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.
