Page 102 of The Mistletoe Makeover

I grip her shoulders gently so she’ll look me in the eyes. “Mia, I wouldn’t let anyone else be your date. I’m the one who won the auction.”

She narrows her eyes. “Why does this matter so much to you?”

“Just trust me, okay?” I tell her. “And be back here in an hour.”

She juts out her chin. “If I can’t?”

“Mia, please.” I lower my voice. “I need you here, especially when I play these new songs.”

She narrows her eyes. “Another publicity stunt?”

I level my gaze. “It never was about the publicity.”

For a second, her face wavers before she hurries out the door.

* * *

“You nervous?” my manager asks backstage.

“Is it that obvious?” I say, cracking my knuckles.

There’s so much riding on this concert. Not only is my team counting on this to bolster our sales, my future in the industry might depend on it.

“Is it the concert?” Allan asks. “Or the girl?” Just beyond the curtain, the noise of the crowd grows. Everything is ready. We’re just waiting for the cue from the stage manager.

“Both.”

“Is she here yet?” he asks.

“I don’t know. But if she doesn’t show, I don’t know how I’ll get through tonight.”

“She’ll come,” he says. “Did you read this?” He hands me a newspaper.

I push the paper back to him. “I don’t want to read more predictions about the concert.”

“It’s not about the concert.” He gives me a firm look before shoving the paper in my hands. “She’ll come tonight.” He slaps my back before leaving to join the audience.

“It’s go-time,” the stage manager announces. The band lines up as a surge of nervous energy pulsates through me. I throw the newspaper to the side. Tonight, only one thing matters.

As I step out on stage, the crowd erupts into cheers. Even though I’m used to stadium shows, the small venues are still my favorite. The barn is glowing in white Christmas lights, and my eyes immediately dart to the front row.

Her seat is empty.

Suddenly, there’s movement from the back of the barn. That’s when I see a red dress—the same one Mia wore the night of the auction. She glances at me, but I can’t read her expression because the stage lights are blinding. For a moment, I forget what I’m supposed to do because I can’t stop staring.

She doesn’t see the two people behind her until they slide into their seats at the last minute. Without Mia’s knowledge, I arranged for both Jaz and Ella to attend the concert, flying them in at the last minute.

Tonight, I wanted to make Mia happy.

When she turns and sees her best friends, her mouth drops and her face shifts from shock to elation.

She looks up at me and mouths the words,Was this you?

I give her a quick wink as Jaz elbows her in the side. Maybe tonight can be the start of changing her Christmas memories. You can’t rip out pages from your past, but you can make better memories, ones that will eventually outshine the parts that nearly break you.

As the band rips into the first few songs, the music and energy in the crowd is electric. People rise to their feet, clapping to the beat, forgetting about the rest of the world outside the barn. When we change to the familiar carols, the energy is still present, especially when we sing “Silent Night.” Something deep inside my chest vibrates, giving me a warm glow that stretches across my body.

I stop for a moment and let the crowd take over, listening to the gentle harmonies as they echo across the space.Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

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