Chapter Forty-seven
As they were getting ready for the evening celebration, Luke came up behind Honey to cuddle her. “I still can’t believe how wonderful it’s been living with you all these months. It’s hard to remember my old life.”
“Me too. I leave school earlier now because I’m in such a hurry to get home.” She leaned her body against his warmth and sighed. “I’m really excited for tonight. Mel couldn’t stop talking about it for the last week. I guess Jess has been auditioning with the band for the songs they’ve chosen to play tonight and from what she says, it’s fantastic.”
“Good. He’s finally where he should be. Back with his father and making the music God meant him to make. He’s as good on the guitar as Ham ever was and can sing better than I ever could.”
“Hold it. Don’t disparage my guy. I love your voice and so did a hell of a lot of others. You make people happy, Luke and that’s not something to besmirch.”
“Say’s my beautiful, prejudiced wife.”
“Who happens to be a smart, educated, high school teacher, so don’t mess with me, or you’ll get detention.”
“Oh, Miss Bolder. Bring it on.”
Moments later, Honey pushed Luke away and laughingly slapped his reaching hands. “No. We have to leave. I promised we’d pick up Linda at Hamilton’s place, and Mom and Bernie expect to meet us there with Tansy and her mother.”
“Right. We have obligations for now but later you’re all mine.”
“Cool. We can make a baby so I can be pregnant at the same time as Mel. Between Jess’s new career and the coming little one, it’s all I hear about.” She laughed to show her grumbling held no malice at all. In fact, she couldn’t be happier for her best friend.
“Deal.” Luke turned her to the door and with a playful slap on her behind, he ushered her out of the bedroom.
***
Invited backstage to the band’s old-fashioned waiting room, Luke could see the others were feeling the pressure. “Hey, guys, you’ve earned this tribute. You deserve to be here.”
Cissy grinned in delight. “You know that Reba McEntire was in this same room along with a whole bunch of other famous stars?”
Luke tweaked her cheek. “Don’t let it mess with your head, Doll Face. Just keep focused. I gotta go sit with the others, but I’ll be clapping the loudest. And Matt. Thanks for the seats out front.”
“Least we could do, bro. You got us here and then found us a replacement who’s the best. Country Heaven’s on the way now. Bookings are coming in from all over the country.”
Jess closed in and put his arm around Luke’s shoulders. “Have I told you how much I appreciate you?”
“About a million times.”
“Not just about you taking care of my dad but about everything.” He looked into Luke’s eyes and his message came clear. Thanks for supporting my dad’s lies and not telling the police it was me and not Julian that night who got caught up with Harv. And all along, it’s been me trying to make up for my mistake by staying away from my home, unable to face my father, and the worst of my self-punishment – giving up on my music.
Luke hugged him but said nothing. No words were needed. Finally, he teased, lightening the mood. “Knock ‘em dead out there, Daddy Shore.”
When the others heard those words, they crowded Jess, everyone crowing about the coming baby. Luke left them then and made his way around to the empty seat next to Honey. She sat proudly in the second row, center stage, right in front of the famous circle where the band would soon perform.
It was after their first two songs that Matt approached the microphone amidst the riotous applause and waited for silence. When it came, he spoke directly toward Luke.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s been a real honor to play our music for ya’ll tonight. Our band has been struggling for years to get a break, and it was only after we began working with a fellow artist called Luke Stone that we were recognized. He’s here tonight, and we want to invite him onstage with us for the final number. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Luke Stone.”
Honey couldn’t believe her ears and from the look of shock on Luke’s face, neither could he. But the applause grew louder and having Matt and the band waving him forward, he had no choice but to make his way up on stage.
Jess handed him his guitar and with a slap on his shoulder, he stepped aside for Luke to take center stage. Seeing her man up there, playing for the audience again, Honey’s heart swelled with pride and joy.
And when he began to sing the words of her favorite song “Amazed by You”, happy tears spilled down her cheeks.
~*~*~*~