Page 148 of Shattered Melodies

He nodded to Sarah and Mark, who I suddenly realized were holding instruments of their own. When did that happen?

And then, Caleb started to play. The melody was soft, achingly familiar yet completely new. And when he started singing, I swear the world stopped spinning.

“Broken strings and shattered dreams, We were young and so naive, Thought our love could conquer all, But pride, it made us fall…”

His voice, rough and real, washed over me. Every word, every note, it was us. Our story, laid bare in melody and verse.

“Years apart, but never far, Your memory, my guiding star, Hoped someday you’d find your way, Back to me, back to stay…”

I felt tears prick at my eyes. God, how long had he been holding onto this? How long had he been waiting, hoping?

“‘Cause baby, you’re the song I sing, The reason my heart takes wing, Through the dark and stormy night, You’re my beacon, my guiding light…”

The chorus hit me like a punch to the gut. I was vaguely aware of Sarah and Mark harmonizing in the background, but all I could focus on was Caleb. His eyes, locked on mine, pouring out years of love and longing.

“We’ve both changed, grown apart, But you still hold my heart, Second chances don’t come free, But baby, will you sing with me?”

As the last notes faded away, I realized I was crying. Not just a few tears, but full-on, ugly crying. Caleb set his guitar aside and stepped off the stage, kneeling in front of me.

“Liam,” he said softly, taking my hands in his. “I know we’ve been through hell. I know we’ve both got scars and baggage and a whole lot of shit to work through. But being without you it’s like missing a part of myself.”

I tried to speak, but my voice wouldn’t cooperate. Caleb pressed on, his thumbs tracing soothing circles on my palms.

“I’m not asking for everything to be perfect. I’m not even asking for forever, not yet. But I am asking if will you be mine again? Will you give us another shot?”

For a moment, I just stared at him, overwhelmed. Then, because I’m me and I can’t help but deflect when things get too real, I blurted out, “Did you seriously write me a country song?”

Caleb blinked, then burst out laughing. “That’s what you’re focusing on? I pour my heart out, and you’re critiquing the genre?”

I shrugged, grinning through my tears. “What can I say? I’ve got standards.”

“You’re impossible,” Caleb said, shaking his head fondly.

“Yeah, but you love me anyway,” I shot back.

Caleb’s expression softened. “Yeah, I do. So what do you say, city boy? You in?”

I took a deep breath, looking into those warm brown eyes that had always felt like home. “Caleb Winchester, you enormous sap,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “Of course I’m in. I’ve always been in.”

And then I was kissing him, pouring years of longing and regret and hope into it. I could taste the salt of our mingled tears, feel the rapid beat of his heart matching mine.

When we finally came up for air, I became aware of Sarah and Mark cheering in the background. I buried my face in Caleb’s shoulder, feeling a mix of embarrassment and pure, unadulterated joy.

“Oh god,” I groaned. “We just had a rom-com moment in front of an audience.”

Caleb chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. “Get used to it, babe. Small town, remember? Everything’s a spectator sport here.”

I pulled back, meeting his gaze. “You know this isn’t going to be easy, right? I’m still pretty messed up.”

“Join the club,” Caleb said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “We’ve all got our demons. But I’d rather face mine with you than alone.”

“When did you get so wise?” I teased, even as I felt a warmth spread through my chest.

“Must be all that fresh country air,” he quipped. Then, more seriously, “I mean it, Liam. Whatever comes next, we’ll face it together.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. “Together,” I echoed. “I like the sound of that.”

Sarah’s voice broke through our little bubble. “As adorable as this is, and believe me, it’s nauseating levels of cute, we do have a fundraiser to get back to.”

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