Ethan opened the door to Mad Jack’s bar. The local pub had a way of taking him back in time. License plates covered the walls. Crushed peanut shells were scattered across the old wood floor by customers encouraged to toss the remnants. Large, flat-screen televisions hung from the corners with professional sports games or sports highlights playing.

The small stage set at the far end was still dark, but he recognized the guitar case sitting next to the speakers as Noelle’s. He scanned the crowd, and his heart did a little A-fib when he saw her talking to Ashley. He needed to reserve a seat for Phil, but his feet had other plans. He shuffled toward Noelle like a conveyor belt straight into a melting pot.

“Lookie who’s here.” Ashley tapped Noelle’s arm.

Noelle had poured herself into a pair of faded, frayed jeans. Three-inch loops dangled past her shoulders. She had pulled her hair back into a ponytail, wavy curls drifting down her back. He couldn’t help staring at the black leather vest. It was cinched and laced to perfection. Noelle looked professional. She could easily have been walking onto the stage at Madison Square Gardens, or an awards show. Too bad there wasn’t a backstage at Jack’s, or else he might have dragged her behind the curtain to smudge off the sparkling lip gloss.

Noelle’s eyes met his. They went smoky, matching the darker shades of her eye shadow. He had no idea what Ashley was wearing. He hadn’t taken the time to look.

“Ladies,” Ethan said, loud enough to be heard over the bar’s white noise.

“You’re here early.” Noelle’s surprise didn’t go unnoticed.

“I wanted to wish you luck before you go on.”

Noelle glanced around at the nearby tables. “Ashley is saving a seat for my mom, Jenna, Chase, and Grant. Kym and Zach already flew back to California, so there’s more room. We can squeeze in an extra chair if you’d like.”

He might have told her about Phil’s visit, but she already looked like she’d just swallowed a wad of gum. Besides, Phil might not show—not that he wasn't dependable—but things came up.

“Thanks for the offer. My uncle and Viola are coming. I’ll sit with them.” Because I don’t want you to get nervous if you recognize Phil. The lull in the conversation became uncomfortable.

“You’re looking mighty handsome tonight, Doctor.” Ashley’s grin widened. “Hoping to get lucky?” Her body jerked as if she’d just been kicked.

Noelle glared at her friend.

Ethan would have chuckled if Noelle wasn’t the target of Ashley’s ploy. “I’m just here to support Noelle.” He hadn’t come expecting to get lucky, but right now he was keeping his options open. “Would either of you like a drink?”

“I don’t drink alcohol before my sets, but I'll take water with lemon if it wouldn’t be any trouble.”

“No trouble. Ashley? What would you like?”

“I’m good.”

Ethan’s gaze locked on Noelle. “You sure you don’t want anything else?” A hug? A kiss? A quickie to calm your nerves?

Her face lit up like a Christmas wreath with sparkling lights. “Maybe later.”

Then my vote’s making love until the sun comes up. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

He forced himself to turn away, and made his way to the nearest open spot at the bar.

“Hey, Doc.” Jack nodded while pouring a beer. “Figured you’d show.”

“And why is that?”

“Isn’t Noelle living with you?”

Ethan placed an elbow on the counter and leaned in. “Isn’t there a saying about doctors, bartenders, and priests?”

“I’ve known you a good part of two years, and I’ve never had anything to give you a hard time about. Indulge me, okay?”

Jack took his role as the local search and rescue captain seriously. Only when they’d celebrated at their annual picnic did Ethan find out the group's leader had a wicked sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes.

“Go ahead, take your swings. We’ll see how funny you are next month. Your annual prostate screening is coming up.”

Jack’s face went sullen. “You doctors sure do like to stick things where they don’t belong. You have no sense of humor.”

“I’ve got plenty, but not when it comes to Noelle.”

“It’s good to see you’re returning to the land of the living.” Jack winked, then wiped the counter and tossed down a coaster.

“Funny, but I don’t ever remember my heart stopping.”

“You sure about that? For the past couple years, I’d started to wonder if you were a zombie.”

He couldn’t argue with that. Noelle had certainly stirred his endorphins and eased his pain. “Remind me to tell you about my trip to the wilds of Africa.”

“Deal.” Jack slid a laminated list of beers across the counter. “What’ll it be?”

Ethan requested Noelle’s water with lemon and added a lager to the list. “I’ve got a friend coming from out of town to hear Noelle sing. Do you mind if I reserve one of those small tables next to the booths? Noelle might recognize him, and I don’t want her to get nervous.”

Jack reached below the bar and slid a plastic reserved sign across the wooden bar top. “Help yourself. But you’ll have to watch to make sure no one takes your spot. I swear people don’t take the time to read.”

“Will do.” He loaded the drinks in his hand and grabbed the sign to drop on the table before heading back to Noelle. Ashley had disappeared, leaving Noelle by herself.

Her hand brushed his when she reached for the glass. A spark sizzled up his arm and across his chest to the other side.

She amazed him.

Only a few days before, he dreaded the thought of Christmas, and couldn't wait for the year to be over. Now, he wanted time to slow down—even stop—to give him time to convince Noelle to stay. It was passing way too fast.

“You look nervous.” He sat, and placed a hand on her arm. “You’ve got this.”

“I’m not really nervous, so much as anxious. I want to get on with the show. Thank you for believing in me.”

He leaned closer to her ear. “Believe in yourself.”

“That's easier said than done some days.”

Catching sight of Phil out of the corner of his eye, he grabbed his beer and scooted the chair back. He pressed his lips to her forehead, infusing her with every ounce of courage he could spare. “I’ll let you get ready.”

Her eyes followed him as he stood. “I appreciate all you’ve done for me. You’ve been so kind.”

She spoke as if knowing their time was ending, and he hated it. The clock was ticking, and he hadn’t found a way to get her to stay. Not yet. He hoped Phil would come through. Otherwise, her boat would sail, and he’d be left struggling in the wake.

“Don’t thank me yet. I might have a surprise for you.”

“Oh? What is it?” She reached behind her and pulled her ponytail over her shoulder.

“You’ll just have to wait and see.”

“Sounds intriguing, Doc.”

I hope you find it life-changing. “Have fun tonight. Give it your best.”

“I always do.”

That’s what I’m counting on. He took a step back, then another, then checked his reserved table and found it still empty.

“Phil. You made it.”

The tall, thin man extended his hand. Phil had dressed to blend. His casual jeans and Lumineers band T-shirt didn’t look out of place. But Ethan knew different.

“How’s the leg?”

“Healing, thanks to you. If you hadn’t found me, I don’t think I’d be walking.”

Or alive. “Trapper’s the one who found you. I just followed behind.” Ethan slid next to him at the bar. “I hope you’re not skiing the back country. There are a ton of avalanche warnings.”

The older man placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “Nope. Not anymore. I learned my lesson. I stay strictly in bounds, and I always have a ski partner with me.”

“I can’t believe you were in town and didn’t call.”

“I meant to, but we’ve been doing interesting work in my Aspen studio. I think I’ve signed the next superstar, and I’m excited. I can’t wait to get the single out.” Phil pointed. “Is that the lady friend you want me to hear?”

Ethan glanced over his shoulder toward the stage. “Yes. Noelle Conroy. She's been in Nashville for a while, and is heading to LA soon to try out for a band. Between you and me, the band gig thing smells. That’s why I called you. I think she needs a second opinion.”

“Just so you know, I always give it straight up.”

“That’s all I ask.”

Phil held up his beer glass. “Thanks for saving my life, Doc.”

“Thanks for doing your exercises so I didn’t have to listen to you cuss me out every week.”

Phil placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed while the laughter rolled on. Skiing, family, and sports propped up their conversation while they waited for their food. Phil was a diehard Raiders fan, but could easily be a Bears, Cowboys, Broncos, or Jets fan, since he had recording studios in all his homes. The guy was worth millions, but you’d never know it.

The crowd noise quieted when Mara walked to the stage. She fumbled for the microphone just as Noelle lifted Mara’s hand and placed it on the mic. Mara laughed and faced the audience.

“Hey, folks.”

“Hi Mara,” someone up front hollered.

Mara pulled the mic closer, and let the crowd continue to heckle her as only friends could. When the noise died back, she continued. “A friend of mine’s in town, and I talked her into singing for us tonight. She’s amazingly talented, and homegrown. Many of you know her. Please give a special welcome to my friend, the amazing singer-songwriter, Noelle Conroy.”

Cheers and hoots filled the bar. Ethan looked at the faces of the people he’d come to know, all admiring the woman who’d changed his life.

“Thank you. Thank you. What a warm welcome.” Noelle settled on the stool and adjusted the guitar in her lap. “Normally, I play with a band, but it’s only me tonight, so I’m going to switch it up a little.”

“We love you, Noelle,” Ashley shouted.

Noelle blushed. “Love you too,” she laughed, although Ethan could still see the tension in her shoulders, tension he hadn’t expected to see there. “Let’s get this evening started, shall we?”

Noelle started the set with a toe-tapping tune. Ethan’s garlic fries arrived along with Phil’s burger, allowing them to settle at the reserved table, which sat off to the side of the room with a good view of the stage area.

Noelle finished one song and went straight into another, then another, and another. Ethan ordered another round of drinks. And Noelle continued to play.

Well? Ethan glanced at Phil, but his friend remained focused on the stage, not saying much. Ethan fought to remain still, but apprehension buzzed through his body.

When he couldn’t stand the tension any longer, Ethan casually leaned over to Phil. “Well, what do you think?”

“She’s good.”

Ethan did a virtual, hell-yeah fist pump.

“But…”

His gut clenched, his hell-yeah deflating.

“I’ve heard a thousand artists just like her. Her arrangements are unique, that’s about it. I get the impression she’s just going through the motions. There’s no star quality there. I’m sorry.”

Ethan wanted to defend Noelle, but what Phil said was true. He’d heard her sing in the shower, in her room, downstairs. The underlying passion wasn’t there—not like it was before.

Phil tipped his watch. “I should start heading back.”

“Wait.” Ethan implored. “She just wrote a new song, and I think you’ll like it. I’ll ask her to play it.”

Phil looked skeptical but nodded.

Ethan swerved through the tables like he was rushing toward the emergency room. Although it wasn’t life or death, the situation had become critical. He shifted side to side, his hands clenching again and again, waiting for her to finish.

He checked the back table. Yep, Phil was still there.

The clapping started, then she started strumming to start another song.

No, no, no. Stop.

He waved his hands and rushed to the front of the stage. “Noelle. Noelle.”

“Ethan?” She covered the microphone to keep her irritation from broadcasting into the room. “What are you doing?”

“You need to play the song you wrote.”

“No. It’s not ready.” Her wide-eyed refusal amplified her intense, hushed whisper. “I haven’t had time to perfect it.”

Crap. Don’t start self-doubting now. “It’s perfect the way it is.” Ethan placed a hand on her knee. “Play it for me. Please?”

He held his breath.

“I’m not—”

“Where’s that incredibly talented and confident woman I’ve come to know?”

The pressure in his chest expanded.

“Okay. But if I mess it up, I’m going to blame it on you.”

“Fine.” A sizzle of expectation spread from his fingers to his toes.

“I’ll sing it, but you need to sit there.” She pointed to an empty seat at a table in the front row.

He squeezed her knee. “You’ll do fine.” He gave her two thumbs up.

She nodded, and he took a seat.

“What’s going on?” Maggie asked.

“I’m trying to make your daughter’s dreams come true.”

Maggie gave him one of her familiar gruff glares. “Looks to me like you already have.” Maggie placed a hand on his arm. “Welcome back, Doc.”

Ethan felt the warmth but didn’t hear what Maggie said. Noelle had captured his attention with her sweet lips and amazing green eyes. She didn’t know it, but this was her lucky chance, and he hoped he was her lucky charm.

“This is a song I wrote a few days ago, and I’m still working out the kinks, so bear with me. I hope you like it. It’s about saying goodbye to someone you love.”

Noelle bowed her head and cleared her throat. The song began softly with just the guitar, then the humming started. The passion poured from every cell. She closed her eyes and swayed. When she opened her eyes, she looked directly at him.

Shock made him pause.

She’d changed the words.

The song wasn’t about Brigitte.

It was about her. She was the one saying goodbye. She was saying goodbye to him.

He couldn’t worry about that now. He’d convince her to change her mind...later. Right now, all that mattered was for her to sing her heart out.

When the last cord drifted into the audience, the crowd was stunned into silence. For a heartbeat no one made a sound. No one breathed. Then the applause started slowly while people wiped away their tears. The cheers expanded and escalated until several people were on their feet. She’d done it. She did what she needed to do. He searched for Phil. The music producer was giving him two thumbs up. A river of relief flooded his heart.

“Thank you.” She gulped back the emotion. “After that, I think I need a quick break.”

She was up and off the stage before Ethan could stand.

Maggie brushed by him. “I’d better go check on my girl.”

Ethan took a step to follow Maggie, but decided Noelle’s best option would be to hear what Phil thought. He walked around the edge of the crowded room. “Well?”

Phil handed him a card. “Here's the phone number of my manager in Aspen. Have her give him a call. I want to see what she can do in the studio. If she can write more songs like that, I’ll offer her a contract.”

“Seriously?” Excitement exploded up his arms and down his legs. He should have played it cool. Professionally. But this was for Noelle. “Thanks, man. I appreciate this.”

Phil laughed. “There are no guarantees, Doc.”

“Are you throwing my words back at me?”

“When I asked you if I’d walk again, I wanted you to lie your ass off and tell me everything would be fine.”

“But you had a lot of rehabilitation and hard work in front of you. I promised I’d be there for you. I remember there were a few times I had to threaten to drive down to the rehabilitation center, but you did okay.”

“I appreciated the phone calls.” Phil gripped his shoulder. “Tell your friend she’s got voice lessons and hard work in front of her, but we’ll get her there, especially if she can write songs like that one.”

“Phil.” Ethan held out his hand. “I appreciate you coming tonight.”

“Next time I’m in town, I’ll invite you up to the cabin. We’ll watch a game, and I’ll throw a couple of steaks on the grill.”

Phil’s so-called cabin sat on sixty-three acres. The home, surrounded by aspen and pine trees, had a view from the upper deck of the continental divide that could take your breath away. Plus the ten-thousand-square-foot home boasted a sound studio like no other. “You got it.”

Ethan glanced at Phil’s card, with a name and phone number written in bold black letters. His fingers tightened around the precious piece of paper. Then he extended his hand. “Thanks, Phil.”

“I hope she appreciates you.”

He stared at the hallway where Noelle had disappeared.

“She does.” I hope.

Phil made his way to the door, and Ethan made his way toward Noelle.

Now all he had to do was get the stubborn woman to change her mind.