Jamie and Clayton spent the day rehearsing with the band, and to her surprise they managed to make the Osmonds’ song sound fresh and modern. Later she ran through “The Sweetest Gift” with the girls—just her guitar and their harmonies—and a chill ran down her spine.
Shorty showed up at the venue unannounced, no doubt checking up on them. He loved the idea of her and Clayton performing another duet during his encore, but he wasn’t sure about her singing with the girls. Hethought they were too young to capture the depth of the lyrics. But song choices were hers, and this was happening.
With all the excitement about singing two new songs Jamie had almost forgotten about Derrick—until Buddy knocked on her dressing room door.
“Someone’s here to see you,” he said.
Her stomach tightened.
Clayton, who had been waiting with her, caught the panic in her eyes. “Who is it?”
Buddy opened the door and in walked Doofus and Arthur, both wearing suits like they were heading to a board meeting. Jamie had never been thrilled to see her label’s president, but tonight she nearly sighed in relief.
Doofus shook her hand, then did the same with Clayton. “I hear the tour’s going well. Sold-out shows in every city.”
“It’s been great.” Clayton nodded. “Wouldn’t you say, Jamie?”
“The best tour I’ve ever been on,” she agreed.
Arthur scoffed. “Nothing will ever beat Elvis at Madison Square Garden in ’72.”
Jamie rolled her eyes at Clayton, who smothered a laugh.
Doofus eyed them. “What’s this I hear about you covering an Osmond song tonight?”
“We’re playing ‘A Little Bit Country, a Little Bit Rock ’n’ Roll,’” Clayton told him.
Doofus stroked his mustache. “That song’s dated. I don’t think it’ll land with the audience.”
“We’ve updated the arrangement,” Jamie said. “More guitars, no banjo. It sounds new—like it was written today.”
Doofus crossed his arms. “The LA crowdwon’t know it.”
“Country fans will,” Clayton countered. “And this is a country audience.”
Buddy stuck his head back in. “Five minutes, Jamie.”
Perfect timing.
Jamie stepped toward the door. “I’ve got to finish warming up. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoy the show.”
Doofus and Arthur walked out.
The second the door shut Jamie turned to Clayton with a smirk. “We’ll show him.”
Jamie’s set was electric, each song hitting harder than the last. The crowd was rowdy, feeding off her energy, and for the first time she felt like they were truly there for her. They knew every word, singing along with full-throated enthusiasm.
After the final song she made her way to the side of the stage where the twins waited, looking completely unfazed.
“Ready?” she asked.
Emily grinned. “Break a leg, Miss Jamie.”
Jamie laughed. “You too, honey.”
As the house lights dimmed a single spotlight illuminated three stools in the center of the stage. Jamie stepped into it, holding Emily and Charlotte’s hands. They took their seats on the stools, Jamie in the middle, and she strummed her guitar before turning to introduce them.
“This is Emily.” The crowd clapped, eyes widening at the sight of the two little girls beside her. “And this is Charlotte.” She kept playing, letting the anticipation build. “We’re going to sing a song called ‘The Sweetest Gift.’ I hope you like it.”
