Nate snickered and elbowed Joshua, who gave a soft, appreciative laugh and shook his head.
“My name is Colin. I’m a prosecuting attorney in Charlottesville, Virginia. Before that, I spent a decade working as a police officer for the University of Virginia campus police force.” He searched the crowd until he spotted Joshua. “Tonight, I’m going to sing a couple of Irish songs for you, starting with one that’s a special favorite because I’ll sing it to the most wonderful man alive, my husband, Josh.” He crooked his finger. “C’mere, bud.”
Joshua walked to the edge of the stage with David and Nate close behind him, and after a few introductory notes, Colin smiled down at him and sang:
“Come over the hills, my bonnie Irish lad
Come over the hills to your darling
You choose the road, love, and I'll make the vow
And I'll be your true love forever
Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows
Fair is the lily of the valley
Clear is the water that flows from the Boyne
But my love is fairer than any”
Colin’s sweet, high tenor swept over the crowd, stilling their voices, drawing every eye to his face. His voice rang out, lovely and clear as a crystal bell, each note caressing the song’s beloved lyrics with profound feeling. Every word was a heartfelt confession of the love that filled his heart.
‘Twas down by Killarney’s green woods that we strayed
When the moon and the stars they were shining
The moon shone its rays on his locks of dark brown hair
And he swore he'd be my love forever
Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows
Fair is the lily of the valley
Clear is the water that flows from the Boyne
But my love is fairer than any
Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows
Fair is the lily of the valley
Clear is the water that flows from the Boyne
But my love is fairer than any”
The final notes floated out over the now-silent crowd, leaving a lingering sense of intimacy. This was more than a performance: it was a heartfelt declaration of love expressed through the timeless beauty of one of Ireland’s most beloved melodies.
As the crowd applauded and cheered in appreciation, Colin knelt at the edge of the stage and took Joshua in his arms. He kissed his damp cheeks and then whispered: “I love you.”
“Thank you,” Joshua whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
A voice from the crowd called out, “Colin, sing another one!” Colin smiled down into Joshua’s upturned face. “Any requests?”
“Just sing what makes you happy, my love.”
Colin stood and moved to the microphone. “How ‘bout a little ‘Wearin’ of the Green’?” he called out to loud appreciative cheers and wild applause.
