Out and Loud by Ali Spooner Song Writers Series Book 3

Chapter 1

Prologue

The Bentleys, a new country band formed in Nashville, have completed the final review of their second album, Midnight in Nashville, and their second music video. The Covid-19 pandemic has halted all live performances and tour dates, so the group has taken advantage of additional studio time to record the new album. Stone Watson, one of the group’s writers, has returned to Florida to spend the Christmas holidays with his wife and daughter, while the rest of the group celebrates at Ma Bentley’s boarding house with Hank Tyler, the father of the group’s other writer, Cedra.

 

Chapter One

Cedra, Juliet, and Hank sat around the kitchen table while Ma taught Keith how to make oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies.

“My mom used this recipe off the Quaker box for years. I could hardly wait until they came out of the oven,” Keith told them as he stirred the chocolate chips into the mixture.

“I bet you burned your mouth on them several times,” Juliet teased.

“Don’t you know it,” Keith answered. “Where’d Wayne get off to?”

“I think he may be upstairs working on a song,” Cedra replied. “I saw his head bobbing while we ate dinner. That usually means he’s got music in his head.”

“I think it’s great that you all have committed to writing,” Hank said. “You did great on your songs for Midnight.”

Juliet placed her hand on Cedra’s shoulder. “I think we all have Cedra to thank for that. She was relentless in insisting we could all write.”

“Thankfully so,” Ma agreed. “Look what it produced.”

Cedra nodded. “I agree. This album is even better than the first.”

“You think so?” Juliet asked.

“Maybe not better, but a different sound,” Cedra added.

“I think it’s the confidence factor,” Hank replied. “With the first album done, you all seem much more confident now that you know that you have a great sound together.”

“I think that is spot on.” Ma watched Keith closely. “You aren’t tentative or afraid to try something different. You understand the sound you want to create, and it comes more naturally.” Ma nodded to Keith. “You done mixing?”

“Yes ma’am.” He grinned. “My arms are aching.”

Ma handed him a spoon and pointed to the cookie sheet. “Get to spooning. Three to a row, and we’ll put the first batch in to bake.” She tore off a sheet of wax paper and spread it on the counter.

“Put them there to cool off?” Keith asked.

Ma nodded. “Yes, sir, that’s the plan. Can you keep from burning yourself while they cool?”

“I think so, Ma.” Keith grinned.

He had just set the timer when Wayne came rushing downstairs. “It’s snowing,” he cried out.

Keith rushed to the door with him to look outside. “It’s sticking, too,” Keith hollered. Keith looked at the stove and then at the front door.

“Go ahead,” Ma said. “I’ll keep the cookies going.”

Keith hung his head.

“Go!” Ma repeated. “I’ve got this.”

Keith rushed over and kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Ma.” He looked at Juliet and Cedra. “Are you coming?”

Cedra looked at Juliet. “Let’s go. We’ll be back, Ma.”

“You two go ahead. Hank and I’ll stay where it’s nice and warm,” Ma teased.

Cedra handed Juliet her coat. “We’ll be back soon.”

“Stay warm,” Hank called after them. He chuckled and looked at Ma. “What are the chances for a white Christmas?”

Ma cocked her head. “Well, it’s Christmas Eve, snowing, and if it sticks, I’d say the odds are good.”

“We had a white Christmas once, but Cedra was only two or three. I doubt she even remembers.”

They heard the laughter from outside. Ma looked at Hank. “Go ahead and join them. I’ve got this handled.”

“You sure?” Hank asked.

“Go for it. Just don’t break anything,” Ma teased.

 

†

 

Hank pulled his coat on and walked out onto the porch. Cedra was bent over, laughing as Keith tried to scoop enough snow for a snowball. This was the first time since her mother’s death that Cedra had seemed so happy. He looked around for Wayne, who was sneaking around the vehicles gathering snow. Juliet and Cedra were so busy watching Keith that they had lost track of Wayne. Hank watched as Wayne molded the snow into a ball and let it fly just as Cedra bent over, hitting Juliet on her arm. The surprise on Juliet’s face made Hank laugh.

“You are so in for it now,” Juliet yelled and grabbed Cedra’s hand as they raced for the cover of her truck. Juliet and Cedra scooped handfuls of snow and formed balls as they stalked Wayne and Keith. They had reached the back of Wayne’s truck when Keith and Wayne popped up and launched. Cedra ducked out of the path, but Juliet took both shots before they raced after the boys.

 

†

 

Hank remained safely on the porch, leaning against a pillar as the snowball war ensued. It was difficult to determine who was having the most fun, but when Cedra’s hands became cold, she stuck them around Juliet’s neck.

“Damn, that’s cold.” Juliet laughed.

“I’m going in to get warmed up and put my gloves on,” Cedra stated and dashed through a rain of snowballs as she ran for the porch.

“Duck.” She heard Juliet cry out, but it was too late. An errant throw caught Hank in the chest while he watched Cedra.

“Now you’ve gone and done it,” Hank declared as he wiped the snow from his chest and raced out to join Team Juliet.

“Come on, Dad, let’s get them,” Juliet called as Cedra disappeared into the house.

 

†

 

Cedra wiped her feet off on the rug. “It’s gotten cold out there,” she told Ma as she entered the kitchen.

“Did you abandon Juliet?” Ma asked.

“Naw, Dad teamed up with her. My hands are freezing, but I don’t want to ruin my gloves.”

Ma nodded toward the foyer. “Look in the bottom drawer of the foyer table. There should be some gloves that will fit you and Juliet. The boys are on their own.”

“Thanks, Ma. You okay in here?” Cedra asked.

The timer went off, and Ma pulled one pan out and slipped another into the oven. “I’ll put on a fresh pot of coffee, and we can have warm cookies when y’all come inside.”

“That sounds good,” Cedra said as she slipped her hands inside the thick, warm gloves. “Thanks.”

“Be careful,” Ma warned as Cedra returned outside.

Cedra rejoined Juliet and Hank, and the added advantage had the boys running for cover. Keith called a truce and started jogging toward the porch when they all tired. When Keith’s boot hit the frozen sidewalk, his feet shot out, and he landed in the snow-covered grass.

“Well, damn. At least I had a soft landing.” Keith reached up to take Wayne’s hand. “I don’t reckon I need to tell you to be careful,” he said as he wiped himself off.

“That was fun,” Hank declared as he pushed the front door open and pulled off his coat.

“Yeah, it was, Dad. You’re a great shot.”

“I can attest to that,” Wayne reported. “He got me in the head twice.”

“I probably shouldn’t admit I was aiming for his chest then,” Hank replied and laughed.

“Does anyone want hot chocolate?” Ma called from the kitchen.

“Sounds great,” Keith replied. He pulled off his coat and rushed to the kitchen. “It smells heavenly in here.”

“That does sound good,” Cedra agreed. “What can I do to help?”

“Grab a bag of marshmallows from the pantry. I’ve already got the hot chocolate on the stove. There’s fresh coffee, Hank.”

“Are you ready for a cup?” Hank asked.

“Yeah, that would be great.” Ma handed him her mug.

Cedra looked at Juliet. “Coffee or hot chocolate?”

“Hot chocolate,” Juliet answered. “The cookies look good.”

“Go ahead and plate some, please,” Ma told her. “There’s more coming out soon.”

Wayne took a sip of the hot chocolate. “I had forgotten how good this is from scratch. I’m so used to the packaged type.”

“It is delicious, Ma. Thank you,” Juliet said.

Ma smiled. “I hope it will help get y’all warmed up after being outside. Is it still snowing?”

“Huge flakes, Ma. They are so beautiful as they come spiraling down,” Keith answered.

“Hopefully, it will continue, and we’ll have a white Christmas tomorrow.” Ma pulled out another sheet of cookies.

“I’ll get the next pan ready, Ma. Sit and relax for a minute,” Keith told her.

Ma handed him the potholder. “I won’t argue with you. Just don’t get burned.”

Keith smiled. “I’ll be careful, Ma.” He began working on the next pan of cookies.

Juliet chuckled. “Is it my imagination, or is that pile of presents growing?” She pointed at the tree. “That tree sure looks good with the lights and decorations.”

“It is a beautiful tree,” Hank replied. “It reminds me of when we’d go out and cut our own when you were growing up,” he told Cedra.

“I don’t think we ever got one that pretty, though.” She chuckled. “I’ll admit it was a lot of fun hunting it down. Getting them home and into the house was always a challenge.”

Wayne looked at Cedra. “I worked at a Christmas tree farm one summer in high school. I didn’t think I would ever finish shaping trees so they would grow to perfection like that.”

“We never had a big tree like this one,” Juliet replied. “Ours always looked like the Charlie Brown tree.”

“I love the smell of a fresh tree,” Ma admitted. “Those artificial trees just don’t do it for me, and that fake canned smell is horrid.”

“I’ll agree with you on that,” Hank stated. “I mentioned getting an artificial tree one year, and I thought Cedra and her mom were going to toss me out of the house until I promised we’d get a real one.”

Cedra smiled at the memory Hank shared. “I remember that, and yes, you almost did get tossed. That was our last real Christmas,” Cedra said, then ducked her head to hide the tears suddenly filling her eyes.

“We will always have a real tree then. Next year, maybe two if Ma will let us put one on the front porch,” Juliet replied.

“We can get a bunch of lights on sale after Christmas and light up the front porch, too,” Keith suggested.

Ma smiled at the thought that the group planned to be with her next Christmas. “Why don’t we get one to plant in the front yard this spring?”

“Can we, Ma? I’ll dig the hole,” Wayne promised. “Maybe if I go home for a visit, I’ll stop by the farm and get one already established.”

“That would be great,” Ma agreed.

Juliet laughed. “Look at us planning for next Christmas; we haven’t made it through this one.”

Cedra looked at Ma. “I hope this is one of many we spend here.”

“Me, too. This house hasn’t seen this much joy in years,” Ma replied.

“Is there anything we need to prep for tomorrow?” Hank asked.

“Not tonight,” Ma replied. “Kitchen Keith will make biscuits, and I’ll make some gravy for breakfast. We need to know if we want to eat before or after opening gifts?”

“Let’s eat before,” Wayne suggested. “Then we can open gifts.”

“I’ve got many of the sides prepped already,” Ma said. “You can peel and slice potatoes after the gifts,” she told Hank. “Cedra and Juliet already have desserts made, and I can pop the ham into the oven first thing and still have room for biscuits.”

Keith pulled out a final pan of cookies, sliding them off the pan to cool.

“You’ve gotten very handy in the kitchen,” Hank praised.

“Ma’s a good teacher.”

“Yes, she is,” Juliet agreed. “I’ve learned how to make buttermilk pies and caramel cake this week. I hope you like them.”

“I’m sure they will be delicious, and no crumb will go uneaten,” Cedra stated.

Juliet looked out the window and saw that it was still snowing. “Do y’all want to get another cup of something hot and sit on the porch to watch it snow before it’s time to head to bed?”

“That sounds nice,” Hank replied. “Will you join us for a bit, Ma?”

“I’d like to. Pour us more coffee while I get my coat and scarf,” Ma requested and passed Hank her mug.

“I’m going to wash these pans, and I’ll be out,” Keith told them.

“I’ll get them later,” Cedra replied.

“My mess, my cleanup.” Keith smiled. “It won’t take me long.”

“There’s enough hot chocolate for three more,” Juliet reported as she refilled mugs.

“I’ll swap over to coffee,” Wayne offered.

Cedra handed Juliet her coat, and the group walked onto the porch and sat in chairs or the swing. Juliet placed her arm around Cedra’s shoulder and pulled her close as they began to move.

“It’s sticking well,” Hank pointed out.

“If it goes like this all night, we could have several inches,” Ma suggested.

“It’s cold enough,” Hank replied, then sipped his coffee. “I’m glad I don’t have to drive in this.”

Cedra smiled at her dad. “I’m glad none of us have to go anywhere for a few days at least.”

“We’ll have to make a milk run in a few days,” Wayne teased. “I’ve got four-wheel drive and the most experience driving in snow, so I’ll go. Just let me know if there’s anything else we’ll need, Ma.”

“I’ll go with you,” Hank offered.

Keith stepped onto the porch. “Where are we going?”

Ma rocked in her chair. “Wayne and Hank were discussing a milk run in a day or so.”

“Do you think the snow will last long?” Keith asked.

Ma saw the shine of excitement in Keith’s eyes. “I hope so. It sure is beautiful.”

“I’d love to bundle up tomorrow and build a snowman,” Keith told them.

“I’ve never seen that much snow,” Cedra admitted. “It looks like so much fun.”

“We’ll bundle up after we open gifts and come out to play,” Juliet promised.

“That will be fun.” Cedra smiled and leaned into Juliet.

“Too bad Stone isn’t here,” Wayne replied.

“I bet he calls tomorrow,” Ma stated.

Cedra smiled. “I’m sure he’s having a blast with his family. Destiny is old enough to enjoy Christmas now.”

“Speaking of family. I’m going to call it a night and phone home,” Wayne said.

“Me, too,” Keith added. “I don’t want to wait and forget tomorrow. I hope everyone’s gifts made it on time.”

“Are you going to call home?” Cedra asked Juliet.

Juliet nodded. “I’ll wait until the morning. The folks are probably already in bed tonight.”

“That’s right. Your family is an hour ahead of us,” Cedra replied.

“Merry Christmas, guys,” Hank called out as Wayne and Keith walked into the house.

“You, too,” Keith replied. “Make sure I’m up, please, Ma.”

“I will. Sleep well,” Ma answered.

Ma stood and collected mugs. “I’ll wash these and head to bed, too.”

“I’ll help you,” Hank volunteered and took Juliet and Cedra’s mugs. “I’ll see y’all in the morning.”

“We won’t be out much longer,” Cedra answered. “Love you.”

“I love you, too,” Hank replied. He winked at Juliet. “Both of you.”

“Love you too, Dad,” Juliet replied.

 

†

 

“I’m coming, Ma. Hold the door,” Hank requested and followed her into the kitchen.

Ma set the empty mugs in the sink and turned for the ones Hank carried. “It warms my heart to see you interact with Juliet the way you do.”

“I get the impression her family isn’t close,” Hank stated.

“Nor are they supportive of her lifestyle,” Ma replied. “She doesn’t speak of them often.”

“Anyone who can make my Baby Girl as happy as she does deserves my love and admiration,” Hank replied. “It pains me to think that parents can be so shallow.”

“Me, too, but it happens all too often. You couldn’t ask for two better young ladies, in my opinion. They are so different but complement each other beautifully.” Ma grinned. She opened the door to the dishwasher and began rinsing mugs and handing them to Hank.

Hank loaded them inside the machine and watched Ma start it. “I’m looking forward to biscuits and gravy in the morning.”

“That should hold us until lunch.”

“I’ll see you in the morning for some coffee then,” Hank answered and left the kitchen.

“Goodnight.”  She wiped down the counter and turned off the light.

 

†

 

“It’s so beautiful out here,” Juliet said as she stared into the night.

“There’s just enough light to help you see the snow coming down. I’m glad the wind has died down some. It was wicked cold earlier.”

Juliet leaned in to kiss her cheek. “Still plenty cold to keep the snow falling. I’m looking forward to making a snowman with you tomorrow.”

“Me, too. Another first for us.”

“Maybe one year we will go where there are several feet of snow for Christmas,” Juliet suggested.

“Snow or no snow, I don’t care as long as I’m with you. I love you so much,” Cedra replied as she looked into Juliet’s eyes.

Juliet closed the distance between them and kissed Cedra passionately. She felt Cedra shiver. “Are you ready to go get warm?”

“I’m ready to be naked in your arms.” Cedra grinned.

“That ought to warm us,” Juliet replied with a soft laugh. She stood and reached for Cedra.

Juliet’s tender caresses turned into passionate strokes as she lay next to Cedra. Her kiss deepened to muffle the moans elicited from Cedra as her climax arrived. Cedra thrust her hips, pressing Juliet’s fingers deeper inside her. She could feel her inner muscles squeezing as her world began to spin.

Cedra’s body relaxed, and Juliet answered with a softer kiss. “That was intense,” Juliet whispered.

“I can attest to that.” Cedra was working hard to suppress a giggle. She pulled Juliet’s head down for another kiss.

 

†

 

Juliet felt Cedra’s hand gliding down her body and quickly captured it in hers as she broke the kiss. “I can’t be quiet like you, and I don’t want to wake up Hank,” Juliet replied to Cedra’s pout. “I’m good for now. I just wanted to give you an early Christmas present. Merry Christmas, Baby Girl,” Juliet whispered. “Our first of many, I hope.”

“Me, too.” Cedra snuggled into Juliet. “I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you, too.” Juliet felt the smile grow on her face as she wrapped Cedra in her arms.