Page 51 of The Rebel with Broken Strings
“What the hell am I gonna do?” he muttered to himself.
* * *
Right at five o’clock in the evening, the community center buzzed with anticipation, a hive of excitement as Aubrey and Gunner stepped through the double doors. Children’s laughter mingled with the shuffle of feet and murmur of voices.
“I can’t believe how many people showed up,” Aubrey breathed as she took in the packed room. Rows of folding chairs faced a makeshift stage, where three judges sat at a table, clipboards at the ready.
Gunner nodded, his gaze sweeping the crowd. “Timber Falls knows how to show up for its own.”
Aubrey’s chest swelled with pride as she spotted all the familiar faces in the sea of people. This washercommunity now—these wereherpeople. The thought both thrilled and terrified her, if she was honest with herself.
“Look at those kids,” she said, gesturing to a group of children huddled near the stage, faces flushed with nerves and excitement. “They’re so brave.”
Gunner’s lips quirked in a half-smile. “Braver than I ever was at their age.”
Aubrey turned to study him, noticing the slight furrow between his brows, the distant look in his eyes. Something was off. It had been since the moment he picked her up. She opened her mouth to ask, then hesitated. This wasn’t the time or place for probing questions.
“You okay?” she settled on, keeping her tone light.
Gunner blinked, focusing on her. “Yeah, darlin’. Just got a lot on my mind.”
Aubrey’s stomach clenched. She knew that look, had seen it on the faces of just enough men before they walked out of her life. But Gunner was different this time, wasn’t he?
She pushed the thought aside, forcing a smile. “Well, clear that mind of yours. We’ve got some talented kids to cheer on.”
Gunner’s expression softened, and he reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You’re right. This night’s about them.”
As they made their way to their seats, Aubrey couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant was shifting between them. But she refused to let her fears overshadow the joy of the moment. These kids deserved her full attention and support.
She settled into her chair, determined to lose herself in the magic of the talent show. Whatever storm was brewing in Gunner’s eyes could wait. For now, she’d bask in all the hard work the kids had achieved.
The first act took the stage, a young boy in a sequined vest juggling colorful balls. His tongue poked out in concentration, eyes fixed on the whirling orbs. Aubrey leaned forward, her breath catching as one ball wobbled precariously.
“Come on, kiddo,” she whispered, fingers crossed.
The boy caught it deftly, finishing with a flourish. Applause erupted, and Aubrey’s chest swelled with pride.
“Did you see that recovery?” she gushed to Gunner. “He’s got nerves of steel!”
Gunner nodded, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “Reminds me of my first time on stage. Scared as hell, I shook in my cowboy boots.”
Act after act followed, each showcasing a unique talent, and all of Gunner’s musical kids did their songs. One girl twirled ribbons in mesmerizing patterns, and a pair of twins performed a comedy skit that had the audience in stitches. Aubrey’s heart overflowed with each performance, marveling at the courage it took to bare one’s soul on stage.
Then Emily appeared, clutching the microphone stand like a lifeline. Aubrey’s breath caught in her throat.
“She looks terrified,” Aubrey murmured, fighting the urge to rush up and wrap the girl in a hug.
Gunner leaned close, his breath warm on her ear. “Watch this.”
He caught Emily’s eye and gave an almost imperceptible nod, his eyes radiating calm reassurance. The change in Emily was immediate. Her shoulders relaxed, chin lifting as she took a deep breath.
The first notes of her song wavered, barely audible. Aubrey gripped the edge of her seat, silently willing Emily to find her voice. With each passing moment, the girl’s confidence grew. Her voice soared, filling the community center with a hauntingly beautiful melody.
Aubrey blinked back tears, overwhelmed by the transformation. She glanced at Gunner, seeing her own awe mirrored in his expression.
“I had no idea she could sing like that,” Aubrey breathed.
Gunner’s eyes never left the stage, a mix of pride and something deeper, almost wistful, etched on his face. “Sometimes all it takes is someone believing in you to unlock that hidden talent.”
