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“I bet she’s used to it, then.” I tried to focus on my program, wondering how I’d gotten into this situation. Instead of creating space between me and Knox, we were only seeing more of each other.
Knox nudged my shoulder. “They’ll both do great, and even if they mess up, it will be enjoyable.”
“That’s what I told her,” I said as the auditorium lights dimmed, and the director came onto the stage to introduce the play.
When she finished speaking, everyone clapped, and the red velvet curtains opened. The chorus stood in the middle of the stage on risers, and she directed them through their first song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
When they were finished, the crowd clapped, and Knox leaned over to say, “I love this stuff. It’s a good thing Sebastian has a daughter, and I have an excuse to come.”
I smiled, loving that he enjoyed it. “You love all musicals, or just kids in general?”
He shifted his body so he was closer to me, and it was easier to talk. “I think it’s the kids.”
“Why am I not surprised?” I asked.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” he whispered.
“That you’re a big softie underneath that mountain man thing you have going on.” I couldn’t believe I’d said that out loud.
He shifted in his seat and gave me a look. “Mountain man?”
“Yeah, you know, you’re built, wear flannels, and probably wield an ax like no one’s business.”
Knox nodded seriously, as if he couldn’t help but agree with me. Then the skit part of the performance started, and we fell silent, both lost in the performance.
When one of the kids messed up a line or grabbed the wrong prop, everyone laughed. The kids were smiling and appeared to be having a good time.
Knox leaned close, his breath ghosting over my ear. “Does Addy have a speaking part?”
I shook my head, hyperaware that he was close. “She was too scared. Maybe next year.”
Knox gestured toward Ember, who was crossing the stage. Her voice rang out loudly across the auditorium. She threw her arms out as she delivered her lines and helped the boy in the scene with her when he forgot his.
When it was over, the entire chorus erupted into song again.
“She did great,” I whispered, and Knox smiled at me. Each time we shared something, I felt that warmth in my chest. I wanted to feel it all the time.
When the performance was over, we stood and clapped as the kids came out onto the stage and bowed. They looked happy and relieved at the same time.
When the kids ran off stage, Knox touched my shoulder as he slid past me in the tight space. “I forgot the flowers in the truck. I’ll be right back.”
When he was gone, I said to Sebastian, “Ember was so good up there. She’s a natural on the stage.”
He pushed his glasses up his nose. “I don’t know where she gets it from. I’m not into this stuff at all. I’d much rather be behind the scenes, maybe helping with the set.”
“What’s her mother like?” I asked, tipping my head to the side.
“She’s a bit more dramatic than I am, but she never performed in the high school plays or anything.”
“Sometimes your kids surprise you with talents that you have no idea where they came from.”
We made our way to the lobby to wait for the kids as they came out to greet their family members.
Knox rushed up to us with two bouquets in his hands. “Did I miss them?”
“They just started to come out,” Sebastian said.
Ember rushed up to Sebastian just as he crouched down to hug her. “You did great.”
