Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 38445 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38445 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
"You will never be normal, Sunshine," he says with a chuckle. "You're too goddamn perfect for something as mundane as normalcy."
A blush climbs up my cheeks at his compliment.
He notices and grins at me.
"I love it here, though," I whisper. "I never thought I'd find so much inspiration here."
"You mean me." His grin grows.
I roll my eyes. "If your head gets any bigger, you aren't going to be able to get out of the truck, Caleb."
He chuckles again, pressing his lips to my ear. "I'll show you my big head later, baby."
"I can't wait," I retort, feigning annoyance even as a shiver cascades down my spine. His voice is dark velvet, the kind that promises sin and salvation at once.
"I'll hold you to that, Sunshine," he warns, his laughter a deep rumble in my ear before he sobers again. "You said you were afraid I'd look you at you differently when I knew the truth. What, specifically, are you afraid of, baby?"
I lick my lips, searching for the right words to explain. "You love your quiet life here. Mine isn't like that, Caleb. Being with me is a sacrifice. I don't want you to wake up one day resenting your choice because you gave up everything you really wanted in life." I fidget with my fingers, fretting. "I'm afraid you'll change your mind about me when you see how crazy things can get." I meet his gaze, my eyes wide and worried. "And I'm really afraid it's going to turn into a madhouse when people find out about you."
His expression softens, his hand coming to cup my cheek gently. "Sunshine," he says, his voice gentle but firm. "Being with you isn't a sacrifice. I love you. Letting you walk out of my life would be the biggest mistake I've ever made. Don't ever doubt that."
Tears prick at my eyes, and I lean into his touch, grateful for his understanding. "But what about everything else?" I whisper. "The constant attention, the paparazzi, the rumors…"
He brushes a thumb over my cheekbone, wiping away a stray tear. "You're strong and resilient, and I know you'll handle it with grace. I'll take my cues from you."
"But what about us?" I ask, my voice trembling.
"Us?" Caleb's eyebrows furrow in confusion.
"Our relationship," I clarify. "Will we be able to survive all of that?"
Caleb's eyes search mine for a moment before he presses his lips against mine. It's a tender kiss, filled with love and reassurance. When he pulls back, he rests his forehead against mine.
"I have nothing but faith in us," he whispers. "I'm not letting you go, Sunshine. Not now. Not for anything. As long as we communicate and support each other, we'll survive whatever they throw at us, just like your parents have."
A sense of peace washes over me at his words and the conviction in his voice. He means what he says. He isn't going anywhere. This man loves me enough to give up his quiet, peaceful life on the mountain for one in the spotlight.
"I love you," I whisper, awed that he's mine.
"I love you too," he replies with a smile.
I pull away from him and open the truck door.
Koda greets us at the front door, yapping and wagging his tail in excitement. Caleb bends down to greet him and I watch as my gruff mountain man melts into mush at the sight of my puppy. Seems no one is immune to Koda's charm.
As we walk into the living room, our conversation drifts back to the life I've fled from.
"What do you think is the best part about singing?" I ask Caleb, curious what he thinks it is.
He leans against the wall, crossing his tattooed arms over his chest, and looks at me thoughtfully. "Well, I only sing in the shower—and trust me it ain't pretty—but if I had to guess…I'd say performing in front of a crowd that knows every word of your songs."
I'm not surprised by his answer. I suppose most people think that's the best part. And yes, it's an intoxicating high that's nearly impossible to describe.
"Truthfully? My favorite part isn't wrapped up in being on stage at all," I admit. "It's the fact that I share the experience with my parents. They forged the path. I simply follow in their footsteps. They're legends. They always will be to me."
My mom is my idol, and my dad is my hero. My mom helped make a place in country music for plus size women. Until her, women were allowed to be big and talented, but they weren't allowed to be big and sexy and talented. She helped open a lot of doors for a lot of women, and she did it without losing her spark. My dad protected that part of her fiercely. It's not just their music that has achieved legendary status, but their unwavering bond and devotion to each other.