Page 91 of Steel Beauty

Laurelyn continues playing, and I notice a small figure peeking around the corner, her wide eyes fixed on us with quiet curiosity. Smiling, I lean in toward Laurelyn. “Looks like we have company.”

Laurelyn glances up, her face brightening as she spots the little girl. “You can come in, sweetheart.”

The girl dashes over and hops up beside her mom at the piano. “I heard you playing.”

Laurelyn wraps an arm around her, smiling down at her daughter. “We’re about to sing. Want to join us?”

The little girl nods. “Yes, ma’am.”

“This is our daughter, Maggie James. We call her MJ.”

I crouch slightly, meeting MJ’s bright, curious gaze. “Hi, MJ. Some of my friends call me Maggie.”

MJ’s eyes widen, her interest piqued. “I’m named after my grandmother Margaret. Is your real name Margaret?”

I glance around and then lean in as if revealing the juiciest gossip. “Well, between us girls… my real name is Magnolia.” With a playful wink, I press a finger to my lips. “But let’s keep that between us.”

Laurelyn leans in, her smile brimming with mischief. “Now that’s just for us girls to know. The boys can’t know—especially Uncle––” She catches herself with a soft laugh. “UncleJulius.”

MJ’s face lights up, clearly thrilled to be part of an adult secret. “I won’t tell.”

I chuckle, leaning closer to MJ. “Good. We girls gotta stick together.”

Just as we finish sharing our little secret, Jack and JC step into the living room, their easy laughter breaking the quiet hum of the piano.

“Take a seat, gentlemen. You’re about to be thoroughly delighted,” Laurelyn says with a playful grin, her hands poised over the keys.

JC raises a brow, his mischievous grin aimed at MJ. “Sing nice and loud, MJ. You’ll need to carry Charleston—let’s just say delight isn’t the first word I’d use to describe her singing.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Rude… but fair.”

“We’re doing ‘The Rose,’” she announces, letting her fingers drift into the opening melody. She glances over at her daughter. “Think you remember this one?”

“I remember it, Mum!” MJ says, her enthusiasm lighting up the room.

As Laurelyn’s fingers dance over the keys, the three of us begin to sing. The music flows easily, and to my surprise, I don’t feel self-conscious at all. Singing with them feels natural, like being welcomed into something warm and familiar.

Laurelyn’s singing is breathtaking—deep and vibrant, carrying the melody with natural grace. MJ’s voice adds a youthful sweetness, and somehow, my less-than-perfect notes don’t feel out of place.

Midway through, I catch JC watching me. His gaze is steady, soft, and unwavering. It sends an awareness through me, a quiet wonder at what he might be thinking.

The lyrics take on an intensity I didn’t expect, resonating with something deep inside me. They speak of dormant love, fragile but enduring, blooming even in uncertain times. The way Laurelyn sings it, every note feels personal, almost like a promise whispered into the air.

As the final notes fade into the stillness, I find myself holding on to the moment. There’s a thought dwelling in the quiet—knowing JC’s true identity wouldn’t change this. If anything, it might make it even more extraordinary. But that decision isn’t mine to make.

For now, this is enough. The beauty of the unknown, wrapped in the warmth of music and connection, feels like everything I need.

Chapter21

Alex Sebring

The soft humof conversation and the faint clink of glasses welcome us as we step into the restaurant. The cozy buzz of diners fills the space, their voices blending with the gentle background music. The lively atmosphere is a stark contrast to the last time I was here—tucked away in the private dining room with Charleston, hidden from prying eyes.

Once we’re seated, Laurelyn flips open the menu. We order drinks, and as soon as the waiter steps away, she folds her hands on the table, her gaze settling on me with a calm intensity.

“I thought it would be a good time to steal a moment with you since Jack Henry is out of town this week.” Laurelyn’s casual delivery hints at something more thoughtful underneath.

“I appreciate the invite.” But I can tell this isn’t just a friendly catch-up.

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