Love's Destiny (Love Trilogy #2) (26 page)

“Destiny, get some sleep.” Mom pleaded.

“I can’t.” I insisted.

“Your Mom’s right.” Dad said from the bedroom door. “I’m sure Tyler is fine and is doing everything in his power to get here, but staying up all night isn’t going to do anyone any good. You need your sleep, you have a big performance tomorrow.”

I knew my parents were right but they just didn’t understand. This performance was so personal for me. I had written this song for Tyler. No one else had heard it yet. It was his song, he had to be there the first time I played it. He just had to, I couldn’t do it without him.

I had a restless night’s sleep, but was still awake by the crack of dawn. My nerves just wouldn’t let me sleep.

Tyler didn’t arrive. I anxiously watched the door all day, jumped at every phone call, but never heard from him. Mom finally made me dress for the performance, but I still waited until the very last minute when we absolutely had to leave before I’d let them pull me from the hotel room.

My heart sank lower when we arrived at the hall and I was ushered off with the other performers and my parents and brother went to find their seats. I had reserved them all seats in the front row and was filled with dread at the thought of looking down into Tyler’s empty seat from the stage.

I just couldn’t do this without him.

I took my seat in the orchestra and waited anxiously for the curtain to rise. At first the lights were blinding and I couldn’t see the audience beyond the edge of the stage. I kept my eyes on the conductor and found my cue. I played
in concert with the orchestra,
avoiding looking toward the front row seats for fear of what I’d find.

Finally as the first piece drew to its conclusion my eyes were uncontrollably drawn to the front row. I looked over the proud faces of my parents, the broad smile of pride and admiration beaming from Chance and then finally let my eyes drop on the empty seat where Tyler should have been. I felt like I was going to be sick and then the curtain was drawn.

I stood and allowed the stage hands to rush around me as they prepared the stage for my solo performance. How could I do this without him?

My heart was racing and my palms sweating, I had never before experienced stage fright like this. Thousands of people were on the other side of that curtain waiting for my performance and I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t do it without him. Every night as I’d practiced I’d closed my eyes and seen him in that front row. I needed him there.

But the time had come. I was moved into position. I wiped my hands on my dress and then held my violin in position. This was happening whether I was ready or not.

I heard the applause as the curtain was drawn. The stage lights momentarily blinded me again and I stood in the spotlight waiting for the applause to die down.

A hush fell over the crowd as they waited for me to start. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly I opened my eyes again and found my gaze drawn to the front row. And I found Tyler staring back at me.

He’d made it, somehow he’d made it in time. I smiled as our eyes locked across the auditorium and I began to play.

The song started out light and playful, dancing across the notes in the carefree way of childhood. Then it took on a darker tone, deep commanding notes expressing the loss and confusion of our adolescence. Finally building back up to the rich fluid notes of joy and true love.

My eyes never left his as I played and were blurred with tears as I brought the song to its conclusion. Tyler was the first to his feet clapping and cheering, soon the whole concert hall followed. It was my first standing ovation in Carnegie Hall, but it could have been just the two of us in the room he was the sole focus of my attention.

The curtain closed and the sound of applause drifted through even as I left the stage.

The awards ceremony was to follow and we were all cloaked in cap and gown and urged back to the stage. I couldn’t wait for this part of the evening to be over. All that mattered now was seeing Tyler again.

I didn’t think I was going to make it. The snowstorm that had delayed my connecting flight was still raging outside when I gave up on the airport and rented a car. I had just enough time to drive to New York and make Destiny’s performance.

The roads were crowded and I almost didn’t make it. When I finally reached the hall I could hear the audience applauding and feared I’m missed it. I rushed inside and showed the ticket Destiny had mailed me. The usher showed me to the first row where I found Mike, Katherine and Chance.

“Did I miss it?” I whispered as soon as I took my seat.

“No, you’re just in time.” Chance assured me, and then the curtain opened.

Destiny stood alone on the stage, her violin in position and her eyes closed. As the roar of the audience fell to silence I willed Destiny to open her eyes, to look at me and know that I was here.

A beat of silence passed before she took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Immediately her eyes found mine. I saw her smile at me and then she began to play, eyes still fixed on mine.

Her song brought tears to my eyes as it took me through the journey of our lives. I knew instinctively when it had reached its end and was immediately on my feet cheering as the tears I’d been holding back flowed freely down my cheeks.

The awards ceremony followed and I was relieved when it finally concluded. I couldn’t wait to grab her up into my arms. Her family and I exited the auditorium together and moved to wait near the entrance to the hall that led to the performer’s dressing rooms.

The crowd was thick and I searched frantically for her face. Despite my scrutiny I didn’t see her until she was right next to me. She reached out and grabbed my arm and I immediately swung her up into my arms spinning around with complete abandon as I kissed her fervently. She kissed me back with equal passion and for several seconds the crowded room was forgotten and all that existed was the two of us.

I finally set her on her feet and kissed her one more time before releasing her into the arms of her parents. Everyone kissed and hugged as we shuffled through the crowd and out of the hall.

“I was so afraid you wouldn’t make it.” Destiny told me over dinner.

“I promised you I’d be there.”

“Yes well I knew you’d try but with the snowstorm and all...”

“Nothing could have kept me away.”

“How did you make it?” Chance interjected reminding me of her family’s presence at the table.

It wasn’t the first time tonight that I’d forgotten them. I leaned back away from Destiny realizing as I did that we’d both reflexively leaned in towards each other as we’d spoke.

“I rented a car.” I explained.

“Oh, that must’ve cost a fortune.” Katherine exclaimed.

“It was worth it.” I assured her and kissed Destiny’s hand.

I couldn’t keep my hands off of her and couldn’t wait for us to be alone.

“Do you mind if I steal Destiny away for a little while?” I asked as soon as we’d finished dinner.

“Of course not, you two go on. We’ll just head back to the hotel and we’ll see you tomorrow.” Katherine told us as she stood to hug Destiny.

“Congratulations, Sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.” Her mom said as they hugged.

“You did a good job Princess.” Mike said as he kissed her on the cheek.

“Yeah, it wasn’t half bad.” Chance teased and Destiny reached out to ruffle his hair before pulling him in for a hug as well.

“I’ll see you all in the morning.” She assured them as we made our way out of the restaurant.

“Where are we going?” she asked as we walked along the sidewalk hand in hand.

“I thought we might take a carriage ride through Central Park.” I told her as I guided her across the street.

“Really? I’ve never done that before, not in the four years I’ve lived here.”

“Then tonight is a night for firsts.”

We settled into the waiting carriage and pulled the blanket across our laps. There was still a spring chill in the air but the skies were crystal clear and the moon was full. Destiny snuggled against me as we rode through the park in silence, taking in the sights and the feel of each other.

“I’ve missed you so much.” Destiny whispered

“Me too.” I said pulling her in closer. I couldn’t hold her close enough.

“Do you have to go back?” she asked quietly.

“My tour is not over…” I let the silence drag for a moment. I felt her sigh against me.

“Good thing I got the MP post at Camp Pendleton and I’ll get to finish it out in San Diego.” I finally said smiling.

“Really?” she exclaimed pulling back to look into my face. Tears of happiness were glistening in her eyes.

“Oh Tyler!” She cried as she buried her face against my chest and I wrapped my arms around her.

“I love you so much Destiny.” I whispered into her hair as I kissed the top of her head. “It seems like we’ve spent our whole lives missing each other. It’s finally time for our happily ever after.”

“Forever.” She promised still clinging to me as if she was never going to let go.

“Chance Michael Carter get out of that batting cage right now!”

“Come on Mom, just trying to get a little practice in. The wedding doesn’t start for an hour.”

“You’re already in your tux!”

“You’re the one who made me put it on this early.”

“Young man just because you’re as tall as me doesn’t mean I won’t put you over my knee.”

I smiled as I walked towards my mom and kissed her on the cheek.

“You’ve never put me over your knee a day in my life.” I reminded her.

“Don’t think just because you’re 13 years old that it’s too late for me to start. Now go on in the house and see if Tyler needs anything. I have to check on the food, and I still have to help Destiny finish getting ready. Guests are already starting to arrive.”

“Don’t worry Mom, we have plenty of time”

I tried to smile my most charming smile. I could tell Mom was stressed out of her mind and I wanted her to relax. I put my arm around her as we walked toward the house together.

As we came around from the side yard where my batting cages were set up and rounded the corner of the house to the backyard it was like walking into pandemonium.

A long white tent was set up covering the rows of chairs that were being placed on each side of the glass doors of the sunroom. The aisle that ran from the sunroom doors to the edge of the property divided the sea of chairs that were slowly starting to fill the backyard. Huge bouquets of white flowers were posted at the end of each row of chairs lining the aisle that ended in a beautiful archway of flowers and looked out over the ocean.

Dozens of people were scrambling around adjusting the flowers, carrying clipboards and talking into small microphones clipped to their ears. Caterers were setting up long tables under the other large white tent that was closest to where we emerged.

I noticed Aunt Amy directing the decorators who were setting up the chairs and flowers, just before Mom and I ducked in the kitchen door.

Mom’s large kitchen was just as chaotic as the backyard had been, with people scurrying everywhere. Immediately I was assaulted by all kinds of wonderful smells and my stomach growled in response.

Mom walked over to speak with the caterers and check on the food and I followed my nose over to a table loaded with delicious hors d'oeuvres.

“Don’t even think about it Chance.” Mom called across the kitchen before I could reach for anything.

“But Mom I’m starving!” I complained.

“Out!” she shouted pointing toward the door that led to the dining room.

Reluctantly I obeyed and walked out of the kitchen into the formal dining room. This room was also crowded with people bustling around frantically. I wished Mom had just left me in my batting cages. However now that I was inside and I could smell all the wonderful food being cooked, I couldn’t take my mind off how hungry I was. I knew Mom would have my head if I stepped foot back in the kitchen.

I wandered into the foyer wondering how I was going to be able to get something to eat before the ceremony started and that’s when I saw Kenzie coming down the stairs.

“Wow, Kenzie you look amazing!” I smiled up at her as she descended the stairs.

“Thanks Chance, you look pretty good yourself. You clean up pretty nicely when you’re not covered in dirt and sweat.” She teased.

“Did you do something different with your hair?” I asked turning up the amplitude of my smile. Her normally pale blonde was now more of a honey-toned gold.

“You noticed?” she said flitting her hands up to smooth her hair.

“Of course.” I winked and she blushed.

“Thanks! I didn’t think anybody had noticed.”

“Hey Kenz, want to do me a little favor?” I asked leaning on the banister