When she and Max finished the last song, she stood there, looking from side to side, drinking in the moment. This was it. This was what she’d been dreaming of her whole life. She might have thought the demo was it. She might have thought open mike night was it. She might have thought meeting with a real producer was it. No—none of it was really it. Right now, this moment, seeing the looks on the faces of the people in the room, and knowing her father had heard her and was proud. Knowing that her mother would no longer stand in her way. Knowing she was loved regardless of any false expectations that were put on her or that she had put on herself. That moment was now. She felt as though her heart was going to explode.
Brennan came up on stage just then and laid a dozen roses in her arms. It was a little awkward because she still wore her guitar, but she managed to juggle them. Then Laurie came up on stage and took Cara’s guitar, lifting the strap over her head. Why did she do that? It seemed a little odd.
Then she noticed something else that seemed a little odd. Brennan had gone down on his knees on the stage. At first, Cara thought he’d hurt himself in some way, but then he pulled a ring box from his pocket, and she gasped. Max held his microphone to Brennan’s mouth so everyone could hear.
“Being alone is the most miserable feeling in the world,” Brennan said, “although I’ve heard it’s better than being with the wrong person. I’ve always known I wasn’t meant to be alone. I want a wife and children and a home and a white picket fence and the whole nine yards. I’m not designed to be a bachelor. So I began my quest, looking for the woman who would help me fulfill that dream. I never expected to be so blessed as to find her right in front of me.”
Cara was trembling. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.
“Cara, I love you. You’re my best friend,” Brennan said. “You’re beautiful and sweet and talented. You’re full of light and goodness and truth. I can’t even imagine trying to live my life without you in it. Would you please take compassion on me and become my wife?”
Max flicked the microphone over into Cara’s face and nearly bonked her in the nose with it. Everyone laughed, but then grew quiet again as they realized they hadn’t yet heard her answer.
“Yes. A zillion times—yes.”
The audience cheered again even more loudly than they had at the end of the concert.
* * *
Back at the apartment, having changed into her pajamas and with Brennan snuggled in beside her on the couch, Cara called her dad back. This time, her mother answered.
“The song was beautiful,” Maureen said. “It was just what he needed.” She paused. “Your father passed away a few minutes after that, Cara. But he died happy, with the most peaceful smile on his face.”
“He’s gone?” Cara had to force the words out.
“I’m sorry. Yes, he is.”
“I’ll be there in an hour.” Cara started to rise, but her mother’s voice arrested her.
“Come in the morning. I’m just sitting here, thinking about our lives together, thinking about how blessed I was to have him. And you. I’d like a little more quiet time. And you need tonight to celebrate all you’ve accomplished. Your father was so proud of you, Cara.” She paused again. “And so am I.”
Once again, Brennan held Cara while she cried. He stroked her arms, rubbed her back, made her feel like she was right where she belonged—so very loved. So very cherished. And for a moment, she felt her dad’s hand on her shoulder as well. It was a father’s benediction upon his daughter. And she knew, right down to her soul, that he was proud.
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Table of Contents
Main Street Merchants
Table of Contents
(Untitled)
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
(Untitled)
Five Golden Rings (Main Street Merchants Book 3) Page 13