Chapter Thirteen.html

Thirteen

Matt entered his father’s mansion with Libby by his side. It was surreal, being in the house where Kirby lived, where Matt’s brothers had grown up. The entire compound was as spectacular as he always imagined it would be. As a kid, he used to fantasize about coming here.

There was a sweeping staircase, hardwood floors and windows at every turn. It was an old plantation-style house with gold records lining the walls. Matt wasn’t surprised that Kirby had them prominently displayed or that they were one of the first things you saw when you went inside.

His dad was expecting him. Matt had called Kirby from the hotel, giving him a condensed version of what was going on. That Libby and Matt were a couple. That Matt was going to participate in the book. That he was accepting Kirby’s offer to get to know each other again.

Kirby’s maid, who introduced herself as June, escorted Matt and Libby to the parlor. They waited for Kirby there. Libby sat on a velvet settee, but Matt was too anxious to sit. He stood tall and straight, his gaze fixed on the double doors. They were open, with an extravagant view of the foyer.

Someone soon appeared, but it wasn’t Kirby. It was June again, bringing in a pitcher of sweet tea and three tall glasses.

After June left, Matt turned to look at Libby. She sent him a reassuring smile. But Matt was still anxious.

He said, “You’d think my dad would have already been here, waiting for us, instead of us waiting for him.”

“He’s probably as nervous as you are.”

“Either that or he just wants to make a grand entrance.”

Libby poured herself a glass of tea. “He is a showman. But this is a big day for the two of you. Are you sure you don’t want to meet with him alone? I can go to the guesthouse where I’ve been staying and you can text me when the meeting is over.”

“No way. I want you here.” She was his inspiration, his lover, his friend, his fiancée—the person who’d helped him reach this point in his life. “I couldn’t do this without you.”

She nodded, and they both went silent.

Kirby finally came through the doorway, with his signature black clothes and country-star swagger. But he didn’t speak. He just stared at Matt.

Matt stared back. He’d seen recent photos and videos of his dad on TV, in magazines and on the internet. He knew Kirby had aged and that his hair and beard were now threaded with gray. But seeing him in person created a gut-wrenching feeling. Matt wanted to turn and walk away. But he squared his shoulders and said, “Hey, Dad,” instead.

Kirby moved closer to him. “Damn. Look at you. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. I might not even recognize you if it wasn’t for your eyes.”

Nearly two decades had passed since their last encounter. Matt was bound to change after all of that time. “I grew up.”

“I’ll say.” There was an expression of awe on Kirby’s face. “You’re as tall as me.”

“And just as ornery,” Matt said. He couldn’t help but throw that out there.

His old man smiled and reached out to hug him. Matt tensed for a moment, but he thought about the future, about his life with Libby, and he relaxed. He’d promised himself he was going to make this work with his dad. No more hatred. No more anger.

“I’m so sorry for what I did to you,” Kirby said. “You deserved so much better. Please forgive me.”

“I do forgive you.” Matt was ready to move forward, to be Kirby Talbot’s son. The hug ended, and Matt stepped back, needing to catch his breath. “But I’m going to be honest in the book. If I tell my side of the story, then I need to tell it truthfully.”

“That’s what I want you to do. I wouldn’t expect any less from you.”

Matt could feel Libby watching them. He glanced her way, and she smiled at him. She’d been smiling at him all day, making him feel strong and secure.

Nonetheless, Matt said to Kirby, “I’m not thrilled about how the press is going to hound me once they find out I’m your son.”

His dad nodded. “I understand. It’s not easy being in the public eye. Maybe we can do some interviews together. That will take some of the pressure off you. We might even want to consider making the announcement before the book is released. I can talk to the publisher about it, and they can work with my publicist on scheduling the interviews.”

“Sure. We can do it that way. Promoting the book ahead of time will probably get people more interested in reading it.” For Libby’s sake, Matt wanted his father’s biography to be a success.

Kirby shifted his feet. His boots were adorned with sterling silver tips. He’d always worn fancy garb, on and off stage. Matt was just glad that he wasn’t hiding behind a pair of sunglasses, the way he used to do when Matt was a kid.

“We’re going to have to arrange a meeting between you and your brothers,” Kirby said. “Neither of them is in town right now. Tommy is on tour, and Brandon is away on business. But they both want to meet you.”

“I know. Libby told me. She’s been championing all of this since the beginning.”

Kirby shot Libby a superstar grin. “And now you’re together.” He turned his attention back to Matt. “I’m happy you found each other, and that I could be part of it. Without the book, you two wouldn’t have met.”

Really? Matt thought. His old man was taking credit for being their matchmaker? “That’s quite an ego you got there, Dad.”

Kirby chuckled. “That’s what everyone who knows me says about me. That I’m the most egotistical guy around. But I’ll work on being more humble.”

“That’s going to be difficult for you.” Matt’s father wouldn’t know humble if bit him in the balls. But Matt was going to accept his arrogant old man, faults and all. “I appreciate the effort, though.”

Kirby went serious. “I want you to be proud of me, son.”

Matt responded with affection. “I’m proud of this moment, of what we’ve accomplished so far. I can tell how much this reunion matters to you. It’s important to me, too.”

“Thank you. Having you become part of my family means everything to me. We have so much catching up to do, so many gaps to fill. I hope you’ll be inviting me to your wedding.”

“I definitely will.” He wasn’t going to leave his dad or his brothers or anyone else out of it. “But you’ll have to come to Texas, to my ranch, because that where it’s going to be.”

“I’ll be there with bells on.” Kirby waved Libby over, bringing her into the fold. “Come show me the ring this boy put on your finger. It’s already blinding me from here.”

She hopped off the settee and dashed over to them. When she held out her hand, Kirby whistled. “That’s some rock.” He smiled at Matt. “You did a wonderful job, with the ring, with the woman. You’re going to be a hell of a husband, and a damned fine father to her son, too.” Kirby rocked on his heels. “And how amazing is it that he was named after one of my songs?”

Matt nearly laughed. There went his dad’s ego again. But it did seem to make a poetic kind of sense. “Especially since Chance is going to become your grandson.”

“I know, right? And what a great kid he is.”

“He’s the best.” Matt couldn’t wait to tell Chance that he and Libby were getting married. Chance would also have to be told that Kirby was Matt’s father. But for now, Matt wanted to take it one day at a time.

Libby leaned into him, and he put his arm around her, holding her close. Kirby smiled at them in a paternal way, and Matt thanked the Creator for bringing peace to his life. And love, he thought, so much love and support from Libby. Matt continued to hold her, grateful for the journey that had just begun.

* * * * *

Look for more SONS OF COUNTRY books coming soon from Sheri WhiteFeather

and Harlequin Desire. Tommy Talbot’s story is next!

And don’t miss the BILLIONAIRE BROTHERS series by Sheri WhiteFeather!

Billionaire Brothers Club: Three foster brothers grow up, get rich...and find the perfect women.

WAKING UP WITH THE BOSS

SINGLE MOM, BILLIONAIRE BOSS

PAPER WEDDING, BEST-FRIEND BRIDE

Available now from Harlequin Desire!

And you’ll also love Sheri WhiteFeather’s moving

FAMILY RENEWAL series...

LOST AND FOUND FATHER