EPILOGUE
Two years later
Ivy sat in the massive theater with Nash next to her. She should be used to seeing him in a tuxedo and cowboy hat, but he still took her breath away. The same way he had on their wedding day.
He held her hand. “You’re the most stunning woman here.”
“You’re my husband. You have to say that.”
“It’s the truth.”
“No matter how many of these awards we attend, I always feel like I’m playing dress-up. This is a long way from Quinn Valley.”
“But it’s where you belong.”
That she believed with her whole heart because… “Wherever you are is where I belong.”
Nash raised her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “And likewise with you.”
The commercial break must have been coming to an end because people rushed to their seats.
“You ready?” he whispered.
Her knee bounced. “No.”
“It’ll be over before you know it.” He squeezed her hand. “And, darlin’, no matter what song is announced, we have each other. That means we already won. The award is just icing.”
“To go along with your others.”
“And yours.” He ran his finger along her jawline. “You’re all I need.”
He was it for her, too.
The winner of the top male singer, who had beat out Nash, stood at the microphone with an envelope in his hand. “The nominations for the Song of the Year are…”
As each title was read, Ivy fought the urge to wiggle. Any second the camera would be on them.
“‘Never Without You’ sung by Peyton Rush, music and lyrics by Ivy Bennett. ‘Summer Serenade’ sung by Nash and Ivy Bennett, music and lyrics by Nash and Ivy Bennett.”
Hearing her name announced twice was amazing, but that one nomination was for a song they’d written based on her dad’s title sent tingles spreading throughout her. Goose bumps followed.
“And the winner is”—the singer fumbled opening the envelope and then finally removed the card—“‘Summer Serenade’ by Nash and Ivy Bennett, music and lyrics by Nash and Ivy Bennett.”
She gasped.
“We won.” He kissed her on the lips. “Come on.”
They’d won! Won!
Ivy couldn’t believe it.
Stunned, she followed Nash. People, the biggest names in the business, congratulated them as she and her husband made their way to the stage. Peyton blew her a kiss. Ivy was grateful Nash hadn’t let go of her hand or she might have remained in her seat or frozen on the short staircase.
A million thoughts ran through her head.
She thought about her family watching in Quinn Valley and her dad in heaven, who had always believed in her.
You’re going to be a star, baby girl.
