Page 106 of Give Me a Reason

We’d pushed two tables together to listen to Finn play at Max’s Bar & Grill. It was Gia, Harper, Lily and Jake, Harrison and Everly, Abby and Nick, and Ireland, with her new boyfriend, James. They’d met on a dating app and had become serious quickly.

I still lived at Ireland’s place, even though I spent most of my time at Finn’s.

Finn’s mom and current stepdad had found a house nearby and were moving in soon. Paisley was with Naomi this week. I was looking forward to seeing Finn play some of his own songs. Whenever he used to play weddings, it was a list of popular songs written by someone else.

Before each song, Finn said a little something before he played. I hadn’t been able to take my eyes off him to socialize with our friends.

“I’ve been writing some new songs, and I wanted to test one out on you guys tonight. This one’s for Aria.” He winked at me as his hand strummed the strings. When he was performing, he usually lowered his head, but this time, he kept his gaze on me.

My heart beat out of control. I couldn’t believe he’d dedicated the song to me, and I sensed this was important to him.

He’d written songs and played them at bars, but he hadn’t done anything else with them yet. If he could get involved in songwriting, it would be the easiest way for him to be involved in the music industry without performing and touring. He didn’t want to be gone from Annapolis, since this was where his family was.

I wanted him to have something that was just his. I knew how satisfying it was to create something that was your own. The notes drifted through the air, the melody wrapping around me. Then he opened his mouth and sang directly to me.

When I met you

I was set in my ways

I didn’t believe in love

But you opened my eyes

The chorus was catchy, and soon, everyone had quieted and was listening. As he continued, my face heated because he was singing about us. How we’d met and didn’t agree on love and relationships. But I not only taught him to believe in it, but also showed him anything was possible.

He paused for a second. “Aria, come on up here for this last verse. I want to sing it to you.”

I stood on shaky legs and made my way to the small, makeshift stage. Someone hurried to grab me a chair. I didn’t look at anyone in the crowd. There was no one else but us, and he was singing directly to me.

Something told me this moment would change my life.

Finn turned slightly so he was facing me and not the room full of people.

You showed me how to love

And now I only see you

You brought me light and sunshine

You showed me the way

You’re the only one for me.

Then he paused, his fingers still on his pick.

Will you marry me?

His rich voice filled the empty space, wrapping around me.

My vision blurred as tears filled my eyes, and my chest swelled with emotion. Finn was singing to me. It didn’t matter that our friends were there. He only had eyes for me, and he was asking me to marry him.

He dropped to one knee, pushing his guitar behind his back as he asked, “Aria, will you marry me?”

The melody of the song played on in my head, even though he’d stopped playing. “I’d love to.”

I fell toward him, and he caught me, wrapping his arms around me as we kissed. His forehead dropped to mine as cheers erupted around us. “I love you, Aria Hunter.”

I smiled. “I love you too.”

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