Page 36 of Forever Country (Forever Bluegrass #24)

H olt saw Aiden standing at the back of the press room. He looked at ease, but his eyes said he was not. Holt stood for pictures, then answered questions. He kept his eye on the clock and after ten minutes he was growing antsy to get back to Annaleigh.

“Okay, ladies and gentlemen,” Holt said, holding up his hand to stop the questions. “I’d really like to get back to my friends and family now. Thanks a lot.”

Holt stepped from the podium even as questions were fired off about Annaleigh and his family.

“Congrats, mate,” Aiden said, slapping Holt’s shoulder as they moved out of the pressroom and down the hallway toward the stage.

Behind the scenes at an award show was absolute chaos.

Hair, makeup, producers, production assistants, sound engineers, bands, actors, dancers, scenery.

.. it was a madhouse and Holt was ready to get back to his seat.

“Thanks,” Holt told Aiden as they maneuvered around a fake tree being wheeled toward the stage. Finally, they took the stage right exit into the auditorium and wound their way through the rows until they were back at their seats.

“Holt!” Annaleigh smiled up at him and everything was right again.

“See, there’s a man who knows how to wear a cowboy hat.” Aniyah gave Annaleigh a wink before she stood up and went back to her seat as everyone patted Holt’s back and whispered their congratulations. The trophy was handed down each row as Holt sat and wrapped his hand around Annaleigh’s.

“I missed you, Annaleigh.”

“It was only fifteen minutes!”

“Fifteen minutes too long.”

Holt placed a kiss on her cheek and settled back.

It was going to be a while until the rest of his nominations.

Then it would all happen one after another, right in a row, starting with Song of the Year, Album of the Year, his performance, and Artist of the Year, which was the last award of the night.

The show went on, and Annaleigh felt herself relax.

In fact, it seemed that all of Keeneston did, too.

Even Ahmed was glaring less. But Holt was getting nervous now.

Maybe there wouldn’t be a move made on him tonight.

It was too much of a public event. The announcer told the crowd that Song of the Year was up next and that the commercial would be over in one minute.

Holt and Dallas finished their conversation, and Holt waved to some other friends in the audience before sitting back down and lacing his fingers with Annaleigh’s.

“Certain songs trigger memories, feelings, and even moments in time,” the presenter said, reading off the teleprompter before announcing the songs that had been nominated. “And the winner is... Whiskey Dreams by Holt Everett!”

Holt’s heart felt like it was going to pound out of his chest. Two wins! He couldn’t believe it. His mother was tearing up. Annaleigh was beaming. His father and brother clapped so hard that he was worried about Knox’s hands for tomorrow’s game.

Holt made his way up the stairs and accepted his award. He talked about Whiskey Dreams and what it meant to him before thanking all of his people again. And, of course, he ended it by telling Annaleigh that he loved her.

“This way, Mr. Everett!” a harried production assistant said, practically grabbing him the second he walked off the stage.

“We have you standing right here for the video feed for the next award.” He was maneuvered back so that the red curtain was behind him and his feet were in a taped-off box.

A cameraman appeared and shoved a camera in his face right as his name was read off again for Album of the Year.

This was a tough one. He didn’t think he’d win it.

Dallas was announcing the winner and Holt expected to hear Paisley’s name.

She was the Queen of Country and her album was fantastic.

“The winner is...” Dallas said, tearing into the envelope, “Holt Everett for Small Town Life !”

It took the production assistant hissing that he won for Holt to realize it. He walked from behind the curtain and instantly sought out Annaleigh. It wasn’t hard to find her. Three rows of Keenstonites were cheering and Miss Violet’s metal spatula was reflecting the lights.

Holt and Dallas hugged, with Dallas thumping Holt’s back before handing him the award. “Way to go, man!” Dallas whispered before stepping back.

Holt fumbled to hold the award one-handed before he turned and found Paisley in the audience.

“I was just another singer on Broadway when I met Paisley Collins. One act of good manners, taught to me by my parents,” he said, turning to look at his family, “and a tour later left me with the best mentor country music has ever had. I wouldn’t be standing here without Paisley.

I’ll accept this award, but in my heart, it belongs to Paisley.

She taught me to sing from the heart, take risks, and always be truthful about who I am.

” Holt paused as people cheered and Paisley wiped tears from her eyes.

“Oh, and in case anyone forgot,” Holt said, smiling, as the music started to play to tell him he only had ten seconds left. “I love you, Annaleigh.”

The crowd laughed and then cheered as Holt was escorted off stage. Annaleigh was still clasping her hands together over her heart when the commercial break started.

Taylor reached out and squeezed her arm. “I am so happy my son found you. It’s all a mother wants—for her children to be happy.”

Annaleigh didn’t trust her voice to work, so she turned and hugged Taylor instead.

“Annaleigh, do you know these people?” Cody asked even as Maddie was rolling her eyes at him.

Annaleigh turned to find Paisley and Neal Connor. Poor Paisley was getting it from both of her bodyguards tonight. Annaleigh’s face lit up as she jumped from her seat. “I do!” Paisley’s eyes sparkled with tears just like hers and the two met in a hug.

“That man of yours certainly has a way with words,” Paisley said, as they both dabbed their eyes. Paisley turned to talk to Holt’s parents as Annaleigh turned and greeted Neal.

“I’m so glad you stopped by. How are you doing, Neal?” Annaleigh laughed at herself and shook her head. “You have to be doing great after winning New Artist of the Year!” Neal took off his cowboy hat, one that Aniyah would approve of, and smiled at her.

“It’s been a great night. I hear congratulations are also in order for you and Maddie on opening your own agency.”

“Neal!” Maddie said, getting around Cody to be able to shake Neal’s hand. “It’s good to see you again. Congrats on your big win tonight.”

“Thank you, Maddie. I was just telling Annaleigh I thought she was stuck with her parents forever.” Which is what every other person here was probably wondering about.

“Maddie and I have been talking about it for a while, but their dismissing you and how they treated Holt was finally too much. I couldn’t stay there anymore.”

Neal’s face softened as he gave a sad smile. “That was really nice of you to stick up for me, Annaleigh. You were always so nice to me when I was in the office. I guess Holt signed with you?”

“Nope. Never asked him to,” Annaleigh told him, turning to gesture to Morgan. “But his agent has been a big help in mentoring me the right way.”

“I think the question is,” Maddie began to say, “are you wanting to join A&M? We’d love to have you, Neal.”

A real smile spread out on his face. “I’d love to work with you two. You two were truly the best thing about Astore Entertainment. I hope I can be there for you the way you’ve been here for me.”

“Annaleigh.” Annaleigh turned to find Aiden walking quickly towards her. “Holt wants to see you backstage.”

“Of course. We’ll talk soon, Neal.”

“Actually,” Neal said, turning to walk with her, “I have to go backstage to get ready for the Artist of the Year Award. They want a newbie and an icon to hand it out.”

“Then join us,” Annaleigh said, turning to follow Aiden while talking to Neal about his plans for the afterparty.

The moment Annaleigh was backstage, Holt swept her up in a hug and placed a kiss on her lips. One that told of his excitement on his big night. He set her down, keeping his arm around her before turning to Neal.

“Neal,” Holt said, holding out his hand. “Great win tonight.”

“Thanks. I'd better go get ready. Annaleigh, can I have your number to call on Monday?”

“Sure,” she told him, fishing one of her new business cards from her clutch.

“Remember, if you need anything, just call me.” Neal tipped his hat to her and walked off.

“Got yourself another client?” Holt asked.

“I think we did. I’m excited. I always liked Neal and my parents treated him horribly. But look at you! I’m so proud of you. Three wins!” Annaleigh rose up and kissed him again.

But then production assistants started going crazy around him since he was performing after the commercial break. “I want to sing a new song. Should I?”

Annaleigh was taken aback. Artists of the Year were each singing one of their hit songs from this past year. “You could go through the first chorus of Whiskey Dreams and then sing your new song for the remainder of your time limit. That way your old label can’t get too mad.”

Holt kissed her quickly and smiled down at her. “No award compares to having you by my side. Aiden will take you back to your seat. Thank you for your opinion on my song choice.”

“Well, I can’t wait to hear your new song. You’re going to blow them away.” Annaleigh kissed his cheek and Aiden held out his arm to escort her back.

“One more thing, Annaleigh. Tell Morgan to press the button. She’ll know what I mean.”

Annaleigh blew him a kiss before navigating through the crowd and back to her seat. She leaned down the row to get Morgan’s attention. “Holt said to press the button. Do you know what that means?”

Morgan grinned. “I know exactly what he means.” Her fingers flew over her phone and then she set it back down in her lap with a look of satisfaction.

The lights dimmed as Holt was announced. The band he was supposed to have never came on stage. Instead, two microphones were at center stage with the giant video screen behind him playing slow-motion images of whiskey being poured into crystal tumblers.

Holt and Harlan, his songwriting mentor and longtime friend, walked out to the cheers of the crowd.

Harlan strummed his acoustic guitar while Holt sang.

Annaleigh knew he wished he could play the guitar, but with his arm in a sling it was best for Harlan to do it.

Holt’s voice was rich and full as he filled the auditorium with his hit song.

He hit the chorus perfectly and the crowd cheered as they sang along, until Holt slowly ended the song instead of continuing it.

“Just for y’all, my closest friends,” Holt said into the microphone with a wink, “is my new single, Summer Tea , coming out next week on my own record label.”

Annaleigh heard people gasp and whisper as the first notes of the song filled the air.

The feeling in his voice stopped all the talk.

The low timber caused goosebumps. The words floated around her and wrapped her up in the love he felt for her.

She was transfixed. Taylor sniffled next to her as she wiped a tear and clung to Trey.

“The temperature is rising and it’s not because it’s summer. Your lips to the glass as you look at me. Summer tea and loving me sends us soaring,” Holt sang.

Suddenly Holt went down like he’d been sacked by an invisible football player. His whole body was flung to the side, hitting the stage with such force that he sent Harlan flying backward, his guitar splintered and the microphone fell over.

Annaleigh didn’t have time to react before Keeneston was up and shoving their way forward. Annaleigh’s scream finally broke free as Taylor grabbed her in shock and Cody and Jackson closed in on Annaleigh to protect her.

Holt’s eyes opened and his head turned to the side of the stage.

Whatever he saw in the wings had his face set in determination.

People were screaming and trying to run away from the stage.

Except for Keeneston. Even the Rose sisters were tottering forward with a wooden spoon, a spatula, and a cane dressed up as a broom in their hands.

“Gun!” Holt bellowed, looking directly at the Keeneston group.

“Hold on, I have one somewhere,” Miss Violet said, searching her giant purse.

Aniyah yanked up her dress as DeAndre’s eyes went wide. “Baby, please tell me you aren’t armed.”

“Sure, sugarbear. Look over there! Is that Dolly Parton?” DeAndre turned and Aniyah pulled a gun from under her dress.

“I’ll take that,” Knox said, grabbing it from her.

He made sure the safety was on and then looked up right as another shot hit Holt right in his upper right chest, sending him flying back down to the stage.

“Suck it up, Everett, and go long!” Knox called out in a booming voice which explained how he could be heard in the middle of seventy thousand screaming fans.

Annaleigh was grabbed from behind and as she screamed for Holt. Jackson, Cody, and Dylan became a wall around her. Abby, climbing over seats and shoving people out of the way, was surprisingly fast for a woman wearing stilettos and a floor-length gown.

Holt’s groan was picked up on the microphone as he held up his hand. Knox pulled his arm back and then released a pass that sent the gun flying over the heads of the panicking crowd who were preventing security from getting to the stage in the few seconds that had passed since the first shot.

Annaleigh held her breath as she looked over Cody’s shoulder to track the gun.

The gun arced in the air and right when she was sure it was going to overshoot Holt, Holt shoved himself up to sitting, snagged it from the air with his left hand.

With a swipe of his thumb, he flicked off the safety, aimed and fired.

The crowd screamed even louder, pushing and shoving toward the exits. Cassidy, Warrick, and Cy made it to the stage first, bounding up the stairs, even as Holt fell back to the stage.

“Holt!” Annaleigh screamed. She shoved Cody, but Jackson wrapped his arms around her waist and dragged her back. Annaleigh fought like a madwoman to get free. She had to get to Holt.