Page 21 of False Promises

The crowd sang along.

I lost touch with everything else around me.

Adrenaline coursed through me with an exhilarating intensity as I played my entire set.

Finally, I played “Forever” as an encore.

A ballad that had won me the Songwriter of the Year award a few years back.

“Thank you, Jacksonville,” I screamed, raising my arm over my head to wave at the fans who’d made my night ultra-special. Under cheers and wolf whistles, I exited the stage, as if floating, unable to stop grinning like an idiot.

I did it. I freaking did it.

Pride filled me. After over a year of storms and chaos, I had broken the spell.

I spotted Dahlia still standing on the side of the stage—Jack now in his stroller—and ran straight into her arms, lifting her up and twirling her around.

“Cart, you did it. I knew you had it in you. Can you believe how amazing you were up there? I had goosebumps.”

“Dah, I could have stayed on that stage for days. It felt liberating. Like I was reconnecting with that part of me who had gotten lost.”

“I’m so proud of you.” Her voice broke under the weight of emotions. “And you owned that stage. And faced your fears.”

I lowered her back to her feet. “No, we did it. You might not have been up there with me, but having Jack and you here, believing in me, was all I needed to go through with this.” My eyes darted to the little boy deep asleep, his baby-size noise-canceling earmuffs still on. He snored, sucking on his thumb, unaware of the commotion around him. And the part he played in my everyday life. And tonight. I watched him breathe for a few beats. The peaceful movements of his chest filled me with another wave of pride.

Jack deserved the best. And I’d make it my life’s mission to ensure he thrived wherever he was. Whatever he did. This baby was a part of me, and I loved him beyond words. I studied his breathing for a few more seconds before bringing my attention back to his mama.

I draped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to me.

“I’m sorry I smell,” I said, giving her an apologetic smile, cringing at the sight of my sweat-drenched T-shirt under my plaid shirt, glued to my skin.

“I’ve never cared, Carter. I won’t start now.” Dahlia and I shared a laugh. For months, I thought I’d never smile again. Time proved me wrong. Music proved me wrong. Both had healed some of my wounds. And right now, smiling was all I wanted to do.

June and Riley neared us.

“Carter, you were fantastic out there. From day one, I knew you had it in you to entertain an entire stadium. Success runs in your blood.” He pulled me into a hug. Like he always did. “Man, I’m proud of you. For the kickass show you gave tonight and also for getting up there after everything you’ve been through. I know it was hard, but music is the best therapy you’ll ever get. You proved it again tonight. Big time.”

His words beelined straight to my heart, and my lips shaped into a wide grin.

“Thanks for pushing me to do this, Ry. I needed this. You were right. All along. I’m grateful. Again.”

My friend slapped my shoulder. “Glad you’re seeing it now. Carter, this is the beginning of a new adventure. And it will be awesome. I can already tell. Now relax. Enjoy time with your family, and we’ll talk tomorrow on the tour bus.”

He sidestepped and pulled Dahlia in for a kiss on the cheek and a hug. “Don’t be a stranger. I’ll see you two later. I need to spend some time with your little guy. He’s growing up so fast. Dahlia, I’m glad you came. It feels like old times. It means a lot to me too. And only you could convince this grump to walk on that stage.”

Over the years, Riley had become Nashville’s most sought-after music manager, and together, we were quite a pair in the business.

He shifted his attention to me again. “You killed it, man. Again, proud of ya. Really.”

“Thanks.”

Dahlia and I parted ways with my team, except for Taylor, my security detail, who shadowed me almost twenty-four-seven, trailing a few feet behind us.

“Hotel?” Dahlia asked as I pushed the stroller with one hand and squeezed her hand with the other.

“Yeah. We’re boarding the bus tomorrow morning. Tonight, I have a suite, so you two will stay with me. Anyway, we have some catching up to do.”

My friend chuckled. “I knew you’d say that. June already made sure our luggage was sent to your room. Jack and I, we’ll stay by your side for as long as we’re around. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Her lips drew into an upward curl, and my pulse picked up.