Jace (Kings of Country 1)

“You know, the scene in the movie where the father gives her the pep talk and makes it better?”

“Oh, right.” He smiled. “Well, damn, I did good. Get some rest, baby girl.”

“Thanks for the cake.” As soon as the door closed, she flopped back on the bed.

Clementine stirred from her bed.

“I can’t believe I’m taking relationship advice from my father.” She stared up at the ceiling. “The thing is, Clem, he’s right.” She covered her face with her hands. “I don’t want to lose him. I love him. And…” She swallowed, resisting the urge to squash all the happy. Instead, she let the joy bubble up and flow freely. “He loves me.” And it felt incredible.

* * *

Jace and Luke stood on the side of the stage, watching the Three Kings do their thing. He and Krystal’s duet was up next. After last night, he didn’t know what sort of reception he was going to get. He’d scared the crap out of her last night—but he didn’t regret it. He’d regret not telling her more. Life was too short to live with regrets.

“I still think you’re making a mistake.” Luke scrolled through the messages on his phone.

“I know.” Jace smiled. “I’m in a good place here. I’m happy.”

Luke looked at him then. “Well, man, that’s what life is about, right?” He smiled. “It’s not like you’re going back to the oilfields.”

Jace chuckled. “I am thankful for that.”

/> Emmy and Travis came offstage.

“You’re up.” Travis nodded. “She’s on high-energy mode.”

Emmy was all smiles.

“I don’t know what that means.” Jace gave them an odd look and carried his guitar out and onto the stage.

The lights came up and Krystal started playing, leaving him confused. He sat on his stool, the melody familiar but not “Ashes of My Heart.”

“Before we sing our song, there’s something I need to ask Jace.” She stared out over the audience. “If y’all are all right with that?”

He smiled at the roar of approval.

“That okay with you?” she asked.

He crossed his arms over his chest. “Yes, ma’am.”

The crowd went crazy.

“I was hoping you’d say that. I know you said it wasn’t ready but…well, it really is. And I am. So, here it goes.” She faced him, took a deep breath, and sang, “I say my heart is hard and there’s no hope. My world split wide and I can’t cope. Words are empty and nothing more. Trying to find strength is a daily chore.”

He stared, blindsided. His words, her words. She knew—knew this was them. Knew what she was doing. Scared or not, she was putting herself out there. Being brave for him. He swallowed hard against the lump lodged in his throat.

“You say—”

He kissed her, surprising everyone—including himself. But he recovered and picked up where she left off. “I say stop fighting to stand alone,” he sang, smoothing the hair from her cheek. “Words can heal, hear my song. Don’t let the world defeat you. Don’t lock your heart away. See me standing here and let me love you.”

Tears were streaming down her face as the chorus spilled out of them both.

“Through the dark of night. Through the light of day, I will love your troubles away. When you’re cold and you’ve lost your way, I will love you back home to stay. See me standing here and let me love you.”

She pressed her fingers to his lips and sang the rest alone. “Because I do. I love you.”

He closed his eyes, smiling. “It’s about time.”

The audience laughed.