Her Wilde Marines (Wilde, Nevada 4)

The audience would not quiet down, continuing to applaud for her girls.

The conductor turned to Autumn and Andrea. “Young ladies, would you consider giving us one more?”

Autumn nodded and held up her instrument. “Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be amazed. My sister and I are going to magically turn this violin into a fiddle.”

Andrea smiled. “One. Two. Three. Four.”

The hall erupted into cheers as they played a fast country song. The other students on the stage put down their instruments, moved behind the girls and began line dancing.

Her grandmother leaned over. “Just like my favorite television show with Rachel and Mr. Schue.”

The whole audience clearly couldn’t contain their excitement, as everyone was line dancing at their seats, including Bane and Adam.

When the song concluded, the crowd erupted once again into applause.

Emma looked into her girl’s eyes and saw how happy they were. Suddenly, the looks on their faces changed as their gazes went past her to the back.

She turned around and saw Larry heading her direction. As usual, he’s missed all the excitement.

* * * *

Adam sat on Emma’s grandparents’ sofa, listening to Autumn and Andrea play another song for him and Bane. He couldn’t get over how much the girls looked like Emma, who was in the kitchen with her grandparents and Larry.

It was clear to him that Em’s ex was tolerated more than welcomed in this house. Autumn and Andrea didn’t seem interested in Larry at all, and he didn’t seem interested in them or their music either.

Probably just another deadbeat dad. What a fool. Andrea and Autumn are incredible.

He was amazed at how gifted the girls were, and by the look on Bane’s face, he was, too. Quietly, he leaned over to his brother. “When Wilde finds out about these girls, Autumn and Andrea will be playing at all the gatherings around town.”

Bane nodded. “That’s for sure.”

When the girls ended their song, he and Bane jumped to their feet and clapped, yelling, “Encore. Encore.”

Autumn and Andrea ran up to him and Bane, giving them sweet hugs.

“Amazing,” Bane said.

He agreed. “God, you two are so unbelievably talented. Will you play another song for us?”

Andrea stepped back and smiled. “Thank you. We would love to. We enjoy playing for you very much.”

Autumn, still holding on tight, said, “You’re the best audience we’ve ever had.” She turned to her sister. “Before we play another song, let’s bring down some of our trophies to show them.”

“Only if they would like to see them.” Andrea turned to him and Bane. “Would you?”

He loved how happy the girls seemed. “Absolutely.”

“That’s a great idea,” Bane added.

Autumn released him and Bane. “We’ll be right back.”

Andrea smiled. “Don’t go anywhere.”

He smiled back at her. “We’re not going anywhere until we have a slice of your grandmother’s famous chocolate pie you’ve been telling us about.”

As they ascended up the stairs, Andrea turned back. “We helped make it.”

Hearing the pride in her voice made him smile. “Then I’m sure I will love it, sweetheart. I hope I get at least two slices.”