“He can that,” Brad agreed.
He sang four songs, two she’d never heard, but when he finished the silence was deafening. And then the crowd erupted.
Ryan smiled.
“Now dig deep, everyone. We have a facility to build. Then maybe I can bring my band back to play there.”
The crowd roared their approval.
“You can see why he’s a success,” Noah said. “And you, little sister—just wow. You were amazing.”
“Thanks. It was easier being up there with the others, but pretty cool.”
“No more hiding that side of you,” Noah growled into her ear.
“Man, that was cool.” Tex slapped Ryan’s hand when he arrived.
“Thanks. You did great. Your voice was amazing alongside Branna’s,” Ryan said to Faith.
Branna preened, clearly happy with the compliment.
“Ryan, that was…. Well, it was amazing,” Faith said, needing to tell him that.
He clutched his chest. “Jesus, did you just compliment me?”
She punched him in the arm.
“Much better.” He slung an arm around her shoulders for a brief hug. The type you gave a friend.
“Ryan!” Hope came waddling toward him with Newman. “That was amazing.” She hugged her brother.
“Thanks. It was nice to sing in front of friends and family for a change. Shouldn’t you be sitting or something?” Ryan held her gently.
“You do look tired, Hope,” Faith said, moving to her other side.
“I need to tell Ryan something now.” She sounded agitated.
“Okay.” He leaned down so he could hear her.
“Ah, the thing is…. Well, I hadn’t thought he’d come so soon.”
“Who?”
“Dad’s here. He just arrived and heard you sing.”
Ryan took a step back and away from his sister.
“I didn’t ask him to come so soon.” Faith watched Hope grab Ryan’s hand, but he evaded her.
“But you told him I was going to be here?”
“Hope didn’t tell him to come,” Faith said. “She’s done nothing wrong, Ryan. Your father made the choice to visit on his own.”
“I don’t want to speak to him or them.”
“Ryan, calm down.” She reached out to touch his arm, but he pulled away.
“Don’t.” He shot her a look. “This doesn’t concern you.”