The music began, and Mila went very still. Always before Cole had performed in a casual, playful way, with an almost careless disregard for the process. He had knowingly or accidentally disguised…this.
His intense focus showed in every line of his body, every stroke of his bow as the soaring melody poured from his violin. The breathtaking river of emotion swirled through the room, mesmerizing everyone in it.
Conversation stopped. Forks were put down, drinks abandoned. Not a chair scraped as everyone sat enthralled by the majestic, hypnotizing sound.
The guitars formed the base of the piece, while the violin created the achingly sweet top notes, moving faster, higher, and faster yet. The tempo increased, finally building to a crescendo that filled the air with glory.
Cole’s bow flew, a blur of motion as the guitars kept pace…. And it was done! Cole plucked the final notes. Ding…dong. Ding…dong.
A moment of awed silence ended when the room erupted with a standing ovation. The band members and Cole bowed and exchanged grins, clearly proud of themselves.
Sam leaned toward the mic. “Always wanted to try that. Never had a fiddle player who was up to it. Let’s hear it for Cole Sterling!”
As everyone whooped and hollered, Cole blushed and tipped his hat.
“And now that we’ve got him up here, I intend to keep him for a while. Get back out on the floor folks, for a change of pace. Here’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree!”
Cole might not have known the tune, but he got through it just fine. Same with the next one. In a way she was relieved that he didn’t need her up there with him. Singing at this event was a much bigger deal than it had been at the wedding.
Good thing she’d enjoyed a couple of dances with the guy earlier, though. Might be some time before she’d have the opportunity again.
She had fun as usual, dancing with her brothers and chatting with friends. Tia Kat started a conga line, a years-old tradition of winding through the tables and passing out hugs to those who’d chosen to sit it out.
When the Rooty Toots finally took a break and Cole headed back to the table, Mila figured this was her cue. She waited while he remained standing, gulping down some water and responding to comments about Carol of the Bells.
When he started to take a seat, she left her chair. “Could I talk you into going for a walk?”
His eyebrows lifted as if she’d suggested taking a rocket ship to the moon. “Outside?”
“Sure. There’s no wind tonight and the square holds in the heat. It’s not as cold as walking around out on the ranch. It’ll be lovely.”
“You should do it,” Jordan said. “It sounds very winter-wonderlandish.”
Luis stood, too. “Does that mean you want to go, too?”
“I’d rather stay here and order dessert. That’s romantic, too.”
“Then I’ll order us some.” He glanced at Mila. “Want me to get you two something for when you get back?”
“Not for me, thanks. Want dessert, Cole?”
“Not right now, thanks. Maybe later.” He grabbed his coat and hers. “Off we go.”
“Hey, Cole!” Sam called out as they walked away. “Hope you’re not leaving. We’re hoping for more fiddle music after the break.”
“I’ll be back!” He gave them a wave and continued toward the front door with Mila. He lowered his voice. “Unless you have other plans.”
“I wouldn’t dream of taking you away from your fans.” She pushed her arms into the sleeves of the coat he held for her. “Besides, you’re the designated driver. You can’t leave early.”
“Something I realized after the fact.”
“You probably think I’m nuts inviting you out into the cold.” She buttoned her coat and turned up the thick shearling collar.
“No, ma’am.” He put on his jacket and repositioned his hat, tugging on the brim. “I’m sure you have a good reason for suggesting this walk.”
“I do.”
“If it involves kissing, I’m all in.”
