Page 153 of One Last Shot

“You’re the missin’ piece, the melody to my song.

With you, I’ve found where I truly belong.

Underneath the stars, hand in hand, side by side,

In your embrace, I’m living a blessed, forgiven life.”

The last of the song faded, and he opened his eyes to cheers, clapping.

“Now, how about a Happy Birthday song?”

He did a fancy lick, then settled into the song, the friends singing along.

Maggie beamed.

Her mom disappeared and in a moment, headed back with the cake, candles burning.

She set it on the table, and Maggie rolled up, blew out the candles.

Cheering, and he gave her a high five, then stepped back as Stella cut the cake.

Boo slid her hand into his. “That’s a future number-one single.”

He glanced at her. “At least now I know who I wrote it for.” He winked.

“Are you putting that in your album notes?”

“Maybe I’ll reveal it on Fallon.”

She shook her head. “Perfect.”

“Hey . . . areyou . . . are you Boo Hoo?”

He stilled even as Boo’s smile faded. She looked past him to Maggie, who held a piece of cake on her lap.

“I was,” she said.

Maggie’s mouth opened. “Oh my—Mom! Mom—do you know who this is?”

Oh no. Oaken glanced at Boo. “Should we leave?”

Boo, however, had found a brave smile.

Stella came over.

“Mom, this is Boo. Boo Hoo. You know, fromSurvivor Quest?”

Recognition flashed over Stella’s face. “Wow. This is a real treat. I...” She looked at Maggie. “Should we show them your room?”

Oaken raised an eyebrow.

“Oh,” Maggie said. She wrinkled her nose.

“Okay,” Stella said and turned back to them. “Maggie is a huge fan. She used to watch the show during PT, right after they put in her spinal stimulator, when they were trying to get her legs to move.”

“Yeah. It worked too,” Maggie said. She handed her mom the cake.

And then Oaken’s hand tightened in Boo’s as Maggie pushed herself up from the chair. Grabbed onto her mom, who’d put the cake down too.