Page 170 of The Song We Lost

“Well this is cozy as hell.” I spun toward the voice just in time for Rachel to walk in followed by Jackson and Rhett carrying bags from the bakery in town.

“What are you doing here?” I blinked.

Rachel looked offended. “Supporting my bestest client.”

Rhett dropped a bag on the counter. “We brought pastries.”

Jackson dropped his bags at the island and made his way over to me, pushing Noah out of the way and pulling me in his arms, “Are you ready to celebrate your accomplishments?”

I squeezed him back, “You didn’t have to come. I am sure there are parties you could be at or…”

Jackson cut me off saying, “Bailey girl, I am exactly where I want and need to be.”

I pulled back and felt eyes on us, but when I looked Luke was looking out the window.

Rose and Thomas entered next and I allowed myself this time to be surrounded by friends and family. People who wanted to be with me in this moment.

And for the first time in months it felt a little like those nights recording the album. Everyone talking over each other. Coffee cups everywhere. Music drifting through rooms. Chaos and laughter and life. Sadie looked around the room with the biggest smile on her face and Cole joined her on the couch holding her close..

I couldn’t take my eyes away from her for too long, because she looked happy. She looked like she had more life in her than I had seen in a long time. And I realized she was really happy. The kind of happiness that hurts to look at because some part of you knows it can’t last.

Rachel pulled her phone from her pocket. “Alright everybody shut up.”

Nobody shut up. But Rhett and Noah went to the fridge and came back with bottles of champagne and Rose set a tray of glasses on the table.

Rachel made her way to the couch and perched on one of the arms. “The nominations are live in sixty seconds.”

Rhett immediately started counting down loudly just to annoy everyone. Luke finally stood from the chair, still holding Iris against his chest while he moved closer beside me. My body noticed immediately, like having him close automatically helped me relax. Like my body didn’t want to let go of the fact that it has always been him.

Always.

The livestream started and suddenly all the air in the room felt electric. Award after award flashed across the screen while everyone half listened and half talked over each other until…

“Nominations for Female Artist of the Year…”

My stomach dropped.

“Nope,” I muttered.

Jackson smirked beside me. “You know you’re nominated, that category is as good as yours.”

I pointed at him. “Don’t start.”

“And the nominees are…”

My name filled the room and Sadie screamed so loudly Iris startled. Luke immediately bounced her gently while Noah yelled, “LET’S GO BROOKS.”

I buried my face in my hands.

Then came:

Album of the Year.

Single of the Year for Wild Again and Single of the Year for No Place I’d Rather Be.

Performer of the Year.

By the fifth nomination the room erupted completely. Rhett picked me up despite my protesting while Jackson popped open champagne.