Page 180 of We Redeemed the Rain

I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

Swallowing hard, I realized Cal just watched me zone out at his daughter. I turned back to apologize, but he was already settling in on the couch next to his wife. Conversations tapered and Lynn patted the spot on the couch next to her.

I eased in beside her, my throat growing tight with every single brand new feeling racing through my veins. I whispered to Lynn. “She can’t see us?”

Lynn smiled. “The window is one way.”

Suddenly, a voice clicked through the speakers in the ceiling. “You ready?”

Bea sniffed. “Yeah.” She looked sad. I frowned as I tried to read her.

Lynn whispered again, “She stepped out and ran to the bathroom because she got kind of emotional after the last song.”

A fist lodged in my throat.

“I want to run that one again.” She leaned to put her bottle of water on the floor thengrabbed Glory.

A crinkling noise next to me pulled my attention from Bea.

It was Lynn digging into a portable Kleenex package. She pulled one out and handed it to her husband then looked to me. “I cry every time, honey. You want one?”

I declined but changed my mind ten minutes later.

FORTY-NINE

Bea

My voice scraped against my vocal chords, its tone of unusual husky quality. It had a raw sound I couldn’t put on, generated only bydaysof singing. My decision to skip make-up was a good call—tears stained my cheeks. I had no doubt I was botching this recording session. I had to stop after every song and grab a hold of myself and emotions.

Declan’s voice rang out over the speaker. “You need a break? You don’t look okay.”

“No, I’m fine.” I uncapped my water and took a quick sip.

“You’re almost done. Tell me when.”

I took several long seconds to swallow, rest my voice, and position my fingers for the last song.

I gave Declan the signal.

Thumbs up.

Rolling.

Digging deep, I reached for my soul.

I poured my heart out in verses. These words I had written for Tag had me in a chokehold. I wished he could hear me scream them from a rooftop. I wanted him to listen to these words and know the truth. Icycled through the verses, pre-chorus, chorus—not stopping to think of the pain in my sore fingers.

I’d practiced all week for this moment.

The final chorus rang out in the studio, and I smiled as I sang.

Cause my love will shelter you

When there’s a storm.

My love will be the sunshine

When you need to keep warm.

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