Page 228 of Perfect Pitch

I suspect it will hit gold the first day. As my wife indicated, she has the Midas touch.

I set my face in serious lines as we pass numerous colleagues on our way toward the back entrance. Up until now, I haven’t left my post long enough to fully appreciate the precautions Beckett’s taking to ensure nothing and no one he loves is hurt today.

As we know from experience, there are people crazy enough to try.

I blow out a sigh of regret, contemplating the serene expression on Austyn’s face beneath the brim of her straw hat. I don’t know how she’s managing to hold it so together. In contrast, I’ve been a wreck, snarling and snapping at all my co-workers which is what got me regulated to perimeter duty for today.

At least until now.

The spot in my soul that’s Austyn’s alone is indelibly hers. Should our hearts suffer another agony the likes of which we have, we’ll have each other. God forbid I lose her, an enormous crater I know I’ll never be able to fill will envelop me. I’ll never be able to replace the way she brings my soul to life with the words of love she whispers when she thinks I’m not listening in the middle of the night.

Far be it from me to deny her love, though I thank the lord every day for it. After all, I made her question who we were—had her cursing my name even if it was for the right reasons. I can’t—don’t—regret standing between her father and danger but when I go to my grave, I know I’ll still be able to dredge up the look of pain on Austyn’s face.

She believed our love was over and for a heartbeat, I had to let her. But, sweet Jesus, I’ll never forgive myself for the price we both paid.

Unbidden, a memory of Austyn, preparing to curl up on the couch next to Trevor with a bottle of champagne, popcorn, and rodeo—celebrating what I now know was her signing the contract to perform at Redemption—dismissing me with a flap of her hand before enlightening my brother, pops into my head.

“Let me let you in on a little secret, Trev.”

“What’s that, Austyn?”

“Men who aren’t honest aren’t worth chasing after.”

“Who taught you that?” my brother wondered.

“My mama.”

But we’ll fight to the death for the women we love. Austyn now knows that.

We come to a stop near the back entrance. Before Austyn utters a single word, I give her a final critical perusal from the top of her hat, past her chestnut-colored hair with its convoluted twists of multi-hued braids, to her dainty feet wedged in diamond-studded sky-high heels. “How about we continue this later?” All I want is for the night to be over so we can be alone and I can focus on her and nothing but her.

“What are you thinking?” she counters.

I whisper what I have planned for her the minute the ceremony is over, beginning with a change of clothes. “And they’re waiting at your chair.”

It’s Austyn’s turn to flush crimson causing me to smirk before I drawl, “I know you better than you think.”

“What makes you think I won’t wear this dress all night?”

My eyes bulge. “Possibly because you’re dressed like you’re about to go to an award ceremony for the Stepford Wives. This isn’t you.”

She pats my chest condescendingly. “This is part of what we managed to avoid.”

I release a gust of air. “Thank you.”

Her eyes turn toward the door as we wait for it to open. “Though I wouldn’t have minded...”

I pounce on her words. “What?” If it’s within my means, I’ll give this woman anything. Everything.

She shrugs. “I just wouldn’t have minded wearing the big poofy dress for you. Walking down an aisle on Dad’s arm. That’s all.”

I suck in a breath at the image her words evoke. I make a mental note to speak with Beckett myself later because just as I’m about to ask if she wants that, the door behind us opens and a stunning brunette is escorted through. Leading the diamond formation surrounding her is Kane.

I step slightly in front of Austyn. Just as I’m about to ask the status, Austyn’s voice warbles, “You’re so beautiful, Mama.” Austyn slips past me to move directly toward Paige, who’s donned a long champagne-colored gown for today’s festivities.

The two women rock each other back and forth. That’s when a small roar sounds. Austyn dabs at the tears in her eyes before she reaches for the small bundle Charlie’s carrying. Even as much as I know she loves her baby brother, it still kicks me in the gut to see them together. I duck my head when I hear her coo, “My York. How are you, sugar?”

His scream cuts off when he realizes where he is. His sister’s arms. The sister who sobbed over him when her parents gave her the honor of naming him. “I think it’s time we start a new tradition. Right here, right now,” she said.

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