The sweet, reedy timbre of Lincoln's tone hit Brooke's ears.  A well practiced, controlled vibrato wavered expertly through his notes as Lincoln undoubtedly was now quickly looking over the music. Exhaling a steady breath, her head refocused into performance mode, fingers flying over the keys reviewing the music.  Brooke had a solo to conquer and simply couldn't afford to be hooked on thoughts of the man sitting behind me.  Already Brooke felt Lincoln's heated gaze burning into the back of her head.  He wanted to talk, huh? 

He'd have to catch her first.

Soon the organ began the introit, settling people into their seats then the welcome was given by the head elder.  As the announcements were being shared, Mel raised his hands to ready the orchestra.  Lifting her instrument, Brooke poised it at her lips ready to begin.  The first song, as expected, went perfectly. The service moved on smoothly.  Trenton did a marvelous job joining the duet during the offertory piece.

Closing her eyes, Brooke submersed herself into the song played next.  It happened to be the one Lincoln covered the sax solo.  The pitch and vibrato he elicited from that instrument was so deeply rich and warm in it's smooth tone. So very much like him.  A smile pulled at Brooke's lips unconsciously as goosebumps dotted her skin.

As song service was announced, Brooke placed her flute on the floor stand then rose.  She hadn't taken two steps before a warm hand gently took hold of her wrist.  When Brooke turned toward the source, worried emerald orbs peered up at her.

"Are you leaving?" Lincoln asked, swallowing nervously.

Brows furrowing, Brooke shook her head. Breath hitching in hyper awareness of his thumb gently rubbing small circles on the tender flesh of my wrist, she licked her lips before answering. 

"I'm chorister today."

Reluctantly, he released her then leaned back in his seat.  Lincoln's nostrils flared as breath once trapped in his lungs exhaled audibly into the thick, tense atmosphere between us.  The sharp gaze of his expressive orbs spoke volumes of how imperative it was to him that they speak today.  Did he want to fix things between them?  Brooke didn't dare to hope. 

Stepping to the podium, Brooke greeted the familiar congregation with a cheerful painted on smile as she had done for years growing up in this church, raising her arms to lead the opening hymn.

****

Through each song, Lincoln stared and watched Brooke sing.  The belle like voice she had, charmed him anew from head to toe and penetrated his soul.  Just like that night at the karaoke bar or hearing her sounds of pleasure.  The nervous glance she gave him as Brooke reclaimed her seat made Lincoln shift anxiously in his own.

Children's story was next.  Small baskets were handed out to the kids in the congregation.  Melody happily took hers, accepting the dollars and returning the generosity of givers with a beaming smile  and a cheerful thank you.  Lincoln chuckled observing her bucket was overflowing more than any others.  With a loving wave, Melody added her bounty to the stack then took a seat near Brooke's feet.

Keenly Lincoln watched the pair, lips smiling weakly as he observed Brooke lazily stroked Melody's curls, attentively twisting some into their intended corkscrew. The loving smile daughter gifted mother was picturesque but Lincoln knew it undoubtedly was genuine.

At the end of the children's story, the kids in the children's choir lined up along the stairs.  Brooke snuck past the gathering munchkins to sit on the front pew, cell phone in hand. Lincoln calmed a bit realizing that as long as Brooke's instruments were in place beside her seat, she wasn't going anywhere. He had a remote chance they could still speak after the service.

True to the mini-me claim, Melody sang her heart out beautifully during their song.  Bright, on pitch and enthusiastic, the miniature Brooke was a musician in the making. When the kids finished, Melody pivoted to him, winked and gifted a thumbs up which Lincoln happily returned.  The playful gesture fueled a grin on his face that seemed to melt Brooke's heart just a tiny bit judging by how her chest swelled and froze as she ascended the steps, pausing midstep.

****

Could there actually be a way he would accept them both? No! Lincoln made his choice and walked away.  This hot and cold game was not fair or healthy for herself or Melody.  The delicate teetering of hauntingly familiar abusiveness brutally fed Brooke's anxiety no matter how illogical it seemed due to the absence of a pattern. On some level, Brooke understood Lincoln's frustration.  No matter how the story was spun, she had kept an important secret from, him.  Guilt was a large source of why she planned to avoid him after the service.  Brooke simply couldn't face him. There was a heavy enough burden on her shoulders being back in this sanctuary after so many months and on this day in particular.

Making her way back up to the platform as the children filed down toward the pew, Brooke cast her eyes down, purposefully avoiding the heated, hope filled gaze of Lincoln.  Now Brooke really had to focus for the solo she would perform next.

Next in the program was the song Brooke would play her solo for.  Mel stood on the platform, giving a short history of the hymn It Is Well which they would play next.  Lincoln listened intently enjoying the sad story of loss yet laced with hope for the composer of the popular church piece.   Brooke softly blew air into her instrument warming the glistening silver body as she strolled to a spot not far behind Mel.

"It is with great joy," Mel began his conclusion.  "That we warmly welcome Brooke back here with us.  Life has not been easy for her," He then turned toward Brooke whose breathing had become ragged.  "But you have remained in our hearts and prayers."

Lincoln noticed she offered a tight lipped smile while rubbing the headjoint of her flute nervously, nodding then stepping up to the music stand as Mel turned toward the orchestra.  With knitted brow, Lincoln readied his own instrument.

Shoulders raised as Brooke inhaled a deep, calming breath attempting to shove away Mels emotional words.  It came from a good place but what few like Lincoln, Trenton and Leena from a pew saw, was that it rattled her.  Concern and curiosity as to why along with a need to comfort washed over Lincoln as Mel counted off to begin the piece.

Eyes closed, inhaling deep controlled breaths to still her racing heart, Brooke sent herself into performance mode.  She had been taught long ago how to convert emotions into energy for her playing.  That is exactly what she did now.  Counting her measures of rest, getting lost in the orchestral introduction, Brooke exchanged a look with Mel who nodded confirmation it was time for her solo.

At first so soft, only those closest could hear, Brooke began with the first verse allowing the words to replay in her mind.

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well, with my soul

The meaning behind those emotional words was clear.  Whether in good times or in bad, with peace in life or when consumed by sorrows as though a stormy sea, God called His believers to remind ourselves that it is fine, everything would be OK.

Always one of her favorite hymns, the words didn't truly slam her with meaning until after both her parents had died.  An ocean of sorrow darkened Brooke's hard, icing over her heart, soul and spirit.

The first sabbath after her mom's death, Brooke bravely readied herself and Melody for the church service.  She drove the familiar streets, so familiar she might as well have been in autodrive.  Choosing a parking spot was easy but then she got out of the car.

Standing at the car staring at the red brick church with towering beige steeple as the church bells rang to signal the beginning of church, the sound rattled Brooke to the core.  Even Melody's voice calling to her was dull.  Heart racing, lungs constricted, Brooke failed to step away from the car.  It wasn't until someone from the church, one of the Elders shook her arms that Brooke came out of her fog.

The same church her parents met, the very same sanctuary they were married in was the same church Brooke and her brother were raised attending.  Then when life turned pear shaped, this church was the same church family who embraced Brooke when her family, her toxic marriage fell apart.  The same church who overwhelmed them with prayers and casseroles when her dad fought cancer.  Twice, losing the second round.  It was the same sanctuary Melody was dedicated in and was where the funeral for her dad was held, ever seat packed with supporters.

To most who knew the history, they weren't surprised that Brooke's attendance slowed, becoming more random but usually was when the orchestra played.  She had plummeted into a dark time, questioning how everything could become well with her soul once again.

Utterly amazed at the heartfelt emotion flowing on the notes from her instrument, Lincoln embraced the stirring in his gut every time he glanced up at her.  Auburn locks bouncing as she moved while playing, fingers flying over the silver keys with the delicate runs adding to the songs emotional story.  There were moments during the chorus Lincoln felt the harmony between her solo and his part.  Those brief moments seemed like it was just them playing the piece.  A purposeful duet in the future was most definitely in order.

The last note held it's extension in unison until Mel swirled his hands to cut everyone off simultaneously.  A moment of silence reigned as the echo reverberated throughout the high ceiling sanctuary.  It was followed by loud Amens and applause.  Brooke offered a faint smile as she retreated back to her seat.

Her back to the audience as Brooke placed her flute on the stand, the subtle cheek swipes were hidden from most.  However Lincoln saw.  With a soft sigh, Lincoln began to reach out for Brooke's elbow but Mel's whispered voice caught everyone's attention.

"Alright folks," He announced softly, raising a single hand.  "Thank you all so much, it was beautiful.  Let's clear off the stage for the sermon."

Blinking twice, Lincoln nearly missed Brooke collecting her instruments then descending the stairs of the platform.  He reached for his own, effectively tangling the neck strap at the same time.  Mumbling and grumbling under his breath, Lincoln flicked his gaze from the knot to the disappearing form of Brooke with Melody skipping in tow.  His window of opportunity was quickly closing.

Finally the knot loosened and Lincoln rose to following Brooke's path but Mel stopped him, offering a hand.

"Thank you so very much for stepping in," He grinned, shaking Lincoln's hand firmly and repeatedly, too enthusiastic to let go.

"Anytime, Mel," Lincoln replied, giving a tight lipped smile.

His grin widened.  "We perform the second weekend every month.  I'd love to get you and Brooke on a duet!  Your tones blend so beautifully!"

If only you know how beautifully we blended, he thought to himself.  That same thought jarred his mind about the mission at hand.

"Excellent!" Lincoln slid his hand out of the shake.  "Give Brooke the music and we'll make it happen!"

Surveying the crowd of musicians in the side room putting away their instruments, Lincoln didn't see any sign of auburn curls.

"Who are you looking for?" A fellow musician asked, seeing Lincoln's frown.

He spun toward the voice, brows raised at the older, heavy set gentleman.  "Um...Brooke.  I thought she came back here."

"Oh yeah, she did," He confirmed.  "Melody had to go to the bathroom so Brooke packed up real quick then left.  It sure was nice having her hear after so many months."

Lincoln's gut twisted after his heart dropped into it.  "Which way to the bathroom?"

After packing up his own instrument in record speed, Lincoln followed the mans directions to the closest bathroom, logically the one Brooke would have taken Melody.

"OK, all buckled in?" Brooke asked Melody as she slid into the driver's seat of her sedan.

With a click, Melody grinned up at the rear view mirror. "Yup!"

"Alright, here we go then!"

Pulling out of the parking spot, Brooke guided the car then shifted to drive but Melody's voice stopped her.

"Momma, wait!"

"What's wrong?" Brooke asked, wide eyed into the rear view mirror.

"Nothing!" She frowned, pointing out the window.  "Lincoln is running toward us waving his arms!.  He looks funny!" Melody giggled, waving enthusiastically.

Shifting her gaze to her left, Brooke saw Lincoln jogging toward them, lips moving hollering something.  Lips pressed to a thin line, jaw clenched, Brooke faced forward and began driving off.

"Mommy!"

"I can't-..." She shook her head, correcting her words. "we can't, Melody.  We have somewhere to be, remember?"

"Oh yeah," Melody's voice and cheerful face sank to a pout, eyes still watching Lincoln who was so close to reaching the car.

Slowly at the end of the walkway just before the parking lot, Lincoln sat his hands on his hips, chest heaving for oxygen as he watched Brooke drive away.  Punching the air, Lincoln was furious he didn't make it out sooner, frustrated Brooke snuck away and dejected he couldn't fix things.  He could only hope another chance would come up and soon.

Brooke ducked out on Lincoln! Uh oh! She's really sad at him, huh? ;)

Do you think she should have stayed and listened? He was the one who walked away, after all...

Enjoy, vote and comment!

<3