Page 88

“Together. There’s no harmony without other people.”

“Exactly.”

“Okay, I’ll sing with you. I’m scared, but you give me courage. You help me to feel brave. It’s time to put our pasts to rest and find healing together.”

Asher drew her closer and lowered his mouth to hers. He captured her soft lips as her arms slid round his neck.

He hadn’t performed on stage in years, but something told him this concert would be different. It wasn’t about him needing to see his name in lights, to hear the applause, to feel the rush of adrenaline.

This time, singing with Sadie would be a celebration of overcoming what they’d lost and the new beginning for their future.

Together.

Chapter Seventeen

“Focus on me.”

The three words Asher whispered in her ear before running onto the wooden stage set against the backdrop of the lake gave Sadie the courage to put one trembling foot in front of the other and take her place next to him.

A canopy of stars and the glow of the full moon cast subtle light over the park on Blueberry Hill where tourists, islanders, family, and friends sat on blankets and chairs scattered on the grass.

Twinkling lights had been strung through the trees and around the park to create a radiance that was almost ethereal.

Water lapped the shore, adding to the rhythm of excitement pulsing through the park.

Asher handed her a mic, then reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Ready?”

Sadie pressed a hand to her quaking stomach. Feeling like the ten-year-old playing a tree in her school play, she couldn’t stop shaking. “Not really. Sure you need me?”

His eyes darkened as he lowered his head to her ear. “I’ll always need you. You can do this. Sing from your heart. That’s what matters.”

Asher slung his guitar over his neck, then lifted up both arms as he stepped closer to the microphone. “Hellllooooo, Jonathon Islannnndddddd!”

Cheers exploded from the grass as people jumped to their feet.

“I’m Asher Quinn, and this lovely lady next to me is the ridiculously talented Sadie Hudson. Tonight, we’re singing a song called “Share Your Scars,” written by Sadie, and it’s dedicated to Jared Quinn, Lauren Hudson, and the rest of the Phoenix crew.”

Asher took a step back as the crowd quieted and the two of them stood in the spotlight, darkening the world around them.

He fitted his long fingers over the fretboard, then began strumming the first notes. His rich, melodic voice nearly whispered the first few lines of lyrics that she knew by heart.

Sadie closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and released it slowly.

Sing from your heart.

Focus on Me.

Even though Asher had spoken the words just moments before, this time, she didn’t hear his voice. Instead, she felt the presence of the Lord, and His confidence gave Sadie the courage she needed to open her eyes and hold the mic close to her mouth.

As she opened her heart, the words written for the one she loved flowed from her mouth. Their voices harmonized at the chorus, the lyrics washing over her and healing the pieces of her wounded heart, note by note.

The others drifted away as her eyes tangled with Asher’s and they were the only two in the park. As he sang, every note spoke of hope and love and touched her soul.

They sang the final chorus and brought the last note to a hushed finish. The crowd roared. Jumping to their feet,exclamations muffled by clapping exploded throughout the park.

Asher swung his guitar around to his back and closed the distance between them. He wrapped her in his arms and swung her around. He set her back on her feet, slid a hand behind her neck, and claimed her lips for his own. Then he pressed his forehead to hers. “You were brilliant.”

Tears flooded her eyes and coursed down her cheeks. Not caring who witnessed this emotional moment, she didn’t bother wiping them away. Slightly breathless and a little overwhelmed, Sadie wrapped her arms around Asher’s waist and pressed her cheek to his chest. “I don’t believe it. I sang in front of a crowd. And it wasn’t horrible. All because of you.”