Page 129 of Symphony of Salvation

He pulled back and looked me in the eyes. “Are you kidding? It was the most incredible thing I’ve heard in my life.”

“You are my salvation, Niles Edwidge. My life was stale and mechanical without you. I love you with all my heart.”

He touched my face, his warm palm cradling my cheek. “And I you.”

It took time for the hubbub to die down. My appearance was requested in the lobby. I signed programs and spoke with many people while Niles and Constance gave me space. Theannouncement of the recorded album came as a shock to many, including my daughter.

It was time. I wasn’t sure why I’d been so against selling my work. Why I’d persisted in ignoring producers’ offers. The album and selling the rights to my creations gave me the freedom to shift the focus of my career away from the stage to where it belonged. On family. On committing to a man who brought a spark to my once mundane life.

I was no longer afraid to be who I was and would do anything to prove it to Niles.

Later that night, after Constance had gone to bed, Niles and I enjoyed a celebratory glass of wine. Surprising me, he sat at the piano and played one of his own creations.

“I know people,” I said when he finished. “If you ever want a producer.”

“It’s not that good.”

“It has potential.”

Niles chuckled. “Maybe you can help me improve it.”

“I’d love to.”

He stared up from his spot on the piano bench with a serious expression.

“What is it?”

“I think…” He tucked a stray piece of hair behind his ear. “I think you should move in with me.”

Bewildered, I floundered, unsure how to respond. “Really?”

“Yes… or eventually. I don’t know. Is it too soon? I tend to rush things and—”

I approached, taking his upturned face in my hands. “I love you, Niles.”

“And I love you. Is it crazy?”

“No, but how about we wait until the new school year.”

A furrow marred his brow.

“Hear me out. It’s May. Come June, Constance won’t be on campus anymore. She will be at home with me again.”

“I know that. I don’t mind.”

“If we wait until September, it gives you and me time to find our feet again. It gives me time to bond with my daughter—properly this time. When she goes back to school, we can make the shift. Then we will have time to get used to living together before she has a holiday, and it’s the three of us again.”

Niles nodded. “That makes sense.”

“September?”

“Yes.”

I kissed him, and the music inside me soared.

Epilogue

Niles- Labor Day Weekend

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