"Ms. James, final sound check has been completed. You go in five."
"Thanks", she said.
Haley looked around. She was at the world famous Radio City Music Hall. Home of the infamous Rockettes, right in the heart of New York City. She had performed there countless amounts of time and the annual live Christmas Eve show was a big event. A few years before she had been thrilled when the executives at NBC had invited her to sing there. It had been fresh and new and nothing put her in the holiday mood more than singing her favorite Christmas Carols outside in the cold weather with the huge crowd and lights of the Big Apple in the background.
Now she wasn't so sure. Considering everything that had happened the last six or so months, the last thing Haley James wanted was to give a holiday concert to a sold out audience on live television. She craved obscurity more than ever but the powers that be at Maverick, as well as her own personal team of managers, agents, and publicists had insisted she accept the gig. After much pressure and even more reluctance, she had finally agreed.
Haley took one last look in the mirror. She had to admit they had done an excellent job with her makeup. It perfectly matched her stylish but casual black maternity dress, dark green overcoat and boots. She could hear Jessica Simpson finishing up her set and she knew it was time for her. A stagehand ushered her in front and she waited for Katie Couric to announce her presence.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this next musician truly needs no introduction but she's one of my favorites so I'll have to give her one anyway. The Grammys, Billboard, and American Music Awards speak for themselves. The platinum albums and the chart topping singles have defined what has been a brilliant career. So without further ado, here to perform her a capella version of Oh Holy Night, please give a warm welcome to Maverick recording artist, Haley James!"
The fans cheered loudly as she stepped onto the stage. She had been nervous and hesitant all night and even though the weather was cold and snowy, all of a sudden she didn't feel a thing except good.
Oh Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth,
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth,
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn,
Fall on your knees,
Oh hear the angel's voices,
Oh night divine,
Oh night when Christ was born
She sang from the bottom of her heart. The soulful tunes reverberated from somewhere deep inside as the people watched her in awe. When she was done, she received a five minute ovation and a call for an encore, which she gave them in the form of her rendition of Silver Bells.
"Thank you", she smiled. "Thank you so much for having me. It's a pleasure to be here with you all tonight. You know, Christmas has always been my favorite part of the year. It has such special meaning for me and for my family and my friends and for my fans. So once again, thank you, thank you, thank you. And Merry Christmas, New York and everyone watching around the world. Happy Holidays and Good night from Radio City Music Hall."
When it was over, she breathed a sigh of relief and headed to the back where a mug of steaming cocoa was waiting for her. She blew on it before taking a huge gulp.
"We have word your driver will be arriving shortly, Ms. James. We have arranged for private pick up in the rear entrance as to avoid the press."
"Thanks", she nodded.
Sure enough, her car was brought around within minutes and they began the journey out of the city.
"Wait", she asked him to pull over to a nice building in Tribecca.
Haley jumped out of the car and went inside, riding the elevator to the designated floor and finding the door she was looking for. She knocked softly and finally there was an answer.
"Hey", he said.
"Hey."
"What are you doing here, Haley?"
"I just finished the Radio City Music Hall performance…"
"I know. I saw", he stated, still not inviting her in.
"Look, Chris I know you're still upset with me from last time but it's been almost two months. I may have been a little harsh and I apologize for that. I haven't been the easiest person to get along with this year and if you never want to talk to me again, I understand, but it's been hard not having my best friend in my life. I miss you and I just wanted you to know that. So Merry Christmas, Chris."
She kissed his cheek before turning to leave.
"Haley, wait…"
"Yeah?"
Chris sighed.
"You want to come in and hang out?"
"I can't. Sorry. I'm on my way to Stratton Mountain in Vermont. I rented a house there for the holidays and my family are waiting on me."
"Oh", he said, a little disappointed. "Okay. Well, I guess I'll see you around when you get back. I'm doing the whole Times Square thing for New Year's and after that, I'm gonna be in London for a week. I'll call you."
A smile crept to Haley's lips.
"Or you could come to Vermont with me right now…"
"Thanks for the offer, James, but I can't."
"And why not?" she folded her arms. "Like you have so many other more appealing options."
"Haley…"
"It's not like you have plans. Were you gonna go back to Tree Hill?"
"Hell no", he laughed.
"Right. You were just gonna sit here all by yourself with no stocking or presents or special holiday meal."
"So?"
"So come with me."
"It's your family", Chris sighed. "I don't want to intrude."
"You won't. You know Taylor and Quinn and Vivian are going to be there as well as my brothers, Tristan and Austin. Of course their husbands and wives and all my little nieces and nephews and Mom and Dad."
"It sounds like a family thing…"
"You are my family", she said softly.
He just looked at her and smiled.
"Alright. Let me grab a jacket and a bag and my guitar."
"What do you need with your guitar?"
"You know better than to ask that", he smirked. "A true musician never leaves home without it."
She nodded and smiled. He was right and to prove it was her trusted guitar waiting downstairs in the car.
It didn't take him long to get ready and soon they were on their way for the 254 mile ride to the rented cottage. They talked like they always had, mostly about the music. And as the road trip lingered on, she fell asleep, her head leaning on his shoulder. He smiled to himself as he held her, belly and all. It felt good to have her in his arms and soon they had arrived at their destination.
The whole crew was there, eagerly awaiting Haley. Her oldest sibling, a brother, Tristan with his wife Jennifer and their two daughters, Alicia and Emma. Austin and his wife, Natalie, with their children Connor and Morgan. Quinn and her husband, Jack, and Vivian with her husband Ryan and newborn, Noah. A beaming Lydia and Jim were in the center of the commotion.
Any gathering of the entire James' clan was always a somewhat whacky sight to behold but no matter how hectic it was, Haley had always cherished those months. It was the family she was born with and the one she loved.
"Aunt Haley?" little Alicia asked.
"Yes, my love?" Haley smiled at the little girl.
"I forgot to leave a note for Santa back home to tell him we were coming here. Do you think he'll be able to find us?"
Haley wrapped her arms around her niece.
"Yes, Alicia", she nodded. "I know Santa will be able to find you here. He knows where you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows when you've been good or bad so you better be good for goodness sake."
Alicia gave her a snaggle toothed grin.
"I've been a good girl. Honest. Ask my mommy and daddy."
"Well, I'll take your word for it. But we have to go to bed early or else Santa won't come, okay? Go put your pajamas on and I'll be up in a minute to read you a story and tuck you in."
"Yea!" Alicia shouted. "Will you read us a story about princesses and dragons?"
"Okay", Haley grinned.
"And will you sing us a song?"
Haley looked at the innocent, beautiful child with the wide eyes and broad smile.
"Of course, honey."
Giggling, Alicia joined her sister and cousins in the children's rooms. A few feet away, unknown to her was Chris. He sat quietly watching her. Still wearing her concert outfit and sitting by the gorgeously decorated Christmas tree, a beautiful glow had been cast upon her. She looked so stunning at that moment and the best thing was, she wasn't even aware of her attractiveness. But more than a pretty face, he had seen something else that evening. All her fears, sadness and anxiety had not been warranted. Just watching her with her niece was incredible. There was even something to be said about her interaction with the younger fans. Children adored her and she was amazing with them.
Chris smiled. It was all going to be okay. There was no doubt in his mind, when all was said and done, Haley James would make a wonderful mother.