Skippy hollered, “One, two, three, four!” and we tore into our first song.
The crowd obviously loved us, as we ripped through the first three tunes without a break.
Then time began to speed up, and almost lose all meaning as the show seemed to go on autopilot. We were energetic, bouncing all over the stage as we played everything the crowd wanted to hear.
I couldn’t stop glancing over to Corina’s beautiful, smiling face. There was only one song that truly mattered, and I needed to see her response.
By the end of the set, as we finished our biggest hit, I finally risked a real look over toward the VIP area. A few of them were actually standing and cheering. All of them were riveted, and having a great time.
“We likely should have closed with that little number,” I joked as the cheers died down. “I wrote a song a few months ago, and finally finished it last night. The music was pretty good, I think, but the lyrics were uninspired. Last night I discovered my true inspiration, and rewrote the important parts. So tonight, you’re the first people to hear this.”
From their reaction, Corina was absolutely right. The audience seemed thrilled that they were first.
Skippy counted us into a slower song, as I turned to sing directly to Corina. I watched her eyes as I revealed everything I’d ever wanted in a dream girl. Everything I’d ever hoped to find. Just one girl who was right for me, who would bring out my best, and accept all of my love.
Her bottom lip quivered as she became misty eyed. Taking a few deep breaths during Rob’s guitar solo, I turned even more toward the side of the stage as I sang the alternate version of the bridge.
Two weeks ago, she walked in the room
In twenty-four hours I felt our love bloom
The girl of my dreams, the love of my life
The one that I need to become my wife
Two months from now, she’s gonna move in
I’ll wake up each morning to watch her grin
Six months later we’ll start the plan
To make her my wife and me her man
A single tear rolled down her cheek as Corina froze, while her friends grabbed her hands. We all played more softly so that she couldn’t miss a word of the chorus.
A year from today is a Saturday
A year from today is our wedding day
You’re the love of my life, I live for your smile
Next year is the day when we walk down the aisle
As the song ended, I was vaguely aware of applause, but all I could see was Corina in absolute shock. Then she smiled, unlocking my tension, and allowing me to breathe again.
15
_____
Corina
As the last chords rang out, I wiped tears from my eyes, as Jenna and Brynn held my elbows so that I didn’t wobble.
The crowd went wild, the applause thundering through the room. I didn’t think it could possibly get louder, but then Ethan handed his guitar to Todd and turned to me, getting down on one knee. As the audience realized this was a real proposal I thought my ears might implode.
My friends walked me forward, holding me steady. Ethan pulled a little box from his pocket, and waved to the crowd to shush, putting a finger over his lips. Since the microphone stand was too high, Todd stood behind him, tipping the mic down to catch his words.
Standing in front of this gorgeous man, peering through a blur of tears, I honestly couldn’t believe this was happening.