A collective sigh came from the audience as Wolf stepped off the podium and kissed her gently. Mel’s cheeks blazed red hot, and her knees threatened to bend. Is this really happening? She didn’t have time to digest Wolf’s lovely ode to her, because the concert had to go on, and she was supposed to play in the next piece. Melody blew Wolf a heartfelt kiss and walked off stage for intermission.
The concert ended with the Hiefinger, the newly commissioned work by Wolf’s friend. The music began with the hum of a gorgeous chord, then a deep grumble from the basses morphed into a sweet melody in the first violins. The final brassy chords echoed throughout the hall, and the orchestra received a standing ovation.
“You sounded amazing.” Carly tapped her flute case. “And Wolf’s little speech was quite the pièce de résistance. Took him long enough. It must have been my ticket move at the gala. You can thank me later, hon.”
Melody blushed and rolled her eyes. Typical Carly. But she was too enraptured with the concert to care. “He’ll grow on you. You watch.”
Carly shrugged but then winked at her. “With the magic he made tonight, he already has.”
Melody scanned the stage for Wolf. She still hadn’t told him she loved him back, and she couldn’t keep it in much longer. Violet ran down the aisle, distracting her, and she swung the little girl up in her arms.
“You’re a star.” Violet touched her moussed curls in awe.
“Thank you.” For the first time in a long time, Melody actually felt like one. She put her niece down and hugged Laini and Derek. “So, Make-A-Dream came through with flying colors, eh?”
“I’d say.” Laini looked around at all the kids. “Some of them haven’t been out of the hospital in months. You really made a difference in their lives.”
“Me?” Melody adjusted her flute strap on her arm, trying to balance her humongous bunch of roses.
“Yes.” Laini squeezed her shoulder. “You were the one who thought of it.”
Laini’s gaze moved past her shoulder. “Look who’s here.”
Melody whirled around. Wolf was walking down the aisle in his tux with a smile beaming across his gorgeous face. She ran into his arms, and he picked her up and twirled her around. When he put her back down again, she felt like the room had disappeared around them. Someday, she wondered if he’d be wearing that same tux while reciting vows, but for now she was more than happy to enjoy the feeling of being in love.
Wolf touched her cheek gently. “Did you like my surprise?”
“It was much better than a sour face.” Melody laughed. “And you know I’ve seen enough of those.”
Wolf narrowed his eyes lightheartedly. “You played me right from day one when you called me out.”
“What are you talking about?” Melody teased him by pointing a finger into his hard chest. “The only thing I ever played was my flute.”
He glanced at her skeptically.
Melody brought his head down to hers. “There’s no playing going on now.”
“Are you sure?” His breath fell on her lips.
Melody nodded and pulled him closer, so her mouth touched his. “Sure as anything that I love you, too.”
Acknowledgments
I’d like to thank Stacy Abrams first and foremost for her brilliant ideas and vision for this Bliss book. She spent long hours helping me shape my very first contemporary romance into a cohesive story. Liz Pelletier, founder of Entangled Publishing, comes next for believing in my writing whether it’s up in space or in an orchestra. Also Dawn Dowdle, my lovely agent, who sticks by me through thick and thin. Next comes my sister, Brianne, and my mom, Joanne, for being the best beta readers any writer could have for their honesty and never-ending support. And my critique partner, Cherie Reich, who’s always just an e-mail away. Fellow Entangled writer Sarah Gilman deserves a big shout-out for being with me in Barnes & Noble when I first thought of this idea and brainstorming titles. I have to give credit to all of the orchestras I’ve ever played in for providing me with endless inspiration for my writing and my playing. This is for you. And my flute teacher and life mentor, Peggy Vagts, who supports me in both my playing and writing. Lastly, my husband, Chris, for sharing in my joys and giving me the time I need to write.
About the Author
Aubrie Dionne is an author and professional flutist living in New England. She is also the author of the New Dawn space opera series, which includes Paradise 21, Tundra 37, Haven 6, and the prequel novella A Hero Rising. When she isn’t writing, Aubrie plays in orchestras and teaches flute at Plymouth State University and a community music school, just like Melody. Visit her online at: www.authoraubrie.net.
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