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My mother whipped around and nailed me with a look. I shrugged and smiled back at him. “You’re crazy,” I shouted.
“Crazy in love with you,” he said back.
The crowd dissolved into laughter and awes. I shook my head and enjoyed a few more songs before I noticed a buzz in my bag. Not that I could really hear it over the music, but it pulsed incessantly enough that I backed out of the crowd and ducked into the tent along the side where it was slightly quieter.
Two missed calls.
I swallowed as I recognized the number.
Songbird Gallery.
With shaking fingers, I rang them back.
“Hello, Songbird Gallery.”
“Hi. Um, this is Zoe Man—”
“Oh, Zoe. I’m so glad you called me back.”
“Sorry. The festival is today at my family orchard.”
“Oh, how wonderful. Well, then this will just be a little more good news. I just wanted to let you know you’ve been selected to show here in the fall if you’re willing.”
“In the fall?”
“Yes.”
“I would.” I swallowed hard. “I would really love that.”
“W
onderful. I think we’er going to do amazing things, Zoe. Your talent is so refreshing. I can’t wait to bring people in to see it.”
“Thank you.” My eyes misted. “Thank you so much.”
“No, I’m going to have to thank you. It sounds a little crazy over there. Why don’t you give me a call early next week?”
“Yes, I will.”
“Perfect. Have a wonderful evening, Zoe.”
“Thanks, you too.” I hung up and dabbed at my eyes before shoving my phone back into my bag. I couldn’t wait to tell Ian. Although he wouldn’t be surprised in the least.
“I haven’t done this song live yet, so I hope you’ll forgive any missteps.” Ian’s voice slid through the night and I followed it back down to the stage.
He was alone on the stage with a guitar. The lights were low as darkness was creeping in on the festival. String lights hung between the trees giving the whole clearing a soft light. Some people had drifted away from the crush of people to sit on blankets and enjoy the music.
I weaved my way through to him. I could tell he was looking for me. Suddenly his face cleared as he spotted me. I smiled at him as his husky voice purred through the opening chords of “Sinner”. The song that held so much happiness and sadness for him. He’d bonded with Simon finally and then everything had gone so very wrong.
Ian made it to the chorus when suddenly a light came on the side of the stage and a voice deep and pure layered itself on Ian’s.
Simon slowly walked onto the stage. His hair was almost as long as Ian’s now, but his raven dark hair was straight to Ian’s curls. The spotlight followed him as they twined their voices together and sang of redemption and loss as well as so much forgiveness.
Ian swung his guitar around the back of him as they sang face to face. I’d never heard his voice be so clear and strong. As if he was feeding on the faith I saw shining in Simon’s eyes. It was barely more than a moment, but I managed to blink away my tears enough to get a picture of them both. Then the two men who’d been born to be lead singers, turned to the crowd and as the song hit the soaring chorus.
Both of them held a note that made the entire crowd go silent before screams.
Simon slung an arm around Ian’s neck and pulled him in for a half-hug.
