///
Jimmy held up the empty Fireball and nodded. "Scout's honor."
"Don't try that again," Grady said with a chuckle. "But seriously."
"That's all I have. I promise. And you know a Heart's word is good."
Grady felt another pang of emotion. Arabella had insisted that she didn't want his promise. She was giving him an out if he wanted it . . . and if possible, it made him love her even more.
The rest of the day flew by in a flurry of activity. Interviews, meet-and-greets, photo shoots, final sound checks, and warm-ups led up to just minutes before Heartbeat was due to take the stage. Finally, Devin corralled the brothers together in the back of the amphitheater.
"This is it," Devin said. "The crowd is buzzing. I just wanted to wish you luck." He paused to clear his throat. "I've always enjoyed working with you, but you know how I felt about your mom and . . . ah damn, this night means a lot to me too."
"We couldn't do it without ya," Grady said, and they all nodded.
Devin squeezed Grady's shoulder. "The mayor is getting ready to introduce you. This town is damned proud of Heartbeat. So don't leave anything on the stage."
"That's the plan," Oliver said.
"And would you look at that, no rain!" Jesse pointed up.
"Don't jinx us!" Oliver said. "Dammit, Jesse."
Devin laughed. "You guys will never change. Well, listen, I've got to catch up with Julie. I'll see you at the RV after the concert."
"Send Arabella back if you see her," Grady requested.
"Will do," Devin said. "I'm sure she's on her way," he added, and sure enough, Arabella rounded the corner a minute later.
"Hey babe." Smiling, Grady pulled her in for a hug and a lingering kiss. "Where have you been all day?"
Arabella stepped back and pointed to the venue. "Here. There. Everywhere. Taking care of little details. Devin gave me a never-ending list. I ducked past him a moment ago. Grady, I think you've forgotten that you've been tied up most of the day too, but that's okay. I wanted to stay out of the way."
"You, in the way?" Grady frowned and grabbed her hand. "Never. I tried to text you. I want you near me all the time," he said, and felt relief when she smiled.
She turned to Jesse, Jimmy, and Oliver. "Well, guys, the big moment has finally arrived! I'm so proud of you all! You've worked so hard."
Jesse gave her a hug and then grinned. "Just don't say the whole break-a-leg thing. That always creeped me out."
"Don't fall off the stage," Arabella said with a grin.
"I was pulled! Why doesn't anyone believe me?" Jesse asked, and then gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Well, then, watch out for adoring fans," Arabella said.
Jimmy stepped forward. "We couldn't have done this without you, Arabella. You've managed to even make me look good."
Grady watched her tear up. He squeezed her hand. "So very true."
"You're amazing," Oliver said. "We're all gonna look good out there because of you."
"Oh, stop." Arabella smiled and swiped at a tear. "Well, I had a lot of talent to work with," she said, and hugged him. "The crowd is absolutely buzzing with excitement. Merch is selling like crazy. Has been all day long."
"It's like Woodstock," Jesse said. "But, you know, without the drugs, nudity, and sex," he added, drawing a laugh from everyone but Jimmy.
"Oh wow . . ." Jimmy inhaled a deep breath. "God . . ."
"Are you gonna puke?" Jesse asked.
Jimmy groaned.
"Come on." Grady gave Jimmy's shoulder a shove. "You're going to be great. You just said so."
"I'd be fine if there weren't any, you know, people out there. I hoped I'd gotten over the whole stage-fright thing but it's rearing its ugly head. This is stupid."
"Some of the best in the business get horrible stage fright," Arabella said. "You're not alone."
"Don't worry, Jimmy," Jesse said. "The audience will be distracted by looking at this." He pointed to his chest and they all laughed, even though Jimmy's chuckle sounded more like a whimper.
"That wasn't a joke." Jesse pulled a face, but then laughed with them.
"I think I have to pee." Jimmy glanced at the RV.
"You just did," Grady reminded him.
"Oh, right."
"Hey guys." Arabella blew them each a kiss. "I'm going to get my primo front-row spot. The mayor is nearly finished with the intro. It's showtime!"