Page 56 of Rush

Linc took hold of her upper arm. “Hey, are you okay?”

“Yeah. I just didn’t think about reporters being here.”

He cupped her face, tilting her head back. “Babe, I’m telling you, you’ve got this.”

“I know. I’m sure I’ll be fine once I get on stage.”

She wasn’t fine.

An hour and a half later, she and Linc walked out onto the stage. They were the last act to perform and she could immediately see the kids in the audience were getting restless. Some were talking, some were crying and fussy, and all werefidgeting. All of them except Sophie who sat straight in her seat smiling broadly.

She’s who Nora concentrated on as she stepped up to the mic stand.

The music began to play and she missed her cue. She looked over her shoulder at Linc who stood just behind her to her right. He smiled and gave an encouraging nod.

“Sorry,” she said into the microphone. It blared a loud screech of feedback and a twisted smile formed on her lips along with a nervous giggle. She leaned her head away from the mouthpiece and said, “Let’s try that again.”

The background music came to a stop. Palms sweaty, she swiped them on her jeans before white-knuckling the microphone as the music started again.

The first line of the song came out shaky. She took a deep breath and sang the second. That one was better. She finished the verse, waited the few beats, then sang the chorus, her voice growing stronger with each line as the audience showed interest. Kids stopped talking and fussing, and their fidgeting turned into dancing in their seats.

She belted out the hook. People clapped. She looked back at Linc, a huge smile on her face. He gave her a wink before letting out a mightyroar.

The crowd went wild and she had to suppress her laughter and raise her voice to be heard while singing the next verse.

When the song ended with a final roar from Linc, they were given a standing ovation. Nora even heard a few shouts of “more” which caught on and grew into a chant.

“Want to give them another one?” Linc asked with a sly smile.

“Not on your life.”

Chuckling, he threw an arm around her shoulders and walked her off the stage.

A few seconds later, she heard Colt’s echoing voice trying to calm the crowd down.

Nora soaked up the cheers. It was a great feeling.

Chapter Twenty-one

“You okay?”

Leaning over the counter balanced by his arms, Linc pulled his concentration from the depths of his coffee to see Nora had entered the kitchen. She stood, hip against the counter, cup of coffee cradled in her hands.

He hadn’t even heard her come in.

They had mediation that morning and his head was lost in the clouds. Having only met the Parkers one time, he wasn’t sure what to expect and not knowing their game plan had him on edge.

He forced a smile even though he wasn’t feeling it. “I’m good.”

She set her cup on the counter and stepped close enough to place her hand on his arm. “I can’t tell you not to worry but try to remember, this won’t be a ruling. If the mediator can’t get them to back down, we’ll take them to court.”

He turned, pulling her into his arms, needing her comfort. “And if we need to go to court?” He kissed the top of her head, closing his eyes as he breathed in the scent of her shampoo.

Arms wrapped around his waist and head resting against his chest, she vowed, “Then we’ll fight for her and never give up. No matter what.”

“No matter what,” he affirmed.

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