Page 124 of Resisting the Fall

“I’m sorry to keep you.” Jean-Paul appeared genuinely apologetic. “I’ll get right to the point. I know from our most recent email exchange that you aren’t looking for any opportunities, but I was just speaking to the music director of the New York Philharmonic. He was lamenting about having lost out on adding you to their ranks and was wondering if you’d be willing to be on their substitute list. Besides practicing on your own, you’d only need to rehearse with them the week preceding a performance and then stay through the duration of the concert series—so the whole commitment would be two weeks typically.” He paused. “I know it’s always been a dream of yours—to play for the New York Philharmonic—and I was thinking this would be the perfect opportunity to accomplish it.”

“How many substitutes are on the list?” I asked.

“Per instrument, usually three to five, so she’d likely only ever sub a few times a year.”

Before I could even start to think through logistics, Maven was shaking her head. “Jean-Paul, I’m honored by the offer. I really am. And maybe one day, if it’s still an opportunity open to me, I’d consider it; but for now, I really want to focus on my family. I want to soak in every moment with my babies while they’re little and spend every opportunity I can get with my husband.”

Jean-Paul pulled in a deep breath but then gave a nod of acceptance. “Well, if the time ever comes that you decide you would like to pursue the opportunity or something similar, please reach out.”

“I will.” She lifted on her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck to hug him. “It was so good to see you.”

Her gesture clearly surprised him, but he was soon smiling and returning her embrace. “Congratulations to you both on your beautiful family.” He turned toward me and shook my hand.

I found my smile coming more easily than I’d thought possible. “Thanks.”

Once Jean-Paul had walked away, I grabbed the violin case and took hold of Maven’s hand, the two of us stepping outside into the crisp fall air. “That’s quite the opportunity you just passed up.” I glanced over at her. “If there’s any part of you that wants to take it, I will fully support you.”

“I know you would, but right now, I’m perfectly happy.”

I stopped walking and faced her. “But just because you’re happy doesn’t mean you couldn’t be happier. Playing in the New York Philharmonic has always been your dream. Even if it isn’t the main one anymore. And the commitment would be a portion of what it would be if you were just in the orchestra. Plus, we have such a great support system here in Autumn Ridge⁠—”

“Bennett Walker,” she said, quieting me instantly. “I’m allowed to change my dreams.” Her expression held no indecision or regret.

“You’re sure?”

“I’m positive.” She paused, a small grin pulling at her lips. “Besides, we’re going to be plenty busy with the new baby.”

I stared at her, a smile slowly making its way onto my lips. “You’re pregnant?”

She gave an excited nod. “You know I wouldn’t tease you about something like this.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, I set down the violin case and lifted her up, spinning her around and making her giggle in delight. When I finally set her down, I stared into the big green eyes of the woman I would do anything for. “Mrs. Walker, how is it that life with you just keeps getting better and better?”

“I guess we’ll have to chalk it up to what happens when we’re living our dream.” She gave a little smirk. “Though, as perfectly happy as I am, I do wonder what some ice cream might do to my overall contentment levels.”

I laughed. “Is there anything else I can do to contribute to your overall contentment levels?”

Maven pursed her lips, sending my gaze straight to them. “I wouldn’t say no to a kiss.”

She didn’t have to ask me twice. I slid my arms around my wife’s waist and kissed her like no one was watching.