Page 86 of Pink and Country

“What’s heaven?”

Carter grabbed Jack’s hand. “Come on, I’ll explain. Time for our boys’ hour.” Secret code for eating an endless supply of pancakes next door. He winked at the boy, and my heart turned to mush in my chest.

“Bye, Mama. Bye, April,” Jack sang. Carter leaned in to kiss me. The last drop of my melted heart pooled on the floor.

Dahlia neared us and ruffled her son’s hair before kissing him goodbye. “Have fun, you two. And please, behave.” She turned to face me and shrugged. “Carter transforms into a man-child when he hangs out with Jack.”

Once again, I found myself alone with the only woman Carter had ever loved. I shouldn’t feel at ease around her. But, somehow, I did. Carter didn’t look at Dahlia the same way he looked at me. He had this hungry stare when our eyes met. With Dahlia, it was more of an affectionate look. I offered her a small smile, and she returned it.

“Okay, I have to tell you this. Carter looks ten years younger since he met you. Whatever you’re doing, please don’t stop.” She squeezed my forearm.

Tingles moved up and down my spine. Saunders would probably say the same thing about me if she were here. My zombie days were behind me. My after-Travis-induced insomnia had retreated. For good, this time. I hoped. I wasn’t sure if Carter, Green Mountain, or a mix of both was the cure I needed.

“April, do you have any idea what you’re looking for?” Dahlia wore royal-blue yoga pants and an off-the-shoulder black Sherpa sweater, her red hair tied in a single braid over her shoulder. She was beautiful. She had a gleam in her eyes and a way of making other people feel important. Like she genuinely cared about them. I blew out a breath and tucked loose strands of my hair behind my ears.

“No idea. To be honest, I’m nervous. Carter insisted I go with him, but I’m not even sure I’ll fit amongst all these rich and famous people.” I could feel blood pooling in my cheeks as they warmed up. Dahlia clutched my shaky shoulders.

“Listen to me, April. I know Carter’s world is scary. It can be overwhelming and destructive if you don’t grow an armor. But if Carter is by your side, you have nothing to worry about.”

“If I’m overstepping here, please tell me. But why did you leave the band?”

Dahlia rubbed the back of her neck. “Well, I found out I was pregnant, and I got tired of this life. I also did it to protect my baby because I refused to raise him in the limelight. You know, traveling the globe and living in hotel rooms wasn’t my thing. All I wanted was a low-key life with the man I loved.” Her gaze dropped to the ground. “I’m glad I left the scene when I did. It was my choice. After Jeff’s death—he was Carter’s older brother and my husband—I realized I’d made the right choice. I would’ve been forced to give it up anyway.” Dahlia cradled her belly. “Enough of this. I’m happily married, and I love my life the way it is.” She smiled, but a flake of sadness remained in her eyes.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be insensitive.”

Dahlia held my hands in hers. “Don’t be sorry, April. It was a long time ago. I never regretted leaving the band. Carter has always been the star. He deserved everything he worked so hard for.” She paused and searched my eyes. “Don’t break his heart, though. Be honest with him. He cares about you. A lot. I can tell. Please be gentle with his heart; it’s delicate, okay? He appears strong and fearful, but underneath his tough exterior, he’s hurting.” I nodded, and Dahlia’s smile grew bigger. The trace of sadness in her eyes vanished. “Carter deserves to be loved. He doesn’t think he does, and it breaks my heart. He’d catch a bullet for anyone he cares about. I’m sad he doesn’t know how truly special he is.”

I offered her a lopsided smile. The last thing I wanted was to break Carter’s heart. Or for him to break mine. I changed the subject, my pulse spiking at the thought of the man. “About this dress, can you help me pick something because I have no idea what I should wear?”

Dahlia clapped her hands in front of us. “Follow me, April. Once we’re finished, Carter will have to duct-tape his jaw if he doesn’t want to drag it around on the floor and catch dust.”

I tried on a long, asymmetric black gown first. It had a crystal strap on one shoulder and a long sleeve on the other side. A string belt of tiny crystals, like the ones sewed on the shoulder strap, circled the waist.

I spun, admiring my reflection in the three-panel, full-length mirror. “I like this one,” I said, smoothing the soft fabric with my hand.

“It looks wonderful on you. Elegant and classy.” Dahlia handed me a second gown. “Now try this one.”

Strapless, it had a long slit on the side, showing a significant amount of leg. An embroidered gold pattern embellished the navy-blue bodice. Paired with gold loop earrings and a large golden bracelet, I resembled a Greek goddess.

“Do you love it?” Dahlia asked as I looked at my backside through the mirror.

“I can’t decide which one I love the most.” I twirled. “They’re both gorgeous.”

“Try this one,” Dahlia said, handing me a third gown.

It was a silver mermaid-cut gown with a plunging neckline, a low-cut back, and a short train, embellished with embroidery, silver feathers, and sparkly silver beads.

I parted my lips, but only a low “Oh” left my mouth when I caught my reflection in the mirror outside the dressing room.

Unable to look away, I cupped my hands over my heart.

“You are very pretty. Uncle Carter is very lucky to go on a date with you.” I turned around at the sound of the little voice speaking highly of me. Jack stood a yard from me, stars in his eyes. “Can I take you on a date too?”

A sweet laugh escaped my lips. “I’d love to go on a date with you, Jack. I promised Carter I’d go with him on this one, though. It’s a big deal for him.” I furrowed my eyebrows and lowered my voice. “I think he’s scared to go alone. Don’t tell him I said that, but he needs me to hold his hand.” The little boy chuckled.

“I won’t tell him anything,” he said with a wink.

Carter walked in. “Are you two talking behind my back?” He stopped in his tracks when his eyes took me in. His lips parted, but no words eased out.