I release my hold on her, not wanting to let her go, but wanting to hear something more. “Play for me?”
“Anything for you, my love.”
I clutch my hand to my chest. I love hearing those words from her. She grabs the bow and stands before me. Light sparkles in her eyes as she starts playing. It’s soulful, deep. It starts to pick up and gets more playful in the middle before taking on a sad tone again. I don’t recognize it, but it touches me. I never understood music before, but Zara’s love for it is infectious. She pours everything she has into the music she makes.
The piece turns happy again as Zara moves with the song. My heart catches in my chest as tears stream down Zara’s cheeks. Her eyes are closed as the final note is played. There are no words for the beauty of that song. For as long as I live, I will remember this moment. Zara, looking like a goddess in my T-shirt and mussed hair, playing this beautiful song for me. And only me.
Taking the instrument from her hands, I set it down with the utmost care. Knowing the value of this violin, I don’t want to take any chances with it. I pull her into my arms.
“What’s the name of that song?” I want to lock in every part of this memory. I’ll be old and grey and still remember this song she played for me.
“It’s called James.”
“James?” My brows are furrowed in confusion.
She tucks her head under my chin, wrapping her arms around me. “For the last few months, I’ve been trying to write music, but nothing has been coming to me. Even these last few weeks, bits and pieces were there, but always out of reach. Until today.”
“And what happened today?” I squeeze her closer to me.
“Today I realized what true love is. The hard times. The fun times. The sexy times. And I get to experience all of that with the man I love.”
I have to take a few steadying breaths so my emotions don’t overwhelm me. “No one has ever done something so wonderful for me.”
Zara turns to look at me. “You’re worth it, James. Don’t you ever doubt it. And if you do, I’ll always be here to remind you. You’re worth everything that comes with this life. Not the title. Not a way to get ahead in life, but you.”
“That’s music to my ears.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Zara - Two Months Later
Idon’t think I’ve ever been so nervous in my life. My palms are sweaty as my stomach roils.
“Is everyone ready? We’ll be starting in just a few minutes.” My students barely give me a second look. I can’t be the only one who feels like they’re going to pass out.
“Miss Cross, Prince James will introduce you, and then you’ll give your speech before the show starts.”
“Thank you, Alice.” After everything that happened with the scandal, James and I decided I should start my own charity work. Instead of going back to school, I dove headfirst into launching my own foundation. Alice, Ellie’s old advisor, was assigned to me in my new role. And with James by my side, it’s gone better than I thought.
“Thank you everyone for joining us this evening. It is my great honour to introduce the head of the newest royal patronage, Lady Zara Cross.”
Leaving my students on the stage, I join James out front. “Good luck. You’ll do great.” He gives me a peck on the cheek as I turn to face the crowd. Taking a deep breath, I start my speech.
“Thank you everyone for being here tonight. I’m thrilled to have you here at the launch of my new foundation, The Power of Music. As a former music teacher at the Hammersmith Conservatory, I know firsthand the power of music. I’ve seen how it can impact the lives of students and those around them.” The spotlight is bright, blurring all the faces in front of me.
“My hope with The Power of Music is that we can bring music to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to it. Not just in London, but throughout the United Kingdom. And with your support, it will not only help children gain confidence, but skills to take them further in life than they ever thought possible.”
Applause breaks out. “And on that note, I would like to introduce the secondary orchestra from the Hammersmith School to play for you this evening.”
I leave the podium and head to the stage, the curtains now drawn. My students are all sitting, ready with their instruments. I lift my baton, and everyone sits up straight as the melody starts. All my nerves of the evening fade away. The piece is the one we were working on for the end of term concert that I never got to participate in. Even just this small event makes it worthwhile.
The students have never sounded better than they do tonight. My face is glowing as the song comes to an end. Happy, smiling faces are staring back at me. I couldn’t be prouder of them than I am right now. I give them a thumbs-up as I turn to bow towards the audience. Raucous applause greets me.
One of the other conductors from the school comes on stage. As I’m off to wine and dine all of our guests, she’ll take over the music portion of the evening.
Heading backstage, I let out a deep breath.
“Z! That was magnificent.” James sweeps me into his arms. He swings me around, laughter bubbling out of me.
