Music of the Soul (Runaway Train, #2.5)(8)

“Oh, AJ,” I murmured, as my hand came to my throat.

“His ball and chain for now until the day he dies,” he added with a grin.

I laughed and shook my head at him as he picked up his champagne flute. “So, I ask you to raise a glass to the couple of the evening, the man and woman of the hour, and along with me, wish them all the blessings, joy, and happiness that life can bring.” He thrust his drink into the air. “To Jake and Abby.”

“To Jake and Abby,” the crowd recited, as they lifted their glasses.

Jake clinked my glass with his before dipping his head to kiss me. “Here’s to us, Angel,” he murmured, against my lips.

“To us,” I replied breathlessly. I brought the crystal flute to my lips and took a sip while Jake downed his in one gulp. “Now who needs to pace himself?” I teasingly asked.

“What do you say we dance?”

I couldn’t help laughing. “Seriously? You hate to dance.”

“With anyone else, yes. But with you, I’d love to.”

“If you’re sure…”

“I’m positive.”

“Okay, then.” I slipped my hand into his and let him pull me out of my chair. We made our way in front of the main table where a wooden floor had been erected for dancing. Across from us, a band had been tuning up. Jake gave a nod to the lead singer—a tall, lanky guy with shaggy dark hair.

“Okay, everyone, I have a special request from the groom-to-be. It’s an oldie…actually one we weren’t even familiar with, but since Jake wants us to play it, then by God we’re doing it.” Glancing over his shoulder, he then counted off.

Instantly, I recognized the song. It was one Jake had on his iPod under a playlist called My Angel. It was from the 90s, if you considered that an oldie, and it was called How Do You Talk to an Angel?

Jake smiled down at me. “Good choice?”

“Oh, yes.”

“I thought you’d like it.”

Tomorrow my brothers would be reuniting with Micah to do the singing at the ceremony and the reception. Tonight had been up to Jake. “So, I don’t think I ever asked who the band is?”

“It’s Brayden’s cousin, Cade’s.” A sheepish look entered Jake’s face. “Remember the second night you were on the bus with us when the guys and I were supposed to go hear a band play, but I got wasted, puked on you, and passed out?”

I quirked my brows at him. “How could I ever forget?”

Jake laughed. “Yeah, thought you would. Of course, I kinda hoped you would also remember that was the night I truly came clean with you, and that I wanted a chance to win you over.”

“I remember that, too.”

“Good,” he murmured, before kissing me.

As the song faded to an end, Jake and I remained lip-locked under the twinkling lights of the tent. I could have stayed in that moment forever—wrapped in his arms, feeling the intensity of his love with each and every kiss. In the end, I just hoped to be able to bottle up a little of the feeling, so that when there were hard times or fights or when I felt like his love had waned, I could look back on this moment in time and know how truly and deeply we loved each other. It was true bliss and heaven on earth.

Only the sound of a rumbling explosion caused me to pull away. Over Jake’s shoulder, the night sky lit up in a multi-colored array. I gasped. “Fireworks?”

Jake grinned. “A little surprise.”

People abandoned their chairs and walked outside of the tent. “Too redneck?” Jake asked, as he slid his arm around my waist.

I laughed. “No, I love it.”

“I figured you were used to big finales during our shows, so I thought our party needed a big moment.”

“They’re amazing. I mean, they’re as good as the ones at Stone Mountain on the 4th of July!”

“I’m glad you think so,” Jake mused as we tilted our heads to take in the display.

When the last streaks of color followed a sonic boom, Jake took my hand and brought it to his lips. “How about we cut that cake now?”

“That sounds good to me.”





As we waved goodbye to the last guest, Jake peeked at his watch. “Wow, I’m impressed. Everyone ate, danced, and drank and were outta here by eleven thirty.”

“That’s because there weren’t many Italians or Mexicans here,” AJ commented with a grin. “We party until the sun comes up. Don’t we, Mia?”

Mia nodded. “Yep, it’s true.”

I laughed. “Then I better start training for your wedding.”

“Oh, it’s going to be epic for sure,” AJ remarked.

“Well, considering we have a slammed day tomorrow, I’m kinda glad that everyone decided to go home a little early,” I said.

“It was a nice party though, wasn’t it?” Jake remarked, as we started up the porch steps.

“It was beautiful—everything I hoped it would be,” I said.

With a smile, Jake said, “Best of all, we get to party more tomorrow.”

Mia glanced down at Bella, who was sound asleep in her arms. “I better get this pumpkin to bed.” When AJ started to ease down on the sofa, Mia grabbed his shirt sleeve. “I could use a little help.”