I bowed to the fans after the final piece was over. “Thank you for listening, Seattle! It’s been a pleasure…” As I backed away from the microphone, the crowd screamed, applauded, and in a few cases, cried. Seeing the tears made me happy. In my line of work, waterworks were typically a good thing.

The crowd began breaking apart, some staying to listen to the next act, some going on to find another band at the music festival, some moving closer to the stage to get our attention. The guys began unplugging their stuff, and I grabbed my guitar. Giving Kiera a quick see you soon smile, I slipped off the stage. I was on cloud nine—high on life—and I couldn’t wait to share the moment with Kiera. No matter how great I was feeling, being around her amplified the emotion tenfold.

Quickly giving my guitar to the crew member who would make sure it was safe and sound in the staging area until I was ready to pick it up, I headed to the “backstage” area, where Kiera and the other girls were most likely waiting for us. When I spotted my girl, I couldn’t help but rush to her as quickly as possible. Leaping over the short fence separating us, I scooped her into my arms and lifted her into the air. She giggled as she laced her fingers around my neck, and I was nearly overcome with her intoxicating presence. I never wanted to let her go, but I had to know what she’d thought of the show.

Setting her down, I said, “That was so much fun! I’m so glad you were here. Did you like it?”

Pushing her back by her shoulders, I squatted down so I could look her in the eye. Her eyes were more green than brown in the sunlight, and they were beaming with pride…for me. She laughed at my question, like she thought I was adorable—or absurd—for asking it. Her warm hands cupped my cheeks, focusing her gaze, her love, her joy. “I loved it. You guys were amazing! I’m so proud of you, Kellan.”