Page 269 of On a Fault Line

Placing a hand on the small of her back, I trail my fingers along her spine. “Ready to go to our seats?”

She nods, as her mouth is entirely full of pink popcorn. I’m pretty sure that’s the only thing I’m in competition with for her heart. Me versus popcorn…

Her mouth gapes. “We are in the front row?”

I shrug. “I thought you would like to see better.”

Penny practically squeals. “Umm, yeah!”

Getting settled at the table, she places down her snacks and then leans over to give me a hug. She didn’t realize that I’d upgraded the tickets from the original pair that I got her for her birthday. Seeing her this happy makes any extra cost worth it.

Penny is worth it.

The opening act is a solo artist who just needs a piano and a microphone. The music spreads throughout the garden, making the entire space feel alive.

Penny offers me a sip of her drink and laughs at me when I make a face over the sweetness. Yup, she is most definitely going to have a sugar crash.

“Good, yeah?”

I kiss her. “Hmm, I think it tastes better off your lips.”

She playfully smacks my arm. I fake wince, pretending to look offended.

Penny makes it easy to get lost in the moment.

Once the opening act finishes up, Grace and Jace make it to the stage and the crowd goes wild, standing and chanting for them.

“Wow, I can already tell that this,” Grace says, looking out into the crowd, “is going to be an amazing night.”

“It’s a true blessing to be here tonight,” Jace continues, “and I hope that you take those pictures, sing those songs, and make those memories.”

“And fall in love,” Grace says, looking up at Jace, “all over again.”

He wraps her in his arms and kisses her, while we all cheer.

“Because tonight is going to be unforgettable!” Jace yells into his microphone.

Grace smiles at the audience, blowing kisses to a few members and waving. “How about we kick off the show with our first single from our new album titled, ‘Forever With You.’”

Sitting back in my chair, I listen to the two of them sing, enjoying the slow rhythm and the delivery of the message.

Once I realized you exist,

I had no willpower to resist,

And am thankful beyond measure,

Forever mine to treasure

Lacing my fingers in Penny’s, I kiss each of her bent knuckles.

Even from a long distance I see

It’s so logical to me

It has always been true

I want to spend forever with you

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