He loved her.
And tonight he was finally going to tell her.
“You’re right. The weather has been calling me outside,” Addison commented as they headed for his truck. “I’ve been looking forward to the concert all day long, and after you told me what Jeff said I’m over-the-top excited.”
“You’ve got me super-excited too.” He shot her a wicked grin.
“Oh stop,” she said, but the pretty pink color in her cheeks spoke otherwise.
Reid reached over and took her hand and brought it to his lips. After so many years of worry it felt so good to feel happy and as close to carefree as his personality would allow. So much of his mood had to do with the pretty woman sitting in the passenger’s seat. “Wow,” Reid said when they pulled into the parking lot of Sully’s Tavern. “It’s already getting packed.” The main lot was nearly full but Pete had set up a grass field with additional parking.
Addison looked at him with raised eyebrows. “Seems like this is going to be quite the event.”
“Let’s hurry so we can get a spot near the stage,” he said, and came over to open Addison’s door. He handed the blanket to Addison and picked up the chairs. “Pete sure did do this up right,” Reid commented. The field that butted up against the parking lot sat on a ridge overlooking the river. Chairs were to the side and colorful blankets were spread across the grass, giving the appearance of a giant patchwork quilt. Children ran around, laughing and chasing one another, while adults stood in groups, chatting and drinking longneck beers. The aroma of barbecue wafted through the air, making Reid’s stomach rumble.
“Wow, look at that.” Reid pointed to a stage that had been erected at the far end of the field. “I could see it from the road but up close it’s even more impressive.” Huge speakers flanked each side, telling Reid that this really was going to be something else. Beneath the conversation and laughter was a buzz of anticipation. “This is probably the biggest event in Cricket Creek since the opening day of the stadium.”
“Sure looks that way,” Addison agreed. “Oh hey, there’s your family.” She waved to Sara, who spotted them at the same time.
“Follow me,” Reid urged, and weaved his way through the crowd, heading for a spot near the stage. They waved to several people, including Maggie, who sat with Tristan and Savannah. Noah Falcon sat with the Cougars baseball team, who were signing autographs for eager children. Mia Monroe tossed T-shirts and baseball caps to the crowd. It seemed to Reid that most of Cricket Creek really was in attendance. He placed the chairs in the row that his mother had saved for them and grinned. “This is something, isn’t it?” They were greeted with hugs.
“I got y’all some food,” Sara said, and handed them two plates with foil-wrapped sandwiches and bags of potato chips.
“The roast pig is amazing,” Braden told them. “I’ll go get you guys a couple of beers.” He shook off Reid’s offer of money. “This one’s on me.”
“I guess no one got Jeff to tell what in the world is going on?” Reid asked.
“I did my best,” his mother admitted. “I even tried to bribe him with his favorite red velvet cake but it was a no-go.”
“I told y’all just to be patient,” Reid’s father said. “We’ll know soon enough.”
“Not soon enough for Sara,” Cody said with a laugh. “Poor little thing had been practically jumping up and down with excitement all day long.”
“Can you blame me?” Sara slipped her arm around Cody’s waist and looked up at him.
“I sure can’t,” Addison said as she accepted the ice-cold beer from Braden. “Thanks.”
Reid tapped his bottle to hers. “To a memorable night.”
A few minutes later a hush fell over the crowd when Pete Sully sauntered onto the stage and grabbed the microphone. “Welcome, everybody, and thanks so much for coming!” He had to put his hands up, waiting for the applause and whistles to die down. “Save your applause, ’cuz you’re gonna need it. First, I need to give a huge thanks to Jason Craig and his crew for getting the stage built on such short notice. They worked their tails off. And thanks to my son, Clint, for working nearly around the clock getting this event put together.” Pete grinned as he held up his hands once again, waiting for the crowd to quiet down. “Before we get started I want to tell you that I’m gonna have not one but several exciting announcements, so don’t even think of going anywhere.”
Reid looked at Addison with raised eyebrows. Everybody, even the children, fell silent while Pete paused for dramatic effect.
“This stage,” Pete began, “is temporary. Very soon Jason and his crew are going to start on a permanent outdoor arena that will host some amazing talent, drawing from nearby Nashville and beyond. We have to clear some more land but we hope to be up and running by next spring!” He eased his hands in a downward motion for silence. “And I thought it would only be fitting to have one of our own do the honors of singing on this here spot for the very first time. Ladies and gentleman, fresh from Nashville, give it up for Cricket Creek’s very own . . . Jeff Greenfield, along with his band, South Street Riot!”
The crowd erupted into wild applause when Jeff and his band walked onto the stage. Jeff grabbed the microphone from Pete and shouted, “How’s it goin’, Cricket Creek? Y’all ready to party?”
Reid put his pinkie and thumb to his lips and whistled before looking down at Addison. “Jeff sure knows how to work a crowd!”
Addison nodded her agreement. “You got that right!”
“I want to thank Pete and Clint Sully for hosting the first of many concerts to come right here in my hometown of Cricket Creek, Kentucky! We’re gonna start off with a cover of Jason Aldean’s ‘My Kinda Party’ to get ya’ll up on your feet and then play a few of our own songs. But like Pete said, don’t go anywhere because this is just the beginning of what’s going to be an amazing night!” Jeff shouted and then signaled for the band to begin.
As predicted the crowd was up on their feet, dancing and singing to the popular song. Nobody even thought about sitting on the lawn chairs or lying on blankets. Reid listened to his brother’s voice and smiled. Not too long ago he was just a kid sitting on the front porch, strumming his guitar for friends and family—most of whom were now in the crowd, singing and cheering him on. Jeff had one of those deep, rich, versatile voices that could rock it out or sing a slow, soulful ballad. Reid felt a sense of pride, but a twinge of guilt hit him when he remembered how he had preached against Jeff going off to Nashville. Never again would he ever discourage anyone from pursuing their dreams. Failing is better than never trying, Reid thought while tapping his foot to the music. Reid mused that it was funny because Jeff was actually more reserved and quiet than outgoing Braden, but he simply came to life up on the stage, like he owned it.
“How many of y’all ever been so much in love that you couldn’t see straight?” Jeff shouted, and was met with cheers, and whistles. Reid grinned when Cody looked at Sara and raised his hand. “The next song is one of our own called ‘Outta My Mind with Lovin’ You,’” Jeff said, and launched into a heartfelt ballad that had the crowd swaying to the beat while listening to the story the lyrics told. And then, showing their diversity, they slid right into a banjo-filled bluegrass song that had people linking arms and dancing to the fast-paced tune.
Addison came up on tiptoe and said in Reid’s ear, “Jeff is amazing. My dad would love to have their music in his store. I’m blown away by how good they are.”
Reid smiled and then looked over at his mom and dad, who were beaming with parental pride.