Blue Skies, Season 2, Episode 8 (Rising Storm) Page 10

  “Maybe so. I suppose we’ll see.”

  He took her hand in his. “It’ll all come right, eventually. I promise.”

  For a moment they just sat there in silence, the soft shadows of the evening falling around them. Fall had finally come to Storm, the temperature dropping as the light faded. Dakota shivered, and Patrick slipped his arm around her.

  It would be so easy to lean back into his arms. To let him make her world okay. But if she’d learned anything from her mother, it was the importance of standing on her own two feet. Of believing in herself and not counting on someone else to fix all her troubles for her.

  “I want to thank you for standing by me,” she said, needing to at least let him know how much he mattered. “I don’t think anyone outside of my family has ever done that before.” She frowned into the shadows. “I think given the chance, you could become really important to me.” She shot him a shy smile, her heart stuttering at the look in his eyes.

  “I think you already are important to me.”

  God, she wanted to give in. To stay here with him forever. But if she did, well, she’d never know what life held in store for her. And now more than ever, with everything that had happened, she needed to find out. It was important. Her mom was right.

  She blew out a slow breath, wondering if she was about to make the biggest mistake of her life. “I’ve decided to leave Storm.”

  Patrick frowned, his expression confused. “I don’t understand.”

  “I told you about Amanda and College Station when we were at the lake.”

  “That she’d asked you to come visit. So you’re going to take her up on the offer?”

  “Well, actually a little more than that. I’m going to stay with her. At least until I get my feet on the ground and get settled.”

  “I’m not following.” If the situation weren’t so serious, she’d have laughed at the confusion playing across his face.

  “Last week I ran into Milton Waters.” Mr. Waters ran the Storm newspaper. “Did you know he owns the Bryan-College Station paper too?” She paused, grateful that he still had his arm around her. “Well, anyway, I told him about going to see Amanda. And about the trouble I’ve had finding a job here in Storm. So he offered me a job at the paper there. In sales. It’s just an entry-level position, but it’s a start. And right now, I think I need a new beginning.”

  “I think it’s fantastic,” Patrick said, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “You’ll be good in sales.”

  She swallowed a bubble of laughter. “Yeah, pushy broad that I am.”

  “No. I mean it. I think you’ll be great. And I understand why you need to go away. To start over somewhere else.”

  “It’s not like College Station is on another planet,” she offered, not really wanting to end things before they’d even begun.

  “True enough. And it is my alma mater. I’ve been known to attend a game or two or three.” He smiled, pushing the hair back from her face. “I’m really proud of you, you know. You could have used your father’s death as an excuse to spiral out of control. But you didn’t. Instead you’re trying to take responsibility for your life. That’s not an easy thing to do.”

  “No. It isn’t. But it’s easier when I can see that my family is going to be okay. Mom has your brother. And Marcus has his new ranch and Brittany. And Mallory has Luis and Lacey.”

  “When are you leaving?” he asked.

  “Later tonight. I stayed until the dedication. But I figure if I don’t go now, I might not go at all…” Her throat tightened and her heart started to pound.

  He pulled her to her feet, this time his lips finding hers. For a moment, she just let herself enjoy the kiss. Let herself soar away on the rush of emotion. But then she pulled back, needing to distance herself—for once to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground.

  “I’m going to miss you,” she whispered.

  “I’ll miss you, too.” His smile was tender. “But like you said, it’s not like you’re going to the moon.”

  “Exactly.”

  From across the parking lot, Patrick’s parents called his name.

  “Go on,” she said, giving him a little push before she sat back down on the bench.

  For a moment he stood there looking at her, and then with a quick smile he turned to walk away, and Dakota sighed. Tomorrow would mark a new beginning, and somehow that fresh start would mean more because she might actually be leaving something behind.

  * * * *

  The evening was winding down. Only closest family were left. Celeste, Payton, and Francine stood talking in one corner. Marisol and Ian were deep in discussion with Marcus and Logan. Logan had Jake parked on his shoulder, the baby looking so tiny and thankfully, sound asleep.

  Ginny couldn’t resist a smile. It had only been a few weeks since her disastrous encounter with the senator. But her world had done a complete one-eighty since then, everything turning out like some kind of fairytale. She still wasn’t sure she deserved the happy ending she’d gotten, but she wasn’t foolish enough to turn it down.

  One night with Jacob had changed everything. Not in the way she’d expected, surely. But definitely in a way that was infinitely good. Her heart flooded with love as she thought about her best friend. He’d left her with the most beautiful of gifts.

  His son.

  Fighting tears, she walked from the parish hall out into the chill of the evening. Live oaks arched over her head, streetlamps flickering against their dark leaves. She walked toward Jacob’s bench, needing for a moment to be closer to him. But as she moved through the gathering gloom, she realized the bench was already occupied. The fading light gleamed against the bent blonde head, her face buried in her hands.

  Dakota.

  Ginny almost turned and walked away. And then she thought about all that she’d been given. All that she’d been forgiven, and she knew she couldn’t leave without at least acknowledging the other woman.

  “I see we had the same idea.”

  Dakota jerked up, her face wet with tears. “I’m sorry, I’ll go.”

  “No.” Ginny shook her head, lifting a hand. “I think it’s fitting somehow that the two of us are here together at Jacob’s bench.”

  She sat down beside Dakota, staring up at the shivering trees. “He’d have liked this bench.”

  “I remember how much he liked the square,” Dakota said, her voice quiet—pensive. “I haven’t had the chance to talk to you. But I want you to know that I wasn’t trying to blow up your life.” She paused, sucked in a breath. “Well, maybe I was. I was always so jealous of what you had with Jacob. And then what you have with Logan. So when I found out that you’d been with Sebastian, too. And when he…well, you know what he’s capable of. Suffice it to say I didn’t take his rejection very well. I was so hurt and angry that I just lashed out the only way I could. And hurt you in the process.”

  “I made my bed, Dakota.” Ginny looked at her and smiled. “Literally. So my pain might have been at your instigation, but it was my own fault, pure and simple.”

  “But it’s all okay, now, right?”

  She looked so needy that Ginny didn’t have the heart to do anything but reassure her. “It is.” She reached over to squeeze Dakota’s hand. “And what about you? Are you all right? I mean, so much has happened.”

  For a moment she thought that Dakota wasn’t going to answer. And then she shrugged. “To be honest, most of it really sucks. I mean my father turns out to be a bigger bastard than people always tried to tell me he was. I realized that my actions might actually have made my mother’s life worse. And that everything I thought was true about myself was basically bullshit.”

  “But you’re getting a second chance. Just like me.”

  “Maybe. We’ll see. I’m leaving tonight actually. I’ve got a new job—in College Station.”

  “Wow.” Ginny was surprised to find that she was disappointed that Dakota was leaving. It was almost as if a part of her were going. Their lives had becom
e so intertwined. “But it’s a good thing, right?”

  “I hope so. It seems like the right decision. I mean, all I’ve ever wanted to do is get away from here. This is my chance. Except that now that I’m actually going, I’m scared.” She turned to meet Ginny’s gaze. “That’s stupid, right?”

  “Not at all.” Ginny shook her head. “Life is scary. But that’s the beauty of being from a place like Storm. You don’t have to be frightened, because no matter what happens to you out there—good or bad—you can always come home. And we’ll all be here. Waiting.”

  For a moment their gazes held, and then Dakota reached over to give Ginny a hug.

  “Thank you,” she said as she pushed off the bench. “For what it’s worth, I’m really glad I know you.”

  “Me too.” Ginny leaned back, feeling Jacob’s plaque against her back. “Good luck. And Dakota?” The other girl stopped, looking back over her shoulder. “Be happy.”

  She nodded as she walked into the twilight.

  Ginny lifted her head to the trees, closing her eyes, imagining for just a moment that Jacob was sitting beside her. Not as a boyfriend or husband, but as her best friend. More than anyone else, he’d be glad she’d found her way.

  “Hey, you,” Logan said, bringing Ginny out of her reverie. “I wondered where you got off to.”

  “Just wanted a moment of quiet.”

  Logan sat next to her on the bench. “It’s nice to have a little part of him here in the square.”

  “Yeah,” she said, snuggling up next to him. “It is. So where’s Jake?”

  “With your sister and my mother.”

  “Like I said, he’s going to be one spoiled kid.”

  “There are worse things that could happen.” He tightened his arms around her. “You okay?”

  “Better than okay.” She smiled up at him. “I’ve got you and Jake. And a wonderful family. I can’t imagine needing anything more.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “Is that Dakota?” He nodded at the moving figure on the edge of the square.

  “Yeah. She was here at the bench. Saying good-bye, I think.”

  “Good-bye?”

  “She’s leaving town. Got a new job in College Station.” Ginny sighed and Logan pulled her closer.

  “Well, I hope she finds what she’s looking for.”

  “Me, too,” Ginny said, loving how warm and safe he made her feel.

  “You think she’s going to be okay?” His breath caressed her ear.

  Ginny settled back into his arms, lifting her face for his kiss. “I think she’s going to be just fine.”

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  Storm Season: Ginny & Jacob – the Prequel

  by Dee Davis

  Rising Storm

  Storm, Texas.

  Where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy…

  Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection.

  But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish.

  Rising Storm is a series conceived by Julie Kenner and Dee Davis to read like an on-going drama. Set in a small Texas town, Rising Storm is full of scandal, deceit, romance, passion, and secrets. Lots of secrets.

  Look for other Rising Storm Season 2 titles, now available! (And if you missed Season 1 and the midseason episodes, you can find those titles here!)

  Click to purchase.

  Rising Storm, Season Two

  Against the Wind by Rebecca Zanetti

  As Tate Johnson works to find a balance between his ambitions for political office and the fallout of his brother’s betrayal, Zeke is confronted with his brother Chase’s return home. And while Bryce and Tara Daniels try to hold onto their marriage, Kristin continues to entice Travis into breaking his vows…

  Storm Warning by Larissa Ione

  As Joanne Alvarez settles into life without Hector, her children still struggle with the fallout. Marcus confronts the differences between him and Brittany, while Dakota tries to find a new equilibrium. Meanwhile, the Johnson’s grapple with war between two sets of brothers, and Ian Briggs rides into town…

  Brave the Storm by Lisa Mondello

  As Senator Rush’s poll numbers free fall, Marylee tries to drive a wedge between Brittany and Marcus. Across town, Anna Mae and Chase dance toward reconciliation. Ginny longs for Logan, while he fights against Sebastian’s maneuvering. And Hector, newly freed from prison, heads back to Storm…

  Lightning Strikes by Lexi Blake

  As Ian Briggs begins to fall for Marisol, Joanne and Dillon also grow closer. Joanne’s new confidence spreads to Dakota but Hector’s return upends everything. A public confrontation between Marcus and Hector endangers his relationship with Brittany, and Dakota reverts to form. Meanwhile, the Senator threatens Ginny and the baby…

  Fire and Rain by R.K. Lilley

  As Celeste Salt continues to unravel in the wake of Jacob’s death, Travis grows closer with Kristin. Lacey realizes the error of her ways but is afraid it’s too late for reconciliation with her friends. Marcus and Brittany struggle with the continued fallout of Hector’s return, while Chase and Anna Mae face some hard truths about their past…

  Quiet Storm by Julie Kenner

  As Mallory Alvarez and Luis Moreno grow closer, Lacey longs for forgiveness. Brittany and Marcus have a true meeting of hearts. Meanwhile, Jeffry grapples with his father’s failures and finds solace in unexpected arms. When things take a dangerous turn, Jeffry’s mother and sister, as well as his friends, unite behind him as the Senator threatens his son…

  Blinding Rain by Elisabeth Naughton

  As Tate Johnson struggles to deal with his brother’s relationship with Hannah, hope asserts itself in an unexpected way. With the return of Delia Burke, Logan’s old flame, Brittany and Marcus see an opportunity to help their friend. But when the evening takes an unexpected turn, Brittany finds herself doing the last thing she expected—coming face to face with Ginny…

  Blue Skies by Dee Davis

  As Celeste Salt struggles to pull herself and her family together, Dillon is called to the scene of a domestic dispute where Dakota is forced to face the truth about her father. While the Johnson’s celebrate a big announcement, Ginny is rushed to the hospital where her baby’s father is finally revealed…

  Rising Storm, Midseason

  After the Storm by Lexi Blake

  In the wake of Dakota’s revelations, the whole town is reeling. Ginny Moreno has lost everything. Logan Murphy is devastated by her lies. Brittany Rush sees her family in a horrifying new light. And nothing will ever be the same…

  Distant Thunder by Larissa Ione

  As Sebastian and Marylee plot to cover up Sebastian’s sexual escapade, Ginny and Dakota continue to reel from the fallout of Dakota’s announcement. But it is the Rush family that’s left to pick up the pieces as Payton, Brittany and Jeffry each cope with Sebastian’s betrayal in their own way…

  Rising Storm, Season One

  Tempest Rising by Julie Kenner

  Ginny Moreno didn’t mean to do it, but when she came home to Storm, she brought the tempest with her. And now everyone will be caught in its fury…

  White Lightning by Lexi Blake

  As the citizens of Storm, Texas, sway in the wake of the death of one of their own, Daddy's girl Dakota Alvarez also reels from an unexpec
ted family crisis... and finds consolation in a most unexpected place.

  Crosswinds by Elisabeth Naughton

  Lacey Salt's world shattered with the death of her brother, and now the usually sweet-tempered girl is determined to take back some control—even if that means sabotaging her best friend, Mallory, and Mallory's new boyfriend, Luis.

  Dance in the Wind by Jennifer Probst

  During his time in Afghanistan, Logan Murphy has endured the unthinkable, but reentering civilian life in Storm is harder than he imagined. But when he is reacquainted with Ginny Moreno, a woman who has survived terrors of her own, he feels the first stirrings of hope.

  Calm Before the Storm by Larissa Ione

  Marcus Alvarez fled Storm when his father’s drinking drove him over the edge. With his mother and sisters in crisis, Marcus is forced to return to the town he thought he’d left behind. But it is his attraction to a very grown up Brittany Rush that just might be enough to guarantee that he stays.

  Take the Storm by Rebecca Zanetti

  Marisol Moreno has spent her youth taking care of her younger siblings. Now, with her sister, Ginny, in crisis, and her brother in the throes of his first real relationship, she doesn’t have time for anything else. Especially not the overtures of the incredibly compelling Patrick Murphy.

  Weather the Storm by Lisa Mondello

  Bryce Douglas faces a crisis of faith when his idyllic view of his family is challenged with his son’s diagnosis of autism. Instead of accepting his wife and her tight-knit family’s comfort, he pushes them away, fears from his past threatening to undo the happiness he’s found in his present.