Hearts on Fire (The Hunter Family) (24 page)

Chapter 14 – Epilogue – TWO MONTHS LATER

It was opening night, Claire ran over to me and gave me a huge hug and then held my hands in hers.

“Are you ready?”

I smiled at her. “I am more ready than I have ever been.”

“That’s what I want to hear. Now go show them what I’ve known all along, go show them you’re a star!”

I gave her a quick hug. “Thanks! I’ll see you after!”

I danced out onto the stage and did the thing I was born to do. It took me a really long time to get to that place, but I had finally made it, and it felt really good. A couple of hours later, as I took a bow, the crowd was on their feet yelling ‘Bravo!’ and it was an amazing feeling to see that they were clapping for me.
For me!
The energy in the room was palpable and it was a feeling that I would never forget. I glanced at my sister who was standing offstage and tears were streaming down her face. Once the curtain fell she ran over to me and held on tight, not wanting to let go.

“You were magnificent, and so beautiful, Abby! I am so proud to call you my sister.”

I hugged her back and I was trembling with excitement. “Thanks, Claire! This is so crazy!”

A few minutes later, Zane, my mom, dad, Nana Bunny, Uncle Jake, Aunt Lauren, Barbi, Jonny, Skylar, and a few cousins came backstage to congratulate me. Zane handed me a beautiful bouquet of red roses and gave me a sweet kiss on the lips. Everyone congratulated me and after a few minutes I was able to grab some quick alone time with Zane.

His eyes searched mine as he gently caressed my face.

“You were amazing, so gorgeous, it looked like you were floating on air. So, how does it feel?”

My eyes were sparkling as they searched his.

“I can’t even describe it. It is way more than I ever could have begun to imagine. The crowd, the energy…I love it, Zane.”

I put my arms around him and gave him a long hug and then pulled back a bit to look at him.

“Thank you for coming and thank you for the beautiful roses.”

“You’re very welcome, there is no way I would have missed tonight. I love you, Abby and I am so proud of you.”

My face was serious as my eyes searched his.

“I love you too, Zane.”

Then I gave him a quick kiss and a playful smirk.

“You know what? I think you just might be a keeper.”

He gave me that playful smirk right back.

“You know what? I think you might just be right!”

THE END

If you want to know the story of Abby’s family, including her parents’ steamy story and Jonny and Skylar’s story, be sure to read the Hunter Family Series, Books 1-9, available now. Book 1 is free!