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That’s my cue. That’s our cue.
I glance down at Emma, who gives me the biggest supportive smile, and in return, I nod my head.
Together we walk onto the stage amidst the cheering as Ash and Avery make their way toward us. Ash stops in front of me and pulls me into a giant hug, while Avery gives Emma a severe look that says,What are you doing?The crowd cheers louder, and while I wouldn’t say I needed this hug, as he whispers, “You’ve got this,” a confident ease settles in my stomach and I know I do.
Him. Her. The music. That’s all I need.
The lights dim as we separate. Ash and Avery walk off the stage, a stool is placed behind the microphone for me to sit on just like at the wedding, and as I close the final distance, my whole body feels like it is vibrating. Emma comes to stand next to me as I take a seat, and as I adjust my guitar, I watch her move her violin into place, and then she winks at me. I can’t help the smile that takes over my face, and I drop my head in disbelief and shake it.
This girl is something else.
Behind us, the large screen that runs across the back of the stage lights up with what looks like falling gold glitter. We both glance at it, then at each other, and I feel breathless as she smiles at me.
Forget the people and forget why we are here. Right now I feel better than I’ve ever felt before. Instead of greeting the crowd with words that may or may not come out, my eyes stay locked on her as I play the opening chords.
Sixteen beats, four measures in, her bow drags across the strings and creates a sound so lovely, complementing what I wrote perfectly, and I know together she and I are going to kill this song.
Breaking eye contact, I look out over the crowd like I have hundreds of times before and soak in the heat of the lights shining on us. Everyone is looking at us, but there are so many people it also feels like no one is at all. The crowd dims, my worries drain away, and with that final thought, I move my mouth to the microphone and start to sing.
26
EMMA
How is it I always forget how incredible his voice is? I know Clay can sing, but what he delivered tonight with his gravelly vocals and powerfully evocative lyrics was next level. Even though I’ve played his song on repeat the last couple of months, standing next to him, it was like I was hearing it for the first time all over again.
Chills repeatedly ran up and down my body. The tone of his tenor, so full, rich, and spellbinding; the way he plays the guitar so fluidly like it’s a part of him; and when he tilted his head as he leaned into the microphone, I had to remind myself to breathe. Those lips, his mouth, his hands, and his sound—I could listen to him sing all day every day for the rest of my life and never tire of hearing him. I am so proud to be standing next to him.
Intro. Verse. Chorus. Verse. Chorus. Bridge. Chorus. Outro.
Each section got deeper, stronger, better, and the crowd was just as captivated as I was. It’s easy to understand why the fans demanded he play this song. It’s a dream, it’s what we all want in life, it’s a love song.
As the song comes to a close, the roar from the fans is unlike anything I have ever heard. Taking a step away from Clay, I stretch out my arm and raise my hand toward him. I may be on the stage with him, but he is the only star here, and my eyes blur with tears as I watch him take in the scene, the appreciation, and the love for just him. He’s so deserving.
He looks at the ground, takes in a deep breath, and smiles. That’s the kind of guy he is. He’s humbled by their affection, proud of what he just did, and instead of saying anything, he stands from the stool, nods his head, and waves one last time.
As he turns, his gaze falls on me, and I see his eyes have darkened. He walks over and kisses me on the cheek, and I know that’s his way of saying thank you in front of the world. Feeling his lips against my skin and the way his hand squeezes my arm, it means so much more. Taking my hand in his, he waves one last time to the audience, and together we walk off the stage. Just like that, his four-minute-and-thirty-second time slot is over.
As soon as we are out of sight, our friends surround us. Mona takes our instruments, and Ash pulls Clay into another fierce hug.
“I’m so proud of you,” he says as he pats his back aggressively like guys do.
Clay pulls back and looks at him. His smile is so big, and I can’t help but glance toward Averyand see that her eyes are glassy too. Ash knows what this means to Clay, and he also knows how hard it was for him.
But he did it.
Around us, people are moving. As the old saying goes, the show must go on. No one but us realizes what this moment was for him. That’s okay, and it’s also time for us to move.
Avery slides up next to me as we make our way down the hallway back to our seats. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about this.” Her eyes are wide with shock and delight, and the little part of me that was anxious that I would sound terrible with him vanishes. She wouldn’t be reacting this way if I sounded awful.
“I didn’t tell anyone. Well, Cora knew because she listened to me play it before we left for Austin, and then Mona knew to get me all wired up.”
“But Ash didn’t tell me either. This was a complete surprise.”
I start laughing. “He didn’t know. Clay didn’t know either, I just needed to do this for him. He could have said no.” I shrug my shoulders. “But he didn’t.”
“I’m just . . . wow, Emma.”
I glance over at Clay, who is listening to Ash go on and on, but his eyes are on me. They’re still just as dark as they were on the stage, his cheeks are flushed with color, and he looks so good I have to squeeze my legs together while we walk.
