Cailin cheering behind the mixing board brings a tear to my eye, but I blink it away as I take in the moment.
My moment that I feel like I’ve waited a lifetime for.
We haven’t practiced after that portion, so Jack stops the tape, and Adam jumps to his feet, picking me up and swinging me around. His excitement is the exact emotion flooding me right now, and I love that he feels the same way.
“That’s my teacher!” I hear Cailin yell through the speaker system, making me laugh.
“That’s my girl,” Adam whispers right before kissing me.
They’re both right, but I’m also so much more. I’m just finally able to show everyone else too.
30
Sarah
Today has been the most amazing day ever! We spent all day working, perfecting, and redoing the song until it was perfect. No matter if we only do this one song, it will forever beoursong, the first one we recorded together.
I love that Cailin’s been here for every step. I can’t think of many kids her age who would have lasted so long, but they include her, ask her opinion, and show her how every button or knob works.
Thinking back to those first days of school where she would sing constantly makes so much more sense now. This has been her life and all she knows.
How special that Adam includes her in everything.
We’re listening to the final cut when Cailin says, “Do we still get to celebrate like we normally do even though Uncle Max isn’t here?”
My heart stops. Max. I’ve been so focused on my dreams that I completely forgot about Max and the fact that he’s not here.
Adam picks her up. “I called and left him a message after lunch because he still can’t have phone calls, just to give him an update. What do you think we should do?”
She places her hand on her chest, acting overly dramatic. “I,” she drawls out, “think we should still do it and take video that we can show him later, so he’s still a part of it.”
“What does this celebration entail?” I ask.
Cailin wiggles out of her dad’s arms and runs up to me. “It’s so much fun!” Her excitement is palpable.
“Wait, wait, wait,” Jack yells. “I have to cover the equipment.”
Jack places covers over the mixing boards while Adam grabs a few water bottles from the mini fridge and hands them out.
“What are we going to do?” I ask Cailin.
“You crack the top and place your thumb over it, like this.” She shows me, and I look to Adam for reassurance.
I raise my eyebrows at him, asking if she’s serious.
He laughs and begins the countdown, “Three, two, one.”
Before I know it, water is being flung everywhere as Cailin, Adam, and Jack jump around, hooting and hollering. I turn to Noah, who’s filming the event.
“Uh-oh,” Noah says. “You guys, I think Sarah needs a little motivation.”
In no time flat, both Adam and Cailin are on me, soaking me with their sprays. I shake the bottle, only letting a little water out of the top at a time to repay the favor.
Fits of giggles surround the room as the celebration comes to a conclusion due to our bottles being empty.
Adam wraps his arms around me, wiping the water from my forehead before he kisses it and brings me to his chest. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.
“Everyone say good-bye,” Noah says.
