Finding Forever (Living Again #4) (26 page)

“Lacey, can you come up here, please?”

Oh, God. She wanted her to go up on the stage? She wasn’t sure she would make it. Tears filled her eyes, and she covered her mouth with her hand so she wouldn’t make a fool out of herself. She wasn’t a pretty crier, and she knew it.

Brant stood and grabbed her hand, leading her to the stairs to the stage. Right when she stepped on the stage, she heard hooting and clapping from a group a few rows from where she had been sitting. Stopping to look at who it was, she saw her sister and
all
of Sam and Ellis’ Florida friends: Kayley, Ben, Alexis, Benji, Cierra, Rachel, Devin, Ellis, baby Kerri, and Mason. They were giving her a standing ovation, which then prompted the entire theatre to follow, standing and clapping as she made her way to Sam.

She wasn’t sure if she should be mortified or ecstatic that Sam had done this for her. But when she reached Sam, she engulfed her in a tight hug, sobbing into her hair as they held on to each other.

“You’re my inspiration,” Sam whispered. “I love you so much. This is all for you tonight, Lace. Every single word, every song I sing. This is to show you how much you mean to me and everyone who is here for you. We’re all going to be here to watch you kick the ass of this stupid cancer.”

Lacey pulled back, knowing that the makeup she had so carefully applied was running down her cheeks. She swore she could feed a river with the amount of tears she had cried in the last few months. “Super Star, you’ve really done it now. How in the hell did you pull this off?”

Sam beamed. “Once you started planning to come here, I got it in gear. It’s great to have connections.” She turned to the audience and lifted Lacey’s hand, clasped in hers. “My best friend Lacey Russell everyone. This whole thing is for her.” The applause and shouting resumed until Sam motioned.

“Thank you for being here tonight. Lacey, when I posted this benefit on my website, it sold out in ten minutes.
Ten minutes
, Lacey. I could’ve filled this room five times with the number of people that wanted to be part of this cause. But I wanted it to be an intimate, private concert that you would always remember. When you’re at your lowest, Lace, just remember. Everyone here, including all of our friends and family, believe that you can do this. Remember this room, giving you a standing ovation. On that note, why don’t we get to some singing! Lacey, you can go back to your seat now. After the benefit is over, we’ll have a catered dinner in your honor in the ballroom out the doors.”

Brant helped her down off the stage, and she had never been more grateful. She knew that Sam was an amazing person before this, but she had just blown her away with her generosity and kindness. Lacey pushed away the thoughts that she didn’t want to take charity from anyone, even her wealthy friend, because it was so much more than that and she knew it.

Lacey looked around the ballroom, decorated simply with ivory linens and floating candles in the center of the tables. Sam’s concert was beyond amazing, and everyone that was there had been thoroughly entertained. She sang all of Lacey’s favorite songs, then took survivors on the stage to share their personal stories. Once each of them were done, she sang their favorite song. And every single time, Lacey bawled her eyes out at their stories.

“Quite a show, huh,” Kayley slid in next to her. “You holding up okay?”

Lacey smiled at her. “Yes. What an emotional but amazing night tonight. I still can’t believe she did that.”

“Just so you know, we’re always here for you. You know Ben’s a doctor as well; pediatrician, but if you ever need him to find out a second opinion, he has a lot of friends.”

“Thank you.” It floored her the number of people that were willing to step up and help her.

“Miss Lacey?” Kayley’s ten year old daughter Alexis appeared next to her, her angelic face marked with concern. She had to be the most adorable little girl Lacey had ever seen, with blonde curls and blue eyes. “You have cancer?”

“Yes,” she admitted, trying not to tear up in front of the little girl. “But I’m going to take medicine.”

“Chemotherapy, right?” Lacey must’ve looked shocked at her knowing the word. “My Daddy’s a pediatrician. He said that sometimes kids even get cancer.”

“That’s true, Alexis. But I’m hoping that I’ll be okay.”

“I hope you are, too,” she said. “You’re really pretty, Lacey. And you’re a veterinarian, right? I want to do that when I grow up. I love animals. Or be a regular doctor like my Daddy.”’

“You can be whatever you want, Alexis.”

Alexis looked at Brant, then back at Lacey. “He’s really handsome,” she whispered, but not quietly enough.

“Yes, he is,” Lacey whispered back, squeezing Brant’s leg under the table. She could see out of the corner of her eye that he was very amused by the conversation. When Alexis looked over at him and caught him looking at her, she ducked her head.

“I have to go get my brother and sister. Benji’s probably playing in the toilet or something,” she rolled her eyes. Lacey looked at Kayley and they both hid their smile as she hurried off.

“She’s something else,” Lacey commented.

“You got that right,” Kayley agreed. “The funny thing is, the kids are with Ben out at the bathroom. I swear I don’t have to say a word to any of the kids. Alexis thinks she’s the mom. I left Dalen with a babysitter; having him here would’ve been not a good idea.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Rachel said, sitting across from them. Devin took off his jacket and hung it on the back of the chair, then kissed his wife briefly before sitting down. “The twins are with my parents. We needed a date night. Right, honey?”

“Always,” Devin winked. “Lacey, I’m very sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I’m also glad to be here for a benefit for you tonight. You know we’re always here for you, for anything.”

“Thank you, all of you,” she said. “This is my boyfriend, Brant Tucker, and my sister, Aubrey Russell. Brant, Aubrey, this is Kayley, Rachel, and Devin.”

“And Sam and Ellis,” Sam announced, swooping in behind Lacey as everyone shook hands with Brant.

Sam hugged Lacey from behind. “The benefit was amazing,” Lacey said. “I can never thank you enough.”

Sam waved her hand. “I don’t need any thanks. Look around you, Lace. Every person in this room, that’s over 500, paid a thousand dollars a head to be here tonight.
A thousand dollars
. Plus, I’m having an auction later in the dinner for some concert tickets, a trip, stuff like that. Every single bit of it goes to you, Lacey.”

Lacey tried to calculate how much that could end up being, but her mind couldn’t fathom it. “Sam,” she started, but Sam put up her hand.

“I don’t want to hear it, Lace,” she interrupted. “I know you have insurance and all, but you’re going to go months without working, plus have co-pays and other expenses. You’re taking every damn dime. Pay off your house, get married,” she eyed Brant. “But no matter what you do with it, you’re taking it.”

“Thank you,” Lacey said again. “All of you are such an amazing part of my life. Even though I’ve only met all of you a few times, you treat me just like I’m part of you. I know the next few months are going to be very difficult, but I also know my support system is just a phone call away.”

Ben slid in next to Kayley. “What did I miss?”

“That’s Ben,” Kayley introduced Brant and Aubrey. “That’s Brant, Lacey’s boyfriend, and Aubrey, Lacey’s sister.”

Lacey sat back and looked at the group of people that assembled here for her, because of Sam. Brant’s hand was tucked in hers, and she felt peace. It was going to be okay, no matter what happened.

Brant pulled up to his parents’ ranch, sighing as he passed the huge Tucker Ranch sign. Lacey had insisted they come out today, even though he said she had enough to deal with since her treatment started tomorrow.

He was embarrassed to say how long it had been since he had been out to see his parents. It looked serene and peaceful, the trees all changing color to signify fall.

“Wow,” Lacey breathed, stepping out of the truck. “It’s gorgeous out here, Brant.” She turned in a full circle, taking in all the trees, the massive ranch house, and the endless fields. You could see the mountains in the distance, the clouds touching the top of them. He had to admit that he’d missed it out here. Growing up here had been full of adventures; a perfect place for a curious boy.

“Brant!” His mom stood on the front step, waving to them. She was in her element, having cooked them an elaborate brunch before they headed back to town.

“Let’s go,” Lacey said, linking her hand with his. “I’m right here, remember that.” He smiled, loving when she used the same words on him that he had used on her.

They walked up the front steps and Brant stopped, hugging his mom. “Mom,” he said, pulling back from her. “This is Lacey Russell, my girlfriend. Lacey, this is my mom, Jane.”

“Mrs. Tucker, very nice to meet you,” Lacey smiled, holding out her hand. Brant knew that wasn’t what she wanted.

She reached out and enveloped Lacey in a hug, and Brant smiled. He knew it. “Call me Jane. Well aren’t you just the cutest thing. No wonder my Brant loves you so much. Come in, come in. I’ve got a meal all ready for you, and your dad’s at the table waiting.”

Brant’s stomach constricted, and he hoped that he could make it through this visit without wanting to punch something. They walked into the kitchen and his dad lifted his eyes to meet his. The last time he had seen him was when he walked out of the hospital room.

“Hi, Dad,” he smiled, putting the fake persona on he used with him to get through. “You’re looking well. This is my girlfriend, Lacey.”

His dad’s eyes flicked to Lacey, and he almost breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe he would behave himself while she was here.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Tucker. I’m glad you’re doing better.”

His dad looked at his mom, then back to Lacey. “Nice to meet you too, Lacey. I hear you’re a veterinarian. That’s impressive.”

“Yes, I am,” Lacey said, sitting down next to him at the table. “Thank you. I’ve always loved animals, so it was a natural fit.”

His dad looked at him then. “So has Brant. Always had quite a heart for the underdog. Brant, you’re looking good. Been working out a lot? I think you’re thicker than last time.”

Who was this man and what did he do with his father? He was asking him about working out? He had always said gyms were for pansies and a real man worked out by getting their hands dirty outside. “I’ve been going almost every day, yes,” Brant said cautiously.

Lacey squeezed his hand, and he relaxed. If his dad was going to try, so would he. “What does the doctor say? You going to be able to get back out there soon?”

“Not soon enough. I’m doing well, but the old body doesn’t want to cooperate anymore. Doc says I should think about someone younger taking over.” And there it was, the guilt. If Brant would’ve taken over the business, his dad could retire without worrying.

“Don’t you have anyone on your staff that you trust to run things?” Lacey intervened, feeling the tension in his body. God, he loved her.

He smiled at her. “Yes, I have great employees. They are doing their best to keep up. I’ve run this ranch since I was younger than Brant. I started shadowing my dad when I was sixteen, just like he had with his dad.”

“You grew up right here in this house?”

“On this property, yes, but we had the house rebuilt when Jane and I got married.”

Lacey looked at his mom. “How did you guys meet?”

Brant sat back, watching his parents completely fall in love with Lacey. His dad actually laughed and smiled at her more than once. And even when his mom asked about her cancer, which he wanted to kick her for, Lacey didn’t bat an eye. If it was possible, he loved her even more at this moment than he ever had.