‘I guess that means they’ve made up.’
‘It seems so,’ Kirsty said flatly. ‘Well, at least something good has come out of today, right? Now go and do your stuff. And Brooke?’
Brooke, who had been walking away, turned back. ‘Yes?’
‘I love you.’
Brooke blinked tears away. ‘Love you, too,’ she said, not entirely sure what on earth was going on but so overwhelmed with relief to see Danny that she was willing to forgive and forget anything.
Brodie and Callie looked completely bewildered as Amelia took her place at the piano which had been delivered to the pub earlier that afternoon. Lawrie took up position next to it, sitting on a padded chair, and Sam stood to the side of the ghosts.
As Brooke stepped onto the platform, she heard Brodie say, ‘What’s going on?’
‘The ghosts are doing something,’ Callie told him. ‘I think they’re going to sing for us! And look, Immi’s with them.’
‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ Sam said, as the DJ’s music died away.
Brooke stood behind the three lead singers. Danny glanced round at her, and she gave him an encouraging smile as she could see he was terrified. Bad enough singing the lead in rehearsals, but now he was about to do it to a room full of living people, including the engaged couple themselves. She knew all too well how nervous he’d be, even though most wouldn’t see or hear him, and that was without all the emotional upheaval he’d gone through earlier in the day. This was, after all, for Callie. He wouldn’t want to let her – or the other ghosts – down.
‘You can do this,’ she told him and he nodded and turned back to face the front.
‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ Sam repeated and the chatter stopped as everyone looked round. ‘We have a very special performance tonight. As a gift to Callie and Brodie, the ghosts of Rowan Vale would like to sing them a song. Now, we appreciate that some of you won’t be able to hear any of the ghosts and some of you who have a relative in the group might only hear one of them, but youwillbe able to hear the music, and also we have our guest singer, Imogen Chase, who will help you all to keep up with the song. Brodie, apologies for this, but please be assured that the ghosts wish you to know that this is as much for you as for Callie, and that they wish you both every happiness in the world.’
Brodie smiled and raised his glass, while Callie clasped her hands under her chin, her eyes shining with excitement.
‘Please welcome our brand-new band: High Spirits!’
Everyone clapped and cheered and Amelia started to play the piano. Silas nodded and Aubrey began to sing.
Even though Brodie couldn’t hear him, Brooke saw the look of delight on his face as he recognised the music as a song his father used to play regularly.
Both Callie and Brodie gulped as Immi’s voice joined Aubrey’s, and Brooke wished everyone could hear how wonderful they sounded, accompanied by Florrie and Millie.
Harmony came next and she sounded amazing. Brooke noticed that Quintus Severus had turned to watch her, and that he had a smile on his face. She’d never seen him smile before, and for some reason the sight moved her to tears.
Then it was time for the chorus, and she forgot everything else as she began to sing along, careful not to be too loud, as she was only too aware that she didn’t have the best voice in the world. She managed to keep her composure somehow, but then it was Danny’s turn to take the lead.
Brooke would have held her breath if she’d had any. She clenched her fists and prayed that he wouldn’t mess this up and nerves wouldn’t get the better of him.
But Danny was incredible. His voice had never sounded clearer or more emotional. The feeling he put into those words – words of a man who’d had his own heart broken, but had been healed by the power of love – was incredible. She scanned the room for Rory and Kirsty. Kirsty was standing by the door, her arms tightly folded, while Rory was at the other side of the room, clearly enraptured by Danny’s voice, tears glistening on his cheeks.
As Immi, Florrie and Millie joined in with the second half of the verse, Danny’s hand reached behind him. Brooke stared at it for a moment then clasped it in hers. He squeezed her fingers gently before letting go and beginning the chorus.
Brooke sang along as best she could, although it was difficult with a big lump of emotion stuck in her throat and tears stinging her eyes.
When the final strains of ‘Sunshine on Leith’ faded, there was a moment’s silence, then everyone clapped and cheered.
Callie was openly sobbing, and Brodie put his arms round her. ‘I promise we’ll let them perform again at our wedding reception,’ he told her. ‘This isoursong now, Callie.’
High Spirits bowed, mostly to people who couldn’t see them, but it really didn’t matter.
‘Oh, Aubrey,’ Agnes gasped, ‘you’ve never sounded finer. You wonderful, wonderful man!’
‘Well done, everyone,’ Lawrie said, beaming at them all. ‘Your best performance yet.’
‘Yours too, Lawrie,’ Amelia told him. ‘Your solo pieces were absolutely beautiful.’
Silas cleared his throat and nodded. ‘Not bad at all,’ he said gruffly. ‘Almost passable, in fact. I think I did an excellent job there.’
