“Follow me,” Joseph said. “I’ve just seen some of the other choir members. They’re taking a path along the outside of the room.”
Shona held Adele’s hand as they moved between people. She glanced down at her, hoping the press of bodies and volume of their conversation wasn’t too overwhelming for an eight-year-old.
Adele didn’t seem worried at all. If anything, she looked as though she was enjoying all the noise and activity. She smiled at strangers and happily walked beside Shona. Nate was behind them, taking all the commotion in his stride, too.
Shona sighed. She must have been living in Sapphire Bay for too long. If she had the choice, she’d sooner be sitting on the shore of Flathead Lake enjoying a picnic with Joseph, Adele, and Nate.
Mabel placed her hand over her heart when she saw them. “You don’t know how relieved I am to see you.” She consulted her clipboard and ticked off Adele’s name. “We’re only waiting on six people now.”
Shona looked behind them and waved to some of Adele’s singing friends. Mabel would be even more relieved to see them arrive. Hopefully, once everyone was here, they’d be able to find their dressing room and do their vocal warmup exercises, check their costumes, and psych themselves up for the event they’d all been looking forward to.
Joseph stood behind Shona and wrapped his arms around her. “Adele’s in her element,” he said against her ear. “How do you feel?”
She turned in his arms and smiled. “Happy I’m here with everyone. Adele and the rest of the choir have worked so hard to be here.”
He brushed his thumb along his jaw. “They have. I love you, Shona.”
“I love you, too.” And with the words she’d never get tired of hearing ringing in her ears, she wrapped Joseph in a hug.
She treasured the time they spent together, and this event was more special than most. Adele and the rest of the choir had practiced so hard to give their best performance today. They’d all brought something delicious to share with the audience, they’d made sure their costumes were perfect and, if they’d followed Mabel’s instructions, everyone should have had a good nights’ sleep.
All they had to do was sing from their hearts and enjoy every second of being on the stage.
CHAPTER23
Joseph held his phone higher as he videoed Adele singing with the choir. He was so proud of her. She’d worked hard to get here and hadn’t once complained when Mabel’s practice schedule had overlapped with something else she wanted to do.
He didn’t know if Hillary was still checking the last email address she’d given him, but he’d send her a copy of the video and an update about what was happening in Adele’s life.
Although he’d hurt his ex-wife by not supporting her, he didn’t understand why she’d severed all contact with Adele. It shouldn’t have changed how she felt about her daughter. If anything, it should have made them closer.
When the choir finished singing “Silent Night”, Nate showed him the photos he’d taken.
“I’ll email you a copy of them,” he said to Joseph.
“Thanks. I’d appreciate that.” As the next song rolled into their last, the choir’s voices became even stronger. Even allowing for a huge bias, Joseph thought they were the best choir in the competition.
“That was amazing,” Shona whispered. “Did you get it all on video?”
“Most of it. I’m glad we didn’t have to sit too far away from the stage.”
Shona looked over her shoulder at the rows of seats behind them. “So am I. Can you look after my phone while I go to the bathroom?”
“Sure. Do you know where to go?”
“We passed them in the foyer on our way inside. I won’t be long.” As she made her way along the row of seats, Adele’s choir left the stage and the next one was waiting to take their place.
“Where’s Mom going?” Nate asked Joseph.
“To the bathroom. Did you enjoy listening to Adele’s choir?”
“They were pretty good. Adele looked cute in her red T-shirt and reindeer antlers.”
“She brushed the antlers last night to make sure they looked good.” If he didn’t speak to Nate now, he might never have a better chance. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure. What is it?”
“How would you feel if I asked your mom to marry me?”
