Page 104 of Love is a Harmony
Noah fingered the cut in his jeans, wondering how his father could let his disapproval of his sons infect his attitude toward a granddaughter he hadn’t known.
There was an undercurrent of anger in the house, anger directed right at Carson and his decision to give up the family. Noah wanted to hate them for it, to remind them they were the reason he left, but hadn’t he felt some of that same rage?
Hadn’t he wanted to hate Carson as well?
Pushing to his feet, he rounded the grand piano, running a hand over the smooth black wood. It was the first instrument he’d learned to play, but he’d never taken to it like Carson had, preferring the ukulele his nan bought him instead. That led to the guitar and shaped his entire life.
He lowered himself to the bench and rested his fingers on the bone white keys, recalling the simple tunes he’d learned as a kid.
Closing his eyes, he imagined himself on stage at one of his concerts, a guitar strapped across his chest. In the silence, he saw him, Carson, standing in the sea of people.
Had he been proud of what Noah became?
Or ashamed like the rest of their family?
“That is a sight I don’t like to see.”
He opened his eyes to find Nan watching him.
Pulling his hands back, he sighed. “I was never as good as him.”
Nan walked further into the room, stopping at the edge of the piano. “You had different talents. You never belonged behind a piano, Noah. You’re a rocker.”
“Don’t say rocker, Nan. It’s strange.”
She smiled. “You’ve barely spoken to anyone in the days you’ve been here. That is not the Noah I know.”
“We bury Carson tomorrow.”
She pursed her lips. “Tomorrow is only a formality, my boy. You buried your brother the moment you took Stella into your home.” She sat next to him and nudged him to scoot over. “Unlike you, Stella hasn’t just been moping around here. When I took her to see the horses yesterday, she told me you’re sad because you are in love.”
“How does she…” He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.”
She touched his cheek. “Love is all that matters. Your love for Carson, for Stella… it is shaping your entire life. And this Melanie… it has changed you.”
“You mean it’s stopped me from creating more scandals.” He let out a humorless laugh.
“That too. Sometimes, I think you and Ava just enjoyed playing with the media. Other times, I thought there was another purpose.”
She knew him too well. “I can’t be that guy anymore, Nan.”
“Then, don’t.”
“It’s as easy as that, is it?”
She smiled and shifted her eyes to the sleeping Stella. “Nothing is ever easy, but change is a choice. You have never been a bad man, Noah, only a little misguided.”
“Tell that to my parents.”
“Yes, well, some people were not suited to have children.” She elbowed him. “But lucky for Stella, you are not like them. Chin up, dear. We’re having a party tomorrow.”
“A funeral, Nan, not a party.”
“Your parents do not hold mere funerals. They will make it an event, drawing sympathy from many guests. But you and I… we will celebrate Carson.” She stood. “Oh, I came in here because your parents would like to speak with you.”
“Both of them?” He’d done his best to avoid them—which was easier than it sounded considering the size of the estate.
“Go. Before they start spitting fire. They’re in the study. I’ll stay with Stella.”
