Rookie Mistake (California Dreamers #4) (12 page)

Epilogue

Two Years Later

I stare at the diamond ring on my finger as it glistens under the theater lights. The university’s performing arts center is enormous. It’s at least four times the size of the high school’s auditorium, which was the last place I saw Hadley perform.

“I’m still trying to get used to the fact that I’m married to a detective.” Cody gives me a kiss on the cheek. “I have a case you can investigate. The missing black sock. A pair of socks go into the wash, but only one sock comes out of the dryer. Where could the other sock have gone? Inquiring minds want to know.” 

My promotion was finalized a few weeks ago, but he still loves to tease me about it. Even though he enjoys kidding me, I know he’s proud of me.

And I’m proud of him too. The high school’s band director took a job in Seattle and Cody was promoted to the position.

I glance at my watch. It’s only three minutes before Hadley’s first college concert and my mom and stepdad still haven’t arrived. I know they wouldn’t miss it for the world, so I’m concerned about why they’re not here yet.

Hadley told us that’s it’s rare for a sophomore to be invited to perform. The honor is generally reserved for juniors and seniors. But the chair of the music department was so impressed with her progress he gave her a rare opportunity.

My mom and Ed finally arrive with just thirty seconds to spare.

“Why so late?” I whisper to my mom as she climbs into the seat next to me.

“Ed had an income tax emergency.”

“Do I want to ask?” I whisper back.

She shakes her head. “There aren’t enough hours in the day for him to explain the intricacies of the tax codes.”

When the lights dim Cody takes my hand in his. Several students perform various arrangements as duets or solo pieces before it’s Hadley’s turn on stage.

When her moment in the spotlight finally arrives she’s dressed in a lovely sapphire blue gown that makes her look like a princess. She’s being accompanied by a pianist.

My knowledge of classical music is embarrassingly limited, but the program mentions the name of the piece is the Debussy Violin Sonata in G minor.

Her performance must be good because when I glance at Cody he’s eyes are moist.

“Her playing is beautiful,” he whispers to me. “She’s so talented.”

The music seems to be transporting him to another place and time. He’s mesmerized.

Once Hadley’s performance is done she receives a vigorous round of applause.

“Maybe one day we’ll have our own little musician running around the house,” Cody suggests.

“About that…” my throat tightens. I was going to wait for a more opportune moment to tell him, but since he brought it up.

His eyes are filled with concern. “What’s up?”

I press my lips together for several moments trying to put together the right words. “You’re not going to have to wait very long. We’re going to have our own little musician about eight months from now.”

“You’re pregnant,” he blurts loud enough for several rows of concert goers to hear.

“You’re pregnant?” my mom repeats. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell us,” Ed corrects.

“I was planning on telling all of you. I didn’t want the news to overshadow Hadley’s performance.”

My mom gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations.”

I give her a big smile. “Thanks.”

“I have just one request,” my mom says. “No more police officers. I don’t think my heart can take it.”

“Our baby is going to be a musician,” Cody assures her. “I’ve already got my eye on a piano for babies. I’ve just been waiting for the right time to order it.”

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About the Author

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Dakota Madison is known for writing new adult, love in midlife, and contemporary romance with a little spice and lots of heart. Dakota is a winner of the prestigious RONE Award for Excellence in the Indie and Small Publishing Industry. When she's not at her computer creating spicy stories Dakota likes to spend time with her husband and their bloodhounds. Dakota also writes under the pen names SAVANNAH YOUNG, SIERRA AVALON and REN MONTERREY.

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