My face heats up at the memory. “Who cares, they still printed it.”

  “The editor went to the eye doctor right after that issue ran and had her prescription updated. I say, you performed a public service.”

  “How do you figure?” I ask.

  “With eyesight that bad, Mrs. Peabody could have run someone over in her car without seeing them.”

  “Yeah, but the whole town saw my butt. That was horrifying.”

  “Please,” she says. “It’s a good butt; you have nothing to be ashamed of.”

  Deciding it’s time to get off the topic of my posterior, I say, “Hey, my mom said your folks are joining us for Thanksgiving dinner tonight. That’ll be nice.”

  Helena looks sad as she answers, “The doctors think it’ll be my dad’s last. They seem pretty certain his diagnosis will reach its end within a year.”

  “I’m so sorry. I know what you’re going through.” I reach out and pat her arm.

  She shakes her head. “I think it was worse for you, having no warning. I’m grateful for this time to prepare. It will still be ungodly hard to lose Dad, but at least we’ll have the comfort of knowing his pain will be over.”

  “You have a good attitude,” I tell her. “Focusing on gratitude makes any cross easier to bear.”

  After Helena walks away, I head out of the dining room. I’m almost at the hostess stand when Romaine approaches me. He sidles next to me and asks, “Would you mind taking a walk with me?”

  I immediately bristle. I don’t want anything to do with this superstar. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ll never be able to listen to his music again. Especially his upcoming album, ‘Tomaine.’ “I don’t think we have anything to talk about,” I tell him.

  “Please,” Tara’s ex practically begs.

  My curiosity is piqued. “Fine, follow me.”

  Before doing so, Romaine turns around and addresses the reporters who are hovering close by. “I’m going for a walk with my friend James. I’ll be back to talk to you all later. Please give us some privacy.”

  I’m not sure how he said that without choking on his words. We are not friends. He’s clearly very used to lying to the press.

  We walk out the front door of the lodge without speaking. When he’s sure we haven’t been followed, Romaine says, “Cash claims she didn’t know Tara worked here.”

  I don’t try to stifle my laughter. “What do you think?” I ask him.

  “I think she’s lying. I know Cash has always been jealous of Tara and it seems unlikely that she’d want to get married in a place so far off the beaten path without an ulterior motive.”

  “And yet, here you are.” I’m at a loss for anything else to say.

  “Yeah, here we are.” He kicks a pile of leaves at his feet.

  “What does any of this have to do with me?”

  “I don’t think you and Tara should come to the wedding.”

  “Believe me, it’s the last thing in the world she wants to do. But she thinks it’s the only way to get the press off her back.”

  “Maybe not,” he says. “I was thinking that we could hold the wedding in a more private location, so it’s just me and Cash. We’ll say it was Tara’s idea. That way she still comes off looking like a good friend who’s supporting me and Cash.”

  Even though it’s none of my business, I can’t help asking, “Why are you marrying her?”

  “She really is a great girl,” he says. “Tara just brings out the worst in her.”

  “If you say so.” Skepticism oozes out of me.

  Romaine says, “I heard you have private cabins here. Is there one available where Cash and I can say our vows?”

  A private affair seems out of character for a man who courts the press. But instead of saying that, I answer, “I’ll have to check with my mom.”

  “Also,” Romaine adds, “I’d like if you could put me in touch with the reporter who wrote the article about you and Tara for the Tattler. I’d like her to be the only reporter present. She didn’t seem interested in writing a salacious story, so I think she’d be a great person to cover the wedding.”

  “Why do you need any reporters there?” As far as I’m concerned exchanging vows should be an intimate affair.

  “Look, man,” Romaine says, “I don’t expect you to understand, and I know you have no reason to want to help me. But do it for Tara. I’m sure tomorrow will be a lot less difficult for her if she doesn’t have to be a guest at my wedding.”

  “She’s over you,” I tell him harshly.

  “Maybe so, but you can’t think tomorrow will be easy for her.”

  I don’t know what to think. All I know is that I don’t like this guy. “Let me talk to my mom,” I tell him. “She’ll contact you with whatever options she can offer.”

  “I appreciate that,” Romaine says.

  “I’m not doing it for you,” I tell him vehemently. “The faster you get out of Oregon, the better.”

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Gwen

  Deciding her best course of action is to avoid the media, Gwen heads for the great room. She plans to sit by the fireplace and enjoy a cup of coffee until things settle down in the dining room.

  She’s not there for more than five minutes before a shadow looms over her. “What can I do for you, Mr. Byerly?” Gwen asks.

  He sits down on the rocking chair next to her. “I wish you would have put me in touch with Tara when I first came to your house.”

  “Why did you want to see her so badly?”

  “I wanted to convince her to get back with Romaine, at least until after his new album releases.”

  “Then I’m glad I didn’t let you know where she was,” Gwen scoffs.

  “It would have been great publicity for both of them,” he maintains.

  “I think you’re missing the point, Syd. Tara’s done with all that.”

  He shakes his head. “‘Tomaine’ could have hit platinum its first week out if they’d gotten back together. I worked my ass off tipping off the press to Romaine and Tara’s whereabouts. I was stirring up the perfect storm by getting them to break up only to get back together in time for the release.”

  “You’re responsible for that? Why, you evil, scum-sucking, sorry excuse of a human being.”

  He shrugs. “It would have worked if you’d have done your part like you were supposed to.”

  Gwen stands up and declares quite loudly, “Go to hell!”

  Tara

  Henry is the first to greet me when I walk into the kitchen. “I lost ten bucks, thanks to you.” His smile belies any anger.

  “Serves you right for making a wager about me,” I tell him.

  My co-workers are all friendly and a few come over to share their surprise about my real identity. They don’t stay for long though because it is Thanksgiving, and we all have a ton of work to do.

  Henry has covered for me beautifully by preparing all of today’s pies, so I get to work on Romaine and Cash’s wedding cake. I put every ounce of care into it that I would have for my own cake. I’m obviously not doing it for them, but because my pride as a pastry chef calls for my best work.

  By the time I’m done, Thanksgiving dinner is in full swing. I hurry to change into my dress for our staff celebration and meet James, our mothers, and Billy in the dining room.

  Ruby sees me first and greets me with a hug and kiss on the cheek. Once we’re all seated at a large table, she exclaims, “Everything has worked out beautifully!”

  My mom lifts her wine glass and toasts, “To Spartan, my new hometown!”

  Wait, what? “What do you mean your new hometown?” I ask.

  “I’ve decided to move here so I can be closer to you,” she smiles at me excitedly before reaching over to take Billy’s hand. “And Billy.”

  Well, how about that? I have a million questions, but now doesn’t seem to be the time to ask them, so I say, “Here’s to both of us living in Spartan.”

  “And both of you being involved with Cavanaugh men!” Ruby adds. “I can’t recommend the experience highly enough.”

  James jokes, “Now that you have me, Brogan, and Gwen fixed up, who’s next, Mom?”

  “Don’t you worry about that,” she says. “I have plans.”

  While James tops off everyone’s wine glass, Claire comes over to our table and asks, “Would you mind if I joined you for dinner?”

  I jump up and hug her, “Of course not. You didn’t eat with Romaine and Cash?”

  “They had dinner in their room so they could avoid the press for a while. You’re the only other family I have here right now.” She adds, “I’ve always felt like you were a sister.”

  “I feel the same way,” I tell her truthfully. “Just because Romaine and I aren’t together doesn’t mean that we can’t still be family. What do you think about that?”

  “I’d like that.”

  Rachel comes over next. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

  “Happy Thanksgiving to you too,” I say. “Would you care to join us?”

  Before you know it, we’re all sitting elbow-to-elbow giving thanks for the goodness in our lives.

  Ruby tells Rachel, “I’m looking forward to reading the other articles you wrote about Tara and James.”

  “They won’t be coming out,” Rachel says.

  “Why?” I want to know, although after overhearing her conversation in the bathroom, I think I can guess the answer.

  “The Tattler didn’t like that I wrote about the truth instead of gossip and speculation, so they’re not printing them. They’re also pretty mad that Tara’s being so gracious about Romaine and Cash being here. They were hoping for some real drama.”

  I tell everyone about Rachel being fired and how I suggested she move to Spartan and find an online writing job.

  “I’m moving here too!” my mom tells her. “Maybe we can go house hunting together.” Obviously, she’s changed her tune about Rachel.

  “I’m pretty sure I’ll be looking for an apartment,” Rachel tells her.

  I look across the table at Claire and notice how sad she looks. “How are you doing, Claire? Are you still in Santa Monica?”

  “For now,” she says sounding totally undecided that that’s where she wants to be. “I hate my job,” she announces.

  “I thought you loved it!” I tell her. Claire plans premieres and events for Global Pictures and she’s always gushed about how much fun it is.

  “I used to love it. Things have changed lately. The new advertising director is a real pain in the butt to work for. He’s cut my budget down to the bare bones, but he still wants over-the-top parties.”

  “Weren’t you dating him for a while?” I ask.

  “We were, until I found out he had a thing for twenty-year-old starlets.” She sounds despondent.

  On the fly, I decide, “You should move to Spartan, too. Think of how much fun it will be being able to see each other all the time.”

  Claire insists, “What would I ever do for work in a town this small?”

  “You and I talked the other day about our hosting more events here at the lodge. You could be our event coordinator,” Ruby volunteers.

  “Really?” Claire brightens considerably,

  “Really.” Well how about that? I’ve gone from no girlfriends in Spartan to two in the time frame of one meal.

  After dinner, I stand up and get everyone’s attention. I lift my glass and say, “I just want to thank Ruby, James, and Billy for making me and Mom feel so welcome. I’m amazed by how quickly life can change. And while change is often scary and hard, it can also be liberating.” Raising my glass higher, I add, “To the Cavanaughs.”

  Then I turn to face Rachel and Claire and add, “To new beginnings.” I’m positively filled with possibilities for all of our futures.

  After we’re done with dessert—Henry did a killer job on the pies—James and I say goodnight to everyone. We walk hand in hand to the parking lot.

  I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt, I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  Ruby

  Waving frenetically across the lobby, Chris calls, “Hurry!”

  “What's going on with you?” Ruby asks, still in a haze of joy over how well yesterday went for James and Tara.

  Looking around nervously, Chris leans in and whispers, “Romaine Choate called off the wedding. He and Cash and their contingent left at five o’clock this morning.”

  “What? How? Why?” Ruby wants to know.

  “He said they decided to get married someplace else and that we should let their guests know there won’t be a wedding today.”

  “I’m not letting his guests know anything,” Ruby declares hotly. Then she picks up the phone and calls Claire’s room.

  “Hello?” the groom’s sister answers immediately.

  “It’s Ruby. What in the world is going on?”

  Claire sighs before telling her, “Cash called it off. She said she doesn’t want to get married anywhere near Tara. I’ve already left messages for our families. I’m guessing they’ll get right back on the next plane home once they land. I’ll collect all of the gift baskets I’ve left in rooms and I’ll let the few guests who checked in yesterday know.”

  “What are we supposed to do with all the food we have ready for the wedding?”

  “Charge everything to Romaine’s credit card. I told him not to expect a refund on anything.”

  “That’s going to cost him a fortune and he won’t have anything to show for it,” Ruby says. While she’s not particularly disappointed not to have a wedding there today, she’s still a little miffed to be left with cleaning up the mess.

  “I need to go,” Claire says, “but I’ll come down and see you when I’m done. I have a great idea how we can use this fiasco to everyone’s benefit.”

  James

  “Hey, Mom, what’s up?” I’m surprised by the early morning call.

  “Honey, we’re going to have a party tonight.”

  “I’m sorry, what?” I squint my eyes at the sunbeam shooting through the bedroom window.

  “We’re having a party,” she repeats.

  “I thought we were going to a wedding.” Is that what she’s talking about?

  “Romaine and Cash have left. They’re going to get married someplace else.” She releases a squeal of joy.

  “What? Why?” I feel like I’ve woken up in the twilight zone.

  “I don’t think Cash liked the idea of sharing her day with Tara.”

  “Is that why we’re having a party?” I throw the covers off, and for some reason go to the door to look across the hall for confirmation that the rock star is gone.

  My mom explains, “We have a ballroom already decorated for an event and we have all the food. All we need now are guests.”

  There’s an envelope taped to my door with my name on it. I pull it down but don’t open it yet. Instead, I ask my mom, “Who do you want to invite?”

  “I thought we’d invite people from town and introduce them to Tara. That way they can get to know she’s just a regular person.”

  “That’s a fantastic idea,! I’ll call Tara and tell her.”

  “What do you mean you’ll call her? Isn’t she there?”

  I look at the clock before answering, “At six in the morning?”

  “You’re not a very fast worker, are you, honey?”

  “Mom, this is none of your business and I have no intention of discussing this part of my life with you.”

  “You were waiting for tonight, huh?”

  “Mother,” I say in a warning tone.

  She interrupts, “Fine, it’s none of my business. Call some of your friends and tell them about tonight. I’ll see you later.”

  She hangs up before I can say anything else. I open the envelope in my hands and pull out a sheet of paper. It reads:

  James,

  I’m sure you’ve already heard that Cash and I have left. I’m truly sorry for any trouble our being there has caused Tara. I’m sure you know that I still love her and probably always will. Be good to her. Give her the life she’s always wanted. You’re one lucky man.

  Romaine

  Wow, how about that? Romaine isn’t the total prick I pegged him for, not that I want to hang out with him or anything.

  I hurry to get dressed before heading over to Tara’s house. Penny is wiggling around my feet, so I pick her up and carry her out for her morning constitutional.

  As we pass the front desk, Chris calls out, “Tonight, we party!”

  I stop over to talk to her. “Where’s the press? This is the quietest it’s been here in a couple of days.”

  “I’m guessing they’re just waking up to the news that there’s no wedding. I’m hoping for a mass exodus soon.”

  “And my mom?” I ask.

  “She’s on party duty, turning a wedding into a welcome to Spartan party for Tara.”

  I nod my head. “I’m on my way over to see her now.”

  “You mean she didn’t stay here last night?” Chris sounds surprised.

  “You’re as bad as my mom,” I tell her. “You two must have been a pretty racy duo back in the day.”

  “We knew how to get it done,” Chris replies. Ew.

  I walk out the front door and put Penny down to do her business before getting into my truck. The day is cold and crisp and somewhat dreary as the sun hasn’t made its appearance yet, but it’s a wonderful day.

  “Dad,” I say in my head. “I hope you can see us. It looks like Tara and I got off the ride and we’re both in one piece. I wish you could’ve met her. She’s the most wonderful, infuriating, sexy woman I’ve ever known. Not to get all sappy, but I think Mom’s done it again. First she hooked Brogan and Addie up and now me and Tara.

  Life is good, Dad. We miss you like crazy, but life is good.”

  Chapter Fifty-Three

  Gwen

  Walking into the ballroom on Billy’s arm makes Gwen feel like Cinderella. Her handsome prince is a seventy-year-old formerly homeless vet. She would have never thought that was her destiny.