The Soldier's Bride by Rachelle J. Christensen Read Free Book Online

to the end of her shift, someone humming her song entered the waiting area. Evelyn’s eyes widened, but she relaxed when she saw it was only Sterling. “Evelyn, I’ve got that tune stuck in my head. Will you sing more of it for me?” Sterling said.
    “I’ve never sung the whole song to anyone before, except Danny.”
    Sterling leaned against the reception desk, and she caught the unmistakable whiff of motor oil mixed with cologne. “Your voice is beautiful and so is the song. You should share it.”
    “I don’t know if I’m comfortable singing in front of people.”
    “How about just me for starters?” Sterling asked.
    His face was open, and he seemed sincerely interested. She bit back her refusal. What would it hurt to sing a little of the song to him? He had already heard the first verse. She glanced at the clock. It was almost nine thirty and she doubted anyone else would need to be seated tonight. “Okay.”
    Sterling gave her such an eager smile that some of her hesitancy melted away. She began singing the first verse.
     
There’s an angel on my shoulder.
There’s an angel by my side.
     
    Sterling watched her as she sang. Heat crept up her neck, making the collar of her dress itch. Her voice cracked, and she faltered. He reached out his hand and grasped hers.
    “Keep going. It’s perfect.”
    With the warmth of his hand emanating up her arm, she continued.
     
There’s an angel by the river,
where you left me with good-bye.
There’s an angel, you’re that angel.
I can feel you in my heart.
     
    She took a breath. Sterling squeezed her hand and looked at her expectantly. She swallowed and continued singing.
     
And I wonder as I wander
through the forest that I’ve made,
full of trees that grow with sorrow
on the steps that I must take.
     
    Evelyn paused before the chorus she had written. “I’m still working on the chorus.” He lifted her other hand in his and his green eyes sparkled. “Evelyn, that was magnificent. You have a real talent.”
    “Yes, she does,” Frank said as he stepped from the shadows of the lounge. She jumped, pulling her hands from Sterling’s grasp and holding them behind her back.
    “Evelyn, why have you never told me you can sing?” Frank asked. “You know I’ve been looking for someone to fill in my weekend schedule.”
    Evelyn narrowed her eyes at Sterling. “You tricked me. You wanted Frank to hear my song.”
    “In part, I did want him to hear. I told him of your singing, but I didn’t know he was going to follow me and eavesdrop.” Sterling looked at Frank and raised his eyebrows.
    Frank held up his hands. “Who am I to close my ears to a beautiful voice?” He patted Evelyn’s arm. “Now tell me, will you sing that song next Friday?”
    “But, I couldn’t,” Evelyn protested.
    “I will pay you an extra two hours wages for that one song,” Frank said.
    Evelyn looked at Sterling and back at Frank. She thought about the battered purse in her bureau drawer where she had tucked away her savings along with an advertisement for a music class at the community college. Frank’s offer would make it possible for her to build up her savings and still enroll in the class in the summer.
    Her heart quickened when she thought about singing in front of the guests of the Silver Lining. She had always loved to sing but had never performed. Her hands trembled at the thought. “What if I’m too nervous?”
    “You won’t be. You’ve met most of the Friday night regulars. They’re nice people and they’d be thrilled to see our pretty little hostess crooning from the stage.” Frank held out a few small bills. “Here are your tips for tonight. People like you, Evelyn. Of course, this would help my business, too.”
    She placed a hand on her temple and took a deep breath. “Okay, I’ll do it. But if I mess up, I hope you won’t be mad.”
    Frank laughed. “How about I have you sing it to Neal? He can pick out a few chords on the piano to go along with