“You know you’re insane, right? The tour, I can handle. Re-recording? Are you sure that’s a good idea? What about the legalities?”
“That’s why I’m here,” Adam says. “Legally speaking, you’re within your rights to re-record your old albums. Do them your way this time around. You’re hardly the first personto do it.”
I glance at Ruby, taking in the hesitancy in her expression. “What if you re-record the stuff you love and put it all on a deluxe record with the unreleased tracks that didn’t meet the label’s approval?”
Abby points the blunt end of a fountain pen at me. “He’s onto something. It gives you the creative control you want without the added pressure of releasing three whole albums. We can add them onto the new album in a deluxe edition.”
“Ok. So, what’s in the folders?”
“Your new team, hopefully.”
Ruby straightens her spine and holds out her hand. “Let’s do this.”
Chapter 33
Yours Forever
? You’re Still the One - Shania Twain
One year later
Ruby
Fifty sold-out shows, twenty-five cities, fifteen states, two Canadian provinces, six months of touring, and it all kicks off this weekend in Nashville.
This past year has been a whirlwind, and it just keeps getting better. C&L Entertainment lost the appeal, and they were forced to pay out damages to the tune of three million. I donated all of the money to various charities as promised.
Not long after, the universe gave us another gift when Breanna was arrested on charges of fraud and extortion stemming from an investigation that was already in progress when she showed up in Oak Ridge. She’s getting her just desserts, and I didn’t even have to lift a finger.
A news article has never been more satisfying than the one with her mugshot. Someday we’ll have to explain things to Aiden,but he’s still young enough that he doesn’t know what’s going on.
Long distance has been tough, but we prioritize our relationship and make time to visit each other often. We alternate driving between Nashville and Oak Ridge, and my family helps out with Aiden whenever they’re needed. It’s just like the Hayes family to adopt an extra grandson without question.
I’ve flown to New York and L.A. a few times for promotions and interviews, and every time, without fail, there’s a bouquet of flowers and a box of wine from Liam waiting for me in the hotel room. My love for that man has only grown stronger as time passes.
Even with all of my success, I still feel like I could be doing more. Since my comeback, I’ve been yearning to help artists like me who dream of making it big in the music industry. So, I’m building my own recording studio at Whispering Oaks Ranch. With Heaven at the helm, I’ll be taking on up-and-coming artists once my record label gets off the ground.
Years ago, Mom and Dad set aside land for each of us kids, and mine is being put to good use as we speak. I love the ranch and it will always hold a special place in my heart, but I couldn’t imagine living anywhere but Liam’s house. It’s my home—my sanctuary. It’s where my heart sings and my world makes perfect sense.
Deep breaths. You got this.
“Good evening, Nashville!”
The audience cheers as their wristbands light up the stadium in a blur of rainbow colors. The opening number fadesout, and I let them have their moment so I can catch my breath.
“God, it’s good to be back. Welcome to the Anywhere But Here Tour!” I pause while they cheer again. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be here with y’all. We’re gonna make you feel all of the things tonight, Nashville.”
More applause.
“But first, if you don’t mind, I’m gonna take back what’s mine.” I play one singular note, the opening chord to Heaven-sent and Hellbound, and the audience starts singing before I can even utter a single word.
My mouth drops open as thousands of fans sing my lyrics back at me. I tug the monitor out of my ear and let their voices flow through me, pressing my hand to my chest with the guitar pick still pinched between my fingers. The scene blurs into a kaleidoscope of lights and colors, and I swear my heart stops for a moment. I take a deep breath to compose myself and join in at the chorus as a few tears fall down my cheeks unbidden.
I missed this—missed the high of performing and the feeling I can only find when I’m on a stage with my guitar.
A year ago, I considered giving it all up for a simple life back in Oak Ridge. It was never a serious consideration, but a fleeting thought I had more than once. I would’ve regretted it more than I can say. I’m falling in love with my music again, and it’s been the most freeing experience. I have an incredible team at my back, and the man of my dreams at my side. There’s not much more I could ask for, except maybe a ring on my finger and a little boy calling me mom.
Someday.
