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A breeze shifted her hair and cooled the perspiration. Just as she cut a look to Lorelei to see what might be wrong, applause split the silence.
“Right?” Lorelei said. “Isn’t she amazing?” She made a sweeping motion to Grace. “Ladies and gentlemen, the Singing Baker.”
But Grace wasn’t going to take credit for what just happened. “And the one and only, the writer, composer, and singer herself, Lorelei Calloway.”
The pop star gave the audience a few moments to shout and cheer, but then she got the crowd to settle down. “All right. Before we go on, let me say one thing. I’m sure you know this vote is all in fun, but I really did want to give some stage time to Grace. She’s got an awesome voice, but more importantly, she’s about the nicest person I’ve ever met. And if you do like her voice better, feel free to show her with your applause. Don’t worry about hurting my feelings. Want to know why?” She reached for her boyfriend’s arm. “Because I’ve got all the love in the world. As many of you know, I’ve been with Landon since we were fourteen years old. And Cissy, my drummer?” She motioned for her friend to stand. “She’s been my ride-or-die since First grade.” She introduced the other members of her band. “These are the people who know me. Without make up, in a bad mood…when I feel sorry for myself…they’re always there. That’s why I can take anything the media or the trolls throw at me. So, go on and let us know. Does Grace have the better voice? Clap if you think she’s better than me.”
Grace teared up at the more than respectable response. Her tribute band was always a hit, and she’d been complimented on her vocals many times. But tonight was different. Jaime was watching, and he was beaming with pride. She didn’t know how he’d managed to come see her performance, but she loved it.
Taking the mic, Landon slung an arm around his girlfriend’s shoulders. “Now, go on and vote for Lorelei.”
The audience responded with a thunderous applause and a deafening cry of adoration.
Lorelei reached for Grace and lifted their joined hands in the air. “Sounds like a tie to me! Now go on and buy her yummy pastries. If you haven’t tried one yet, trust me. This woman’s magical.”
Notching the mic back into the holder, Grace waved to the crowd and headed down the stairs.
Jamie was waiting for her, wearing the biggest smile she’d ever seen, and Kinsley, in his arms, threw herself at her. The three of them hugged and laughed.
“You were so good, Gracie,” Kinny said.
Riding high from the performance, she kissed the girl on the cheek and held her close. “The best part of the night was having you there to watch me.”
“You were fantastic.” Jaime kissed her on the mouth.
“Thank you. It was completely unexpected but incredibly fun. How on earth are you guys here?”
“My sister has tickets for the show tonight, and she texted me the minute Lorelei started calling for you. The only reason we got to see you is because it took you so long to get up on that stage.”
“I thought I heard them chanting my name, but it made no sense, so I kept ignoring it.”
“Daddy was reading to me. Auntie Bay-Bay called, and Daddy shouted and picked me up, and we ran out the door.”
It was the first time Grace noticed the little girl was wearing a nightgown and slippers.
“That’s hilarious.”
“Worth it. So, are you going to give up baking to become a world-famous singer?” Jaime asked.
“Not a chance.” She had everything she could ever want right here.
And that undercurrent of fear she’d been living with?
Gone.
Because right then, she knew she couldn’t compromise.
She’d found true happiness, and there was no turning back.
Grace didn’t have much time, but she couldn’t miss Kinny’s first figure skating class. The little girl was so excited, her dad could barely get the laces tied on her skates.
“Come on, Daddy. Hurry.” With her gaze riveted on the ice, she couldn’t sit still.
“Almost done.” Jaime squatted in front of her, trying to keep her legs from kicking out while working the laces. “They have to be tight. You don’t want it loose around your ankles.” Finished, he stood. “All set.”
Kinny made a dash for the rink, but her dad caught her shoulder. “Hang on.” He got eye level with her. “You listen to the coaches, okay? Follow their instructions.”
“I know, Daddy. Iknow.” She pulled away and wobbled her way to the center of the rink.
