Hometown Star - By Joleen James Page 0,70
all good. Will is growing like a weed.”
“Bud?”
“Is fine. Aren’t you going to ask me about Cade?”
Star’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. “How is he?”
“In fine form. He’s hired a nanny. Do you remember Amber McClain? Talk in town is she’s after Cade. And I heard from Bud that Cade has mowed down Patsy’s.”
Star’s stomach hit her feet. He’d erased her from his life. He really was done with her.
“Star? Are you there?” Brandi asked.
“Yes.”
“I know you love him,” Brandi said gently. “Don’t bother to deny it. Get your butt up here and fight for your man.”
“It’s too late,” Star said her fingers tightening on the phone. “Trust me. He doesn’t want anything to do with me.”
“Maybe, but you’ll never know for sure if you don’t try,” Brandi said. “Take a risk, Star.” Will’s soft cries filled the space between them. “Look, I have to go. Will’s up. You haven’t responded to my invite for Thanksgiving. I hope you’re coming.”
“I haven’t decided.” The pretty orange and brown invite glared at her from the refrigerator.
“It’s Will’s first Thanksgiving and I want you here with us. Ruby Sue, Tawney, and Mom and John are coming. I want a big family Thanksgiving for my son. Come for Will, Star.”
Did Brandi even realize how dysfunctional an event like that would be? They’d need to swill martinis like rock stars just to get through it.
“Say yes, Star,” Brandi coaxed. Will’s fussing grew louder.
“I’ll think about it,” Star said. “Go take care of your baby.”
“Okay,” Brandi agreed and Star could imagine her rocking from side to side, trying to quiet Will. The image sent a rush of longing for her sister through Star. “Bye, Star. Hope to see you soon.”
The line went dead. Star set the phone down.
Brandi had just given her a reason to go home.
Did she want to go? Was Cade worth the risk? Yes, her heart sang. Yes.
She was going to Alaska for Thanksgiving.
* * *
“I’m sick of you moping around,” Ron said. “Do something about it. Go and get her and bring her back.”
Cade glanced up from the reel he was working on. “Mind your own business.”
“You’ve been oiling that same reel for ten minutes. Snap out of it.”
“Shut up.” Cade tossed the reel on the workbench. He’d been upset since that damned show had aired last night. Watching it had brought back his last days with Star. He couldn’t stop thinking about her, about their situation.
“I heard from Bud that she’s coming for Thanksgiving.”
“What?” Cade asked, his heart kick–starting in his chest.
“Yeah, she’s staying at Brandi’s. Make up with her. You know you want to.”
“Don’t you think I’ve thought about it?” Cade asked. “Butt out. I know what I’m doing.”
“You’re being stupid,” Ron said with a shake of his head. “She loves your kids, anyone can see that. She’s scared. Be the bigger man.” He walked away, leaving Cade alone.
Cade frowned. He didn’t know what to think anymore. And he could hardly stand to go in the kitchen. The place was one big, red reminder of her.
He’d left Star alone long enough. He loved her, and he was going to make sure she knew just how much. Then, if she turned him away, he’d let her go, but he had to give it one more chance.
* * *
Star stood in the O’Brien driveway.
The windows of the old Victorian were filled with golden light. A blanket of snow covered the house, making it look enchanted, welcoming, and warm.
What was Cade doing? Was he carving the Thanksgiving turkey? Were the kids running wild? Was baby Daniel crying, or was he nursing at Trudy’s breast?
Images flew through Star’s mind as she started forward. She’d left her own family’s Thanksgiving at Brandi’s to see Cade.
She prayed he wouldn’t throw her out when he heard what she had to say.
Star rang the doorbell, the chime making her nerves jump.
Laughter seeped out through the door as Finn’s and Emma’s footsteps drew near. The door opened.
“Star!” Emma cried.
“Emma.” Star went down on her knees. Finn joined them in the group hug. Star’s chest tightened with an emotion so powerful she wondered how she ever could have thought of shutting these kids out of her life.
“I’ve missed you guys,” she said.
“I missed you, too,” Emma said, pulling away.
“Dad!” Finn shouted. “Star’s here.”
Star pushed to her feet just as Cade appeared. When he saw her, he stopped. She tried to read the emotion in his eyes but failed.
“Kids, go and tell Trudy to set another