San Sequoia – Seaglass Estate
Thanksgiving Day
Guests continued to pour in, the air filled with the aroma of roasted turkey and the sound of laughter. Between dealing with the meal preparation, Hailey, Keira, and Briar Rose took turns welcoming new arrivals with warm words, hugs, and hors d’oeuvres. Iris wasn’t much of a domestic goddess, so she had been assigned to setting up and decorating.
When it was Bri’s turn, she greeted the final remaining guests to arrive, Colton, Maddie, and Jasper, with a radiant smile. Hugging and kissing them as they picked up some hors d’oeuvres, Colton and Maddie moved on into the living room to say hi to Chase, Connor, Chris and Iris while Jasper remained, smiling at Bri, chewing, nodding appreciatively, and reaching for seconds, tasting his way through the offerings.
“Looking good, girl! Single life becomes you, and these are delish! Encore, please,” Jasper said, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he reached for the stuffed mushrooms.
“Thanks, I made them, the mini quiches and the deviled eggs too,” Bri replied, her cheeks flushing with pride, as she held out the serving platter to him again.
“Goddamn, she can cook for realz now. You’re the total deluxe package now, huh?” he said, wrapping one arm around her waist when Iris walked by, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor.
“Careful Hargrave, everything on that platter has scary calories,” Iris remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Well, at least I can afford them. The Christmas song goes jingle bells, not jiggle ass, Iris,” Jasper shot back, grinning.
“JASPER!” Connor appeared, playfully whacking him in the back of the head with a warning glance. “Thought I’d better go find you when I saw your parents but not you. Figured there’d be some fires you and my other sister were starting again. Do I know you or what? You’ll get whacked in the head next if you can’t behave, Iris!” he warned her, she flipped him off and turned away to continue her tasks.
“As usual, she started it. I was just talking to sweet Bri,” Jasper defended himself, pulling Bri in closer and planting a gentle kiss on the top of her head. She smiled, balancing the serving tray with hors d’oeuvres as they shared a moment of camaraderie.
“Oh my God, puke! Flirting with her is more like it!” Iris hissed, turning back to them, her eyes narrowing.
“Seriously now, Iris?! Leave me out of your war of roses and idiotic jealous rages, please. Jas and I have always been good friends, nothing has changed and nothing will change, just because you both are at odds!” Bri piped up, rolling her eyes.
“Hey, I don’t care what you two do together. If you want him, have him. I don’t care one bit. You can do him on the dining room table, I wouldn’t care!” Iris snapped, her voice rising.
“But I would. Please don’t! Hi Jas.” Hailey appeared, in an apron, giving him a quick peck on the cheek and a side-hug, before hurrying off to the living room, and Connor pulled Iris along with him, following their mother.
“Wow, now that was anticlimactic. Then again, not surprising, knowing your sister. Hey, where’s Jackson?” Jasper wondered, grabbing another piece of finger food off Bri’s platter.
“Outside with the kids. You know him. He managed to sit and visit with everyone for almost an entire 30 minutes before we almost had a Jackson-shaped hole in the wall from him trying to get out,” Bri said, shaking her head with a fond smile.
“Has he signed yet?” Jasper asked, his brow furrowing.
“Nope,” Bri replied, her smile fading.
“Oh jeeze! What’s the holdup?” Jasper exclaimed, exasperated.
“Ask him! Three meetings with the attorney now, and he still finds imaginary hairs in that soup each time, supposedly preventing him from signing. As if I were stupid. He keeps wanting to talk to me alone, and I just won’t. I know myself. He’s my weak spot and this is too close to home. If he starts his sweet, caring cowboy routine I might melt and give in, but I don’t want to. Not again. I can’t be trusted alone around him. Still,” Bri said, lowering her voice to a whisper, leaning into Jasper, “Even after he plowed that hussy,” she added, her voice trembling with frustration, making sure he knew to keep it between them.
“BRI! HELLO!? I don’t know where your mom went, but I can’t cook an entire Thanksgiving spread here by myself, stuff is boiling over here, sizzling there, some needs to be cut and prep’ed and I can’t be in all places at once,” Keira’s voice sounded from the kitchen, cutting through the tension.
“Coming! Sorry Jas, we’ll catch up later,” Bri said, rushing off, so Jasper briefly stuck his head in the kitchen to greet his older sister, before he stepped outside.
Jackson was casually leaning against the outside wall of the poolhouse, where Bri and Bonnie now lived, watching both kids on the swing set, competing to see who could swing higher. The creaking of the swings and the children’s laughter filled the air.
“Happy Turkey Day, cowboy!” Jasper greeted, stepping up.
Jackson didn’t even bother forcing a smile, but turned to bro-hug Jasper.
“Happy Thanksgivin’ to ya as well. You alone?” Jackson asked, his voice low and tired.
“Yeah, why? You wanna tell me a secret?” Jasper teased, raising an eyebrow.
“I meant, did ya come here alone?” Jackson clarified, his eyes scanning the yard.
“Nah, with the parents. Felt weird not to, seeing how I live in their McMansion,” Jasper replied, shrugging.
“I meant a girl. You met someone new yet?” Jackson asked, his tone serious.
“Oh! We’re going there. No, I haven’t. Been too busy working on my career and wading through the knee-high bullshit my last one left me with. Heard you already hooked up with the ex.,” Jasper said, his voice tinged with bitterness.
Jackson’s facial expression crumbled. “Ah, shoulda known she’d tell ya,” he muttered, looking away.
“Yeah, ya know, it kinda came up when she showed up at my doorstep sobbing up a river, barely coherent, after she literally walked in on you sticking your magic wand into Taylor’s toxic swamp. What the actually fuck man? I get that Chestnut Ridge has kind of a limited dating pool, but that Valkyrie again? How desperate can you be? I’d think her hoo-ha would have teeth and claws,” Jasper said, his voice rising in anger.
“Watch it! There are kids around. At that age they’re like sponges!” Jackson warned, his eyes darting to the swing set.
“Oh jeeze, sorry Super-Dad. My bad. Same question though. Why Taylor?” Jasper asked, his voice softening.
“You don’t know her …” Jackson began, his voice trailing off.
“Au contraire, mon frère. I know her, I am even related to her. Not by choice, but can’t help who you’re related to, am I right? In case you forgot, she’s my oldest cousin’s kid. So, yeah, I DO know Taylor, do I ever. And I know she’s married and has kids. I didn’t have you pegged as THAT guy,” Jasper said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“I ain’t! She lied to me. And I was … weak. Thinkin’ Bri went back to Brad, of all people. I mean, ya shoulda seen ’em at that hospital. His hand on her back, eyes down her cleavage. She claims she hasn’t touched another man since … me,” Jackson said, his voice breaking.
“Yeah, that checks out. Brad is like that. He and I still don’t see eye to eye, but last time I was traveling for a shoot and was in the area, I went back to check out my old stomping grounds, say hello to some back in Brindleton Bay I still know and ran into him and his family. I was being nice because of Molly and their kids, and he was all BFFs-like with me. Bro’s a hugger. I am still not a member of his fan club, but don’t think he and Bri hooked up. She would have told me by now,” Jasper said, his voice reassuring.
“Great. So, I really am the one who cheated on her, not the one who just got some admittedly petty revenge hookup in. Crap,” Jackson said, his shoulders slumping.
“Hey, watch your language,” Jasper grinned, but when he noticed Jackson wasn’t amused, he nudged him. “Can we talk over there for a sec? I wanna pick your brain about something.”
“No. I am watching the kids,” Jackson replied, his eyes never leaving the swing set.
“You can watch them from over there,” Jasper insisted, pointing to a nearby table with chairs.
“I like to stay close,” Jackson said, his voice firm.
“For what, Jackson? This is their grandparents’ backyard, not a military training zone! Bonnie plays out here by herself all the time. She and her brother aren’t idiots; they have their butts firmly planted on that swing set. I’ve seen them do this many times; they got this stuff down. Come on, cowboy, we need to have a talk. Let’s go huddle over there for a hot sec,” Jasper said, his voice pleading.
With a sigh, Jackson followed Jasper to the fence that overlooked the bay. The sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore filled the air. Jackson leaned against the fence, staring out over the water, his fingers tapping nervously on the wooden railing. Jasper stood next to him, hands in his pockets, occasionally kicking a small pebble as they spoke.
“Listen, you need to sign those papers,” Jasper said, his voice serious.
“I can’t do that. Jus’ can’t. I can’t give up yet,” Jackson replied, his voice filled with desperation. He fidgeted with a piece of loose wood from the fence, unable to tear his gaze away from the horizon.
“Jackson, bro, use the brain for a sec! It’s over. Has been over. You need to stop the bleeding, not keep the gashing wound open even longer. You’re miserable, Bri’s miserable, sign the damn divorce papers and start healing. If you are afraid we’re all gonna cut you out, don’t be. This family doesn’t roll that way. Look at me, prime example. I am still invited. You have kids anchoring you into this family, I don’t. My parents are the friends of the family, my sister is married to one of them, but I don’t really have much to bring to this table at the moment, after Iris cut me loose. Yet, still around,” Jasper said, his voice filled with conviction.
“Bri loves you. They all do. You ARE family. Plus, you haven’t messed up like I have. I know what I am guilty of, I was honestly just gonna drop off Beau and drive back home. Bonnie wanted me to stay so badly, I just couldn’t tell her no. I don’t wanna be here. Not if I don’t have any hope left that I could be a part permanently,” Jackson said, his voice breaking. He turned his head away, trying to hide the emotion in his eyes.
“Jackson, listen buddy, you ARE a part. That’s what I am saying. Even after the divorce they will invite you. Long after your kids are 18 or married themselves, you will be welcome. That’s how this family works. Trust me, I have 28 years of experience with them. Iris might well try to carve me up today instead of that turkey, she already started drama with me the second I walked in, yet they want me here. The Con-Bear keeps defending me. So, now that’s cleared up, need a pen?” Jasper asked, his voice gentle.
“I’ll think about it. I have to talk to Bri again before I do that. She’s avoiding being alone with me, no matter how I try, there’s always someone else, but I need to tell her things I don’t wanna say in front of others. I can’t just sign and … I can’t do that,” Jackson replied, his voice filled with uncertainty. He picked up a small stone from the ground and tossed it into the bay, watching the ripples spread.
“Okay, swear to me now that you will sign and I’ll get Bri to give you that one-on-one talk. She’s stubborn, but I am convincing AF. I’ll soften her up,” Jasper said, his voice confident.
Jackson sighed deeply, looked out over the bay, grimaced, then nodded, turning his head back to Jasper.
“Alright, you got yerself a deal, Jas.” He half-turned and offered his hand to Jasper, who took it, shrugging, and the young men shook hands firmly.
Just then, Hailey called out from the house, “Jackson! Jasper! Bonnie! Beau! Time to come inside for Thanksgiving dinner!” The kids jumped off the swingset and raced towards the house, leaving the door wide open.
“How about we go inside now and join the party? Feed those kids some sugar and watch the show. At least it’s not your house they’ll destroy when they bounce off the walls,” Jasper laughed, his laughter echoing in the cool evening air. Jackson cracked a small smile and nodded, giving Jasper a friendly pat on the back as they walked towards the house together.
The crisp, cool air of the San Sequoia evening nipped at their skin, but as they stepped inside, they were immediately enveloped by the warmth of the home. The transition from the chilly outdoors to the cozy indoors was like a comforting embrace. The sounds of the celebration grew louder, with the chatter of guests, the clinking of utensils, and bursts of laughter filling the air.
They entered a small, short hallway, and the warmth and light seemed to draw them in. Turning left, they walked into the large eat-in kitchen where everyone was either seated, finding seats, or serving food. The space was a bustling scene, with people gathered around, chatting and enjoying the spread. The rich aroma of the feast wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of cinnamon and pine from the holiday decorations.
“Jasper! Jackson! Come join us!” Keira called from the table, waving them over with a bright smile.
“Howdy ev’ryone, and happy Thanksgivin’,” Jackson greeted in his usual drawl, his voice a bit more relaxed now as he took a seat.
A sea of voices responded with laughter and playful remarks, adding to the warmth and camaraderie of the family gathering.
Jasper grabbed a chair beside him, leaning back with a content sigh. “Alright, let’s see what we’ve got here. Smells delish,” he said, eyeing the various dishes laid out before them. He patted his stomach and joked, “Might as well loosen up these buttons already!”
“I thought you already did, there is this terrible stench all of a sudden. Maybe it’s just your natural aroma, and I always thought douches are supposed to smell good,” Iris snarled from down the table. She almost fell off her chair when her brother Connor kicked it.
“Zip it, or you’ll be eating your Thanksgiving meal from a dog bowl on the floor, fighting the other three pooches for it!” he warned, pointing at his two large black shepherds who were laying nearby with Snuffins, Chase and Hailey’s mutt, waiting for scraps from the kids.
Iris flipped her brother and Jasper off, so her father Chase slapped down her finger, giving her a grim look and pointing at the three youngest members at the table who weren’t even paying attention. “Do that again, and tied up outside by yourself is what you’ll get, Iris Marie! Quit behaving like the first person on earth, please!”
Fuming, Iris didn’t even argue, just started loading food onto her plate.
“I am just shocked you can even smell anything with that head so far up your … ouch!” Jasper’s grumbling was interrupted by Maddie, his mother, reaching around Jackson to pinch her son’s arm firmly. “Knock it off NOW!” she said, shaking her finger at him. Jasper rubbed his arm where she pinched him, muttering under his breath about ‘child abuse.’
“Are you kidding me!? Kids! Jeezes! You are 28 years old, can you act like it?! It has been months since your break up. Everyone here at this table is so over your drama! You broke up, it’s sad, we get it, get over it already! BOTH of you,” Hailey reprimanded Jasper, while shooting Iris a glare that read ‘final warning.’ “This is a family gathering, guys, and we’re here to enjoy each other’s company. Let’s keep it civil, okay?”
Chase, from the head of the table across from Hailey, couldn’t resist adding, “Yeah, besides, nobody wants their Turkey Day interrupted by this crap!”
Hailey playfully shook her finger at Chase. “You’re not helping, Gump. I am trying to diffuse here,” she said with a mock stern look, which only added to the light-hearted atmosphere.
“Wasn’t trying to, Patches. This is our house, we don’t need to diffuse. If they can’t behave, they can look at the outside of the front door and that’s that. This goes to everyone here, don’t recommend testing me on this,” he retorted.
As they began to dig into the meal, the conversation flowed effortlessly around them. The clatter of plates and the hum of multiple conversations created a comforting background noise, underlined by children’s laughter. Despite the earlier tensions, the warmth of family and friends began to ease the weight on their shoulders.
Once the main course was over, the table was cleared, Bri made her way over to them, carrying a tray of desserts. “Dessert, anyone?” she asked, her smile brightening the room as she offered it up to her parents and Colton and Maddie first, as they were the oldest members of the family. Once they took their picks, she moved on.
“Absolutely,” Jasper said with a grin, reaching for a slice of pie. “Can’t miss out on pumpkin pie.”
“Eat up, I made that one and the apple pie too. Keira and mom made the cookies with Bonnie,” Bri mentioned, turning to Jackson next to Jasper. Their eyes lingered on each other for a moment before he swallowed and took a piece of apple pie.
“Whipped cream? Ice cream?” Bri offered, smiling at both Jackson and Jasper.
“Hell yeah, load me up, girl. Today’s my cheat day!” Jasper said enthusiastically.
“I thought every day was a cheat day for you,” Iris grumbled from the sink, just as a wet kitchen sponge hit her head. “Eeew! Mom, that is just nasty!”
“Wasn’t your mom, it was me. Stop it already! Leave my brother alone, it’s Thanksgiving for crying out loud, and YOU broke up with HIM,” Keira snarled at her sister-in-law. “Jasper is an annoying nutcase, but he doesn’t cheat, so knock it off!”
“Wow, thanks for the flowers, sis. Love you too,” Jasper said sarcastically.
“Hey, I defended you, so quit whining! I said you don’t cheat, that’s something,” Keira replied.
Jackson started choking on his bite when the talk turned to the topic of cheating. He started coughing hard and turned bright red. Jasper patted his back, while Colton handed him some water. Red-faced and teary-eyed, Jackson excused himself from the table and nearly ran outside.
“Bri?” Jasper looked at her, nodding his head towards the backyard, but she just shook her head. “Nope. I am not going down that dark alley with him. You go and coddle him,” she told him.
“Why me? Dude’s not my husband!” Jasper argued, so Chase pushed back his chair.
“For crying out loud …” Chase grumbled, heading out after Jackson.
Connor, noticing the tension in the room and realizing this conversation needed privacy, clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention. “Hey, everyone! How about we all move to the living room? There’s a great game on TV, and the kids could burn off some energy playing some games. Let’s give these guys some space,” he suggested, herding the others towards the living room.
With reluctant nods and murmured agreements, the family members started to move. Colton and Keira rounded up the younger kids, leading them out of the kitchen. Iris, still fuming from earlier, shot a final glare but followed the crowd. The room slowly emptied, leaving Jasper, Maddie, Bri and Hailey alone in the kitchen.
Hailey and Maddie stared holes into Bri and Jasper, clearly waiting for context. Bri crumbled first. “Oh no. Nope. I am not opening that can of worms,” she said, tossing down the dish towel and nearly running out of the kitchen. Jasper tried to leave, but his mother grabbed him by the back of his shirt and pulled him back. With two pairs of eyes on him now, he began to fidget. “Ladies, no! You can’t do me like that. That is between Bri and Jackson. I am just an innocent bystander here. I know nothing. Pleading the fifth.”
“Jasper, did Jackson do something he shouldn’t have?! Talk kid!” Hailey demanded.
“What?! I have said nothing of that sort! Mom! HELP!” Jasper shot back, feeling cornered, staring at Maddie, eyes pleading.
But his mom didn’t help him. With fists propped into their sides, Hailey and Maddie mirrored each other, staring at Jasper.
“Jas?” Hailey prompted.
“Hailey, please. I can’t. I really don’t want to get in the middle of this,” Jasper pleaded. Briar Rose happened to walk by in the hallway, so Jasper grabbed her and pulled her into the kitchen.
“Bri, they are interrogating me. Jackson nearly choked on the cheating bit, and now they think I know something about something and won’t leave me alone! HELP!” Jasper exclaimed.
Bri listened to his desperate plea, then looked at her mom and Jasper’s mom Maddie, who was like a mother to her. Inhaling deeply, she sighed, then nodded. “Okay, yeah, it’s true. I caught Jackson cheating with Taylor. The full scope, I literally walked in on them and saw a lot more of Taylor than I ever wanted to. Which is why I finally gave up on this and on him.”
Chase now joined them again, catching the gist of Bri’s confession, the aroma of turkey and pumpkin pie still lingered in the air. The hum of the dishwasher filled the background. The kitchen was otherwise empty, allowing the conversation to flow freely. “Yup. I just got the same from him. He’s not proud of it, so much is certain. He said he thought Bri went back to Brad and was mad jealous. According to him, Taylor kept coming on to him, and he finally accepted thinking Bri hooked up with her ex.”
“Yeah, that checks out. I am not exactly close with that side of the family, but it sounds like Taylor to me,” Jasper confirmed.
“Oh yeah, I second that. I never liked her or her mother. That Taylor came out of the womb conniving and manipulative, and her brother is Prince Valium. Their mother was married before and left her first husband with a farewell note, divorce papers, and a newborn because she wasn’t ready to be a mom. Then she turns around and has two kids with her current husband. Bunch of trash, if you ask me, but they are related to my husband, so I deal with them. Luckily, we don’t have to very often. Bunch of country hicks thinking they’re better than us for some inexplicable reason. I would not put it past Taylor to seduce someone like Jackson when he’s already at his lowest, I’d be more surprised if she didn’t,” Maddie agreed.
“Bri… why did you not tell us, baby? This is terrible!” Hailey asked, shocked, and pulled her daughter into a hug.
“Well Patches, not to state the obvious here, but I think their relationship was so shot at that point already that it didn’t even really matter anymore,” Chase said, leaning against the counter.
Bri pulled out of her mother’s embrace to turn to her father. “Oh, it DID matter, Daddy. Mattered a LOT to me. I went there to speak to him about the divorce, and when I saw him standing there, just a towel on, drops of water pearling off his tan muscles, his bright blue eyes contrasting so sharply with his skin, looking all…”
Briar Rose trailed off topic when Jasper nudged her, grimacing. “Can we do this without the fangirling and description of all his body parts, maybe? I don’t wanna poop my wiener here. In case this hasn’t come across clear, my personal interests don’t include wet muscle dudes in towels and I don’t think it adds anything to the focus part of the story. I like the man, but I really don’t wanna debate how the bro looks coming out of a shower,” he demanded, rolling his eyes.
Bri shrugged, her shoulders sagging with the weight of her words. “Oh whatever. Anyway, I was so close to getting weak again and tearing up the papers,” she admitted, her voice cracking slightly. She paused, taking a deep breath as she recalled the memory. “Then Taylor walked out of his bathroom wearing nothing but a gleeful grin.” She shook her head, eyes narrowing with frustration. “I took off, Jackson came after, we had another fight,” she continued, her voice rising with a mix of anger and exasperation. “I slammed the divorce papers into him, then left him in a cloud of dust, and that was the end of it,” she finished, her tone firm and resolute.
“I ended up at Jasper’s place,” she added, her expression softening with gratitude. “And he helped me through it. I stayed overnight,” she confessed, her cheeks flushing slightly, “and he followed me home the next morning to make sure I didn’t lose my mind and crash.”
All head turned to Jasper, staring at him from wide eyes. He gestured excitedly. “Oh, hell no! Holster those nasty thoughts, you dirty birdies! Bri and I are friends! I helped her with words, hugs, tissues, and emotional support, not my schlong, if that’s what you’re thinking. Gee, thanks, guys, for that vote of confidence and trust!” He threw his hands up in mock surrender, his voice rising theatrically. “I don’t prey on damsels in distress! Tell them, Bri!”
Bri looked around the room, taking a deep breath. “Yes, Jas was just sweet, supportive, and a great friend. A true gentleman.” She paused, recalling the painful memory. “Walking in on Jackson with Taylor was devastating. I was heartbroken and destroyed. I don’t even know how I drove to Jasper’s home, barely able to see through my tears, almost mechanically. I didn’t realize where I was until I recognized the front door. Jas took me in, gave me a safe space to cry, and helped me pick up the pieces.” She smiled up at Jasper, genuine affection shining in her eyes. “I don’t know what I would have done without him.”
Jasper nodded, his dramatic demeanor softening. “I made her tea, listened to her rant, and let her cry on my shoulder, provided words of comfort, hugs, and a mountain of tissues. I was there for her as a friend, nothing more. So put down the shotguns and pitchforks, you know me better than that.”
“Aww, my sweet baby, daddy and I did raise you right.” Maddie cooed, grabbing her son kissing his cheeks, with him grimacing, when Hailey fell in too. “Thanks for taking such good care of my baby girl when she needed you most, you sweet boy!” Jas gave up fighting and just looked tortured, lipstick marks like freckles all over his handsome face.
“Well, happy Thanksgiving to us. What a cluster…” Chase started but was interrupted by his wife, Hailey. “CHASE!”
“What? The youngest are in the other room and the representation of our kids here present curse more enthusiastically than I do,” he defended, raising an eyebrow.
“Damn right, Chaser,” Jasper grinned, leaning against the counter.
“Call me that again and you’ll be going to the dentist, Jasper!” Chase grumbled, crossing his arms.
“Who peed in your Cheerios, old man? Just playing, jeesh! She calls you Gump! That’s a lot worse!” Jasper argued, pointing at Hailey, smirking.
“She also puts out,” Chase shot back, a mischievous glint in his eye.
San Myshuno – Skyline Arena
New Beginnings
Before Christmas, Briar Rose’s life took another dramatic turn. Her aunt Vivien—better known to most under her stage name, ViVa, the former pop icon and queen of the stage—had a bold idea. She drummed up a plan to resurrect the careers of Chase and Colton for a one-night benefit concert on New Year’s Eve in San Myshuno, just before the ball drop. When Briar Rose’s name came up in conversation, Vivien insisted on a demonstration of her talent. Briar Rose sang a few of her own compositions, and Vivien, impressed, offered her a spot in the lineup.
The weeks leading up to the concert were intense and filled with anticipation. Although Briar Rose had never performed on stage before a large audience, she was well-acquainted with the life, having grown up around relatives who were seasoned performers. She had studied music in college, was called a prodigy by many of her professors, before dropping out to go live with Jackson, now enrolled again and in her final semester to finally get her degree, and she had written many pieces in a distinct pop-classic crossover style, some with light country influences.
Her dad, Chase, and Colton, both in their early 60s and the driving forces behind the grunge rock band 2Dark 2C, were there to help her prepare, while also getting ready for their own performances. Chase, the frontman of the band, had always been lanky and now sported a bit of a dad bod, while Colton shared similar features. Vivien, Chase’s oldest sister and the eldest of the trio, in her seventies, still retained her slender figure and commanding stage presence despite her age.
The practice runs on the actual stage in the week leading up to the event were grueling. Each session left Briar Rose physically and emotionally drained but determined. She spent hours perfecting her songs, rehearsing with the band, and familiarizing herself with the stage setup. The lights, the sound, the crowd of staff watching—it was all overwhelming. Briar Rose’s heart pounded with a mix of excitement and anxiety, her chest tightening with every run-through. The weight of her family’s legacy pressed down on her, but so did their unwavering support.
Vivien was a constant presence, offering guidance and encouragement, her experience as a pop icon shining through. “You have it in you, Bri,” she would say, her voice filled with conviction. “Just remember, the stage is your home. It takes more than just talent and a good voice to be a performer. There’s something you can’t learn—you either have it or you don’t. It’s stage presence, and you, Bri, have it. You captivate the audience the moment you step into the spotlight.”
As New Year’s Eve approached, the excitement in San Myshuno grew palpable. Posters and advertisements for the benefit concert were everywhere, and the buzz around ViVa’s return, along with 2Dark 2C’s one-night comeback and the new rising star Briar Rose, was electric.
For Bri, seeing her face on those posters and TV ads was a surreal experience. She had grown up seeing many of her relatives, including her dad, on similar posters and screens. As a kid, it always felt weird, like her family belonged to a world that she was only a spectator of. But now, her face was there too, right next to theirs.
Her long, wavy warm honey blonde hair and very light green eyes, a trait she shared with Vivien and Chase, made her stand out. She had a good figure but an overall delicate appearance, which contrasted with her aunt’s and father’s more slender builds. At 28, she looked much younger and her presence alongside her older, grey-haired relatives on the posters was striking. Like the yin to their yang. Past, presence and future.
It was a mixture of pride and disbelief. She would catch glimpses of herself in shop windows and on billboards, her heart skipping a beat each time. The first time she saw a TV ad featuring her name and image, she nearly spilled her coffee. Her 6-year-old daughter Bonnie exclaimed, “Mommy, look! You’re on TV!” with wide-eyed excitement. It was a moment of validation, but also a reminder of the huge responsibility on her shoulders.
Bri felt the weight of her family’s legacy, the expectations of the audience, and her own desire to prove herself. She was no longer just Briar Rose, the girl who wrote songs in her bedroom, music student and dreamer. She was now Briar Rose, the rising star, the performer about to step into the spotlight. Her old dream was becoming a reality. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
But amidst the nerves, there was also a deep sense of belonging. Seeing her face alongside her aunt Vivien, her dad, and Colton who had always been larger than life as artists ever since Bri was born, made her feel like she was finally stepping into her own. She was a part of something bigger, a continuation of a legacy that had been passed down through generations. Just like she always dreamed to be when she was a teenager.
Each poster, each ad was a symbol of her journey, a testament to her hard work and talent. And as the concert day drew nearer, those images served as a constant reminder that she was ready for this moment, ready to take the stage and shine.
San Myshuno – Skyline Arena
New Year’s Eve Celebration
And then the big day came.
The entire front row was Bri’s family, including Jackson, who STILL hadn’t signed the papers, his excuse this time was that he never got the time alone with Bri, as she had now been too busy.
Presenters, all VIPs in their own right, came on stage one by one, cracking jokes that drew laughter and showing the year in review with public interest reels and highlights on the large screens behind them. Their witty commentary kept the audience entertained between the musical performances. The venue was adorned with sparkling decorations; a canopy of twinkling lights cast an enchanting glow over the sea of eager fans. The air buzzed with anticipation and the festive spirit of New Year’s Eve. The scent of popcorn and hot cocoa wafted through the crowd, mingling with the cool night air.
From the front rows to the distant edges of the audience, faces were lit with excitement and wonder. Friends and families huddled together, sharing the moment. The large screens not only displayed the year in review but also occasionally panned over the enthusiastic crowd, capturing candid moments of joy and celebration. Every now and then, a cheer would erupt as the camera zoomed in on familiar faces in the audience or the presenters made a particularly clever quip.
As the night progressed, the collective energy of the crowd seemed to grow, each moment building upon the last. The anticipation for the performances and the upcoming midnight celebration was palpable, a shared feeling of excitement that united everyone present.
Finally, it was time for Briar Rose to take the stage. Her legs felt like jelly, but she reminded herself of the advice from her aunt, dad, and Colton. Vivien, her aunt, took the microphone, her melodious, but commanding voice slicing through the crowd’s noise.
“Everyone, let’s give a thunderous welcome to my incredibly talented and beautiful niece, Briar Rose!”
The applause was overwhelming. Her dad, Chase, and Colton escorted her onto the stage, the cheers growing louder with each step. As they parted ways, both kissed her cheeks before stepping away. Bri beamed at them, then at the sea of faces. She waved at the audience, steadying her trembling hands before taking her place at the grand piano, which gleamed brilliantly under the bright lights.
In the front row, Jackson sat with their 6-year-old twins, Beau and Bonnie. Seated next to them was Jasper, who needed to be kept apart from Iris due to their recent breakup and ongoing tension. Next to Jasper were Connor with his wife Keira and their 13-year-old son Chris. Beside them sat Liam, Vivien’s husband, followed by their son Nick and his wife Adrianna. Their 23-year-old son Ryan and his girlfriend Camila were next in line.
On the other side of the children sat Bri’s mom Hailey and Colton’s wife Maddie, who was like a mother to Bri. Beside Maddie was Bri’s twin sister Iris Marie. Their faces were alight with excitement and pride, waving enthusiastically at Bri.
Her fingers danced over the keys, the opening notes of her song filling the room. As she began to sing, her voice, a beautiful blend of warmth and clarity, resonated through the venue. Each note was like a brushstroke painting a vivid picture. Her initial nervousness melted away, replaced by a growing confidence with each verse and chord. The audience was captivated, drawn into her world through her music.
Her first song, “Whispers of the Sea,” reflected her upbringing in Brindleton Bay. It painted scenes of seaside sunsets, the scent of salt in the air, and childhood memories that shaped who she was. The melody carried the essence of her prestigious hometown, and the lyrics spoke of yearning for simpler times and the inevitable changes that come with growing up.
When the final note hung in the air, the crowd erupted into applause, calling for an encore. Bri looked over at her aunt Vivien, who nodded encouragingly. Smiling, Bri chose a piece very dear to her heart, a song she just recently finished, written about her cowboy husband, titled “We’ll Always Have The Memories.” She poured her soul into the performance, her voice and piano playing even more powerful and moving than before.
“We’ll Always Have The Memories” was a heartfelt ballad that spoke of resilience, love, and hope. It mirrored her journey from the coastal elegance of Brindleton Bay to the rugged beauty of Chestnut Ridge, and the enduring connection she still felt for Jackson. The lyrics echoed the struggles and joys of their time together, and the bittersweet love that remained despite their separation. It was a tribute to her children, her family, and the new life she was building. Though she and Jackson couldn’t be together, their deep love for each other continued to shape her life and music.
As she finished, tears glistened in the eyes of many in the audience, including her own. The applause that followed was thunderous, filled with admiration and love for Bri.
San Myshuno
The Grand Metropolitan Hotel
Later, at the hotel, Briar Rose was in her room, freshly showered, when there was a knock on the door. A bellhop handed her a large, sealed envelope and a single red rose. Inside the envelope, she found the signed divorce papers and a heartfelt letter from Jackson.
My darlin’ Bri,
You know I ain’t much for writing or expressing my feelings in words, but wanted to say tonight made me realize that I’ve been holding you back, and it’s time to set you free to soar high.
I’m so sorry for all my mistakes and shortcomings.
You deserve the world, and I know you’ll shine bright.
Love, forever and always,
Jackson
P.S. Like the line in your song said, we’ll always have the memories.
Briar’s eyes welled up with tears as she read the letter, feeling a mix of sorrow and relief. She knew Jackson’s love would remain a part of her, even as she embraced her newfound freedom. She plopped down on the bed, holding the letter and the rose, smelling it, when the floodgates opened, and she sobbed hard and long.
With the kids spending the night with their grandparents, once she calmed down and cleaned herself up, Briar Rose got dressed and decided to go to Jackson’s room. She stood outside his door, gathering her thoughts before knocking. When he opened the door, he looked surprised to see her but stepped aside to let her in.
“Bri,” he began, but she cut him off, her voice soft but firm.
“Jackson, I am here for that one-on-one talk you’ve been wanting.”
He nodded and they moved into the room, he shut the door, they faced each other. Briar Rose reached out and hugged him, feeling the warmth and strength of his embrace.
“Thank you for signing,” she whispered, pulling back to look into his eyes.
Jackson held her tightly, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank ya for not tryin’ to take Beau from me. I know if ya really wanted to, ya probably could. You got the better lawyers. Well, you got lawyers. I can’t afford any, even if I could find one.”
“Jackson, I wouldn’t do that to you. I am going to pay you alimony and child support once the divorce is final, so your money issues should soon be over. That’s why I am working on my career, I don’t want my parents to fund us. And I need you to not be stubborn and proud and accept the money, for you and for Beau. This isn’t about me getting one in on you, never has been. I know he wants to stay with you at the ranch, he’s just like his daddy, he loves visiting me, but after a few days can’t wait to get back out to your life. And I know you will keep our baby boy safe. Just like you know I will do everything I can for Bonnie. And we will see each other a lot. We’ll visit and of course at family events, you are part of the family, always will be, you are always invited to my brother Connor’s many parties, and you are comfortable staying at his place if you don’t want to stay with my parents and us, I mean, you used to live with him for a while when your dad got the divorce. But I have to ask, why now? After all those months of you dragging your feet on it, why now?”
“I knew it was the right thing to do, just lettin’ go is so damn hard. Tonight, seein’ ya up there on that stage, I couldn’t ignore the facts. It’s where you belong. You have so much talent, Bri. It was so wrong of me to hide you from the world. Selfish. Just another thing to add to my long list of things to feel guilty about when it comes to us. Made so many mistakes, but never with ill intentions. I need ya to know that.”
She shook her head, placing a hand on his cheek. “I do know that. That’s why this is so hard. I know this has nothing to do with being in love or not. You didn’t hide me, Jackson. I chose you years ago, and I never regretted it. But sometimes things change, circumstances change, and people change, whether they want to or not. What happened to Bonnie changed me, irrevocably, and I can’t ‘un-change’ anymore. I tried. I wanted our old life back, but I just can’t. I am just not that same Bri anymore.”
Her voice, soft, melodious, the higher-pitched trained voice of a young singer, conveyed the depth of her emotions. Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, “Like I said in my song, I will always love you, Jackson. Always. I can’t help it. But I can’t live at that ranch anymore. Or in Chestnut Ridge.”
He looked at her, the pain and love in his eyes mirroring her own. “I know. And I don’t want ya to anymore. Tonight has been an eye-opener, remindin’ me of somethin’ we both knew all along. When we first met, remember how long it took us to even try? We both knew then what we know now—love ain’t enough. Not for us. We tried anyway, cos we’re both stubborn as hell, and we made it work for a little while. I think what happened to Bonnie was fate telling us our time is up now. Cost of tryin’ to be stubborn is too high. I’ll always love you too, Bri. For as long as that heart keeps beatin’ in my chest and probably even after.”
Jackson’s voice, thick with his drawl, was filled with raw emotion as he spoke. They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared history hanging in the air. There was also a sense of peace, knowing that they could move forward, even if it meant going their separate ways.
“Bri?” he said into the darkness. His drawl always made her name sound special to her, as a few lingering fireworks burst in the distance, stragglers from the earlier New Year’s celebration.
“Hm?”
“I don’t want to upset you by bringing this up, but I need you to know that Taylor meant nothing to me. I really thought you went back to Brad and I was so hurt and angry. You were right, the moment people realized you had left, she kept showing up again and again. I kept chasin’ her off. But when I came back from seein’ you with him, I was angry and jealous and weak. I didn’t go lookin’ for her, for it. Beau was stayin’ over with Chayton and Ashton Leigh’s twins. They’re good friends. I was fixin’ my truck, again, spilled engine oil over myself, so I took a shower. I never heard Taylor knock—if she even did. Suddenly, there she was in my shower, and I let her. That’s what you walked into. I didn’t go out askin’ for it, but I also didn’t tell her no, like I had all the times before. Not that time. I should have, but I didn’t. Not an excuse, don’t make nothin’ better, but an explanation I feel ya deserve.” Jackson’s voice was heavy with regret and sincerity, his drawl emphasizing the rawness of his confession.
“Yeah, I kinda figured something like that. It sounds like her. Be careful with her. I know you think she’s good, but she really isn’t. You have to believe me, that woman has a never-ending mean streak.”
“Yeah, I know. She lied to me, Bri and I was vulnerable and not thinkin’ straight. Said her husband was gone, and acted all emotional. I thought she meant dead. When I saw them at a dance the next week, I confronted her ’bout it, and she laughed, said she meant gone off to an oil rig for a couple weeks to make some extra money for them. You were right about her and about me, I was dumb. Am dumb. I am not an educated man, Bri, and it shows sometimes. Just like I was with Bonnie. Ya gotta understand, where I come from, way I was raised, we don’t know allergies. That’s somethin’ we just don’t have, all my life I never known anyone with that, if that ever came up it was somethin’ we make fun of, some imaginary Yuppie thing. I didn’t know what to do with that information, until I learned the hard way. I really am some dumb country hick.” his drawl thickened as he spoke, the weight of regret hanging heavy in his voice.
“No, you are not. You are very smart, just stubborn and tone-deaf when it comes to certain things. I know you love Bonnie. And more importantly, she knows too, and she loves her daddy. And since you already went there, I want you to know that there really was nothing with Brad. I like him, and always will, but we didn’t even go to lunch or anything. Just spoke to him at the hospital with Connor present the entire time. That’s it.”
“Yeah. Jasper said somethin’ like that to me. I’m sorry. I just …” his words trailed off, thick with his drawl and the weight of unspoken feelings. Bri placed a gentle finger on his lips, silencing him. Their eyes locked, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Before they knew it, their lips met in a tender kiss, a connection that felt both familiar and heartbreakingly new.
The kiss deepened, their emotions pouring into it, rekindling a passion they thought was lost. Clothing was shed, and with an intimate familiarity, they explored each other. The years of shared memories and love flowed between them, a bittersweet reminder of what once was. By the time the first light of dawn crept through the windows, they had fallen asleep in each other’s arms, a brief return to the solace they once found in each other.
Bri awoke first, the morning light casting a soft glow on Jackson’s sleeping face. Her heart ached with a mix of sorrow and longing as she watched him, the man she still loved but couldn’t be with. Silently, she slipped out of his embrace, carefully gathering her clothing and slipping them on as quietly as possible. She leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to his forehead, her lips lingering for a moment, as if trying to imprint the memory.
She left a sweet note on his side table, the words a final farewell to the love they had shared. With a heavy heart, she tiptoed to the door, hoping to make it back to her room unnoticed. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their parting settle over her. It was not just a farewell to the night they had shared, but to the life they had once dreamed of together.
As she snuck out of his hotel room, carefully pulling the door shut, Bri turned and noticed someone leaving the room next door. The plush carpeted hallway of the upscale VIP section of The Grand Metropolitan was softly lit, adding to the quiet elegance of the surroundings. Her eyes grew wide when she recognized the person just a second before they saw her, eyes equally wide.
“Iris?!” Bri whispered, her voice low but filled with surprise.
“Bri!?” Iris responded in a hushed tone, equally shocked.
“What are you doing … whose room is that?” Bri asked quietly, her curiosity piqued.
“Umm … mine,” Iris said, her voice tinged with embarrassment, keeping her tone low.
They met in the middle of the hallway. Bri, dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit of jeans, a cozy sweater, and a pair of sneakers, propped her hands on her hips, giving her sister a glare. Her hair was neatly brushed, and her face free of makeup, giving her a fresh and natural look.
Iris, on the other hand, was a striking contrast. She was still wearing her glamorous New Year’s Eve party dress, a shimmering, figure-hugging gown that sparkled even in the dim hallway light. Her stilettos dangled from her hand, and her makeup was slightly smeared, giving her raccoon eyes. Her once-perfect hairdo was now tousled from the wild night before.
“You are sneaking out of your own hotel room at 5 AM on New Year’s Day, heels in hand, still wearing your sexy dress from the night before, still smelling like stale Moet Chandon? Lemme guess, to go for a New Year’s Day jog? Gurrrrl …. I am not that gullible! I am just gonna knock and see, …” Bri turned, but Iris stopped her roughly, pulling her far away from the door in question.
“Okay fine. It’s Jasper’s room. Don’t think things, he and I just both got a little too drunk last night and … you know. Things happened that I didn’t mean to happen, I am not proud of it. This means nothing. NOTHING. Okay?!” Iris said urgently, her voice a mix of urgency and embarrassment, but still in a low tone. “He’s still asleep, and was so drunk he probably—hopefully—won’t remember this ever happened.”
Wiggling her eyebrows, Bri grinned, but the grin faded the moment Iris’ eyes narrowed, and a smirk replaced her brief humiliation.
“So, a night with Jackson, huh? Oh, I saw him go in there last night. I know it’s his room. So, Miss High and Mighty, we are both starting the new year by doing the walk of shame here, huh? So, does that mean the divorce is off and you’ll go back to your little house on the prairie?” Iris teased, her tone playful but edged with curiosity, keeping her voice low.
With a somber smile, Bri shook her head. “No. He signed the papers. This was just us saying goodbye to what we used to have and hello to whatever comes next.”
“Ah. Well, I hope you used protection for the farewell and hello party,” Iris quipped, smirking.
Bri shoved Iris as they turned to head towards the elevators to go to their rooms, adjoining on another floor. “Straight back at ya!” she whispered, trying to suppress a giggle.
“Oh, I am not having kids. No thanks. Especially not with that dumbass! I have seen what a mess that creates. I want to remain free to do what I want, when I want and … well, who I want. Even if it’s my disgusting, arrogant, idiot ex. Between you and I, Jas does know how to handle himself between the sheets. So he was good enough to scratch that certain itch, and better the devil you know than trying to find some rando off the streets,” Iris said candidly, keeping her voice low.
“Okay, TMI. Jas is my best friend, and I really don’t need his bedroom resume. I am not detailing Jackson’s talents in the sack either,” Bri replied, rolling her eyes.
“Don’t have to. I have seen him on a horse. I have a pretty good idea … and if it were nothing to write home about, you wouldn’t be joining me for the walk of shame, sis. So what room are you in?” Iris asked with a knowing grin.
“799.”
Iris laughed quietly. “I am 797, neighbor.”
Giggling softly, they entered the elevator. The soft strains of elevator music played in the background, a gentle, almost hypnotic melody that seemed to float in the air. As the doors closed, Iris leaned in closer, her eyes serious. “So, we agree that no one ever hears about this, right?”
Bri nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “Absolutely. This stays between us.”
“Deal,” Iris said, extending her pinky finger.
Bri linked her pinky with Iris’, sealing their pact with a soft laugh. “Deal.”
The sisters stood quietly for a moment, each lost in their thoughts. The faint scent of fresh flowers from the hotel’s elaborate arrangements mingled with the lingering aroma of last night’s festivities. Bri broke the silence, wrinkling her nose. “What’s that smell? Do you smell that?”
Iris responded dryly, “That would be me, engulfed in the stench of humiliation and regret and a night of drunk sex.”
“Oh God, ever thought of taking a shower after … a wild moment with Jasper? Jackson and I both did. I thought that’s standard procedure.”
“MomentS, plural. I lost count on how often Jas and I went back in for another round. Eventually, we both passed out from exhaustion. The moment I regained consciousness and realized what had happened I made a run for it. I’ll shower in my own room, hoping to rinse the memory of it from my brain.”
Bri grimaced, “Oh my God, things I wanna un-hear.”
Iris smirked, “Well, at least I’m not the only one doing the walk of shame. Sex with the ex. Another thing we have in common now, twin.”
Bri’s response was a muffled groan and a grimace, while shaking her head.
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and they stepped out into the quiet, opulent hallway of the VIP section. The plush carpet muffled their footsteps as they made their way down the corridor, still bickering playfully. The early morning light filtered through the elegant drapes, casting a warm glow on the polished marble floors. The faint scent of fresh coffee and pastries wafted through the air, a reminder of the hotel’s luxurious amenities.
They reached their rooms, side by side, sharing one last conspiratorial smile before parting ways.
With one last shared look, they turned to their respective doors. Bri slipped her key card into the slot, the door unlocking with a quiet click. She glanced back at Iris, who was already opening her own door, before stepping inside.
As the door to room 799 closed behind her, Bri felt a mix of relief and sadness. The soft thud of her hotel room door seemed to echo in her heart, signaling not only the start of a new year, but also the dawn of a new chapter in her life. She was now a 28-year-old divorced single mom, standing at the precipice of her dream to become a famous musician, following in the footsteps of her father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Bri took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle over her. The quiet elegance of the room, with its plush carpets and soft linens, stood in stark contrast to the simplicity and ruggedness of Jackson’s wooden cabin at his horse ranch. There, the lack of most creature comforts was a daily reminder of the hard, honest life she had chosen with him until it ended. Now, she was stepping back into the life she was born into, and the life she was determined to make her own.
She walked to the window and gazed out at the early morning light breaking over the San Myshuno skyline, each ray of sunlight a promise of new beginnings. As she stood there, she felt a sense of determination rise within her. This was the start of something big, something transformative. She wasn’t just closing the door on her past; she was opening herself up to the endless possibilities of her future. Whispering aloud, she said, “Farewell my sweet cowboy, but at least we’ll always have the memories.”
EchoesOfLegacy 