugged her tight. He smelled of cheap aftershave and dust from the bar. It was a smell that would never leave her memory.

“So how long until the drummer boy shows up?”

Before Emma could answer, her cell phone started to ring.

It was Brantley… probably calling to cancel plans…

(12)

“You want me to do what?” Emma asked as she sat on the opposite end of the couch.

It was almost midnight and she had been sitting with Brantley since Seth went to bed. Their conversation had been casual, nothing serious, not about medical stuff, blood, parenthood, or any of the other elephants in the room that so desperately needed to be addressed.

“I know it’s crazy, Emma,” Brantley said. “But we can fly out, see the show, fly back. One, two, three. You and me.”

“And the band?”

“Yeah. The band, too. But it’s a big jet. A private jet. You know? We’ll have space. To talk and stuff.”

“I can’t leave Seth.”

“I know. I just wanted to offer though.”

“I mean, it’s sweet.”

“He seems to be doing good, right?”

“Yeah, but that could change in a second,” Emma said.

“Then I’ll get a private jet for us.”

“What?”

“I’ll call Harry right now. We’ll fly separate. See the band play. Then fly right back. If anything would happen, we get right back on the plane and fly here.”

“It’s across the country,” Emma said. “It’s not a twenty minute drive.”

Brantley stood up and ran his hands through his hair. “You’re right. I feel selfish now. Like I’m trying to steal your time or something. I just want to be with you, Emma. Just us. To talk about everything. I feel like we’re avoiding it all right now. I mean, you said something about Seth needing my blood? Take it. Right now. Call the doctor. I’ll go to the hospital right now.”

Emma felt her heart twist a little. “Brantley, it’s not that simple. Right now, Seth is fine. I’m fine with it. I don’t want him back in a hospital just yet. Unless you’re coming and going fast. But I need the truth.”

“The truth?” Brantley asked. “I’m the truth. Me, right here. Right now. I’m looking right at you, Emma. I feel something when I look at Seth. We’ve played ninjas, watched cartoons. I’ve made breakfast, bought dinner. I helped him get dressed tonight and read him a story. He’s smart, you know that. He’s going to wonder who the hell I really am and why I’m here so much. That’s why I offered to get a place up here. So there’s no confusion until we’re ready.”

“Are you ready? For him to know?”

“Yeah. I am.”

Emma felt her stomach spin. A little sting of jealousy hit her. She didn’t want to share Seth. Not after all they had been through together. It didn’t seem fair.

“Okay. Then we should talk to him.”

Brantley inched closer to the couch and put his hand out. Emma offered her hand to him. He slowly sat down on the coffee table.

“Hey, I’m okay with being your friend,” he said. “This can’t be easy for you. I’m not crashing in on this to take over or nudge you aside. I’m not going to disappear either. Unless you want me to. All I’ve ever wanted, Emma, was for you to be happy with all of this. I grew up so different…” Brantley swallowed hard.

“You don’t have to talk about it.”

“No, I do. Because maybe it’ll show something about me. Maybe I can make sense of myself.”

“Okay. I’m sorry. This is a whirlwind for me still.”

Brantley touched Emma’s face. “You’ve been a whirlwind to me since I saw you dancing that night in front of those speakers.”

She put her hand to his. “I was drunk that night.”

“No you weren’t.”

“I was on my way to drunk.”

“Because of that asshole date.”

“Yeah… that…” Brantley still didn’t know Rick had been around long after that. “There’s a story about him. It’s sort of funny.”

“Let me go first.”

“Okay.”

“All I’ve known is music, Emma. It saved me. I had a brother named Bobby. He was my older brother. Cool as hell. He played guitar. He had long hair. A real bad ass kid. After my mother had me, she ended up getting sick. I really don’t remember much about her because she passed when I was seven.”

“Oh, Brantley…”

“It’s okay. But Bobby was seventeen. I was the big whoops in the family. When my mother passed, it took Bobby from me too. He was gone. He started using. My father drank. Then one day, my father left. He just packed a bag and split. I remember waking up to find the note under a gallon of milk and a box of cereal. I ate, went to school, and came home, trying to figure it out. I was ten years old, Emma. Right then I became Bobby’s responsibility. He came back to the house, twenty years old, strung out and broke. He had a free place to stay and I had a home. He never stopped using though. It was the hardest time of my life watching him slowly kill himself. He sold all of his guitars to buy drugs. He became a skeleton, a shell of the cool guy I remembered as a kid. The cops came and other authorities came and I was removed from the house. By then I was old enough to split on my own and just hide out. I lived on the street for two years, but I met the guys then. I met Jett, Ryker, Colby, and Van. We were all together like a band of outlaws, doing whatever we wanted to do. It was amazing. We wrote music and started to play shows. I guess the rest of the story you can figure out, but what I’m saying is I never knew love. What it was like to be cared for. I only knew being let down. It’s not right to do or say, Emma, but somewhere in my mind, having this agreement with you was easier than finding out how to love my own son.”

Brantley sucked in a breath and shook his head. He buried his face in his hands.

Emma slid her fingers into his hair.

“That took a lot to say,” she whispered.

“I’m both of them,” Brantley whispered. “By staying away, I did the same as they did by being around, right?”

“No, Brantley. No. We both did it together. I didn’t want you pulled away from your band and dream. I knew I had my support system here. My father gave me the house and helped me. I never anticipated Seth to be sick, but you were there.”

Brantley lifted his head. His eyes were glossy. “I talked to you through Harry. What kind of man does that make me?”

Emma touched his face. “I think we both know if we were within any distance of each other it would be bad.”

“Bad meaning good.”

Emma nodded. “Yeah. Like kitchen counter good.”

Brantley touched her sides and squeezed. She felt a surge of heat through her body.

“It’s not just about the kitchen counter,” he said. “It’s more than that. It’s what you’ve done. You need to know how amazing it is. And how beautiful you are for what you’ve done. I know we’re figuring all this out, and I know it’s a burden to have me around here, but you’re beautiful, Emma. I don’t care about the woman from years ago dancing in front of the speakers. She’s a memory. I care about the woman in front of me right now.”

There was still so much more to talk about. So much more to apologize for, on both ends. But Emma couldn't remember a time in her life when someone said she was beautiful and she believed it.

She believed it when Brantley said it. And for all she had gone through… mentally, emotionally, and physically, it meant something to her.

She grabbed Brantley’s face and kissed him.

Not just once either.

She moved from the couch to his lap, her nails digging at his face. She couldn’t get enough of him. The lines of romance, responsibility, and pure lust were fully mixed together. But Emma didn’t care. She couldn’t care. She was listening to her needs. They were most important.

Brantley’s hands touched her back, holding her.

“Take me upstairs,” she said. “Right now, Brantley. Touch me. Hold me.”

Without a word, Brantley stood up. He carried her up the stairs and to her bedroom. He put her back on her feet and slowly undressed her. With each piece of clothing that came off her body, Brantley kissed a part exposed. He started with her top, then her bra. His hands cupped her breasts, thumbs circling around her nipples, bringing them to life. She reached for his jeans, demanding them open. Once she got Brantley’s shirt off, the sight took her breath away.

Brantley then dropped down and grabbed her sides again. He kissed her stomach and Emma whimpered. She wasn’t used to him kissing at a spot she felt so insecure about. But his tight hold and eager tongue said otherwise.

He stripped her of her jeans and panties, Emma balancing herself by grabbing his shoulders. He then stood back, rubbing his bare chest against hers. They were connected. Completely connected.

Emma forced her hand between them, finally able to touch Brantley. Her fingertips touched his thick cock, wrapping around, tugging at him. He pressed himself against her body, her sex silky and damp, ready for him.

Brantley pressed at her, guiding her down to the bed. He hovered over her for a second and then thrust forward, entering her.

Gripping the sheets with one hand and her other hand on Brantley’s ass, she felt him slide as deep as before. The pleasure was instant, forcing her back to arch. She tried to scream but it came out as a hoarse gasp.

He had her right there on the bed.

He fucked when she needed to be fucked.

He slowed when she came.

And then he made love to her body, touching so beautifully, kissing her when she demanded a kiss, and never once worrying about himself. Every move was for her. Emma saw it in his eyes and believed it in his touch.

They ended up at the top of the bed, Emma’s hair a mess, head resting on a pillow. Her ankles were locked around Brantley’s back as he still moved. Slowing by the second, his wonderful cock throbbing as he came down from his own climax.

He eased from her body and rested next to her. Emma faced him, turning to her side.

“You know, we can’t do that every time we try to be serious,” she whispered.

“You started it this time,” Brantley said. “I was just making sure you were happy. That’s all.”

She touched his face. “I’m trying to be happy, Brantley. All of this scares me. It’s easier to be mad at you when you’re not than it is to have you here and feel worried.”

“I get that. You have every right to be worried. I would be worried with me. I don’t understand any of this. How to be a good father. But I’ll damn try.”

“I like watching you with him. He likes you.”

“I hope so. I’m sure he’ll hate me someday.”

Emma smiled. She leaned in and kissed him. “Sleep here tonight.”

“I plan on it. I like my morning wake up for pancakes when I’m on the couch.”

“No, Brantley. Sleep here, in this bed, with me. Hold me tonight. I want to feel you.”

“We should probably get dressed though,” Brantley said. “So we don’t get busted.”

“Good call. See, you’re thinking like a parent already.”

They climbed out of bed and eyed each other as they dressed. It was the first time Emma could remember being post-pregnant and not caring about someone looking at her body. No running from the bed to the bathroom and returning with a towel around herself.

That’s what Brantley did to her. For her.

They climbed back into bed and Brantley nestled up against her body. Their fingers interlocked and Emma shut her eyes.

She felt safe. She felt protected. She felt loved.

***

Brantley watched as Emma started to fall asleep.

How could this be so real?

One thing Brantley knew, he didn’t want it to end. No matter what it took to work everything out. He’d do anything for Seth’s health. He’d do anything for Emma’s happiness.

After a few minutes, Emma’s lips moved. “I’m sorry about your family.”

“No. Don’t be. You have bigger things to worry about. I shouldn’t have let any of that get to me now. Or years ago with us. I’ll never forgive myself.”

“You have to, or else we have no future.”

Brantley squeezed at her. “You deserve happiness, Emma. Whatever that is to you. I want you to have it.”

“Thank you.”

Brantley kissed her cheek.

A few seconds later, Emma said, “Let me see what I can do…”

“About what?”

“That concert. I want to go. I’ve never done anything crazy like that.”

“Oh, you’ve done crazy stuff, sexy moves,” Brantley whispered. “Like hooking up with a rockstar and having his baby. That’s pretty intense.”

Emma grinned. Her eyes were still shut.

Goddamn, she’s so beautiful.

“No, listen,” Emma said. “I want to go with you. Just you and me. If this concert means something to you. I want to go. I’ve never been on a private jet before. I’ve only been on a plane a few times.”

“Okay,” Brantley said. “Get some sleep. I…”

He caught himself.

Was I just about say I love you to her?

Brantley quickly shut his eyes, as though he could block away what just almost happened.

Deep down, he was nodding to himself… yeah, I was going to say it.

***

Somewhere lost in a dream, Brantley and Emma were still together in that diner. He made damn sure to go after her and tell her there was no way she was getting away from him. After they hugged, kissed, and cried, they went back to her place and made love.

Brantley took a job as a mechanic and played guitar on the weekends.

Seth was born, healthy and stayed that way.

Yeah, sure, Brantley resented the success of Willow Son, but he got to play covers on the weekend, drink draft beer for free, and usually walked away with a couple hundred dollars in his pocket. Hell, Colby even stayed in close touch and was working on getting Brantley some writing credits on the next album.

Life was simple. Life was struggling. Life was good.

It wasn’t perfect but what was? Wasn’t that the fun in it? Struggling, finding the best in someone during the worst times, and then saying…

“Wake up, Mommy!”

Brantley stirred and groaned.

He felt an elbow crash against his chest.

Then blankets were pulled over his head.

“Good morning, Seth,” Emma’s voice said.

She then started to unleash a fury of kicks at Brantley, making it damn clear he had to get out of the bed before Seth saw them together.

Brantley slithered to the side and put his hand down on the floor. Sadly, this wasn’t his first in the sheets escape. There were a few times when a significant other had come into the room and Brantley had to wiggled his way under the bed and wait things out. One time, really strange, it was a woman that came home to her girlfriend.

He managed to get to the floor and stayed there, staring up at the ceiling.

“What are you doing up so early?” Emma asked.

“The clock has an eight first. That’s what time I get up. Where’s Brantley? Did he sleep on the couch? I didn’t see him.”

Brantley smiled.

The kid’s looking for me. I like it.

“No, Seth, he’s… you know what? I’m hungry. Let’s go make something to eat.”

“I want pancakes, please,” Seth said. “And I want to flip them. Brantley showed me how.”

“Yes he did. I’ll have to thank him for doing that.”

They left the room and Brantley popped up. He looked around and stood up. He grabbed his shirt and put it on. He then checked himself in the mirror and slowly left the room. Once he was halfway down the stairs did he realize he’d have to explain why he was upstairs.

Before he could backtrack, Seth spotted him.

“Hey!” Seth said. “Where were you?”

“Taking a shower,” Brantley said.

“No you weren’t. The water wasn’t running. And you look messy.”

Brantley looked at Emma.

They were both frozen.

“Brantley… and I…”

“Secret ninja mission, kid,” Brantley said. “I thought I heard a noise. I went to check it out and got lost in the attic. Okay? I figured you could use the rest, Seth. You fight bad guys all day. It wasn’t a bad guy though. Sorry.”

“Oh,” Seth said. “I don’t believe you.”

Seth turned and walked away, going for a chair to drag it into the kitchen.

Brantley stared at Emma.

At the exact same time, they both smiled.

It felt like family.

***

Brantley was outside on the porch again.

“Portis isn’t thrilled about sending two planes,” Harry said.

“I don’t care. This is a medical thing, Harry. If something happens with” - my son - “the kid I need to be able to fly out right away. I’m not going to stay long either. I’m trying to figure this thing out. Work with me. Pay the cost out of my account then, I don’t care. I’m not going to put Emma in a bad position. And I’m not going to leave Seth hanging if he gets sick.”

“Okay, okay,” Harry said. “I’m just telling you in case Portis gives you shit later on.”

“I’ll deal with it then. Just send me the time for everything.”

“Got it. And hey, that new song sounds good. Really good. It’s just missing lyrics.”

“Talk to the lead singer.”

“I did that. He said to talk to you.”

“Go back and talk to him. I’m not writing lyrics right now. I’m busy with my… with my family.”

“Good for you. I’ll text you all the details.”

“Harry. Speaking of that… I’m going to text you something. Don’t share it with anyone. Look at it and help me with it. Okay?”

Harry started to talk and Brantley hung up.

Brantley turned and saw Mike standing on the porch.

“Hey,” Brantley said.

“Rockstar,” Mike said. He was in roughed up clothes, his flannel sleeves rolled up, looking like he just came from work. “You’re skipping the town, the state, going across the country?”

“Yeah. Just for a show. We’re lining up the next opening act.”

“Private jet?”

“Yes. If anything happens…”

Mike stepped forward and touched Brantley’s shoulder. “I heard what you said. What you’re doing now. That means something.”

“I can’t imagine what everyone has been through in all this. I want to try and show Emma something outside it all. I want her to see my life for a night. I’ve seen her life and it’s amazing. I’m not going anywhere either. She was nervous about me helping and leaving. I respect that. But I’m going to prove it to everyone.”

Mike squeezed tight. “I hope so. I never thought I’d be talking to my daughter’s guy friend or whatever and having her leave in a private jet. Here I was, worried about her speeding in a car.”

“It’s a rockstar thing,” Brantley said.

“Yeah. Well… you better learn about the father thing too.”

The front door opened and Seth was there, yelling, “Pop!”

“Hey, big man!” Mike said.

He crouched, his knees popping, and Seth dove into his arms.

“Hey Pop, guess what?” Seth asked.

“What?”

“Brantley stayed the night.”

Mike looked up. “Oh?”

“Yeah. He did it before but slept on the couch. This time, he woke up and fought bad guys in the attic.”

“The attic, huh?” Mike asked.

The kid is ratting me out, Brantley thought.

“Yeah,” Seth said. “I don’t believe him. I think Mommy was afraid and Brantley was checking her closet.”

“Okay, Seth,” Emma said.

Mike stood up and patted Seth on the head.

“Well,” Mike said, “I hope you both enjoy your night.”

“Thanks for helping,” Emma said. “Cassie will be here soon enough. I have my cell on. Call for anything.”

“Anything,” Brantley said. “We can turn around and be home in no time. No matter what.”

Emma grabbed Seth and kissed him. “I love you, Seth. Be good for Pop and Auntie Cassie.”

“I will,” Seth said.

Seth looked at Brantley.

“Thanks for letting me borrow your mom for a night,” Brantley said.

“Like I had a choice,” Seth said.

Mike burst into laughter.

Brantley shook his head.

With quick comebacks like that? A definite sign that Seth really was his.

Everyone said one more goodbye and then it was Emma and Brantley, together. They got into his car and started to drive. Before they got to the end of the street, Brantley took Emma’s hand… he was never going to let her go again.

(13)

Brantley had been a whirlwind from the second Emma met him. That crazy night when she had one too many vodka drinks had given her a surge of confidence to approach the drummer like he was just some regular cute guy. That set a path she never thought possible.

Now it had taken yet another wild turn.

Ushered to a small airport and watching Willow Son standing there, waiting. Of course, they all made comments about why Brantley and Emma needed a private jet to themselves. Before Emma could get over meeting the band, she was led to a small jet and was then blasted off into the air, Brantley by her side.

Each minute that passed put lots of miles between she and Seth. She had never been that far from her son.

They landed and Emma called Cassie.

Seth was fine, running around the house with his magic drumstick, fighting wars, and asking too many questions about Brantley. Those were Cassie’s exact words. That told Emma it was getting close to decision time on everything. She and Brantley could mess with each other’s hearts all they wanted but they couldn’t do that to Seth. It wasn’t fair to him. They needed to have a serious talk about what they were and where they were going. Or how to handle Seth in it all.

“You okay?” Brantley asked as Emma put her phone away.

“Yeah, fine,” Emma said. “Just checking in on things.”

“How’s the kid?”

“Good. Playing with his drumstick.”

“That’s awesome.”

“Yeah.”

“Hey,” Brantley said. He touched her waist. “What is it?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me. Do you want to go back?”

“We just flew out here.”

“I don’t care. We’ll fly back if this is too much for you. Tell me.”

Emma touched his face. “No. I want to have this night with you. I just… all of it, Brantley. Where it’s going.”

Brantley nodded. “I understand. I’m not going to force my way anywhere I’m not wanted. But I can tell you this, you’re real to me. This is real between us. We have a son together.”

“B! We gotta roll.” It was Ryker, waving his arms.

“You tell me the truth about tonight,” Brantley said. “You get a hint that you want to be home, we leave. I swear.”

“Okay. Thank you. Let’s go see this show. I haven’t been to a concert in a long time. In fact… if I remember right… the last time I had fun I spent the night with the drummer.”

“Oh, hell no,” Brantley said. “That’s not happening. You’re going home with one drummer. Me.”

***

The venue was bigger than a club but not quite the arena size. It had two stories, everything open to look at the stage. The second floor had tables and chairs, a place to lounge and relax. The first floor was the open stage but had a bar around the entire perimeter.

Backstage, it was busy and crammed.

There was a large hall type of room and that’s where the two bands were hanging out.

“What a turnout,” Brantley said as he approached the band. “Good for you guys.”

“Jeff?” Harry asked. “I’m Harry…”

“Yeah,” Jeff said.

The two managers shook hands.

“Holy shit,” someone said. “Willow Son is here. For real.”

“We’re here,” Brantley said.

“Okay,” the guy said. “Wow. Uh, I’m Erik, man. I sing.” Brantley shook his hand. “We’re After the Run. This is Slade, he plays guitar. This is Liam, another guitarist. Jase is on bass. And then Caine on drums.”

“You know us, right?” Ryker asked.

“I think we got it,” Slade said. “Goddamn.”

“Let’s get a picture,” Jeff said. “This is great press.”

The two bands got together and pictures were taken over and over.

“So why the low key life?” Brantley asked Erik.

“Nothing about us is low key,” Erik said. “We’re just living the life. We’re rich already, so why the hell go bigger?”

“What about the music?” Van asked. “Don’t you want to reach the world?”

“It does,” Jase said. “We sell across the country and the world.”

“Now you need to tour,” Colby said. “I’ll cut right to it. You know why we’re here.”

Brantley looked over at Emma as she stood near the door, holding a drink. He smiled and winked at her.

“I guess that’s manager talk,” Liam said.

“Fuck that,” Ryker said. “Fuck managers. Fuck record companies. This is about two bands getting up on stage together.”

“About both of us tearing up arenas,” Brantley said. “We’re not looking for a band to open for us to fill some time and space. If that’s what we wanted, then the record company would do it. We tried that route and it was terrible.”

“This is about us picking a band,” Jett said. “You guys rock. Bottom line.”

“Shit,” Caine said. “Willow Son thinks we rock.”

“So what do you want from us?” Erik asked. “A pinky promise?”

“No,” Colby said. “Just know we’re looking at you. We’re not offering a thing. Just putting it out there that if you want to come on tour with us, let’s do it. Let’s have some fun.”

“Let’s play this show first,” Slade said.

“I can live with that,” Brantley said.

“Tell you what,” Jeff chimed in. “Why don’t we see how the bands mesh together? A little surprise song featuring Willow Son?”

“I can definitely live with that,” Brantley said.

“Going to be a full stage,” Colby said.

“The people are going to go fucking nuts,” Erik said.

“Wait,” Harry said. “They already are.” He showed everyone his phone. There were people on social media claiming they saw Ryker in New York already. “Looks like there’s some buzz building.”

“We have to get out there,” Liam said. “You’ll hear us call for you.”

The bands broke up and as Willow Son went to Harry, Brantley went to Emma.

“Hey you,” he said. “You ready to have fun?”

“That’s crazy what you guys do. Talking like that.”

“Yeah. We had a band open for us once and it was a bad thing. Pushed by the record company. It didn’t end well at all. This is better.”

“They were shocked to see you.”

“I’m shocked that you’re here,” Brantley said. “Now, you need another drink and I think I saw some big speakers out there. I know how much you like to dance next to them.”

Emma smiled and blushed.

She got on her toes and kissed Brantley’s cheek. “Only for you.”

***

Emma caught herself wanting to dance from the second After the Run took the stage. She was able to stand off to the side of the stage, sort of next to some big speakers. Willow Son tried their best to hide as they watched the band play.

One thing was for sure, After the Run had a serious following. From the second the lights went out, the place hadn’t stopped with noise and jumping. The fans loved them and they were singing every word back.

Being someone who really had no knowledge of music, Emma had covered enough bands and concerts to know what made a band good or bad. These guys were good. They had chemistry together and they had confidence in their music. None of it sounded processed or forced together to make sound. Everything worked and flowed perfectly. From verse to chorus to solo to end… then right into the next song and the next song after that.

Soon an hour had gone by.

Brantley slipped a hand around Emma.

“What do you think?” he yelled.

“They sound good,” Emma yelled back.

“Come for a walk with me.”

They moved to the backstage area where it was a little more quiet. Brantley had Emma by the hand as he led the way.

“What’s wrong?” Emma asked.

“It’s been a little while. Don’t you want to check on Seth?”

Emma smiled. “Oh, yeah. Sure.”

“You forgot, didn’t you?”

“No. I just figured no news was good news.”

“Call and check.”

“You’re worried?” Emma asked.

“A little. I know this is all different for you and him. And me. So just check up on him.”

“You’re such a father,” Emma teased.

She took out her phone and Brantley touched her wrist. “I am, sexy moves. I am a father. I’m going to be a good father to him. And a good man to you. All this talk about touring, I don’t want you to get nervous. I’ll make sure it works out. I’ll…”

“Let’s get through tonight first,” Emma said. “Okay?”

“Okay.”

It touched her that Brantley wanted her to call and check on Seth. It touched her that Brantley wanted to talk about the future.

Emma sent Cassie a text and she replied with a picture of she and Seth on the floor, playing with toys. For a second, Emma almost sent a text asking why Seth was up so late but then she realized there was a three hour time difference.

“Here,” Emma said and showed Brantley the picture. “He’s happy.”

“Good. Thank you.”

“I can’t believe you’re worrying. It’s… nice.”

“That agreement we made was a bad mistake. But I know I can’t change what happened. I told your father today I’m going to prove it to everyone. Okay?”

“You said that to him?”

“Yeah, I did. I care about you, Emma. I care about Seth. You two never left my mind. Maybe somewhere inside me I was secretly waiting for you to contact me. I mean, not with bad news about Seth, but just to…”

Emma moved forward and planted her lips against Brantley’s.

“Okay, okay,” Erik’s voice boomed from out on stage. “I want all the lights turned off in this place. We have a surprise for everyone.”

The crowd cheered.

“We have special guests and they wanted to say hello. Is that okay with you?”

They kept going wild.

Emma and Brantley kept kissing.

Brantley broke the kiss and stared at her. “To be continued. I have to go be a rockstar right now.”

“Does that make me your groupie?”

“No, sexy moves, not at all. I don’t want you as a groupie. I want you as everything.”

Brantley then hurried away from Emma, leaving her dangling.

She felt her heart pounding hard.

As she walked forward, she saw Willow Son standing at the side of the stage.

Then the lights went out.

The crowd cheered wildly.

A couple guys with flashlights stood there, guiding the band onto the stage.

Emma kept moving forward, toward the darkness. There was something to be said about it. Going into the darkness, knowing it would become light.

On stage, when the light came on and the fans realized it was Willow Son on stage with After the Run, it got so loud, Emma had to cover her ears. She cringed at the piercing sound.

“Is this okay?” Erik yelled into the mic.

It was okay. The fans approved.

And Emma got to stand on the side of the stage and watch her man perform.

Brantley started with a guitar and ended up behind the drum kit.

Somewhere in the back of her mind she pictured Seth standing on the side of a big stand, giant headphones on his ears to block the sound. A crowd of twenty thousand people screaming for Willow Son as they played.

That dream used to terrify Emma.

Suddenly, it felt right.

At that exact second, Brantley turned his head, still drumming, and looked at Emma. He smiled big, looking genuinely happy.

That was the reason why Emma left Brantley all those years ago.

But now he was back. He wasn’t going to go anywhere again.

Emma had always loved him… and that wasn’t going to end.

(14)

The private jet took off just before one in the morning. Emma was tired but thankful the night had gone to plan. Spending time with Brantley was amazing. Watching him become a rockstar was damn sexy. Then watching him talk to the other band and all but shake hands on a deal was even sexier.

She looked at Brantley as they sat next to each other and opened her mouth to say something.

But he was right there, a step ahead, and kissed her.

The plane was comfortable, mostly dark, and they were completely alone.

The second his hand touched her leg, she shuddered, knowing this was going to go someplace very interesting.

She managed to get out a sigh before Brantley’s hand touched the button on her jeans. His lips eased to her neck and kissed her there. “Your job right now is to relax, sexy moves. I can’t wait any longer to have you.”

“Someone might see,” Emma whispered.

“It’s for you, Emma. Just relax. I’ve got it covered.”

Emma put her hands to the arm rests and looked around.

The private jet was private. But there were people on board.

Brantley gently kissed her neck again. Emma let out a shaky breath and put her head back. He kept kissing her, working back to her mouth. Their lips touched and flirted, just as he opened her jeans.

Their eyes met and Brantley’s eyes were on fire with lust.

His fingertips touched the top of her panties and then slid inside. As his fingers crept down and curled around against her sex, she groaned under her breath and felt herself thrust against his touch.

“I love how you feel,” Brantley whispered.

His fingers made circles against her damp folds, slowly applying more and more pressure. She then felt his fingers touch against her center and with a thrust, he broke her open.

Emma gripped the armrests even tighter. She felt herself exhale, trying to hold back on making too much noise.

Brantley pressed deeper and then turned his fingers, curling, pulling from her. He brought with him wetness and a tingling pleasure.

Removing his hand from her body, Brantley then tugged on the top of her jeans.

He nodded and whispered, “It’s okay. I promise.”

“Holy shit,” Emma whispered. “I’ve never…”

“It’s okay.”

Emma couldn’t believe this was happening. Not just with Brantley, but on a private jet high in the sky in the middle of the night. It was crazy.

But it felt so good.

Brantley took her jeans down to her knees. His hand then slid up her leg and cut to her inner thigh. Emma looked down to watch, seeing as Brantley moved her panties to the side so he could pick up where he left off.

He thrust his fingers deep into her again.

Emma jumped and suppressed a cry.

“Get ready,” Brantley said.

When Emma looked up at him, he kissed her.

A second later, his thumb grazed her sensitive clit.

“Right there,” Emma groaned.

And that’s right where Brantley stayed. His fingers exploring her depths while his thumb flicked, circled, and pressed against her nub. Emma quickly caught herself rocking with his movements. She reached with her left hand and touched his leg, then moved for something else. Brantley was bulging inside his jeans, growing thicker by the second.

“I want you,” Emma said. “I want you so bad.”

“I know,” Brantley said. He rubbed his nose against hers. “This is about you, for once. Come for me, Emma. I want to feel all of you.”

Her hand tightened its grip against his thickness through his jeans. She put her head back and felt herself beginning to peak. This was far beyond her wildest dreams, but it was coming true.

She was coming.

The rush from deep inside her core left her gasping for air.

Brantley groaned each time her body pulsed against him.

“It feels so good to feel you like this,” Brantley said.

Emma moved her right hand to Brantley’s wrist and squeezed. “Slow. Fuck. Slow…”

Brantley slowed more and more until he was just touching her.

They kissed once more.

“Now tell me if you’ve done that before,” Brantley said.

“What do you think?” Emma asked.

Brantley kissed the tip of her nose and took his hand away.

He helped Emma get her pants situated again.

“How long until we land?” she asked.

“Maybe another hour, I think. Why?”

Emma grinned and turned sideways. Her fingers touched the button on Brantley’s jeans. “Because… it’s my turn now.”

***

Everything about Emma was perfect and crazy all mixed into one. He never experienced anything like her, before and now.

His left hand gripped the armrest and right hand spread across her back. The swirls of her tongue had him on edge, her mouth sliding up and down him at a torturous pace. When he thrust himself up at Emma, she accepted him, never backed away. In fact, she made everything feel better by groaning. The vibrations against Brantley’s thickness made him grit his teeth.

Then Emma gripped him at the root of his cock and stroked as her mouth took care of the rest.

That was all Brantley could handle.

He’d been waiting hours to have Emma. Not to mention touching her beautiful body set him into a state of overdrive. There was no way in hell he was going to calm down from touching her. The only way was to get his own.

Which he did…

“Ah, fuck,” he groaned as the surge rushed through his body.

Emma stayed right with him as he came, feeling her tongue cut left to right against him as he pulsed over and over. She then started to move slow, all the way down, all the way back up. Brantley felt his legs flex as he watched her, realizing that out of the wildest things he’d ever done in his life, being with Emma was it.

The real deal.

The forever kind of feeling that wouldn’t go away.

When Emma sat back up, she did so with such a little grin on her face that Brantley wanted to go at her again. She faced forward, fixed her hair, and kept grinning.

Brantley was still catching his breath, shaking his head.

He reached for her hand again and used his other hand to fix his jeans.

Their next stop was home. Back to reality. And this time, they were going to work everything out.

(15)

Brantley wrote a few more words and folded up the piece of paper. He stood up and walked it to Colby.

“Don’t read it now,” he said. “Check it out later. It’s all I’ve got. You take it from there, brother.”

“Okay,” Colby said.

“Should we talk about the show?” Van asked. “It’s been a while since we’ve all been in a room together.”

“I love breaks,” Ryker said. “But sitting around in the sun, drunk, only goes so far.”

“You would say that,” Jett said.

“The rest of us are writing tunes,” Colby said.

“Not Brantley,” Ryker said. “He’s playing Daddy.”

“Playing?” Brantley asked. He puffed his chest out. “Hey. I’m trying to work this all out here.”

“Take it easy,” Ryker said. “I’m messing around.”

Brantley wasn’t taking anything easy. Sleeping on the couch at Emma’s house was getting to be a pain in the ass. Sleeping in bed with her was great but they had to set an alarm so Brantley could sneak out of bed and go back downstairs.

He and Emma were half flirting, mostly having great sex.

Brantley donated blood to be sent for testing to make sure he was a match for Seth. That had his stomach in a wicked knot at the possibility that a call would come telling him he wasn’t a match. If that happened… what would he do then?

“Hey, you here?” Van asked.

“Yeah,” Brantley said. “Just waiting on a call.”

“About the kid?” Colby asked. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. It’s good. He’s doing good now.”

Seth had a mild fever two nights ago and it sent Emma into a terror. They ended up calling the doctor and making an emergency run to the guy’s office to have Seth looked at. The doctor determined he was just a little dehydrated. No need for the hospital just yet, so he sent them home and Emma spent a couple days making sure Seth didn’t get worse. Luckily, he didn’t.

As of this morning, he was back to fighting crime throughout the house again, keeping everyone safe. It was first really cool to watch Seth set up the bad guys and take them all down. But the more Brantley watched the more he realized Seth was doing that as a way of talking. He fought the bad guys which were stuffed animals as a way to control a victory of his own. It was deep thinking, but Brantley saw it. Another thorn to Brantley’s heart was that Seth did that because he was already understanding his role as the man in the family. Every time Mike crouched, his bones popped. He could barely pick Seth up without turning red and looking in pain.

All Brantley wanted to do was tell Seth who he was. That he had nothing to worry about in life. Brantley would always be there. Always take care of him, no matter what. But Emma wanted to keep holding off.

She always had an excuse.

“Hey,” Jett said and slapped Brantley on the back. “What is it?”

“Emma won’t tell Seth who I am,” Brantley blurted out.

“Oh,” Colby said. “Damn.”

“Sorry,” Ryker said.

“I mean, I get it. I don’t deserve any credit in all this. I merely had sex with her and then bolted. But every time we get together, it’s so good. We’re so close. I really care about her. I, uh, I love her. I love the kid, too. I just want it all to be right. For him to see us together, to know who I am. To get that he doesn’t have to be alone as a guy in this world.”

“Shit,” Jett said. “That’s a heavy load to carry, man.”

“I know,” Brantley said. “That’s why I haven’t pushed at her about it. She did everything for Seth. She gave birth, cared for him, so I don’t want any attention. I want Seth to be happy.”

“What can we do?” Colby asked.

“Nothing. Thanks for listening to that for a second.”

“Hey, we’re here,” Ryker said. He grabbed Brantley by the shoulders. “We don’t have to get along all the time, brother. But we’re here. It’s going to work for you. I can’t believe you’ve jumped into this like you’ve done. You’re a good person, B.”

“Thanks, Ryker. Now get your hands off me.”

“I’m going to throw it out there,” Van said, “and say we better get After the Run on tour.”

“Bro, Brantley’s talking,” Colby said.

“No, it’s good. Let’s talk business. I agree. We get After the Run on tour. I say we do fifteen shows. The biggest venues across the country. Each concert is its own event. No long stretch tour. Just major events. Turn it into a press thing, whatever. But we do fifteen.”

The rest of the band looked at Brantley.

“Okay,” Ryker said. “That’s good.”

“Listen,” Brantley said. “It’s an event. We should hang around for a couple days. Do acoustic sets for contest winners and stuff. Sign autographs. I mean, make it into something. Hell, put up a second stage and have local bands play.”

“That’s great,” Jett said.

“So it’s private but big,” Colby said. “You might be on to something here.”

“I always am,” Brantley said.

Harry then showed up to give the news that talks with Jeff had been great. After the Run was really interested in touring. Once Brantley threw the idea to Harry about the fifteen dates, that seemed to please Harry.

“Portis is pushing back,” Harry said. “But if I can pull some numbers to show that this could be really lucrative, it could work. Especially if we can let him throw a few of his projects on that second stage.”

“Whatever,” Colby said. “Just no more junk bands like what happened before to us.”

Jett’s lip curled. That was an old memory but a fresh scar.

“Hey, Brantley, can we talk?” Harry asked.

“Sure.”

“Oh shit,” Ryker said. “What happened now? Does he have another kid hidden somewhere?”

“Fuck off,” Brantley yelled.

Harry led the way from the practice building to outside.

“What’s wrong?” Brantley asked.

“I dug around into that thing you wanted me to do,” Harry said. “I got a name and an address, Brantley. But it’s not…”

Brantley’s cell phone started to go off.

It was Emma calling.

He took the call, worried about Seth.

“Hey,” he said. “Is Seth okay?”

“Seth is fine. I need to ask you a favor…”

Brantley looked at Harry. He reached for the piece of paper in Harry’s hand.

“I have to go,” he whispered to Harry. “Thanks for this.”

Brantley then started to jog toward his car.

“It’s okay, Emma,” Brantley said. “I’ll be there soon.”

***

Emma walked back into the bar and saw Seth spinning on a stool. He had half a burger in front of him. All the fries were gone, along with half a glass of chocolate milk, which was Seth’s favorite. Fries and chocolate milk.

“Eat up,” Emma said. “Finish your burger.”

“I wanted a cheeseburger,” Seth said. “Pop got it wrong.”

“Pop did not get it wrong. You don’t like cheeseburgers.”

Seth pouted and faced his food.

Emma touched his head. “You have to eat, Seth.”

Behind her, Emma heard her father cough. She turned and saw him leaned forward, touching his chest as he hacked up a lung.

“Why don’t you just close up?” she asked. “Is it really that bad if the bar doesn’t open for one night?”

“Yes,” her father said. “This is called commitment. Nobody knows what that is in this world anymore.”

Emma sighed to herself. She hated when her father was sick because he became grumpy. She went to the bar and leaned against it.

“You’re a pain in the butt, Dad.”

“That’s okay. I’ll be fine. If I go sitting around, I’ll get worse. If I keep moving, my body will fight it off. It’s a damn cold, Emma.”

He turned and then grabbed his right leg.

“How’s the leg?”

“Working,” he said. “You want a drink?”

“I have Seth with me.”

“Then go home.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

Her father turned, glass in hand, and filled it with soda. He put it on the bar for Emma.

“What is it? You only bring Seth here when something is wrong. So what’s wrong?”

“I think I need to say something about Brantley to him.”

“The truth?” her father whispered.

“Yeah.”

“Wow. That’s heavy. How does Brantley feel about that?”

“He brought it up a few times. When we’re all together, it feels right.”

“Emma, I don’t know what I’m supposed to say in all of this,” her father said. “Coming around is great. He shows up, plays, does whatever, that’s great. How long’s it been?”

“I know…”

“What happens in a few more months? He rushed here in a panic because you called. That took guts. He’s stayed true to everything he’s said to you and Seth. That’s good. But he’s going to do his thing. Wasn’t it his thing that made this happen to begin with?”

“I know,” Emma said again. “That’s why I’m so… is it wrong to want a family?”

“No, it’s not. I’m sorry you’re going through this. But if you tell him and something goes wrong…”

“It’ll crush Seth,” Emma said. “I know that. We’re waiting on blood work from Brantley. Then we’re going to talk to the doctor and see what the next step is. So far, it’s been great. One little fever and it’s okay. So he might not even need to worry about a blood transfusion for a while. Or ever. So if Brantley stays… beyond that…”

“Emma, you’re talking to the wrong person,” her father said. “I’ll always be straight with you. I was pissed when you came here pregnant. But what was I going to do? Kick you out? No. We’re family. I love you. I love Seth. And now there’s a third party involved outside me. That’s a tough thing. I know you’re worried about everything you’ve done for Seth. But I’ll never forget it. I’ll never look beyond it, Emma. And if Brantley loves you and Seth, he won’t either.”

“Please shut down the bar,” Emma said. “Let me make you something for dinner. Or buy you dinner. Go get rest.”

“No,” her father said.

Emma backed away from the bar. She grinned. “I thought you’d say that. So I called in some help. He’ll be here soon.”

(16)

Brantley stared at Emma. “It’ll be fine. I’ll make sure he doesn’t kill himself, okay?”

“Thank you. He’s so stubborn. Just help him keep everything stocked up. There’s only a few people who show up. He just…”

“Emma, it’s okay. It’s the least I could do here. If it helps you, Seth, your father, I’ll do it. Relax. Spend the evening with Seth. Order some pizzas.”

“Pizza?” Seth’s voice chimed in as he opened the door. “I want pizza.”

“No, Seth. Not tonight.”

“Why not?” Seth asked.

“Why not?” Brantley asked.

Emma squinted her eyes. “Maybe I made dinner.”

“Maybe you didn’t,” Brantley said. He reached into his pocket. “Here, get some pizza. Spend more time with the kid. You both deserve it.”

“Money? You just show up and give me money?”

“Whoa,” Brantley said. “Let’s be fair. I’m not giving you money to go away. I’m offering to buy you and… Seth… something to eat.”

“I don’t want it.”

Brantley was taken back for a second. He squeezed his hand around the money. “Hey. What’s… did I offend you?”

“I can pay for my own pizza, Brantley.”

Emma started to turn but Brantley wasn’t having it. He touched her arm and tugged at her.

“Talk to me,” he whispered.

“Not in front of Seth,” Emma said.

“Seth,” Brantley said. “Here. Take this money and put it on the table. Okay, buddy? You can get some pizza tonight.”

Seth let out a squeal. “Nice! Thanks.”

Seth ran back inside and Emma looked away. “Great. You’re the hero now.”

“What are you talking about? Emma, I’m trying to help you.”

“I don’t want your money. I survived without it.”

“I helped you,” Brantley said. “What’s going on right now?”

Emma looked at Brantley. Her eyes were filled with tears.

“What if Seth doesn’t ever know?”

“Know what?”

“Everything. What if we tell him and he never understands it was me who did all this before you showed up? Or what if we never tell him and he really needs you?”

Brantley felt his mouth fall open. He hadn’t expected this. Not right now.

“Oh, Emma. I will spend the rest of my life making sure Seth knows you’re the reason why he’s alive. I’ll tell him every story.”

“Then he’ll grow up to be mad at you.”

“So what? He’ll figure it out. He’s a smart kid.”

“I couldn’t do that to you.”

“So then what’s our plan? Pretend this is something serious but he’ll never know?”

Emma swallowed and sucked in a breath. “I’ve thought about it.”

“Wow. That would hurt me.”

“Would that be so bad?”

Brantley felt like someone had punched him in the stomach. He put his hands to Emma’s arms and nodded.

“I hurt you bad, I know that. Maybe I deserve to hurt. I accept that. I don't want Seth to hurt. I don't want the future to be hurt by the past. I’m not bribing you with pizza money. I’m not stepping in on your dinner plans. I know you didn’t make dinner because the house doesn’t smell like your cooking. And I thought maybe I could help your father and you and Seth could have a little pizza party. That’s all. If that gesture hurt you, then I’m sorry. As far as what to do with him… you have to make that decision, Emma. I’ll do anything you want. We start over and I end up as a father figure, okay.”

“No, Brantley…”

“I have to go. I…”

Brantley pulled Emma in and kissed her.

He then stroked his thumb next to her left eye and wiped away a tear.

He turned and walked away, staring at his glistening thumb.

Never in his life did he think he could hurt someone so bad, but he had.

Never in his life did he want someone so bad… never in his life did he want a family…

***

“Did you kiss Brantley?” Seth asked.

“What?” Emma asked as she touched the money on the table.

“I saw out the window.”

“No, Seth. No. I mean, he’s my friend.”

“You don’t kiss Auntie Cassie when she leaves.”

Emma slowly clutched the money and knew she needed to change the subject, and fast.

“Do you want pizza?”

“Yes.”

“Then let me order pizza.”

“I don’t understand why you two kissed. Are you married now?”

Emma felt her heart twist. “Seth, listen to me.” Emma crouched down. “Brantley and I have been friends for a long time. Okay? A really long time. I haven’t seen him in a while because of his band. He has free time and it’s nice to see him. That’s all. When we were younger we used to kiss goodbye. So it just happened. Does that make sense?”

“I’m never kissing a girl,” Seth said. “No way.”

“Good thinking,” Emma said.

Seth walked away but that didn’t ease the tension inside Emma at all.

She stood up, called and order pizza for delivery, and then put the money on the kitchen counter. The same counter where Brantley had put her on it…

Emma felt her cheeks burn red. Never in her life had she experienced such an intense attraction to someone like she did with Brantley. She believed him, too. That was the scariest part. When he said he wasn’t going to leave. When he said he trusted her to make a decision on Seth. That’s what pissed her off a little. Brantley was supposed to be a storm and take over everything. Well, he was doing that, but in his own subtle way. And the truth was there now, at the worst time. Emma shouldn’t have freaked out like that on the porch. Not over forty dollars.

It had nothing to do with the forty dollars.

It had everything to do with the long nights of Seth crying. Of checking his temperature every two hours. Of managing medications, doctors appointments, trying to work and pay some bills, waiting for the next sliver of hell to show up. And at the end of every long day would come a longer night where Emma would have to curl in bed, alone. Even on the nights when Rick was around, it wasn’t real. It was comfort and compared to Brantley, it wasn’t all that much comfort at all.

Emma knew it was only fair to give Brantley a real chance at all of this.

Seth let out a yell and cried, “I’m going to destroy you!”

Smiling, Emma wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

She just didn’t want Seth to get hurt anymore than he’d been in his young life.

Emma put her hand on the forty dollars and looked forward.

Then again, if she just pushed Brantley away, what would that say about her?

Emma hung her head and exhaled, letting tears fall.

Making that agreement with Brantley was hard, sure, but it was supposed to make everything somehow right. They were young, dumb, but whatever. It made sense. They both survived. Now everything was getting mixed together.

“Mommy?”

Emma sucked in a breath. “Seth. Hey, buddy.”

“Are you crying?”

“No. I was just thinking.”

Seth walked to Emma and grabbed her hand. “It’s okay to cry.”

“What?” Emma asked. Sometimes it shocked her how much Seth acted like an adult.

“You kissed Brantley… you probably have cooties now… it’s okay to cry.”

***

Brantley lifted the empty keg and walked it out back. He plopped it down with a hollow dong sound. A towel hung over his shoulder and he looked out to the night. The anger inside him hadn’t subsided yet. The truth was, it made sense right then to just head back south and be with the band. Get back in the studio, get back on a stage, do something. Hell, go to a bar like old times and play a guitar, sip some whiskey, and have women all over him.

But that’s not what he wanted. He wanted Emma. He wanted Seth. He wanted to figure it out.

“Hey, no smoke breaks.”

Brantley turned and walked back into the bar, head down.

“Whoa,” Mike said and pushed at Brantley’s shoulder. “You’ve been a little quiet all night.”

“Let me just work, Mike. Okay?”

Brantley went down the basement and grabbed a couple cases of beer. He carried them up and put them in the cooler under the bar. The traffic was minimal in the place. It started out with three guys arguing over baseball. Then two more people came in and quickly recognized Brantley. They asked for a picture, which was then plastered all over social media, and that led to a little flurry of business.

That flurry meant twenty people in the bar at once, ordering drinks, wanting to talk to Brantley.

“Hey, bartender,” someone said to Brantley.

He turned, half ready to unleash on someone.

It was Ryker sitting at the bar. “How about a draft?”

“What are you doing here?” Brantley asked.

The bar started to swell a little. There were still about twenty in the place, now the eyes were on Brantley and Ryker.

Brantley poured the guitarist a beer. “Twenty bucks.”

“What?”

“Rockstar special.”

Ryker put a twenty on the bar. “Fine.”

“Can we get a picture?” two women asked Ryker.

Another hour went by and Brantley took a ton more pictures, signed napkins, and made sure to tell everyone to get their ass back to the bar and support Mike.

Ryker drank two and cut himself off.

He then pointed to the side door and nodded. “Talk?”

“Sure,” Brantley said. “Let me just get this keg hooked up.”

Mike nudged Brantley out of the way. “Let me take care of that. You’ve earned a break.”

Mike sounded like someone had punched him in the nose. He was clogged up and looked tired and achy. When he tried to crouch, the sound of his knees popping was clear over all the conversation in the bar. He grabbed for the bar and fell forward, his right knee hitting the floor.

“Ah, damn,” he growled.

“Mike, let me help,” Brantley said. He crouched. “I got this for you.”

“I don’t need your goddamn help.”

“You’re as happy as your daughter, huh? Is it a full moon tonight or what?”

Mike picked himself up, grabbing at the bar. He stood, looked down at Brantley, and then hobbled to the opposite end of the bar.

After Brantley got the keg hooked up, he grabbed the empty one and walked it through the kitchen to the back door.

He dropped it outside, realizing that this was probably the busiest night of business Mike had in years. He then spotted Ryker standing with a leg up against the building, whistling at him.

“What are you doing up here?” Brantley asked.

“Checking in.”

“Bullshit.”

“Well, I saw pictures of you bartending. I’ve never seen you… well, you’ve never had a job before, have you?”

“No.”

“Me either. How’s the kid?”

“Great. Trying to work it out.”

“I’m going to just say it, brother, so you don’t look like an ass…”

“What now?”

“There’s some rumors about us breaking up.”

“What? We just played that show in New York with After the Run.”

“That was a while ago,” Ryker said. “We haven’t done a thing since.”

“We’re loading up for a major tour.”

“Fans don’t know that. Now there’s pictures of you in some bar, serving drinks.”

“And that means we’re broken up?”

Ryker laughed. “I’m just giving you a heads up. In case you read anything. Or anyone calls you.”

“That’s not why you’re up here,” Brantley said. “What’s going on?”

“You and Harry. You asked him something. He gave you something.”

“Oh, shit.”

“Hey, this is not my business, bro. But I’m not going to let you get hurt and slip away from us. You have tendencies. Like we all do.”

“Tendencies? What are you talking about?”

“Have you looked at what Harry gave you?”

“No. I haven’t had time. Emma asked me to help her father here. He’s not feeling well and she’s overwhelmed.”

“It’s about your father,” Ryker said.

“Goddammit. Harry wasn’t supposed to say a thing.”

“Last time he did that you hid a kid from us.”

“What’d you do, Ryker? Hold him up for information?”

Ryker stepped toward Brantley. “Yeah, I did. Because I love you, brother. We don’t see eye to eye all the time, but I get it. I know that kind of pain you feel. I know you were trying to find your old man to make up for what he did. Because you don’t know how to be a father.”

“Yeah? You a psychologist now?”

“No. I see it in your eyes. Just so you know, you are a great father by being here. I’m sure this thing with Emma is going to take a lot of time. That’s okay. Tread slowly, brother. Do right by both of them.”

“What does this have to do with my old man?”

Ryker put a hand to Brantley’s shoulder. “Because you’re not going to find him. You’re not going to be able to talk to him.”

“Why not?”

“He’s dead. Okay? I’m so sorry, Brantley. But he passed away last year. That’s what Harry was trying to talk to you about. He gave you the last known address but wanted you to know before you tried showing up.”

“Nobody could have called me?” Brantley asked.

“I came up here in person because you deserve that. I don’t know how this makes you feel, man, but there it is. He’s gone. You’re not. This is your chance to fix it all. From here on out.”

Brantley really wasn’t sure how to feel. Anger, guilt, pain… yeah, it was all there. The years had gone by without conversation. Without resolution. Then again, Brantley had been the one to come out on top. He had a life. A career. And he was fighting for his family.

“Hey, Brantley!” a voice called out behind him.

“That’s my boss,” Brantley said. He looked back at Mike and gave a wave. “One minute, Mike.”

“I’ll get going,” Ryker said.

“You can crash here,” Brantley said.

“No. I wanted to come see you. We’re all thinking of you. I’m sorry of the truth here but it’s probably for the best. Your old man wasn’t going to give you a thing. No matter what. You know that.”

“I know,” Brantley said. “Thanks for telling me in person. You’re a good friend. A brother to me.”

They hugged and Ryker walked away.

Brantley walked back to the bar and Mike stood with the door open. His face looked twisted and pissed off. Brantley froze for a second and looked at Mike. Of all the bad shit that had happened, Mike was there for Emma and Seth.

Brantley grabbed Mike by the shoulders.

“What are you doing?” Mike asked.

“Thank you, Mike.”

“For what?”

“For who you are. For what you’ve done for Emma and Seth. I can never thank you enough. You’ll never understand what it really means to me. Just know I appreciate it.”

“Then let’s go serve drinks up and close up. I’m tired.”

“Me too, Mike. Me too.”

Brantley made it two steps before Mike called for him.

“What’s up?” Brantley asked.

“Don’t give up on her. She’s been through a lot. She’s stubborn like me. She’s scared, too. Really scared.”

“I’ll never give up,” Brantley said. “I never gave up to begin with. I promise you.”

Brantley walked to the bar and saw it was thinning out. Everyone who wanted an autograph had gotten one it seemed. They were all paying their tabs and moving along.

That was fine with Brantley.

It was almost midnight and he wanted to get back to Emma. While he couldn’t just get her to crack, he would spend everyday waiting for her to believe him. Nothing could change that.

“Hey, how about a drink?” a voice yelled.

Brantley turned and half expected another member of Willow Son to be there to break his balls a little.

But it wasn’t.

It was a guy… a guy that looked familiar.

“Hurry the fuck up,” the guy yelled.

“Excuse me?” Brantley asked.

“Oh, damn,” Mike said. “Brantley, walk away.” He then pointed to the guy. “Rick, out of here. Now.”

“Fuck you too, Mike.”

Brantley assessed what was happening and then it hit him.

This guy… Rick… he was the first date asshole from the night Brantley met Emma.

“And you,” Rick yelled, pointing at Brantley. “Stay the fuck away from my woman and my fucking kid.”

Brantley saw red… and he lunged forward, knowing he was about to make headlines.

***

Brantley had Rick by the shirt and pulled him over the bar. He threw him to the ground and then took a second to collect himself. Rick’s eyes were wide and his teeth showing. The guy was livid, definitely looking for a fight.

“I’ll kill you,” Rick said. “You don’t step in on my family.”

Rick kicked back and climbed to his feet. Brantley went at him, hitting him first and hitting him right in the jaw. The bar erupted in yells and Mike was screaming Brantley’s name.

Brantley had a tight fist around the top of Rick’s shirt.

“He’s my goddamn son,” Brantley growled. He walked right back to the liquor shelf. Two bottles fell and shattered. “My son!”

“I raised him!” Rick spat back.

Rick shoved at Brantley and swung, hitting Brantley in the eye. Brantley turned, off his game, feeling the pain slice through his heart.

Some guy raising Seth? Emma didn’t tell me? Were they together…?

Rick swung again and hit Brantley. He then jumped at Brantley’s left shoulder and took him down. As the punches landed on Brantley, he thought about it. The life Emma had lived. Maybe a life forced to live.

“Get the hell off him, Rick!” Mike yelled.

Brantley looked up and saw Mike, sweating and shaking.

Putting a fist to the floor, Brantley refused to give up this fight.

No. No way.

Rick kicked Brantley in the ribs. It stole his breath for second.

That’s when Brantley popped back up and faced Rick.

“You’ll never get her,” Rick said. “Or my son.”

“Brantley!” Mike yelled.

Brantley went after Rick again. This time, there was no stopping him and there was no chance of Rick defending himself. A hard smack to the jaw sent Rick backward, arms flailing. He leaned against the bar and Brantley grabbed Rick by the throat and put him against the wall.

“Seth is my son,” Brantley said. “And if you come near him or Emma ever again, I’ll have you put away. I swear on it. Asshole.”

Brantley turned and threw Rick over the bar with one hard throw. Rick ended up on the floor, rolling, and trying to fight to his feet.

“Get him out of here,” Brantley said.

The Willow Son fans were on his side and they grabbed Rick and dragged him from the bar.

Brantley turned and looked at Mike. “What was that?”

“And old flame,” Mike said. “I never liked him. He was an asshole. Tried to force himself as Seth’s father. He threw a fit when his blood didn’t match Seth’s. I’ve wanted to hit him for a long time.”

“If he comes around here again, call the police and then call me,” Brantley said. “I’ll take care of it.”

Brantley looked around the bar and while the crowd had thinned and were mostly people who cared more about a cold beer than their cell phone, there were still people there with their phones out, typing away.

Shit.

“Mike, I have to call my band manager,” he said. “I have to get ahead of this. Not a good thing when you’re someone like me.”

The next hour became nothing but a whirlwind. Videos were surfacing of Brantley fighting Rick. Sites were picking up the videos and sharing them, speculating on Willow Son’s impending doom and a few writers had the nerve to suggest that Brantley was secretly on drugs and working at a bar to get some cash for his next high.

Back in the bar, Brantley stayed until Mike closed up and then he helped clean up a little.

“You know, you should get yourself checked out,” Brantley said. “I can get you to a real doctor just to double-check everything.”

“You saying I’m old?”

“I’m saying you keep limping and you have a bad cough. You might have an infection.”

“I’m fine.”

Brantley put the mop he was using back in the bucket. “You know, she depends on you. I want that changed, but I think she’ll always look to you. Can you at least do me a favor and tell me how much you owe on this place?”

“I’m six figures.”

“How many?”

“Almost two.”

Brantley nodded. “I wish she would have called me. I could have done more. I was giving what I thought was enough.”

“Money is never enough in life,” Mike said.

“I know that. I realize that. I found out before, when Ryker was here, that my father’s dead. I never knew him. It was a bad situation.”

“Ah, shit,” Mike said. “I’m…”

“No. Don’t be. What I’m trying to tell you is that when I see this around me, it matters. You matter, Mike. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done here. I don’t want to push anyone away but I want to be part of it all.”

“You are part of it,” Mike said. “Now go home to her.” Mike then sighed. “And give me that name of that doctor you were talking about.”

Brantley went outside and got into his car.

He called Harry again.

“Jesus Christ, what now?” Harry yelled into the phone.

“I need money.”

“What?”

“I need money. I’m going to give you an address and I want you to help me out with something. No arguing. No bullshit.”

“What are you going to do here?”

Brantley had a simple answer. “Fix everything I fucked up.”

(17)

Emma heard the door open and she popped up. She threw the covers off her body and ran to the door. She hurried out of her bedroom and ran to Seth’s. He was still sleeping peacefully. Dinosaur blankets covering him and in his right hand, he was clutching the drumstick Brantley had given him the first time they met.

She slowly shut the door and walked to the top of the steps. She listened as Brantley walked through the house. He let out a groan and Emma heard to sound of a zipper. It was Brantley’s bag. He had brought a bunch of clothes with him last time.

Emma went down the steps until she saw Brantley.

“Hey,” she whispered.

“Hey Emma. Did I wake you?”

“Yeah. That’s okay though. I wasn’t sleeping too well. How was your night.”

Brantley stood and had clothes in his hand. The light from the dinning room shined across his face. When Emma saw the bruises, she let out a gasp and rushed down the steps.

“What happened?” she asked.

“Got into a fight,” Brantley said.

“What?”

“With Rick.”

Emma froze when she heard the name. “What did you just say?”

“Yeah, exactly. Rick. The asshole from that first night. You were still with him?”

“It wasn’t like that,” Emma said.

Brantley put a hand up. “It’s not my business. But he feels it is his business to take care of Seth. And you. Then your father mentioned a few things.”

“I’m sorry,” Emma said. “I should have told you sooner. Or not. I mean, we’re not together. We never really were. He was just there for me.”

“So you have some guy sort of there for you? You have some guy sort of there for Seth? A guy who thought he was Seth’s father? And that didn’t confuse Seth?” Brantley shook his head. “But yet with me… you hesitate.”

“It’s not like that,” Emma said. She reached for Brantley but he pulled away. “Hey, come on.”

“No. You figure this out, Emma. You’re pissed at me for buying you pizza? Then I’m trying to help your father and next thing I know some guy is clocking me in the face, saying he’s your family.”

“I’m so sorry about what happened.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Brantley said. “I’m sorry if anyone else belongs in my place. You called me. You said it was time for me to be here and I came. All those years past I can’t control and I hate myself for it.”

“It’s not that simple for me,” Emma said. “What I feel with you…”

Brantley reached for her hand. “I’ll keep it simple. I’m in love with you, Emma. I’ve always loved you. I’m in love with Seth. That’s my son. I want to take care of him. I plan on it. The last thing I want to have happen is you feel unloved by him though. So here I stand, my ass on the line now. The bar was packed tonight.”

“That’s good.”

“No, not when you’re a rockstar throwing punches. I’m all over social media. Rumors are going wild about me. About the band. This is not good at all. I’ll get through it though. I’m used to rumors and bullshit stories. Happens all the time. I also found out tonight that my father is dead.”

“What?” Emma asked. “Oh, Brantley…”

“He’s been dead for a while now. I asked Harry to try and find him. I wanted to talk to him. I don’t know why. Maybe I’m just afraid I don’t know how to be a father and I wanted to blame him for that. But it’s up to me to make decisions, Emma. I’m not going to push away. But I am not leaving Seth’s life either.”

Brantley walked by Emma and went to the stairs.

“Wait,” Emma said. She turned and lunged at Brantley. She grabbed his hand. “We’ll tell him. Together. Okay? If that’s what you want.”

“It’s not about what I want. It’s about what we want. As a family. If you and me aren’t meant to be together, like living together, I can accept that. Seth will too. But I need to be his father.”

“You are. He’s sleeping upstairs with that drumstick you gave him. That’s what matters.”

“Think about it,” Brantley said. “I’m going to grab a shower. I stink like a bar.”

“I kind of like it,” Emma said. She tugged at him, wanting him. “I love-”

“Think about it,” Brantley repeated.

He broke away and walked up the stairs.

Emma stood there, numb. She then got a spark of energy and rushed up the stairs wanting to take on Brantley. At the top of the steps she saw Brantley standing at the door to Seth’s room. Emma hid back enough so Brantley couldn’t see her. But she could still see him. He put his pointer and middle fingers together and touched his chest twice. Then he kissed his fingers and pointed them to the room.

There was a sudden twist in Emma’s stomach and she wanted to throw up.

She watched Brantley walk away, going into the bathroom.

When the water turned on, she stepped forward.

Her body, her heart, her mind, her soul - all of it was on fire for him. This wasn’t lust anymore. This was real. This was what Brantley had said… a family. He wanted a family and he would get one. He had one.

Emma took her shirt off as she walked. Her bare breasts bounced as she walked with defiance, knowing what she ultimately wanted. She stripped out of her PJ bottoms and panties, then bundled everything up and tossed it all into the bedroom.

She knew what she wanted and she was going to have it. Take the risk. Take the plunge. Just for it. Just like the wild girl Brantley had met, dancing without a care in front of the speakers at a concert.

She never felt so exposed in her life and not just because she was naked.

At the bathroom door, she grabbed the handle and feared it was going to be locked.

So what? I’ll kick the damn thing down.

The door opened.

Brantley stood there, naked, his back facing Emma. He grabbed a towel and looked over his shoulder.

“What are you doing?”

“I don’t need to think,” she said. “I’ve had years to think. I’ve had years to fantasize about you coming back into my life. You’re here. I’m terrified you’re going to leave me. Tomorrow. The next day. A year. Ten years. But right now, you’re here.”

Brantley turned and faced her. “I’ll keep my promise…”

“And I love you too,” Emma cut in. She reached forward and pulled the towel away from Brantley. He was halfway ready. “Now… take me into the shower and fuck me.”

***

She was wild.

Brantley gripped her hips tight and pulled as he thrust forward. She let out groan after groan, her hands against the tiles, pushing back at him. He couldn’t contain himself anymore with her. He wanted to make love to her and fuck her all at the same time.

The harder Brantley pumped at her, the harder she thrust back at him. Her knees then started to bend as she came, her toes curling against the bathmat. Brantley bent his knees too and stayed with her. His hands slid around her body and up until he cupped her perfect breasts. They were amazing handfuls, her nipples hard nubs pressing against Brantley’s palms.

“Stand up, sexy moves,” Brantley ordered.

He took his body from hers and stood her up and turned her around. His hands then slithered down her wet body and cupped at her ass. She put her left leg up and Brantley slid his hand down the back of her thigh. He pressed forward, entering her again.

“Oh, shit,” Emma groaned. “It feels so good.”

“Yes it does,” Brantley said.

He then kissed her and started to love her again. This time he was slow, deep, and thorough. He felt every inch of his body explore every inch of hers. The water was hot, almost stinging, the steam making it even harder to breathe. They were wet from the water and from their sweat.

It was amazing.

Her hands clung to his back, her nails scratching hard but not too hard.

They were meant to be together.

Their bodies connected in such a beautiful way.

Brantley started to speed up, listening to the command of his body.

Emma let out a whimper and Brantley kissed her again. She groaned into his mouth, and that was just enough to set Brantley off.

He thrust as deep as he could and started to come.

He held himself there, grabbing Emma at the back of both her thighs, lifting her up. She locked her ankles around him and just held there.

Brantley kissed her until the water started to go cold.

***

Emma forced a brush through her knotty hair. She had no idea how she was running on anything. She had gone to sleep just before ten. Now it was almost two in the morning. She probably got two hours of solid sleep before Brantley came home.

She finished brushing her hair and saw Brantley in the reflection of the mirror as he sat on the edge of the bed.

“What?” she asked.

“I want to talk to him alone,” Brantley said. “Man to man.”

Emma turned. “Oh?”

“I don’t want you tied into this with Seth. This was my decision as a man and as a father. He has to know I was wrong by not being there. He has to know that you were the one who did everything. Emma, I have so much to make up for. Forty dollars, pizza, a night at your father’s bar, and a drumstick don’t matter. I need you to know that. My proof will be in the time I give you in the future. And that’s a hard thing to trust in. I know my track record and I know who I am. But when I look at you, Emma, fucking hell, it’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my life. I’ve stood in front of eighty thousand people and it doesn’t give me the feeling like I have with you.”

“See, that’s what I’m not used to,” Emma said. “So when I hear it…”

“Get used to it. It’s the truth. Come here.”

Emma walked toward Brantley. His hands went under her shirt, touching her bare skin. His touch was warm and felt like protection. She put her hands to his shoulders and felt him continue to rise up, until his thumbs teased against her nipples.

“Again?” she whispered.

“Forever,” Brantley said.

“I love you, Brantley. If you need to do that alone, I respect it. I’ll be there though to answer any questions. You need to understand that. I have to be there for him.”

“Of course. I just want to be able to say what I have to say without him looking to you. So you don’t get dragged into whatever emotions he has.”

“What if he gets pissed?” Emma asked.

“Good. He should. If he does, then it’s more work for me. I’ll work for the rest of my life showing him, you, the world just how much you mean to me. What we decided years ago is done and gone. We can talk about it anytime you want to, but it’s over now. We made the decision and we can’t come back from it. What we can do is get to the future… and my future is in my hands.”

“My boobs?” Emma asked.

“Everything of yours.”

Emma leaned forward and spread her legs. She straddled Brantley and put her head down to his. Everything just felt so right. In the background, yeah, it was a mess, but for once, Emma didn’t care. She could go to bed with someone she loved and felt safe with.

“This is intense,” she whispered. “I have to say that.”

“I know it is. But it’s worth it. You’re worth it. We’re worth it.”

“Stop doing it… stop saying the right things.”

“I’ll say the right things at the wrong time for the rest of our lives.”

“Our lives,” Emma whispered. “I like that.”

“I like you, sexy moves.”

Emma opened her mouth and inched down. She felt her lips pressed against Brantley’s. Her tongue came forward, meeting his aggressive tongue. The first second of their kiss was pretty clear where they were about to go, again.

“Are you sitting on Brantley?” a voice asked.

Emma let out a yell and jumped back. She then stumbled back and caught herself, almost wiping out on her ass. She spun around and saw Seth standing in the doorway, drumstick in his hand.

“Seth,” Emma said.

“Why were you sitting on him?”

“I had something in my eye,” Brantley said. “Come here, kid. Are you okay?”

Seth stepped forward and Emma knew the look on his face. Her heart stopped swelling from the overwhelming sensation of love and went into full panic mode. She touched Seth’s forehead and looked at Brantley.

“He’s on fire,” she said.

“No,” Brantley said.

“We have to go to the hospital…”

(18)

The feeling was nothing Brantley wanted to ever feel. He couldn’t sit. He couldn’t sip coffee. He couldn’t do a damn thing except pace the hallway. Up and down. Back and forth. Looking at the same goddamn pictures on the walls. One of a few faded hot air balloons. Another of a little kid sitting on a dock, fishing. They were happy pictures and this felt like anything but happiness.

Doctors rushed to take care of Seth.

They were checking for infections anywhere in his body. His immune system was so beaten down that it didn’t take much. That’s when Brantley had the image in his head… Seth hugging Mike. If Mike had that cough and cold and was near Seth, then Seth could have caught something.

As Brantley kept moving, he couldn't believe that such an amazing moment had been cut short by this. Being in the hospital showed Brantley a side he never wanted to see. And that was the truth that no matter the money he had, it wouldn’t fix Seth completely. A million dollars wouldn’t make the infection go away. Ten million dollars wouldn’t fix his immune system. That was the hard truth. The sad truth.

Brantley spun on his heels and froze.

Colby, Van, Ryker, and Jett were walking down the hallway. They looked like a group of outlaws with ripped jeans, leather, and the wild allure of rockstar.

“Brother,” Colby said.

“What are you doing here?” Brantley asked.

They all hugged Brantley.

“Harry called me,” Ryker said. “What’s going on?”

“They took him for a X-ray of his chest. Maybe pneumonia.”

“Poor guy,” Van said.

“Are you okay?” Jett asked.

“No,” Brantley said. “This is the worst. And Emma had to do this alone…”

“Stop that,” Ryker said. “I’ll knock your fucking teeth out if you talk like that now. We think positive. For your son, man.”

“Right,” Brantley said.

“Is that Emma?” Van asked.

Brantley turned and Emma was walking down the hall. She had a hand to her mouth, obviously crying. Brantley ran and scooped her up, unsure what to do with his pent up emotions.

“Where is he?”

“They’re taking him to his room.”

“What happened?”

“We’ll find out.”

“No,” Brantley said. “Give me a doctor right now. I’ll figure this out.”

“Brantley… please don’t become that.”

“What am I supposed to become?” Brantley said.

The emotion caught up to him. He looked away.

Emma touched his face. “Oh, Brantley. He’s going to be okay. They’ll find the infection and treat it.”

“But then what? Is this how he has to live?”

“Possibly.”

“Then take my blood. All of my blood. Right now.”

“Okay,” Emma said. “That’s what they’re prepping him for next. The doctor thinks it’s just something random right now…”

“Your father had a cough.”

“Yeah, he did.”

“I’m going to call every doctor in this country and figure this out for him. I can’t buy his illness away, but dammit, I’ll pay for the most expensive doctor to figure this out.”

“I know you would. That’s why I trust you. That’s why I love you. Let’s go see our son.”

Emma took Brantley’s hand.

“Wait,” he said. “Let me go see him.”

“Now? You want to tell him now?”

“I have to see him alone, Emma. Please. The guys are over there…”

“Oh wow,” Emma said. “The whole band came.”

“We’re family. It’s what we do. Seth is going to have the coolest uncles in the world.”

“That sort of scares me.”

“Me too,” Brantley said. “He’s got my genes and those guys to egg him on. We’re screwed.”

“Yes we are,” Emma said. “Now go talk to your son.”

***

Brantley watched as the doctors hooked Seth up for the blood transfusion. It pissed him off when someone touched his kid and it hurt him. It took a lot of restraint to keep from going crazy. The good news was that the doctor said there was no sign of pneumonia. Seth’s white cell count was very low though, which was a concern. They were going to give him the blood transfusion and keep monitoring him. The other piece of good news was that Brantley was definitely Seth’s father. No chance in hell he wasn’t. Everything was a match and there was never a need to question a thing. Again, another situation where Brantley wanted to be happy but didn’t know how. Not with his son in a hospital bed next to him, in pain and scared.

Once everything was calm in the room, Brantley approached the bed.

“Hey, kid,” he said.

“Hey,” Seth said.

“I’m really sorry you don’t feel good.”

“Me too.”

“You know, there’s a thing about ninja drummers you should know.”

“What?”

“We never leave without our weapons.”

Seth’s eyes opened wide.

“I keep a drumstick with me at all times. Can I trust you with it?”

“Yes.”

For some dumb reason Brantley thought to grab a drumstick in all the panic as they ran through the house. He stuck it in his sock, like he used to do when he was younger. That’s how he kept a pair of drumsticks on him.

Brantley lifted his pant leg and grabbed the stick. He handed it to Brantley and squeezed the kid’s hand.

“There,” he said. “You’ll be fine now. That’s good blood you’re getting.”

Seth nodded. “Thanks.”

“Hey, can we talk for a second?”

“Sure.”

Brantley grabbed a chair and sat next to the bed. “I have to tell you something, Seth. It’s kind of hard for me to talk about.”

“Is it about bad guys?”

“What if I told you I was sort of a bad guy?”

“What do you mean?”

“Seth, you have a great Mommy. I actually love your Mommy a lot.”

“Is that why you two kissed? And then she sat on your lap?”

Brantley laughed. “Yeah, that’s why. But listen, you know that people have parents, right? You know, like a mom and a dad.”

“Yeah.”

“Do you know anything about your dad?”

“No. I have my mom and my pop.”

“Your pop is cool guy. I worked with him last night.”

“Is that what happened to your face?” Seth asked. “Did a bad guy try to rob you?”

Brantley touched his face. “Yeah, something like that. I defended everyone.”

“Then you’re not a bad guy.”

“Ah, Seth. I didn’t just come around… I’m the one, Seth. I’m your dad. Me and your Mommy had you.”

The room was quiet as Seth stared. He then turned his head for a second.

“Seth?”

“Where did you go?”

“Go?”

“Mommy said once that you had to go.”

“Okay. Right. That’s what makes me a bad guy, Seth. I shouldn’t have gone anywhere. But I did. I did some music stuff and that was wrong. I should have been there for your mother. For your pop. For you. I was working. I was playing music. I always missed you, Seth. So much.”

“Then why didn’t you come back sooner?”

Brantley felt his chest tighten. “I wish I had a good answer. I thought you would be happier. That was a bad thing to do, Seth. That was a bad decision by me. I’m hurt because of it. But I’m here now. I’m going to take care of you forever. I’m going to love your mother forever.”

“Are you going to kiss her a lot?”

“Probably.”

“Don’t let me see it. It’s gross.”

Brantley laughed again. He touched the corners of his eyes. He stood and leaned forward. “Seth, if you have any questions, you can always talk to me. If you want to be mad at me, you could be. But I need you to know something… can you remember this one thing, no matter what?”

“Sure,” Seth said.

“Okay… this is our secret…”

***

Emma slowly opened the door to the hospital room and heard Brantley talking.

“… I don’t want your Mommy’s feelings to get hurt. Do you know what that means?”

“Like sad?”

“Exactly. See, she’s the greatest person ever. Right?”

“Yes.”

“I need you to never forget that. I don’t want to share all of this with your mother, Seth. I want to be just part of it. I want to be in your life. I want to help you when you don’t feel good. I want you to come see my concerts and maybe play some drums yourself. Okay? And I love you, Seth. You’re my son. You’re going to grow up and have an amazing life. With two parents who love you. But somewhere inside your heart, I need you to never forget what your Mommy did for you when I wasn’t here. Can you do that?”

Emma felt the tears stream down her cheeks. She couldn’t help herself as she walked forward, into view.

“Mommy,” Seth said.

Brantley turned and Emma slid her arms around him.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Brantley kissed the top of her head. “No, thank you. Thank you for letting me have this moment.”

They then both faced the hospital bed.

“Seth,” Emma said. “Do you have any questions?”

“No,” Seth said. “My Dad is a ninja drummer.”

“Yeah, he is,” Emma said.

“That’s so cool.”

“No, you’re the cool one,” Brantley said. “You’re the real ninja. You’re fighting off all those bad germs. That’s brave.”

“I want to go home,” Seth said.

“Soon,” Emma said. “I won’t leave.”

“Neither will I,” Brantley said. “Hey, you want to meet the other guys in my band?”

“Are they ninjas, too?” Seth asked.

“I’m not supposed to tell anyone… but, yeah. They’re ninjas. They can’t talk it about though.”

Emma laughed. She put her head to Brantley’s shoulder. “I love you both.”

“I love you both,” Brantley said.

He looked at Emma and she felt her heart skip a beat.

“Oh, no,” Seth said.

“What’s wrong?” Emma asked.

“You two are going to kiss. Gross.”

Brantley winked.

Then he kissed Emma.

Seth let out a groan.

They were finally a family.

(19)

“We have a problem,” Harry said as he slipped his hands into his pockets. He leaned against a wall, right next to a wide window.

Brantley stood with a cold cup of coffee, feeling half dead, the caffeine shooting through his veins like lightening, but not doing a damn thing.

“What?”

“There’s reports about you,” Harry said. “I’m sorry.”

“Because of the fight?”

“No. The way it all looks.”

“The way what looks?”

Right then, the rest of the guys started to gather around Brantley. He looked right and saw Van and Jett. To his left, Colby and Ryker. In front of him, Harry.

“What is this?” Brantley asked. “Some kind of intervention?”

“Maybe,” Colby said.

“We want you to hear everything from us,” Ryker said.

“Why? What’s wrong now? Christ, guys. I just spent the night with my son, watching him get a blood transfusion. I just want to get him home and get him settled.”

“You will,” Harry said. “But this is what’s happening. Just bear with me. You guys haven’t played any big shows lately. You guys are spotted in some bars, playing shows. You are in New York, with After the Run. Then you, Brantley, seem to disappear from town. Okay? You end up out of the limelight, something you’ve always loved. Then you appear at a bar, working. Then you get into a fight. And now…”

“Hospital sightings,” Ryker said.

“Which means?” Brantley asked.

“Looks like you have a problem,” Colby said.

“Ah, shit. Are you kidding me?”

“Bro, we know it’s all bullshit,” Jett said.

“Portis doesn’t,” Harry said. “I haven’t said anything to him about you. All he knows is that you’re dealing with some personal issues.”

“Personal issues,” Brantley said. “Rockstars and personal issues usually go right back to one thing…”

“Yeah,” Harry said. “I’m sorry to dump this on you now. But I think you have to get ahead of it all.”

“Meaning what?”

“Telling the world about your family,” Ryker said. “Tell the truth. You have a son. Who is ill. You’re trying to figure it out.”

“That’s nobody’s goddamn business but mine,” Brantley said.

“Hey, brother,” Colby said.

Colby touched Brantley’s shoulder and Brantley turned, losing his cool. He dropped the cup of coffee, let it splash on the floor. He then grabbed Colby by the shirt and threw him out of the way.

“Whoa!” Van yelled.

Brantley charged down the hallway. “Don’t fucking follow me. This is my life and my family.”

Brantley took to the stairs and charged down them. He got to the ground floor and kicked open the first door he saw and went outside. He stood there, looking around. He was on the side of the hospital. Leaning against the building, he let out a sigh and touched his chest. It seemed like just yesterday the biggest worry of his life was figuring out the name of the city he was waking up in. Along with the woman next to him in bed.

Now it was all changed.

A car pulled around the side of the hospital and pulled into an empty spot.

It was Mike.

He climbed out of the car and looked right at Brantley. As he walked toward Brantley, he touched his leg. When he got closer, he let out a cough that put Brantley in a bad place.

“Mike,” he said. “I have to say this right up front here… you can’t see Seth. You have a cough.”

“I know,” Mike said. “How’s he doing?”

“Good. Really good. They’re sending him home today.”

“That’s great. Usually he stays for days.”

“No. Not this time I guess. I made a few calls and I have a few doctors checking on his medical history. I have a name for you. A specialist in Los Angeles I want you to go see. Get that leg checked out for good. Get yourself rested up.”

“Well, I guess I got the time now,” Mike said.

“What?”

Mike reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.

Behind Brantley the door opened.

He figured it was going to be the band, but it was Emma.

“Dad,” Emma said.

“Hey, sweetie.”

“Is Seth okay?” Brantley asked.

“He’s fine,” Emma said. She grabbed for Brantley’s hand. “Colby came to find me.”

“Oh. That. Yeah. I shouldn’t have gotten pissed at the guys. I just hate all this. The way people perceive things, you know? It’s bullshit.”

“We all know you’re not on drugs or something,” Emma said.

“But the only way to stop this from getting worse is to get ahead of it all. That means talking about you, Emma. And Seth. I don’t want you two dragged into all this.”

“We’re family,” Emma said. “We’re together. Who cares?”

“Hey,” Mike said. “Back to me for a second.” He waved a piece of paper. “I got an email this morning… apparently someone bought the bar. The building. The lot.”

“What?” Emma asked. “How? Was it in foreclosure? Oh, Dad…”

“No,” Mike said. “It wasn’t in foreclosure. Some damn fool picked up all the debt on it. I got an offer that I couldn't refuse.”

“Who?” Emma asked.

Mike looked at Brantley. “You going to tell her?”

“Brantley?” Emma asked.

“I had to do it,” Brantley said. “I know the building and the bar means something to you both. Mike, you deserve a break. You did so much for Emma and Seth. Hell, you did so much for me. I’ll keep it however you want it. My opinion? We fix it up, turn it into something real. You manage from behind the scenes and let someone else run the place. You just collect the rent. Enjoy life a little.”

“I can’t believe this,” Emma said.

“You know that was a really bad financial decision?” Mike asked.

“Probably,” Brantley said. “You know, I know money can’t fix or buy everything, but what I can control, I will.”

Mike swallowed a big lump in his throat. He put his hand forward.

Brantley took it.

They shook hands for a few seconds and then Mike came in with a big hug.

“Just take care of my daughter and your son,” Mike said.

“As long as you take care of yourself now.”

“What about the house?” Emma asked.

“What about it?” Brantley asked.

“You don’t want to live in a mansion?”

“Do you?”

“No,” Emma said. “Seth loves the house. I mean, we could move someday, I guess. Maybe before he starts school.”

“Whatever you want, sexy moves,” Brantley said.

“Sexy moves?” Mike said. “Oh, Christ. I don’t need to hear this.”

The door opened again and out came the band and Harry.

Two SUVs then drove by slow, cameras hanging out the window.

“Fuck,” Ryker growled.

Brantley threw the middle finger as picture after picture was being snapped of him.

“That won’t look good,” Harry said.

Brantley looked at Emma. She smiled at him. She was everything to him. So was Seth.

He then looked at Harry. “Okay. Get Portis on the phone. Let me talk to him about everything. And then find out what we have to do to get the truth out. I don’t want any pictures or videos of my family. Okay? I’ll talk about Emma and Seth and that’s it.”

“I can have someone help you with the words,” Harry said. “We can spin…”

“No,” Brantley said. “No spinning anything. It’s all about the truth. I have a son. I love my son. I love the mother of my son. I’m going to marry her someday. We’re a family. And that’s the end of my personal business being in the news. What matters is the next fucking song Willow Son releases.”

“Which is done,” Colby said.

“And I have an idea for,” Ryker said.

“Oh?” Harry asked.

“In the spirit of all this shit,” Ryker said, “we release the song and everything made should go to the hospital. Or a bunch of hospitals. Or some kind of organization for kids.”

“Ah, man,” Brantley said. “Ryker’s got himself a heart.”

“Don’t make me hit you,” Ryker said.

Brantley grabbed for Ryker and hugged him. “Thank you, brother.”

They all hugged, five men together, five men as brothers, the way it all started years ago, and the way it was meant to be.

Emma’s phone beeped and she then said, “Hey, good news. Cassie just texted me. They’re releasing Seth now.”

“Let’s go home,” Brantley said.

“Got room for us?” Jett asked.

“Man, remember the last time we all got together in a house?” Van asked.

“You’re banned from a few towns,” Harry said.

“Please don’t trash my house,” Emma said. “I have Brantley and Seth to do it.”

Brantley opened the door and ushered everyone inside the hospital. He then grabbed Emma’s wrist at the last second and pulled her back outside. He shut the door and put her against it. One hand to her face, one hand to her hip.

“What are you doing?” Emma asked.

“I meant what I said. About you. About me. Us. Seth. Family. I want to marry you someday, Emma. I want to live in whatever house you and Seth want. I’ll buy it. I’ll build it. You two deserve it all. See, I’m famous to all these people around me. They follow me and take my picture and want to write stories about me. They want a piece of my life to try and figure me out. I guess that comes with the territory I’ve chosen. But you…” Brantley slid his fingers into Emma’s hair. “You’re my star, sexy moves. You’re famous to me. I’m going to spend everyday of my life looking at you, smiling, loving you. And when we argue, I’m going to make you smile. Because nothing will ever be more serious than the way we look at each other.”

Brantley gently kissed Emma.

“I hate you,” Emma whispered.

“Because I say the right thing all the time?”

“No. Because you kiss so good. I’m hooked.”

“Me too.”

They kissed again. And again. And again.

Right up until Ryker pounded on the door from the inside. “Wrap it up, love birds!”

Brantley laughed. So did Emma. Their lips were barely an inch apart.

Their eyes locked and the connection was as instant as the first time they met. At a concert, where dreams were being made and love was being found. Brantley had it all… he was the rockstar, the father, and the man to a woman who deserved to live free and happy enough to dance with her eyes shut everyday for the rest of her beautiful life.

******

“Seth, what are you doing?”

Seth looked up, his face determined. He had taken every empty container out of the cabinet and had them set up on the coffee table. He had a shirt wrapped around his forehead as a headband. He wore jeans, no shirt, and had socks hanging out of his back pockets.

“I’m playing rockstar,” Seth said.

He then side stepped and showed Emma he had drumsticks stuck into the socks on his feet. He reached down and pulled them out. He made an X with them and puckered his lips.

“How do I look?”

“Cool,” Emma said. “Did Brantley teach you how to dress like that?”

“Uncle Ryker did,” Seth said. “He said I need to have a bad ass attitude.”

“Seth!” Emma cried out. “Don’t say that word. That’s a bad word.”

“Uncle Ryker says it all the time.”

“I’m going to call Uncle Ryker and have Harry put soap in his mouth.”

“Rockstars don’t get punished.”

“Oh, they do,” Emma said.

She cursed Brantley in her mind. Taking Seth down to the studio and letting him experience the so-called calm parts of the rockstar life was wearing on him a little too much maybe.

“Watch,” Seth said.

He looked at the containers and started to drum on them. Half the containers flew off the table with one hit. The others slid across the table. None of them made any real noise. But to Seth, he was on stage, doing what his Daddy did.

“How’s that?” Seth asked.

“Good,” Emma said. “I think you’re ready for the big stage.”

“Nice. Dad says I could play on tour with him.”

“Dad’s not here right now,” Emma said. “I’m in charge.”

“Mom’s are boring.”

“Oh yeah?” Emma asked.

She walked to the closet and opened it. She grabbed one of Brantley’s hats. First, she smelled it, feeling her heart race at the smell of him. The touring thing was a little hard to get used to, but technology made it easier. They called, texted, video chatted every morning, afternoon, and night.

Emma put the hat on backwards and then walked to Seth. “Let me have those sticks.”

“These are weapons,” Seth said.

“I can handle them.”

Emma took the drumsticks and adjusted the remaining containers on the table. She then made the X with the sticks and started to drum. The containers all broke apart and in a matter of a few seconds, the tips of the drumsticks were smacking the coffee table.

“Mom!” Seth yelled.

“No,” Emma said. “Rockstars never stop. No matter what!”

She kept going, bouncing her head.

Seth let out a giggle.

Emma then stopped and tossed the drumsticks into the air.

When she heard applause, she gasped.

Brantley stood there, slowly clapping. “Not bad at all.”

“Dad!” Seth screamed and charged forward.

Brantley scooped up Seth and spun around.

“What are you doing here?” Emma asked. “You’re supposed to be in Texas.”

“That’s tomorrow,” Brantley said.

“I thought…”

Brantley walked to Emma and kissed her.

“Ew,” Seth said.

“I took a flight home. The guys are getting there this afternoon. They’re handling the press. I need to be there tomorrow by three for an autograph session. So from now until then, I’m here. I’m home.”

“Can we get pizza?” Seth asked.

“See what you started?” Emma asked. “Every time you come home, he expects pizza.”

“Hey, when you’re a drummer, you have to eat a lot. Keep your body going. Right, Seth?”

“Yes!” Seth yelled.

Brantley put Seth down and he ran to get the drumsticks.

Brantley put his hands to Emma’s waist and smiled. “Hey, sexy moves.”

“Hey, you,” Emma said back.

Brantley grabbed his hat off Emma’s head and put it on his own head. “You look super cute in my hat.”

Emma leaned in. “I bet I’d look even cuter in nothing but one of your shirts.”

“Oh, damn,” Brantley whispered. “I bet you’d look even better with nothing on…”

Emma laughed. “Down boy. We have a son…”

Emma sucked in a breath. She tightened her lips.

“What’s wrong?” Brantley asked. “Is Seth okay?”

Emma nodded. “I was trying to wait. I had an idea for tonight when we talked…”

“What?”

“I have to show you something. Come here.”

Emma led the way up the steps.

Brantley trailed behind her. “I thought we had a son to worry about?”

“Stop,” Emma said. “We’re not doing that. We do that enough.”

“Oh, hell no. We never could do that enough.”

Emma stopped at the bedroom. “Wait here a second.”

“Okay.”

Emma opened the drawer and grabbed the pink onesie.

She opened the door and held it up.

Brantley read the onesie… “My Daddy’s a rockstar…”

Then he looked at Emma and his eyes slowly went wide.

“What?” he asked.

She nodded.

“What… whoa. You’re…” He put his hands to her stomach. “Are you kidding me?”

“No. I’m not. I went to the doctor’s yesterday. I thought I was just anxious about you going on tour but the nauseous feelings weren’t going away. I’m pregnant.”

“Wow,” Brantley said. “And you think it’s a girl?”

“Of course. I can’t handle another guy in this house.”

Brantley pulled Emma close. “Thank you.”

“For what? Letting you knock me up again?”

“Yeah, sure. But for everything. I’ve traveled the world, seen hundreds of thousands of people, made millions, and I never felt complete. Until right now. Right here, right now.”

They kissed until they heard someone clear their throat.

“Are you two going to keep kissing or order pizza?” Seth asked. He then walked away, shaking his head.

“And you want that attitude with a little girl?” Brantley asked.

“You know what? I just want a happy family.”

Brantley nodded. “That, sexy moves, is exactly what you’re going to get for the rest of your life.”

THE END.