I’ve been lost but I found my place
When you stay this way.
I used to love the sound of goodbye,
Freedom ringing in my ears,
Now the only thing that scares me
Is waking up and you’re not here.
We’ve talked about that. Waking up without the other there, and how we never wanted it to happen again. The bumps on my skin made me shiver even though sweat rolled down my back.The wetness building in my eyes threatened to spill over, but I refused to take my eyes from his.
You took a heart that never tried,
Showed it how to beat slow,
Now forever doesn’t feel like a lie,
It feels like home.
I was a flame burning out alone,
You’re the reason I’m coming home.
This was a declaration. This was so much more than a song. This was him telling me that…he wanted me in his life forever.
I tried to hear the rest of his words. I tried so hard. But all I could hear was the beating of my own heart in my ears. But I never lost eye contact.
When he sang the last word, and strummed the last note, the audience remained in stunned silence. Eventually, the claps, whistles, and hollers started and wouldn’t stop. The entire bar stood for his song.
They stood for Chase.
I joined them, standing and clapping. As I did, the tears fell. Tears of love and happiness. Because as I watched and listened, I not only knew he sang a beautiful song for me. I knew he had found what he had been missing in his life as well.
CHAPTER 24
Chase
The entire bar giving me a standing ovation once I finished was nothing short of overwhelming. It was a dream, literally a dream, to be on stage and have people love my work, my playing, and my songs.
And it happened.
My eyes were still on Maryellen’s, knowing she understood the gravity of this moment.
For me, and for us.
As I continued watching her, I caught sight of a single tear as it made its way down her cheek. She was surrounded by her friends, all attempting to hug her. Yet it was as if we were on our own island as I made my way from the stage to her. She pulled away from the hands grabbing for her and made her way to me.
Our bodies collided, our arms entwined.
Her head fell onto my chest, she was so overcome with emotion.
“I’m so proud of you,” she said, looking up into my eyes. “That was not only amazing, but stunningly beautiful. You’re so talented, Chase.”
“Thanks,” I said. “My song…what did you think?”
Her eyes filled with unshed tears as she nodded. “It was beautiful. Did you really write a song for us?”
