Page 108 of The Sound of Harmony

The song didn’t have words, but somehow the “la la la” she and Brooke were singing turned into “love, love, love” sung over and over in two-part harmony. It was the weirdest, most wonderful jam session she’d ever been a part of.

Everyone held the last note, as if they couldn’t believe it was over. And then they burst into applause.

Everyone except Kendrick and Emma.

They were too busy kissing. The piano bench was between them and Kendrick was still holding his flute, but that didn’t matter. Emma didn’t want to be anywhere at this moment but in Kendrick’s arms, surrounded by family and friends, kissing him like she’d never kissed him before.

“I love you,” he whispered in the midst of more applause.

Emma now knew why composers like Eric Whitacre put those fairy chimes into their compositions, because when she kissed him a second time, Emma swore she heard bells.

After they said goodbye to Ben and Raine, and after Gwendolyn caught a ride home with Brooke, Kendrick found Emma on the front porch, talking in a low voice with the Zelinskis. Maude said a few more words before helping Murray across the street.

“What was that about?” Kendrick asked. “She seemed bothered about something.”

“Not anymore,” Emma said. “But she told me she saw you and Mitch fighting on the front lawn, and it might be because of the realtor’s sign he was trying to put there.”

“Yeah, about that,” Kendrick said. “I’m not selling my house.”

“Good. I just got it organized.”

Kendrick swept Emma into his arms. He’d missed her so much and now he couldn’t keep his hands off her. Emma cuddled into him and their bodies fit together like they were made for each other.

“Listen, Emma, I know you can fight your own battles, but you need to know this. I’m going to make sure that Mitch never bothers you again.”

She tilted her head back to look at him. “Is that so?”

“Let’s just say that my inner twelve-year-old kicked his ass.” He was oddly ashamed and proud at the same time.

Emma brushed a gentle finger along the gash on his cheek. “I’m glad I wasn’t there to see it, but thank you.”

“I’m glad you weren’t there to see it either. It was messy and gross and I hurt my hand.” He lifted his right hand to show her the bruising along the side of his pinky finger. “I’m not a fighter, Emma.”

Emma kissed his bruise. “A fighter is the last thing I want in my life.”

“I know,” he said. “But I will always speak up for you.”

Emma took his hands and put them around her and pressed herself to his chest. She put her cheek on his shoulder and sighed. “Right here. This is the safest place I could ever imagine being.”

“Mmm.” Kendrick closed his eyes and enjoyed the feel of her in his arms. He felt safe too, because he knew Emma was his forever, and he was hers.

“Kendrick?” Emma turned her head to look deeply into his eyes. “I want you to come home with me.”

His eyes widened. “Your place?”

“Yes.”

“For the night?”

“Yes.”

“Behind one locked door?”

“Yes.” She leaned forward and whispered, “I love you.”

It was the most beautiful sound Kendrick had ever heard.