Page 116 of The Silent Waters (Elements 3)

“Love you, sister,” Calvin said, smiling my way.

“They’re talking to you, Mama!” Haley said, amazed.

I kissed her forehead. “I know, baby. They are pretty amazing, aren’t they?”

She sighed, stars in her eyes. “Yeah, Mama. Daddy’s amazing.”

“So the first song isn’t a song by The Crooks, but it only seems fitting to perform this hit on a night dedicated to my heart, my soul, and my best friend,” Brooks explained. “This is an oldie, but a goodie, and I welcome you all to sing along. This is “Maggie May,” by the amazing Rod Stewart.”

r /> Calvin started playing the introduction on the guitar, and within seconds Brooks wrapped his hands around the microphone and began singing directly to me. The kids kept cheering, shouting his name over and over again.

“I’m gonna be a rock star, just like Daddy,” Noah shouted, jumping up and down.

The show was amazing as always. After the final performance, Brooks said, “Thanks to everyone for coming. We are The Crooks, and we are so damn happy you allowed us to steal your hearts tonight.”

“Daddy, I thought you were really good tonight!” Haley said, yawning. She had those same blue eyes as her mama and the same beautiful smile which made me bend to her every need. Her arms were wrapped around my neck as I carried her to her bedroom. Even though I’d toured the whole wide world and seen so many sights, there was nothing better than being home with my loves.

“Yeah? You think so?”

She nodded. “Yeah. I think Mama sings better than you, but still, you were good.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “Oh, is that so? You think Mama’s a better singer?” I laid her in her bed and began tickling her. “Say I’m the better singer! Say it!”

“Daddy!” She giggled. “Okay, okay. You’re the better singer! You’re the better singer!”

I laughed and kissed her forehead. “That’s what I thought.”

“Daddy?” Haley asked.

“Yes?”

“Secret time?”

I nodded. “Secret time.”

She moved in closer, pulling me in for a secret, and whispered, “I lied about you being a better singer.”

The tickle war began again and continued until we were both out of breath. I picked up the cat roaming around the room and placed him at the edge of Haley’s bed where he slept each night. “Okay, it’s time for you both to get some rest.” I kissed her nose. “And, Haley?”

“Yes, Daddy?”

“The world keeps spinning because your heartbeats exist.”

I headed out of her bedroom after turning on her nightlight, and when I stepped into the hallway I saw Maggie coming from Noah’s room. We smiled at one another and walked downstairs together.

“Is Skippy in there with him?” I asked.

She nodded. “And Jam is with Haley?”

“Yup.”

When Maggie walked into the living room, I went over to the light switch and dimmed the lights. She smiled my way, bit her bottom lip, and moved over to the jukebox that Mrs. Boone had given us years ago as a wedding gift. She picked her favorite track—our song.

As the music began playing I took Maggie’s hands and pulled her closer to me. Our lips brushed against one another, and I gave her a light kiss before whispering, “Dance with me?”

She always said yes.