An hour later he got onstage. He called for everyone’s attention and announced that he had asked me to write a song for the two of them. I stood and looked to her. She was staring at me and a look of comprehension came over her features. She must have figured out what my parting words meant the previous night.

I began my own personal ‘green mile’ to the stage. She never once looked away.

I slung my guitar strap over my head and leaned back against the stool. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. I was now in my element. Performing had always been my comfort zone. Although I was nervous I knew the small stage was exactly where I needed to be. Everything in our past had lead up to this moment. My moment. And our final moment. She knew I would always love her and it seemed the perfect way to say goodbye.

I looked into the crowd, mostly family and friends. She was right up front. Of course he was standing next to her, grinning. I looked over my shoulder at the guys. They all nodded. Ryan pounded out three quick beats on the drums and we started. As I strummed the first few notes my eyes found hers. She was looking at me with love, admiration, and respect. I could do this.

What I leave

I can’t live without

I closed my eyes. The energy around me was unbelievable. It sounded better than it had in the studio.

The things I do

I looked at her and smiled. A real smile. One I’m sure could have lit the room. It felt as if I were saying everything I had ever wanted to say to her, without any reservations.

I can’t live without