Page 114 of A Country Kind Of Love

Two stools.

Twomicrophones.

One piano.

One guitar.

One giant stage backdrop with the words,The Landrys,written in large bold white writing, and underneath in a calligraphic font is Peyton’s request.My dream is for her dreams to come true. It’s a small artistic gesture, but one that fills her with joy every timeshe sees it.

“Hi, Mom,” she whispers.

Cleo creeps up behind her and wraps both arms around her waist. The height difference allows Peyton to drop her head back and feel the soft warmth of Cleo’s cheek against hers.

“It looks great,doesn’t it?”

“Amazing.” Peyton smiles.

“So, Mrs. Landry, are you ready for us to start our sold-out tour tonight?” Cleo showers her neck with quick little kisses. She doesn’t care that the stage crew are setting up; she’s never been one to shy away from PDA.

“I’m so ready.”

Jesse comes bounding onto the stage from the right. “Hey, losers!” He gives them a huge grin that instantly puts Peyton in the best mood. “Enough of all this mushy stuff; get your asses up here. We’ve got a duet to rehearse.”

Peyton’s eyes widen. “What are you talking about?”

“Do you think I’m not going to take the opportunity to sing with my favourite women?”

“He’s gone rogue.”Cleo laughs.

Garrett comes running onto the stage after him. Jesse jumps down and stands behind Peyton and Cleo like they’re some form of protective barrier.

“Don’t let him get me.” Jesse sticks his tongue out like a child.

“Why did you have to choose him as your support act?” Garrett glances at his phone, poised to answer it. “He’s trying to change the setlist two hours before the show starts. Tell him to behave.” Garrettwonders off.

“He’s really uptight.”Jesse jests.

Peyton smirks. “You need to cut him some slack; he’s going to have a breakdown by the end of the week. We’ve got four months to go.”

Jesse’s idea of excitement is to wind Garrett up, and he’s extremely good at it. He holds his hands up. “Okay, I will not play any more practical jokes on him until we get to thenext venue.”

“So, tomorrow then?” Peyton smirks.

“Yes.”Jesse grins.

He drapes his gangly arms around Peyton and Cleo’s shoulders. The three of them stare at the stage their voices will soon project from. It is a full circle moment. Peyton’s whole body tightens; the strong emotional joyous feeling causes goosebumpson her arms.

“Can you believe we’re doing this?”Jesse asks.

“Nope.” Peyton leans her head back against Jesse’s shoulder.

“Still feels surreal,” Cleo adds.

Peyton tangles her fingers with Cleo’s on her left and lifts her right hand to grab Jesse’s outstretched palm.

“I love you guys,” she whispers.

“I love you more,” Cleo replies.

“I love you too.” Jesse lowers his head so it’s level with theirs. “Now, let’s show Philadelphia what they’ve been missing.”