A Second Chance at First Love - Chapter 19

This was going to take some courage.

Gemma knew how silly that was. Through her career she'd played in the biggest halls for packed audiences, both as a soloist and as part of the nation's most prominent symphonies. But she'd never been so nervous as she was now, playing in front of her husband.

For this might be the most important performance of her life. She was about to lay her heart bare, put her emotions out in the open, in the way she knew best.

With trembling fingers, she lifted the instrument and began. It only took a few notes for the nervousness to ebb. Before long, the new piece was flowing like the water in a winding river. A few glances at Louis throughout told her she had his full attention. He appeared riveted. That was good—it furthered her determination to see this through.

Finally, when she was done, she lowered the instrument, not daring to breathe until Louis said something.

He gave a shake of his head, as if still processing what he'd heard. Finally, he spoke. "Wow."

Gemma couldn't help but chuckle. "Do you like it?"

"Like is too weak a word. You played that like your whole soul was pouring out of you."

He had no idea how accurate his statement was.

"I don't recognize it," he said. "Is it a new piece?"

She nodded. "I just composed it."

His jaw fell open. "You just came up with that upstairs? Just this afternoon?"

"Yes."

"Wow," he repeated, earning another amused chuckle from her.

"What's it called?"

Gemma cleared her throat, her heart pounding at what his reaction might be when she told him. "My First Love, Again," she answered on a breathless whisper. "Dedicated to my husband."

Several moments passed. Louis didn't so much as move.

"Louis?" she prompted, willing him to say something.

Just when she thought her heart might burst out of her chest with the anticipation, he stood and reached her in two strides. The next moment she was in his arms, tight against his chest as his lips found hers.

***

What a fool he'd been.

Louis let himself just take it all in. The feel of her, the taste of her, the sensation of her heart pounding against his. What she'd just declared in her very own signature way. She loved him! That was all he needed to know.

There was no way in the world he'd walk away from her. They belonged together as husband and wife. The location hardly mattered.

"I love you," he whispered against her mouth, not willing to break away from her mouth just yet. "Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, I want to be by your side."

Gemma reached up to cup his face in her hand. "I love you, too." She laughed, her eyes full of emotion, before adding, "And I know I always have."