Just as I’ve finished placing my in-ear monitors, I’m announced by the host.
“And now, Nashville, help me in welcoming one of my favorite artists onstage—Taevin Gray!”
Cheers erupt, but just as I make my way onto the stage, I look back to see if Sterling is beside me and find he’s still backstage. When I give him awhat the hell are you doinglook, he just shakes his head and points behind me.
I turn slowly, and then from the opposite corner of the stage, Jackson emerges from the shadows. My heart hiccups in my chest at the sight of him in his white T-shirt and denim pants that mold to his thick thighs.
How is he here?
“Jax!” I rush out once he’s finally close enough, falling into his outstretched arms and then soaking in the warmth of his body against mine. When I step back, I stare up into his eyes. “What are you doing here? I thought you had a team dinner tonight.”
“I did. But when I mentioned to Scar that you were performing for the first time since before your surgery, she not only insisted I come to perform with you, she purchased the last suite available for the team and any of the moms who made the trip to join her and Bennett. Gemma is up there freaking out as we speak.”
“You should’ve told me. I would’ve let her join me on stage!”
Jax shakes his head but grins nonetheless. “There’s no way she would’ve if you had. She has extreme stage fright.”
“I did for the first time tonight too, until I saw you. Wait—did you say Scar insisted you performwithme?”
He shoots me a wink and that’s when I see the leather strap across his chest and his trusty old acoustic guitar I’ve always loved. “Apparently Walker has been conspiring with Sterling. He sent me the song you’re performing, and Walker somehow snuck my guitar case into her luggage.”
“What?” I squeal in disbelief, unable to believe he’s really here, about to perform with me.
Onstage . . . oh, shit! We’re on stage!
My eyes widen and Jax grabs my hand after reading my expression, leading me to the two stools with mic stands set up in front of them.
The crowd cheers as we make our way to the front of the stage. Once we’re seated, a single spotlight illuminates us in the otherwise moody lighting.
Jax leans over and murmurs into my ear, “This is incredible.”
As I look out into the crowd of thousands of country music fans, a sense of home washes over me. Licking my lips, I adjust the microphone and take a deep breath.
“Good evening, Nashville,” I greet the crowd, my voice still a bit unsteady at first. “I’m so happy to be back here performing in my favorite city.”
Looking out over the crowd, I take a moment to soak it all in. Just when I think I’m done scanning the crowd, my focus is stolen by a little girl propped on her dad’s shoulders holding a sign that reads “I’VE MISSED YOU, TAEVIN! WELCOME HOME.”
Welcome home. The phrase squeezes my heart. Four months ago, Nashville was unquestionably my home. Now, however, that isn’t true. Because as I look beside me and find Jackson perched on a stool with his guitar slung across his lap, I see not only my future, but my home.
Warmth floods my chest as my throat tightens with emotion. I take a deep breath before uttering words I had no intention of saying tonight. “There’s a sign that says you’ve missed me, and I’ve missed you too. I know there has been a lot of speculation about where I’ve been the past several months. The unfortunate truth is: I have cancer.” Shocked gasps ring out through the stadium. I lick my lips and then take a deep breath before continuing. “And while I’m fortunate to receive the best care, I’m only realizing just now that I don’t need to battle this in secret anymore.” Tears swell in my eyes, causing my vision to blur, but I don’t take my gaze off the little girl.
“Tonight is the first time I’ve shared my diagnosis publically. And I was supposed to play ‘Amazing Grace,’ but what wouldy’all say if instead I play a new original I’ve been working on that’s been near and dear to my heart these past several months?”
The crowd erupts with cheers of encouragement.
“Alright, this one’s still a work in progress, but it’s called ‘Revival,’ and it’s about my journey back to my favorite person who just so happens to be sitting beside me tonight, my husband, Jackson Wilson!”
When I look over at Jax, he’s beaming with pride and has the biggest grin I’ve ever seen. Thankfully, this isn’t the first time he’s heard this song. After Friendsgiving, I felt inspired to produce a melody to accompany the lyrics I’d been working on. Jax had been in the home studio with me for hours before he had to leave for his away trip.
I give him a sheepish shrug to which he smiles even brighter in reply.
He strums the opening chords and I begin singing the opening lyrics.
“Black and blue, I’m counting bruises. How much more can I stand to lose? Tired eyes and heart of doubting that I will make it through. Here we are now, secrets unveiling. Stitching up the broken parts, every whisper calms my cold heart. Will this be a new start? ”
When the chorus hits, Jax harmonizes with me and I sing with a smile on my face, not taking my gaze off his.
“When I’m breaking, hurting, time unfolding, you make me feel brand new. You’re my revival through pain and trial, built me a new cathedral wall. I might be fragile, but you have a soft soul, baby, I only sing for you. ‘Cause you’re my revival.”
