Author note:
Some sweet fluff. I hope you enjoy! If you are unfamiliar with the the song, I recommend looking up the version by Pentatonix. It is what inspired this chapter.
CH 21-Dream Come True
Clay arrived at the school auditorium for Emma's school's Winter Showcase. He looked around to see if anyone else was there yet. Of course, Jason and Mikey were coming, and he knew Emma had extended the invite to the whole team. He spied Sonny waving to him from the second row.
"Thought you were gonna be late Cowboy." Clay took a seat that was saved for him by Naima and nodded to Jason and Brock.
"I wouldn't miss this. I just had to make a stop on the way." He indicated the dozen roses he held. "Hey Naima, where's Ray?"
"Jameelah is sick so he volunteered to stay home. He knew how much I wanted to see Emma. But he made me promise to get a video. Here," she passed him a program. "Take a look at page 8." She grinned at him.
Clay looked at her a little confused. He flipped open the booklet and located the portion in question.
Performer: Emma Hayes, Senior
Singing "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
Personal Notes: Dad and Mikey, thank you for your support and putting up with
my practicing at all hours. I love you.
Thank you to my Bravo Family for always having my back.
Clay, thank you for being my biggest fan and for being the type of man I am proud to call mine.
You are my dream come true and I love you!
Clay found himself slyly wiping away an errant tear. They had both confessed their feelings to each other months ago. But, to see her put this out there so publicly for everyone to see overwhelmed him. He couldn't figure out what he had done to deserve her. He could tell that Naima had observed his response. She winked at him and squeezed his hand. Thank goodness the lights dimmed so he didn't have to deal with Sonny or Brock seeing his reaction.
They sat through about 45 minutes of other performers until it was Emma's turn. The stage was bare except for a stool and one spotlight. She walked out wearing a beautiful grey sweater and a shimmering skirt and positioned herself on the stool. Her hair was in soft curls and her blue eyes shone in the light.
Her voice was clear and strong. He could tell she was having an affect on Jason and Naima, and even Sonny. But her eyes were locked with his for the entire performance. As her last note faded, all of them stood to their feet and applauded. Sonny let out an ear-piercing whistle and Emma laughed. Clay looked around and could see many others in the crowd on their feet as well. He was so proud of his girl. His smile stretched across his entire face. He sat politely through the rest of the performances but was anxiously waiting to speak to Emma.
After the last performer, the announcer called everyone back on stage for a final bow. Then the house lights came up and Emma walked down from the stage to greet her family. Clay hung back, letting Jason and Mikey go first.
Jason wrapped her in a huge bear hug that picked her up off the ground. "You were amazing honey. I am so proud of you."
"Thanks Daddy." She kissed his cheek and returned his embrace.
"Hey Mikey. What did you think?"
"You were great Emma." The two hugged and Jason's smile got even bigger.
Sonny and Brock both gave her hugs and let her know how much they had enjoyed her performance. Naima spoke up next. "Man, Ray's going to be sorry he missed this in person. But at least now I can show him and the kids how incredible you were." She hugged Emma and gave her a kiss on the cheek. When Naima released her, Clay was standing there offering her the roses he had bought her.
"Emmie…I…I don' t know what to say. You are unbelievable."
"Thank you and thanks for the flowers. I'm happy you enjoyed the song." But it wasn't just her performance that had his emotions laid bare. "Honey, it wasn't just the song…"
Jason spoke up before he could finish. "Why don't we go celebrate. Who wants pizza?" Naima begged off to get home to the kids. Both Brock and Sonny said they'd come for a while. He didn't even need to ask Clay. He knew wherever Emma was, Clay would be there. They gathered at their usual place and enjoyed pizza and some beers, (seltzer and soda for Emma and Mikey.)
After Brock and Sonny left Jason started to herd Mikey out the door for home. He could tell by the way Clay and Emma looked at each other that she wouldn't be coming home tonight. He gave her another hug and kiss and said goodnight.
She and Clay walked out to his truck. He opened the door for her and helped her in. Clay held her hand and kissed it as he drove. He was grateful Jason hadn't raised any objections to Emma going home with him. He needed to try and show her what she meant to him. He needed her.
