Starting Now (Blossom Street #9)(109)

Libby clapped long and hard. She was excited for Ava and at the same time nervous, too. Ava had desperately wanted the lead. Libby had played the piano when she was much younger and she’d helped Ava practice before tryouts. Even Phillip had thrown in a bit of coaching.

She looked around and was sad to see that Darlene Carmichael had yet to arrive, although she saw that Ava’s brother, Jackson, was sitting with his friends.

The thick stage curtain parted and Ava stood center stage surrounded by pots of flowers. She threw open her arms and burst into song. “The hills are alive …”

Almost immediately Libby’s eyes filled with tears. She couldn’t be more proud of the young teen and how she’d braved through so many challenges over the last two years. Ava had grown another inch taller and was slim and beautiful. Her voice had matured and so had she. Libby had become more of a big sister to Ava than a substitute for her mother.

Libby caught a movement out of the corner of her eye and noticed the side door open. Darlene Carmichael sneaked into the auditorium. She stood mesmerized for several minutes as if she couldn’t believe what was right in front of her. Not until a lady in a red jacket motioned that Darlene was blocking her view did the older woman move. Darlene apologized and then pointed to Ava, apparently bragging that the girl singing was her granddaughter.

The old woman had pulled through after all. Libby was pleased. Darlene needed to hear Ava sing onstage in order to appreciate what a talented granddaughter she had.

As the performers transitioned into the second song, Phillip leaned close. “Are you comfortable?”

“I’m fine.”

He cocked both brows.

“Phillip, I’m fine,” she said with a bit more emphasis.

He dropped the matter. Forty minutes later the curtain closed as the entire group ended with the song “Edelweiss,” and the audience was asked to join in. Phillip reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers, his rich baritone joining her soft soprano voice. Even Robin and Roy sang along.

When the curtain opened again, Ava and the young man playing the part of Captain Von Trapp stepped forward to a roaring round of applause. Libby clapped so hard her hands stung afterward.

One of the teachers stepped forward and presented Ava with the bouquet of flowers Phillip had ordered. The Von Trapps stepped behind the curtain once more.

The two couples remained seated as the auditorium emptied. As soon as she could Ava joined them, hopping down the side stairs off the stage like an eager rabbit. Libby hugged her first.

“You did a wonderful job. I was so proud of you.”

“My grandma came,” Ava said excitedly.

“I saw her bragging to one of the mothers that you were her granddaughter.”

Ava beamed. “Did she really?”

“I’m not making it up, Ava. I saw her with my own eyes.”

Ava looked to Phillip. “Thank you for the flowers.”

Phillip looked surprised. “Did we send you flowers?”

“The card said they were from Grandma, but I know they really came from you.”

Robin cleared her throat.

“And Robin and Roy, too.” Ava studied the slightly round mound of Libby’s tummy. “I can tell you’re pregnant now,” she said, smiling shyly.

“Oh, good.”

“She started wearing maternity tops at two weeks,” Robin teased.

“Robin,” Libby cried. “I most certainly did not.”

The good-natured teasing continued until Ava had to leave.

As the two couples left the school grounds, Phillip had his arm around Libby’s shoulders. “She’s going to do just fine in high school next year.”

“I believe she will, too.”

“We’re destined to have a stellar year ourselves.”

Libby smiled up at her husband. He was right. It would be a very good year indeed.