Page 91 of Dreaming About Forever

Cindy, Alicia’s hair stylist, brushed through the soft curls in her hair, spraying it as she went. “Almost finished here.”

“One more song, and we get to go home.” Alicia said, pressing her hands together in front of her chest.

“Mom and Dad can’t wait to see you.”

“Same. I’ve missed them, but I’m glad Caroline, Ruby, and Levi could come tonight.”

Alicia had grown closer to her own sister over the last twelve months, despite their demanding schedules, but Caroline had become a friend as close as a sister, and nothing could change that relationship.

Alicia’s parents hadn’t spoken to her at all, and she’d only seen them in person during court proceedings. Her parents had looked like strangers, avoiding eye contact with her and Stacy at all costs.

She would give anything to fix the relationship between them, but they had to be willing to let her in, and so far, it seemed they weren’t willing.

While her own parents were distancing themselves from her, Jordan’s parents called to check on her regularly and even flew out to meet her and Jordan in Atlanta for her birthday.

There was a knock on the door, and the head of her tour security team, Marcus, stepped in. “The sky box is ready. Would you like for me to escort your friends to their seats?”

Alicia turned to look over her shoulder. “Are you ready?”

Levi stood first, offering a hand to Ruby. “Let’s watch some hockey.”

Caroline, Ruby, and Levi said their good-byes as they followed Marcus, leaving Alicia alone with Cindy, Lillian, and Jordan.

“Almost time,” Lillian said. “They’re doing a kids goal competition right now, then a word from the sponsors. After that, you’ll be introduced.”

Cindy made the last touches to Alicia’s hair and makeup. “Ready.”

James, another member of the tour security team, led Alicia, Jordan, and Lillian to the staging area where they waited for her cue.

Alicia reached for Jordan’s hand and squeezed it. After she sang the National Anthem tonight, a chapter in her life would be closing, making way for a new beginning–one where she would have a home in a town that had welcomed her with open arms last year.

“And now, we have a special guest performing the National Anthem tonight. Please welcome ten-time Star Award winner, Alicia Carver.”

Cheers filled the arena as Alicia gave Jordan’s hand one last squeeze before stepping out onto the floor–a slightly raised platform that led to a circular stage in the middle of the ice.

She’d sung the National Anthem at events before, and the performance wasn’t about her. Her goal was always to put herself aside and draw attention to the freedoms that her country protected.

The Anthem was met with reverence and silence as she sang, and a roaring ovation followed. Alicia waved as she finished and turned to make her way off the platform.

Jordan waited on her in the archway, and she walked straight into his arms.

“That was amazing, buttercup,” he whispered close to her ear to be heard above the crowd.

“Thank you.” She grabbed his hand and jerked her head toward the hallway. “Let’s go find our friends.”

Marcus led them to the sky box and held the door for them to enter. The box was shared with a few other entertainers, and a dozen people stood around talking before the face-off.

Caroline spotted them first and gasped with wide eyes. “They’re here!”

Everyone else in the room turned and shouted different greetings. Alicia opened her arms to Caroline, who seemed a little too excited for a regular season hockey game.

When she released Caroline, Alicia looked around the room. The faces that greeted her weren’t famous faces but the friends she’d been missing from Redemption Ridge.

Alicia’s eyes widened, and her mouth gaped open when she saw Vicci and Grant. “What are you doing here?” She launched herself into the arms of Jordan’s parents, with his mom on her left and his dad on her right. “I thought I wasn’t going to get to see you until next week.”

Vicci squeezed Alicia’s middle. “We couldn’t wait that long. Plus, Jordan extended an invite we couldn’t refuse.”

Alicia pulled out of the hug to look at Vicci. “What do you mean?”

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