“But first, it has to be lived.” Her words strike deep inside my heart, in the place where only her love dwells.
My lips take hers, the taste of forever potent on her tongue.
I move to stand us up and take her hand while pulling her body flush with mine. Then I start to hum a familiar tune, one that has been the soundtrack of our life. The one that no matter how many times I sing it, or how much we hear it, it never gets old.
Her body sways with mine in perfect harmony, a dance built with years of love and devotion.
A dance only time can perfect.
We have no idea what the future may hold, or where the road may take us, but we know we have each other and we have love.
That will always be enough.
The melody drifts over the crowd, anticipation simmering as I strum the opening chords of the song. There’s only one other place I’d rather be than on stage singing at the Ryman and that’s home with my family. I was reluctant to even come but Sylvie insisted, arguing that the baby isn’t due for another couple of weeks.
I would never admit it out loud but a part of me is terrified. Not only for the well-being of my wife and unborn child, but of being a father. It’s a big responsibility and one I will not take lightly. The baby is not even here yet and my life has already changed monumentally.
Every decision I make now is based on how it will affect my family.
I just pray I make the right ones. My family means everything to me, and I don’t want to do anything to mess that up.
Once I finish my set, I walk off stage only to be greeted by my assistant, Kacey, who is waiting for me in the wings, and judging by the look on her face, whatever she has to tell me is not good.
“Sylvie’s water broke. They are taking her to the hospital.”
“When?”
“I just got off the phone with your mom. She’s on her way there now.”
Handing Kacey my guitar, I take off in a sprint for the exit and pull out my cell phone, dialing Sylvie’s number.
No answer.
Fuck.
I knew I shouldn’t have left her. My gut told me not to but she’d insisted. Hell, she’d practically packed my bag for me.
My stomach twists at the thought of her having the baby without me there, causing even more dread to fester in my gut.
On the way to the airport I manage to charter a plane and get ahold of my mother.
“She’s fine. They are hooking her up to monitors now. Hang on and I’ll let you speak with her.”
My heart slams in my chest, it isn’t until she comes on the line that I feel like I can breathe.
“Hey,” she whispers.
My chest floods with relief and I close my eyes. “I’ve been worried sick about you.”
“Nothing to worry about here. Just having a baby, that’s all.” Her voice is light but I can hear the small tinge of worry.
“I knew I shouldn’t have left.”
“Don’t. I’m the one who insisted you go. Neither of us could have predicted this.”
“Still doesn’t make me feel better. I hate that you’re at the hospital and I’m on this damn plane. I’ll be there in about three hours. Don’t have that baby without me.”
She laughs, the sweet sound a balm I didn’t know I needed. “I won’t. Just get here when you can and be safe.”
