Page 66 of Just Between Us

I try paying attention to what my family is saying. Austin says something about Penny, to which she blushes. I catch the tail end of Aunt Ashley mentioning how good Austin looks. I should pay attention to my family. This is important. But my body and mind betray me.

Don’t look again. Not yet.

But I do. And this time he’s already looking at me, his gaze a physical thing.

Anguish streaks across his face, so brief it’s gone in a flash, replaced by a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. Storm clouds that haven’t yet broken.

You okay?I mouth.

Liam lifts a hand, tilting it side to side.

“Cassie, love. Did you hear me?”

My aunt places a hand on my arm and I wrench my gaze from Liam’s, back to my family. “I’m sorry. I missed it. What were you saying?”

“I asked if you’re ready to grab a plate. We’re all starved.”

Austin looks at his watch and up to the stage. “Yeah, I need to get on up there.” He takes Penny by the hand and they disappear into the crowd.

I smile, thinking about the surprise everyone is in for. A couple weeks ago, Penny confided in Josie and me that she’d be making her singing debut today. She and Austin have been working on some songs together, and they decided today wasthe perfect day to perform them together. Austin gave her his credit card, and the three of us shopped until we found the perfect dress for Penny. And she looks hot as hell in it.

As my family and I go through the line at the food tables, I realize I haven’t seen Tyler yet. This isn’t like him. Tyler is Mr. Punctual, never running late.

“Aunt Ashley, where’s Tyler?”

She pauses and looks around, concern etched across her face. “He didn’t fly with us. He left early this morning and drove—oh, there he is, standing with Penny.”

I look to where she’s pointing, and my relief is instant. Austin cares what Tyler thinks, probably more than anyone else and he’d be crushed if Tyler missed today. My family finds seats at one of the tables, and at the last minute I save a seat for Sam.

Just as Penny starts to sing, he slides into the seat next to me, slightly breathless.

“I didn’t know Penny could sing,” Sam whispers, leaning close. “Did you?”

I shake my head, unable to form words. I’m completely mesmerized by the performance unfolding on stage. I’ve heard my brother sing my entire life. In the shower, in the car, on stages around the country. But I’ve never heard him like this. And Penny. Her voice is crystal clear, the most beautiful melody falling from her lips. They sing like they were made to harmonize.

The song comes to an end and everyone goes wild, clapping and cheering. Josie can be heard two tables over, cheering the loudest.

I turn back to my food, but I find all I can really do is push it around on my plate. I’ve never been happier for my brother, so why do I feel like I’m all twisted up in knots? My mom, Liam, these lackluster feelings for Sam…it all loops and braids together until something heavy settles itself within the folds of my heart. Craning my neck, I look around for Liam, but this time he’s nowhere to be seen.

The next song comes to an end, and murmurs rise around me, but then everyone falls silent when Austin begins speaking.

“Penny. When I look back over the last few months with you, it still feels like a dream. I remember the moment I saw you, chasing me across the parking lot apologizing because you felt like you’d been too mean to me. I knew right then I had to learn everything there was to know about you.”

My ears start to ring and my face grows hot. I know what’s about to happen. I’m flooded with emotion—for my brother who’s fought so hard to get here, for Penny who saved him in ways he’s probably still discovering, for the love that somehow bloomed despite Austin having the worst year of his life.

I try to focus on his actual words, but all I can do is watch as my brother drops to one knee and Penny’s hand flies to her mouth. Her beautiful face is red from crying, and I reach up to find my own cheeks damp from tears. Penny shouts the words, “A million times yes,” and every person here erupts into applause and cheers.

Austin and Penny make their way off the stage, both of them laughing and crying at once. When their feet hit the pavement, everyone surges forward. Family, friends, half of Singing River. Everyone wants to hug them, congratulate them and see the ring.

Sam leans close, but has to raise his voice to be heard. “Hey, I hate to cut out early, but I need to hit the road if I plan on making it before midnight.” Sam is heading home to somewhere in south Alabama. I’m sure he’s told me where he’s from, but at the moment it’s not coming to me. I have a feeling he only came today to see me.

“Text later?”

I nod, and he leans in to press a quick kiss to my cheek, then disappears into the crowd.

The next ten minutes are a blur of chaos, all of us swarming Penny and Austin. I hear her tell someone the ring was hermom’s, and I move in for a closer look. It’s a gorgeous vintage setting that suits her perfectly.

Taking a step back, I let Josie and Penny have a moment, and that’s when I feel him. Liam appears like a shadow materializing, the scent of cigarette smoke clinging to his clothes.