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“Yes, you, Sugar.”
A security guard comes to me and takes my hand, guiding me to the end of the stage where someone behind a curtain shoves a microphone into my hand.
“Y’all, please give a big Dollywood welcome to Brighton Ranger.” Dolly gestures to me and I fight to move my leaden legs toward her. My retinas will never be the same as I’m blinded by swirling lights.
The crowd is deafening.
I make my way to the blond bombshell and stand opposite her wondering what the hell is happening.
“Earlier this evening, I was grabbing a bite to eat. I snuck into the back of a bar here on the grounds and was floored to hear this little lady sing one of my songs. I thought we could sing it together tonight.”
What the hell?
The wave of the sound from the crowd pours over me like a tsunami.
“Is that okay, Brighton?” Dolly asks.
I nod.
“Gonna have to use your voice on this stage, Sugar.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I reply into the mic. Laughter and cheers swell from the audience.
When the beginning of the song thrums, I’m determined. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I refuse to waste it.
I look to Dolly and wait for her lead. She puts her arm around my shoulders and gives a reassuring squeeze. I follow her lead and sing harmony for her through the first verse. She takes a step backward on stage on the second verse, and I take the melody, listening to her harmonize with my voice.
How will anything ever top this experience?
We sing the last verse together, weaving in and out of each other’s voices and when the song comes to an end, I’m bursting with happiness. I can’t stop the smile that pulls across my face.
She leans in, gives me a hug, and thanks me. She thanks me!
“Ladies and gentlemen, Brighton Ranger.” Turning from the crowd, she squeezes my hand and adds, “Don’t be a stranger, now, ya hear?”
I wish I had eloquent words. But there are none. There’s just the goofy fucking grin and me wandering off the Queen’s stage to head to my man who stands two inches taller in pride and whose grin mirrors mine.
* * *
We sit in bed.I’m too amped to sleep. It’s taken me hours to calm down.
I’ve watched the video Elias took more times than I’ll admit.
“You certainly gave me the stars.”
“Happy to do it, darlin’. You’ve given me the world.” His words are quiet and weighty. And with no lead in whatsoever, he continues, “I asked your father for his permission to marry you.”
I jerk my head back, holding his stare. I was not expecting that. “You what? When?”
He pulls me closer to him. “You heard me the first time. And October.”
He kisses the spot below my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “What did he say?”
His chuckle rumbles in his chest and spills out between us. I’d growl if it weren’t the most inopportune time. Hell, I still might.
“Kimp is a wise man. And he told me what I already knew.”
“Okay, Counselor,” I say dryly.
