I feel her tense at my side. “Ryder! No. I can’t.”
“Baby.” I lean over and bump my nose against hers. “Listen to them.”
A chant has broken out.
Sing. Sing. Sing. Sing.
“All these people…” Concern is written clearly on her face. “All these lights and cameras…”
“I’m right here. I’m with you.”
The chant increases in both volume and speed.
Sing. Sing. Sing. Sing. Sing. Sing. Sing. Sing.
There’s really no other choice, at this point. Her head nods, she gives a small smile, and with a newly determined set to her shoulders, she brings her lips to my mic.
“Hey, y’all. You’ll have to bear with me — I’ve never performed in public before. But I’m so happy to be here with you.” She glances at me, eyes so bright they singe me. “And with him.”
They scream her name.
Later, I’m going to make her scream mine.
I grin wolfishly, feeling like I’m on top of the damn world. Flying higher than I’ve ever been before.
“Nashville, you’ve been absolutely amazing tonight. This is our last song for you…” Covering the mic, I call back to Lincoln and Aiden. They nod, both fighting grins of their own as they take in the sight of the adoring crowd. I bring my gaze back to Felicity’s and hold it as my voice booms out.
“If you know the words, please sing along with us… This one’s calledFadedby the great Bethany Hayes…”