“Is this? Does this mean what I think it does?”
I nod, my smile taking over, “Yes!”
Alek jumps up from the sofa, knocking over the basket in the process and scoops me into his arms and spins me around. “We’re having a baby?”
I nod again as I lay my hand on his cheek, “Yes we are.”
Alek sets me on my feet as a knock sounds on the door. “Come in.”
Vince steps inside and Alek wraps an arm around me keeping me close to his side.
Vince looks first at Alek and then me and smiles, “Well you two certainly look happy.
Alek gives me a squeeze, “We are. She said yes.”
Vince looks to me for conformation and I nod holding up my left hand. “Yeah? That’s great!”
He shakes Alek’s hand and gives him a hug before kissing my cheek. “Congratulations to you both. I’m really happy for you.”
I smile and lean into Alek’s side once again. “Thanks Vince.”
Vince claps his hands together, “You ready?”
Alek looks at me and grins, “Yeah, I’m ready.” He turns to Vince, “Take care of my girl?”
“Like she was my own,” Vince says as he offers me his arm.
Vince leads me out of the dressing room and to the front row seat, specifically reserved for me. Once I’m seated, he returns backstage to watch the performance.
A few moments later the lights dim and music begins to play. As the lights begin to brighten on the stage, Alek strolls out, violin tucked under his chin. The Bach sonata he plays has long been a favorite of mine, but now it holds even more meaning.
I watch, mesmerized by his movements as he brings the music to life. When the last note fades, the audience begins to applaud, and I couldn’t be more proud that I’m forever going to be part of his journey.
Alek takes a bow and addresses the audience. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much for coming tonight. Tonight is a celebration. Last year, I arrived in Charleston and played in this very theater. I had no idea how much my life would change with just one show.”
His eyes find mine and he smiles before he continues. “You see that’s the night I met the love of my life. The night I found the inspiration I felt I'd lost. The muse I needed to once again create music. And tonight, in the very dressing room where we met, I asked Rose McDaniels to be my wife, and she said yes!”
The crowd explodes into applause again as Alek blows me a kiss from the stage. As the crowd settles down, Alek begins to speak again, “So again, thank you for being here. I hope you enjoy the music and let it speak to you as it did me.”
Alek picks up his instrument and begins to play again. The music washes over me filling me with light and life and I realize, this is what my life will be like from now on. A life filled with light, love and continuous music all wrapped up in the perfect arrangement.
Acknowledgments
Angelina Smith - Thank you for naming these characters and being the first person to read, Alek and Rose’s story.
My Beta Readers - Amanda Whitley & Christina Stewart - Ladies, thank you so much for reading and giving me your feedback. You have no idea how much I appreciate getting your input.
Michael R. Burhans - Thank you so much for editing this book for me. Your insight and suggestions were truly appreciated.
Tracie Douglas - Thank you so much for creating this cover and formatting An Arrangement for Rose. It was a pleasure to work with you and I look forward to working with you in the future.
And last but certainly not least, a huge thank you to my mom, Linda Fields, who not only is the first person to read every story, she is also my biggest fan and supporter and I am forever grateful. I love you, Mom.
All About Michelle
Michelle Rene is author of The Strong Hearts Collection and co-author of The Winter Haven Series.
Born and raised in Kentucky, Michelle grew up in Florida where she still lives today. When not spending time with her family, you can find her writing, or cheering on the Florida Gators. Due to her one-click addiction, Michelle spends her downtime reading one of the many books on her Kindle.
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More Books by Michelle Rene
The Strong Hearts Collection
Decorating With Love
Leaning On Love
A Beautiful Heart
When Love Grows
Standalones
The Flyboy’s Girl – A Photographs Novella
The Winter Haven Series
(Co-written with Xana Jordan)
Nixon
Lyndon
Hayes – Available 2020
Pierce – Available 2021
Michelle Rene is a contributing author in the following Anthologies
Nuts About You
Help Our Heroes
For the Love of Politics
Denim and Blues: A Country Music Inspired anthology
Michelle Rene is a contributing author in the following Coloring Books
Shaded with Love - Volume 2
Cooking with Love