Once More From the Top (The Women of Willow Bay) (19 page)

“I love you too.” Julie leaned back and gave her a broad wink. “And honey, that man’s butt? Just a great bonus.”

TWENTY-SIX

Carrie’s life settled into a comfortable routine as summer lingered. Liam rehearsed every day before the benefit, in addition to making trips to Lawson to see Jack. Returning home euphoric, his demeanor had shifted from relaxed vacation mode to one of vigorous activity. He hit the apartment each evening still full of enough energy to sweep her off her feet, dancing her around the living room, playing the old piano, singing and teasing her mischievously as they cooked supper together.

The high he was on even affected their lovemaking—it seemed he couldn’t wait to tug off her clothes and fall into bed to spend the night kissing and touching. Carrie was astonished at the passion and intensity of the feelings he provoked in her and how he absorbed her thoughts throughout the day.

Hurrying home each evening to prepare for him, she pulled out all the lingerie Julie had insisted she buy over the years—delicate, lacy things she’d never worn. It was a great pleasure to slip into something delectable she knew Liam would get a kick out of removing later.

The fervor they shared also showed in her gig at the bar in Traverse City, almost as though her reawakened libido manifested in her playing. Liam, Will, and Tony appeared one Saturday night, applauding vigorously after each number and sending up requests that kept her at the piano until well past midnight.

Later, at home, he urged her to leave the smoky eye shadow and sexy black underwear on, and then lavished so much sensual attention on her that she practically passed out from sheer ecstasy. Afterward, she couldn’t help teasing him about preferring the sultry lounge player to her.

“Never,” he’d mumbled, lying sated with his head on her belly. “But it’s fun to play with fantasies, don’t you think?”

“It is.” A long shiver raced through her. “Want to be Johnny Depp for me next time?”

“Sure.” He yawned as he nodded and his hair tickled her skin. “You want Jack Sparrow or the Mad Hatter?”

“Um, how about Roux from
Chocolat
?”

“Chocolate, too? Good god, woman, you’re insatiable.”

Curling her fingers into his hair, she tugged gently to bring his lips up to hers. “Your fault. You showed me all this delight, Maestro.”

* * * *

The day of the benefit finally arrived and after a hurried brunch, Liam and Will took her Jeep to drive to Lawson, where they’d pick up Jack and then go on to Interlochen. The plan was for her to drive Liam’s sports car and meet them backstage after the concert at Corson Auditorium. Will hung their tuxes in the back of the Jeep as Liam handed over the keys to the Mercedes to her. Myriad instructions came with the keys, and he ran back up the steps to kiss her one more time and remind her again about the temperamental clutch on the old roadster.

She spent time on her laptop after they left. The photos from the YMCA day camp needed to be edited and a link emailed to the director. But she also had a disk full of pictures she’d taken of Jack and Liam that she was anxious to see. She’d snapped them in every possible situation—down on the beach tossing a Frisbee, on Liam’s boat, swimming in the cold water of Lake Michigan, and watching the sunset at the lighthouse. There were photos of the two of them with Eliot, with Margie and Noah in the bait store, fishing with Will and Tony, and swabbing the deck on the
Allegro
. But the ones that moved her most were the pictures she took of father and son at her mother’s old piano one rainy afternoon.

One was of Jack, his young face so serious, concentrating intently on Liam’s instructions. And one of Liam, his glasses down on his nose, watching his son working through an intricate fingering pattern. Jack with a pencil stuck behind his ear, leaning on the edge of the piano while Liam experimented with a melody the boy had composed. Liam standing behind his son with his hand on his shoulder as he listened to Bach’s “Jesu”
. And Jack laughing, his eyes bright with delight as his father treated him to a rowdy rendition of an old Rolling Stones tune. There had been music, joy, and excited chatter that rainy day and it showed as she clicked through the pictures on the screen.

The last photo on the disk was of the two of them together at the piano. Liam’s hands were over Jack’s, his own fingers guiding the boy’s in a fingering sequence from a difficult Schubert piece—she could still hear the haunting melody as she stared at the screen. Jack’s adoration for his father showed clearly in his expression as he looked up at him. Liam gazed down at his son with incredible tenderness. The candid moment brought tears to Carrie’s eyes, and she blinked several times to clear her vision.

With a sigh, she walked to the kitchen to pour another cup of coffee, taking it over to the big window overlooking Willow Bay. Sipping slowly, she watched the gray-blue water shimmer in the noon sun. This lake had been her only source of peace since she’d arrived, pregnant and alone. Every time she was upset, tired, frustrated, or lonely and thinking of Liam, she knew she could find serenity on the lake. A walk along the shore or even just out across the docks cleared her mind and heart and prepared her to face the world again.

But now, the need was for Liam, the warmth and haven of his arms, the security of his lips on hers, the joy of his driving hunger filling her emptiness. Julie had told her that
she
was home for Liam—and maybe that was true—but the fact was
Liam
was also home for her. Not this lovely little town or this apartment or even the vast expanse of water below. And she hadn’t been willing to open her heart and give as he was giving.

Dear God, Eliot’s right. Can I really allow him to abandon such an elemental part of himself?

Instinctively, she knew he would never ever ask such a thing of her. Hadn’t he already shown her that? It was time to consider all the good things about sharing Liam’s life.

They would be together, a real family. Jack would have his father in his life, and she would have the man she’d always loved by her side. She and Jack would be part of a large loving family and holidays would be big noisy events with grandparents and cousins and aunts and uncles. Jack had missed that for so many years.

Jack’s career would soar with Liam as mentor and he’d be able to reach his full potential as a pianist and musician. She
could
take pictures anywhere. How thrilling would it be to take her camera to all the lovely places he traveled to? To capture grand old theaters and concert halls? To photograph Liam in front of orchestras all over the world? And to take pictures of Jack onstage at Julliard and later, perhaps Carnegie Hall? The thought sent a frisson of delight through her.

It’s time to go, time to move out into the real world, time to stand by Liam’s side and be the whole, nurturing woman he deserves.

Her son needed her
, too—needed her to release him and allow him to experience the marvelous things in store for such a gifted and talented young man. Jack deserved all the opportunities she and Liam could provide, whether it was finishing high school at Interlochen or moving to Chicago and studying with a new and different master. That would be a choice they would make together.

If
Liam wanted to continue touring, he should. She wouldn’t stand in his way. There was music yet to be interpreted, orchestras that needed his special touch. And for her, so many photographs were out there waiting to be taken, pictures of amazing and remarkable sights all over the world. Senior pictures and Sunday school picnics paled in comparison.

Carrie set her cup on the window seat and twirled around the high-ceilinged room, laughing out loud in sheer joy.

Plopping down on the piano bench, she ran her fingers from one end of the keyboard to the other. Then she began a rollicking ragtime tune, pounding the keys in wild abandon. She wanted to skip, shout, fly—this freedom of spirit came from deep within her. She was set free and overflowing with energy.

Finally, my life’s going to begin!
Maybe I can even do a book about concert halls around the world. How great would that be?

All of a sudden, it was vitally important to talk to Liam. Grabbing her purse from the countertop, she picked up his keys. But as she started for the door, a glance at her watch stopped her. Damn, he was probably at Lawson getting Jack. Then he and Will had meetings with the TSO director and Dave Lawson. After that, he’d have just about enough time to change and help Jack get into
his
tux before he had to be onstage. She picked up her cell phone, but set it back down.

This wasn’t news for the telephone.

Talking to Liam would have to wait until after tonight’s concert.

TWENTY-SEVEN

Bursting with excitement, Carrie squirmed in her seat in the center of Corson Auditorium, alongside Eliot, Margie, and Noah. The concert had sold out, and Liam and Jack were backstage. She craned her neck, hoping to catch a glimpse of them in the wings, but people filing by and packing the enormous auditorium blocked her view. Student ushers hurried up and down, checking tickets and leading people to their seats.

When she saw Julie and Charlie coming down the outside aisle, she held up her hand to signal to them. Julie—stunning in a black wrap dress and pearls—caught her eye and hustled Charlie down to their seats.

It was a warm night for late July in Michigan so Carrie had opted for a lined, knee-length silk chemise in a deep rose color with a light crocheted shrug over it. She’d slipped the simple dress on over a lacy hot pink thong and matching bra—her first time to wear a thong. She wasn’t entirely sure it was working for her, but it would probably work for Liam.

She tried but couldn’t convince Jack to dress more casually. No doubt he was sweltering in the tux he and Liam had bought in Traverse City. However, Jack was adamant—if Dad was going black tie, so was he, and Liam had gotten a huge kick out of taking him up to the city to buy the new suit.

She fidgeted restlessly as the theater filled to capacity. Dave Lawson had to be thrilled—his promotion of the benefit had paid off in spades. The event even brought out the Traverse City media. There had been television vans clustered in the parking lot when she arrived.

Julie leaned over Eliot to tap her on the knee. “Great crowd. I’ll bet Dave’s over the moon.”

“I imagine he is. He was practically bouncing around the lobby earlier.”

“Hey, I saw Jack and Liam during the reception. What’s with the kid’s formal wear?”

“His choice.” Carrie shrugged. “I think because Liam’s wearing one.”

“Who knew that kid would look so fabulous in a tux? Little Lanie Palmer was all over him.”

“Yeah, I saw that. She was pretty clingy, but I think Tessa Nolan’s going to give her a run for her money.”

“Is she that tall brunette in the ivory mini-dress?” Julie asked. “Legs up to her neck?”

“Yup. She plays the flute. They’ve been at Lawson together for years, but this year, he finally noticed her.” Carrie shook her head. “Jules, am I ready for Jack and girls?”

“You better
get
ready. He’s dropping them in their tracks.” Julie scanned the crowd. “Where
is
that kid, anyway?”

“Backstage. Liam told him he could watch from there.”

Eliot touched her arm. “This is the largest crowd I’ve ever seen at one of these benefits. You’d think they all somehow knew this was his
last
concert appearance, wouldn’t you?”

She shook her finger at him and frowned. “Don’t start, okay?”

“Start what? He told me he was done after tonight.” Eliot brushed at his immaculate linen jacket and sighed. “The music world’s losing a great treasure, thanks to you.”

A twinge of guilt nipped at her for letting him get indignant so unnecessarily, but Carrie simply smiled. “You know, Eliot, if I didn’t love you so much, I’d seriously consider punching your lights out. You’ve got a real attitude going.”

“And I love you too, which is why I’m sorely tempted to haul you over my knee and give you the spanking you’ve so richly deserved for years.” Eliot’s eyes flashed sapphire blue in the house lights.

Giggling, she patted his gnarled hand. “Well, don’t do it here. The concert’s about to begin and I’d hate to steal any of Liam’s thunder with a brawl in the audience.”

Dave Lawson stepped out onto the stage, raising his hand to silence the crowd. For once, he was succinct and to the point. “We’d like to welcome all of you tonight and thank you for participating in this benefit for our music camp. We’ve raised a great deal of money with this event—money that will enable us to continue serving young musicians from across the country. It’s all due to our wonderful guests, the Traverse Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Liam Reilly.”

He extended his hand stage right. Deafening applause greeted Liam as he came out, tall and breathtakingly handsome in his black evening clothes. Carrie’s stomach flipped as he shook Dave’s hand and then walked energetically to the podium. With a brief smile and nod to the audience, he put on his glasses and picked up the baton.

The concert opened with Rossini’s Barber of Seville Overture and moved immediately into Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. The eclectic mix of classical and contemporary music, from Dvoràk’s New World Symphony to a medley of songs from
Rent
and the
Lion King,
showed Carrie exactly how gifted her lover was. She was delighted with each piece he’d chosen, and her heart sang throughout the entire program.

From the first note, Liam held the enthralled audience in the palm of his hand, leading them through his own musical land of enchantment. He stopped now and then to step off the podium and speak for a moment about a composer or a particular piece of music they were going to hear, charming everyone with his impressions. Two hours had passed in a heartbeat by the time he broke for a brief intermission before the finale.

Carrie sat spellbound as the house lights came up and a hum of activity began around her. She was caught in an other-worldly kind of haze. Seeing Liam conduct on television was a fascinating experience. Watching him perform his own brand of magic live was exhilarating. All concept of time, all reality of the venue were lost as she got caught up in Liam’s stirring interpretations.

She found a peculiar thrill realizing that this provocative, passionate musician brought the same allure and intensity to baton and podium that he brought to the intimacy they shared.
He was a heady combination of earthy sensuality and straightforward intellectualism that would be difficult for anyone to resist. No wonder women were wild about him, and how delicious that he was hers and hers alone.

“He is exceptional, isn’t he?” Eliot’s voice brought her back to the auditorium and the buzzing audience.

She nodded wordlessly as the house lights dimmed, unaware they’d moved a large grand piano onstage until she glanced up to see it center right.

Eliot looked over at her, curiosity evident in his expression.

Every muscle in Carrie’s body tensed, almost as if she could physically sense what was coming. She peered down at her program, but all that was written there was
Finale
.

Liam walked onstage and standing next to the piano, turned to speak to the audience.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this trip to Michigan has been an extraordinary experience for me. Working with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra has been a rare privilege. What amazing musicians.” He extended his hand toward the orchestra.

The concert master rose and led them in a bow as the audience applauded loud and long.

When they quieted, Liam added, “I’d also like to thank all of you for coming out to support Lawson Music Camp, a wonderful organization working with the children who will be our future composers, conductors, and musicians.”

He asked the campers in the audience to stand and also acknowledged the instructors, the parents, and Dave Lawson.

When the applause died down once again, he smiled and gave an endearing shrug, then glanced down almost self-consciously. “I found another unexpected pleasure here in this beautiful place.” He paused, peering into the center section of the audience. “The woman who stole my heart over fifteen years ago.”

The audience members who didn’t already know about the family reunion craned their necks and turned in their seats to see if they could figure out who he was talking about as he went on.

“We discovered that absence can indeed make the heart grow fonder—we’re getting married next month.” He beamed at Carrie as her face flushed hot, but she gave him a shy smile to the delight of the enamored crowd. “You’ve welcomed me so graciously, and I’m looking forward to living in Willow Bay and counting you all as friends.”

Apparently, the wedding was no longer a secret, but Carrie didn’t mind a bit when the audience buzzed. She was a part of his world now and just the thought sent a tingle of excitement through her.

Julie leaned around Eliot with a big grin. “We all love a love scene, kiddo.” she stage-whispered, drawing laughter from several patrons around them.

Carrie winked at her before turning her attention back to Liam onstage as he spoke to the crowd.

“Our finale is a particularly special piece of music to me personally, made even more so tonight by the fact that our guest pianist is my son.”

He paused at the unison intake of breath from the audience.

Carrie’s heart leapt in her chest. She glanced at Eliot who reached over to take her hand in his as Liam continued.

“I’m so proud of him. He’s a gifted pianist. Besides being a student here at Interlochen, he’s also a Lawson alumnus and counselor. At his request, I’m introducing him to you by the name he’ll be using in a few years when he begins playing professionally.” Liam accepted applause with a smile as he briefly lowered his eyes to Carrie’s. He looked back at the audience, extending his hand stage right. “Ladies and gentlemen, Haydn’s Concerto in C Major with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra and
soloist Jackson H. Reilly.”

Jack—mature and handsome in his formal clothes—walked confidently across the stage to the grand piano, settling himself on the bench. He gazed up at Liam, who had moved to the podium. But in an utterly Reilly gesture, he turned to the audience and tossed a quick nod to his mother.

Liam stepped away from the podium to turn back to the audience. “Folks, musicians are, by nature, a sappy lot and I’m no exception. I haven’t dedicated a piece of music to anyone since my high school prom, but tonight”—his voice trembled slightly— “tonight, Carrie, this is for you—from Jack and me.”

He stepped on to the podium and tapped the baton. With a quick smile at Jack, father and son began to weave a magic spell.

Carrie sat entranced, blinking back tears, totally unaware that the audience was almost as interested in her reactions as they were in the drama onstage. She allowed herself to become immersed in the music that had been her own swan song so many years ago.

Liam and Jack were in complete harmony, and together with the orchestra, brought all the passion of Haydn’s music alive. Jack performed the piece with exquisite technique.

So caught up in the music, she was barely aware of Eliot’s hand squeezing hers as the final measures were played. With her heart soaring, she was one of the first on her feet in ovation.

Liam stepped down from the podium to meet his son center stage. Side by side, they bowed low to the audience, then separated to extend their hands to the orchestra. The concert master nodded, the musicians rose as a unit to accept the recognition before Liam and Jack came together again bowing to thunderous applause.

“They look good together, don’t they?” Eliot said in her ear over the applause.

She turned to him, tears glistening in her eyes. “They do. And this is just the first of many ovations for the two of them, Eliot.”

Eliot’s face filled with joy as he grasped her shoulders and hugged her close. “Thank God you saw the light! It’s the right thing, Carrie, you know it is. ”

Carrie leaned against his bony shoulder, pressing a kiss on to the old man’s lined cheek. “It’s what I owe the world, Eliot, remember?”