Page 91 of Perfect Composition

“And a fashion-conscious one. Do you think I would violate my one and only pair of dream shoes? Please.” She sniffs at her mother.

I immediately make a mental note to find out what size both Paige and Austyn wear so I can buy them hoards of the famous designer’s footwear. Meanwhile, I tear into my first bag and yank out a University of Texas sweatshirt. Immediately, I stand up and yank it over my head. It’s about two sizes too big. In other words, “It’s perfect,” I declare to the room at large.

Flash!Austyn takes a picture with her phone. “Mom, I’ll AirDrop you all the photos later.”

“Thanks, honey. Oh, Ethan. How did you know I needed new running shoes?”

Ethan nods at Austyn, who grins at her uncle. “Jess, thanks for the gift card to the computer warehouse.”

“Like you need more parts. But still, if it makes you happy. Hey, who do I have to thank for the Yeti cup? This thing will keep my drink cool for hours when I’m working.” He turns the black mug around in his hands.

I raise my hand. Everyone gapes in my direction. I get a bit defensive. “What? I can’t think of a few useful gifts? I did use to live here, you know.”

Paige’s emerald eyes beam joy at me. I hope mine communicate back at her before I jerk my head to the side, indicating she should dig in her pile for another present. With a shy smile, she does.

I’m stunned as I unwrap a mug embossed with a recent picture of Austyn, a photo book of candids she must have put together from her phone, and a Kensington T-shirt from her website. The last, I vow, “I’ll wear this onstage.”

“You’d better! I need some free advertising,” my daughter shoots back. She squeals in delight as she opens her own T-shirt that comes with a promise for front-row concert tickets and backstage passes to Brendan Blake’s next show in Manhattan. “Now, this is the gift that keeps on giving! Right on, Beckett!”

Ethan lets out a war whoop before he dashes over and hugs his sister, who has given him a tree decorated in gift cards to the Apple Store. “I’ll take one of these every year!”

“And I will too,” Jesse declares. He waves his own tree of gift cards before leaning over to press a kiss to Paige’s cheek. “You’re the best.”

But Paige is frozen as she holds the open box in her hands. I gnaw on my lip anxiously, hoping she’ll appreciate the meaning behind it. “I know they’re not…”

“Hush.” Carefully, she lifts the bouquet of roses made out of sheet music up. Her eyes are glistening when they meet mine. “How did you do this?”

“There’s an amazing store online I found.” I give her the name. “The artist can make flowers from books, letters, and it turns out, from sheet music. I wanted to give you a part of me no one else has.”

Paige carefully turns the bouquet. “I don’t understand how…”

“I wrote out a few of my songs and express mailed them so they could be included.” I hope she’ll leave it at that.

I should have known better.

Austyn scrambles over next to Paige. She leans down and starts reading the music. I can watch her piece the music together in her head. She frowns. Her head snaps up to mine. “I don’t recognize the music. Is it new?”

I shake my head. “No. In fact, it’s older than you are, kid.”

Paige’s hand flies up to her mouth. “Beau…”

Austyn’s head whirls in her direction. “Mama?”

“You didn’t?” Paige’s voice cracks.

I push aside the abundance of presents I’ve been given and make my way over to the only two gifts I need. Crouching down in front of the woman my heart has never stopped yearning for and the daughter she gave me, I confirm what she’s thinking. “I promised you I’d give you flowers. And it all started with this song. I thought they’d be a perfect gift.”

And as Paige launches herself into my arms, I’m quick to catch the bouquet of flowers Blooming Books handcrafted after I overnighted the sheet music—after Carys confirmed the artists signed one of her infamous NDAs, of course. Paige would be devastated if it were ruined. I hand the delicate flowers to Austyn while I hold Paige to me. Murmuring into her hair, I whisper, “I want to make up for every Christmas you weren’t by my side.”

Her breath shudders. “It’s going to take some time to get used to.”

“What will, bird?”

She leans back in my arms and scans the room. Jesse and Ethan are studiously ignoring us. Austyn is absorbed in the flowers, still trying to follow the notes on the sheet music. I bite back a chuckle, knowing I’ll get the chance to bring her to New York and show her my music room and recording equipment there. But Paige’s words bring my focus exactly back to where it belongs—on her. “Feeling this happy. I’m afraid to believe in it.”

I squeeze her so tight, she squeals a bit. “Then although I never make them, it appears I have a New Year’s resolution after all.”

“What’s that?”