“And the winner for Country Album of the Year is… Aerie Boone!”

The applause was deafening and so was the thundering of my heart. Even though I heard my name, processing it was something else altogether.

“Princess,” Nate said right beside my ear. “That’s your cue.”

My eyes latched onto his, asking if this was for real, as he stood, pulling me to my feet along with him. The entire row we were sitting in stood, closely followed by everyone else.

“You need me to carry you to the stage?” he asked, smiling wide.

I squealed and kissed him quickly. Ten, Violet, Derek, and even Violet’s brother Vance were all here tonight. All people I had come to love. All people who became the family I never had. My eyes filled with tears as they smiled and congratulated me as I moved toward the stage.

Onstage, I was oddly transported out of this epic moment and back to another night when I’d been on a different stage, under lights, and glancing out at an empty auditorium with Nate’s arms around me from behind.

That wasn’t the night it began for us, but it did define who we became as a couple. Without him and his support, I knew I probably wouldn’t be standing here clutching this prestigious award (or any of the other three I’d won earlier in the night—including Country Artist of the Year).

The crowd grew silent when I stepped up to the mic. My eyes sought and found Nate, who was still standing, smiling up at me with pride and love.

“I just want to thank everyone for giving me a chance to say who I really am and for letting me really discover it for myself with this album.” There was more applause, and I caught my breath. “To Time Track, for believing in me and staying with me even when the situation was less than ideal. And to the fans who have listened to the music and sent their love.”

I looked at Nate again, standing there in a deep-green velvet tuxedo jacket and a stupid bowtie that he somehow made look so freaking sexy.

“And finally, but definitely not least,” I said, smiling at him as if he were the only one in the crowd.

“I like being last!” he yelled out, and people laughed.

“You’re definitely my last,” I told him, putting a hand over my heart. People stopped laughing and awed. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, Nate, the man who not only helped write Confessions, sang background vocals on our song “Reality,” but also changed my life and my heart. This album isn’t just mine. It’s ours. You’re the best partner any girl could ask for, and I love you so much. Thank you for seeing a princess when the rest of the world saw a toad.”

I turned away from the mic to be escorted offstage by the presenters when the crowd started laughing and applauding. I turned back in time to see Nate bounding up the stairs, two at a time, and rushing across the stage.

The green velvet of his jacket brushed my bare arms and closed me in softness when he swept me close. I laughed. He bent me backward, dipping me toward the floor and kissing me deeply right there in front of everyone.

The applause was deafening. The background music came up, and the presenters around us cheered.

Nate lifted his face, still keeping me captive in his arms. “I’m proud of you, princess. And I love you more than Fruity Pebbles.”

I was still beaming when we made it backstage, where Byron Ryan was waiting.

“Aerie.” He spread his arms wide. “Way to clean house tonight!”

I felt myself blushing as I smiled. “Thank you for everything, Mr. Ryan.”

“Byron.” He corrected. “And you did all the hard work. Both of you.”

“You were right,” I told him. “Telling my side of the story on my album instead of releasing a statement or two was so much more cathartic. And it was a way for me to get out so much without actually having to confirm if it was all true or just part of the song.”

People were still speculating, and Will was subject to a lot of the speculation… none of it good. That, along with the legal troubles his daddy bought him out of, insured Will Solberg’s reputation was less princely and more… toad.

Giggle.

“Stick with me, kid,” Byron said. “Your next album will be even better.”

“I’m counting on it.”

“And you,” he said, turning to Nate. “Be expecting a call from my office on Monday. I’m about to keep you very busy.”

Nate nodded, then amended. “As long as you know Aerie is my number one, then I’m down for any work you throw my way.”

My heart tripped a little. I liked being someone’s top priority above money, success, and fame. For a girl who had been from poverty and alone to rich and popular and back to isolated and broken… I knew a lot about all the different states a woman could live in.

But there was one that topped every single one.

Being loved by Nate.

I took his hand, lacing our fingers, and gave it three little squeezes. I love you. He returned the gesture instantly, leaned over, and kissed my head.

Byron stared between us and smiled. “Of course, of course. Wouldn’t even try to keep my dream team apart.”

I leaned into Nate’s side and smiled.

“Now you two go on. Enjoy your success tonight, Aerie. I’ll be in touch.”

When he was gone, we were treated to what I knew was probably the only minute we were going to get alone for a while.

“So once we blow this joint, what party does my girl wanna hit up first?” he asked, pulling me into his chest.

I wrinkled my nose and pursed my lips. “I think we should get on our new plane and go home.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Tennessee?”

I nodded. I barely stayed in L.A. anymore. Nate moved into the ranch house, and now with him and Cheeto there, it was the only place that felt like home. Though, his dad’s house was a close second.

My hands slid down his back, and I cupped his butt. “The only party I want to go to is a private one. The only clothes allowed is that bowtie you’re wearing.”

He smirked. “Chicks dig a bowtie.”

I laughed.

“What about the rest of the family?” he asked.

“They can fly down with Ten in the morning. We can all celebrate then.”

“I like the way you think, princess,” Nate mused, kissing me.

From behind, someone called out my name, and I groaned.

Putting his hand on my lower back, Nate directed me toward the waiting crowd and photographers. “C’mon. Let’s do this thing so I can get you alone.”

We didn’t sleep at all that night. And while it wasn’t the best night of our lives (I knew there were even better ones to come), it sure came close.