Page 46 of Jingl
Epilogue
June
Trace
After Christmas, we moved Shae intoourapartment. Dad retired during spring break so Shae and his mom could be there too. Shae graduated only two weeks ago, and I whisked him away for a congratulations trip. And now we’re all in California. Shae is about to perform a private concert for my boss, his wife, and a hundred of their friends. What Shae doesn’t know is that I have permission for a special surprise. Levi and his wife are giddy with the idea. Of course, when I explained a few things, they flew out Shae’s mom and my family to witness.
Levi has been the mentor I needed and I’m still in awe that he chose someone so green to work at his quickly growing company.
“Nervous?” I ask as I help dust lint from Shae’s shoulders. He made a beautiful shimmering sheer jacket to wear.
“Not as much as I was before the Christmas concert. Or any of the other concerts before.”
“Levi is going to love whatever you have planned.” And I’m sure Shae will love what I have planned.
The lights dim. “Time to get to your seat.” Shae kisses me and I reluctantly leave him.
Levi takes to the stage and thanks his guest and explains about his love for music and his wife. But I just watch as Shae makes his way to his spot at the piano. For the next ninety minutes Shae plays his heart out with songs I’m sure Levi and his wife told him were their favorite. Shae no doubt put his own spin on a few of them. For some reason, I’m surprised when he ends the concert with our song. I love him sharing it with the world though, and it’s taken social media by storm.
Shae stands and makes his way to the microphone. “I want to thank Levi and Jessica Anders for inviting me to perform. It’s been an absolute pleasure. But I asked if I could do something at the end with his blessing and he agreed.”
Levi stands. “I believe I said fuck yes.”
The audience laughs. That’s just Levi.
“Some of you may know my story, well, part of my story. My mom is a single mother, and she did everything to provide for me, including taking up extra jobs just so I could be the musician I am today. She’s my rock.” He looks right at her.
Peggy presses a hand to her chest. There’s not a dry eye in the room, I don’t think.
“And then there’s Trace. My heart and soul who has seen me through my best and worst times. Trace, can you come up here?”
What’s going on? I look to Levi, but he just gives me a shit-eating grin. I had a plan, but the plan is unraveling fast.
I hike up the short distance to meet Shae on stage and like before he kisses me. Then drops to one knee. I throw my head and laugh, dropping to my knee. I pull out the ring from my back pocket at the same time he does.
We’re both smiling. I don’t know if either of us can ask now, we had the same damn idea. I turn to Levi. “You knew this was going to happen!”
“Yeah, get on with it!”
I snort and take the microphone from Shae. “Shae. Bae. You light up my world and bring sparkle and joy.”
He steals back the microphone. “Tracy. You help me live a life worth living and give me room to breathe.”
We press our foreheads together and take a deep breath. At the same time, we ask the question, “will you marry me?”
The audience roars to life as we answer each other. To me there’s no one around except for Shae as we slide the engagement rings on each other’s fingers. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know the two of us can get through it together.
***
