Jameson shook his head. Those two acted like they were old and married already, but he loved them both. They'd been wonderful to him and helped him keep his focus. He missed Melody and hadn't heard from her, but he had to make sure he took care of his own problems. At least his mom was here tonight, out of the facility and doing well. Blaine had called earlier and wished him luck, apologizing for not being able to make it, but she said she knew this was the first of many concerts they would be performing at.
Lucas shrugged and slid her a grin. "Okay, fine. It was me this time."
"How is my opening act doing?" Belinda swept into the room, looking elegant. She'd made a great recovery. Her shoulder healed with no problems and she'd been on the phone with the band off and on throughout the weeks to ensure everything was set for tonight.
"I think we're all in awe," Jameson admitted.
"You're going to be kick ass. I have faith in the amazing Baby Stetson band. The crew has been blown away all day after hearing your sound check. I know that you have been working on a demo and have been in a recording studio. I want to help. I know that Avery wants to get into the music business on your own merit, and I understand that, but I'd love to be able to pay for the best recording studio that I can get for you. Would that be an acceptable offer?" Belinda swiveled her gaze to everyone, lingering on Avery and Lucas.
"Just the recording studio? You won't use your name to get us ahead?" Avery asked, sounding hesitant.
"No. I respect your wish, honey. I want to help because I believe in your music, and your talent."
Avery flew into her arms. "Thank you."
"If Avery is good with it, then I don't see a reason why we can't accept." Jameson looked to everyone else, all of them nodding in agreement.
"I also have one more surprise." Belinda smiled, opening the door again.
Jameson's heart stopped at the sight he saw.
"I heard about this amazing band playing tonight, and I hoped to be a fan girl and sing back up with them. I also have some unfinished business with a sweet, handsome guitar player that stole something from me."
Melody! She was here? She was here!
She looked beautiful. Her hair was different. she'd let it go back to blonde. She wore a long red dress that hugged her curves just right. A smile spread on her face that lit up everything. Her eyes danced with amusement as her gaze landed on him.
"What did that guitar player steal? I'll have to take care of him for you." Jameson grinned, still in awe. He put down his guitar, ready to take her in his arms, but he couldn't muster up the nerve to move.
"He stole my heart," Melody said softly. It was like she floated across the room. When she was close enough, she reached out for him. She laced her fingers with his and pulled him into her arms. "I missed you so damn much, Jameson."
"You're really here." Now that he held her in his arms, Jameson had no intentions on letting her slip away from him ever again. He cradled her head to his chest, running a hand through her soft waves and kissed her forehead. "How did you-?"
Melody looked up at him, eyes shining. "You have a best friend that cares about you so much that she called me. She said that if I didn't come and see you, she may have to write a really mean song about me." Her lips curved up in a smile.
Jameson laughed and met Avery's eyes. "I'm afraid to know what songs may be hidden about me, if you're that vicious. Thank you, Baby Stetson."
"I told you all I want is for you to be happy. Now I think we all better leave and give these two some time to talk. You are singing with us, right Melody?"
"Damn right! I didn't come all this way just to find a way back into your guitar player's heart. You guys have helped me open up a part of me that I don't want to go back to hiding." Melody caressed Jameson's cheek. "Is there still a place for me, Jameson?" she asked softly. "I know we didn't end things the way either of us wanted to when you came to get me."
The rest of the band filtered out of the room, leaving him alone with her.
Jameson tilted her chin up and claimed her lips. "I love you, Melody. There is always a place for you with me, and that will never change."
Melody lowered her long lashes and her smile faded. "I didn't want to leave you, Jameson. I wished I could have come back with you."
"What happened? Your family? Anthony?"
"Come on, sit down and I'll tell you everything that's happened." Melody led him to the large couch he'd been sitting on earlier. Melody eased into it and faced him as he sat down. She never let her eyes leave his face.
"Anthony admitted everything. The murder that night, what he did to my dad and where to find him."
"Oh baby, I'm so sorry." Jameson reached for her.
"So am I. I hate him. I'm not one to hate, but that man is the first on that list. He's in and out of consciousness. After he was treated that night for the gunshot wound, they arrested him. He got into a fight with a cell mate and he's not doing too well. I guess his father is fighting to keep him alive," Melody spat. Then she shook her head, taking in a deep, ragged breath. "My brother is actually here tonight."
Jameson traced his finger along her jawline. "What happens next? Did they ever figure out who shot Anthony?"
"The brother of the man Anthony killed the night I saw it happen decided to take matters into his own hands. He shot him that night. If Anthony lives, the state has gathered enough evidence for a trial. I'll have to testify, as will Chris. My father has been buried. We're waiting on the home insurance to make a decision on what they'll pay out on the house. Chris and I are free to start over."
"Where do you plan on doing that?" He hoped she'd say with him, but he wasn't going to get excited just yet.
"I found this little Texas town that is filled with some amazing people. I hoped, if they would all accept me, I could start over there." Melody smiled again, her eyes full of question.
"What's the name of this little town? I happen to live in Texas," Jameson teased.
"Harmony's Echo. There's this man that I left there, and I want so badly to come back and be with him. I wasn't at my best the last time we were together, but..."
Jameson lowered his head, cupping her face. "Yeah?" he whispered.
"Mmhmm. I love him."
"He loves you too."
"I missed you, Jameson. I don't ever want to be apart like that again."
"Great minds think alike, my sweet Melody."
Someone knocked on the door. Avery poked her head in. "Hey lovebirds, we've got to get up on stage soon," she said with a smile.
Jameson kissed Melody, then jumped up, wrapping Avery in a huge hug. "Have I told you lately I have a wonderful best friend? Thank you so much."
"I told you, I want you to be happy." Avery returned his hug.
Melody came up and stood beside Jameson. "Thank you, Avery. I wanted so much to come back, but I was afraid, and you finding me helped me to realize that Harmony's Echo is where I want to be. I thought all of you would hate me after I left. I'm sorry for all the dishonesty."
"You had good reason, Melody. Things worked out in the end. Sometimes things have a way of doing that. What do you two say we go and put on a show?"
Jameson took Melody's hand and they followed Avery out of the room. "I'd say I love that idea, even more than ever."
"I even added an extra song to the set, if you two wanted to sing 'Life After Us'."
Melody squeezed his hand. "What do you say, Jameson?"
"First, I want to say I love you, and second, I want to say hell yeah!"
*****
"I want to thank you all for hanging out with us tonight! I know you're all really here for the amazing Belinda Wainscott, but it's sure been fun to sing up here tonight," Avery said into the microphone. The time had come to play their last song. The crowd had been incredible. The ambiance in the stadium only channeled the natural high they all felt. Jameson took to the stage with the guitar like he'd always played on a large one like this. The sound, the music, the fact that he had Melody
by his side- it was all perfect.
"Right now, I'm taking a step back from the lead. The next, and last song we're about to play is written by our newest member of the band, Melody, and my childhood friend and guitar player, Jameson. It's a beautiful song about realizing that there is life after a long time relationship comes to an end. The words have a special meaning for a few of us. Please give it up for these two talented writers and performers."
Melody stood under the spotlight as it shone on both of them. Avery stepped away and Jameson took his cue to start the song. His gaze centered on Melody, and she focused on him. He mouthed 'I love you' to her before singing into the microphone.
Here we stand face to face
A brand new time, a whole new place
Talking about the past and a different future
We've moved on into new directions
Funny how once I thought
That if we were to ever part
That life would never go on
Today I've learned there is life after us
I thought I'd never breathe without you
But now I can fall asleep without you
My heart broke when it all went downhill
And your memory may be a part of me still
But I know without a doubt
There's life after us
You were a part of me for so long
Even before our love grew
What I'd give to do things differently
But you've found your happy place now
I'm beginning to see
Things may get better here for me
You'll always have a place in my heart
At least I know there's life after us
I thought I'd never breathe without you
But now I can fall asleep without you
My heart broke when it all went downhill
And your memory may be a part of me still
But I know without a doubt
There's life after us
Our memory may be a part of me still
But I know without a doubt
There's life after us
When the song ended, the crowd went wild. Cheers, stamping feet, the works. What an amazing night. The lights dimmed and that was their cue to exit the stage. Jameson grabbed Melody's hand and lifted her in the air, kissing her lips. "That was amazing! I'm so glad you were here to share this night with me. It was already a special night, but with you it made it so much more. I love you. And I'll never get tired of saying that."
Melody laughed and squealed as she kissed him. "I love you too, Jameson!"
"Come on, let's go get ready to sit in the audience and watch the show. I'm looking forward to seeing your brother."
Belinda's performance wasn't going on for about a half hour, and she met them as they came into the back of the arena. She stood with most of her crew and they all clapped. "What an amazing performance, all of you. Each and every song was full of passion. I am rooting all the way for Baby Stetson." Belinda hugged every one of them. "Thank you all so much for joining me tonight."
"Thank you for the opportunity!" Jameson beamed.
Melody let go of his hand and rushed forward. Jameson spotted her brother.
"You don't know how glad I am to see you, Jameson. Melody hasn't shut up about you since you left," he teased with a smile. "And you were the one that finally got this girl to unleash her inner diva. Melody, you were outstanding on that stage!" Chris shook Jameson's hand.
"It's great to see you too. I'm sorry for all of your recent troubles, and your loss," Jameson replied. He slung an arm around Melody's waist, pulling her close. She leaned her head on his shoulder.
Chris nodded, his eyes darkening with an intense emotion. "Me too. I'm just glad to know that Melody was in good hands. I hated not knowing."
"I can imagine," Jameson said softly. He hated not knowing how she was when she left, so he could only figure that was amplified even more for her brother.
"Hey guys, let's go take our seats. Lucas, the Callimers and Jameson's mom are already waiting, and Avery's going to be going up on stage with Belinda soon." Randy motioned for everyone to follow.
Forty five minutes later, Jameson sat in the audience, holding Melody's hand and watching in awe as Belinda introduced Avery to the stage.
"I know you just saw this young woman, Avery Callimer, on stage with her band earlier. I have a very special reason for inviting her back up here with me tonight. Avery is my daughter. As you all heard, she has an amazing voice and I wanted to be able to share the stage with this amazing young talent tonight. Avery's family and her band are in the crowd and I want to thank you all again for sharing this beautiful woman with me."
Jameson, Melody, Lucas and everyone else erupted in cheers as Avery gracefully entered the stage. She'd changed into a long dress and her hair was swept up in a bun. It seemed like everyone was having their dream come true tonight. The band got to open for a big star, Jameson had Melody back in his life, and Avery had her lifelong dream of singing on stage with Belinda Wainscott.
It was a perfect way to end a year.
"Before we sing, I think we should have a New Year's countdown!" Belinda said, slipping an arm around Avery's shoulder as she finally stood next to Belinda. "Thirty seconds and counting."
The countdown began. Jameson turned to Melody and waited for the moment he could get a New Year's kiss from her. It would be the perfect start to a new year, a new life, and plenty of love.
"Three, two one! Happy New Year!"
Jameson lowered his lips to Melody's and kissed her with passion. "Happy New Year, my love."
As she smiled up at him and pulled him close for another kiss, his heart warmed.
As long as he had her by his side, he would never let go of the Melody in his head. Or heart. She was there to stay. That was exactly how he wanted it.
"What would you say to staying in town for a few nights and spending some time together?" Jameson nibbled on her ear. "I think we have a lot to catch up on." He winked.
"I love the idea. Not as much as I love you though."
"Hmm. I'm so glad you're back. You know I can't let you go for too long now."
Melody laughed. "I don't want you to. As soon as everything wraps up completely, I won't have to go back, unless I'm visiting. I love being in Texas with y'all."
Jameson laughed and kissed her cheek. "You know you just said y'all."
Melody palmed his face. "What can I say? You're a mighty strong influence. Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year, Melody. Welcome home."
"What do you say we find a place that has a great rooftop view?"
"I say we'll have a lifetime of finding rooftops with perfect views. As long as I have you by my side."
"You've got yourself a deal."
Love and Music in Texas, Book Three will feature more of the band Baby Stetson. Blaine and Randy's story, titled The Key to My Heart, will be out in 2014.
About The Author
Nikki Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She's an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade. You can visit Nikki's site at: www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com for more information. She is currently working on her next book. Nikki would love to hear from readers. Email her at [email protected]. You can also visit me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor.
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The Melody In My Head (Love and Music in Texas Book 2) Page 32