Graham laughed, pulling Anna toward the bed. "Dont you know Ive been waiting all morning for this? You are the only thing I need right now.

**********

"Is that some sort of pre-performance ritual?" Anna asked as she toweled off from the shower. Grahams lovemaking was always a reflection of her emotional state, and this time she had been explosively intense, consuming in her hunger.

Graham grinned. "Now theres an idea. It certainly could be arranged."

"It did wonders for my nerves," Anna said with a smile. "How are yours?"

Graham held out a perfectly steady hand as her grin deepened. "Where are the studs for my shirt?"

"On your dresserjust to the right of your brushes."

Anna watched the graceful fingers expertly fit the small mother-of-pearl studs through the holes in the starched formal shirtthe same fingers that just an hour ago had claimed her, relentlessly, until they had drawn the last trembling shudders from her body.

"Youre watching me," Graham remarked, reaching for the white silk tie. She turned the length of it in her fingers, orienting it so she could tie it.

Anna laughed softly, drawing the delicate fabric into her hands, reaching up to fit it around her lover's neck.

"Was I doing that wrong?" Graham asked, her face puzzled.

"You never do anything wrong," Anna admonished gently. "Im doing it because it pleases me to do it." She finished the knot and brushed a kiss across Grahams lips. "I love youand Im so proud of you."

Graham returned the kiss, her expression serious. "I love youwith all my heart. Now, tell me about your dress. I want to have a picture of you in my mind tonight."

Anna stepped away, lifting the flowing fabric from the hanger, settling it over her body. "Why dont you come see for yourself," she teased.

A faint smile flickered at the corner of Grahams fine mouth. No one in her life could command her the way Anna did.

"All right."

She crossed to Anna, who stood still as Graham gently traced the material that fell from her shoulders, following the lines along her bodice and down to her waist. Her exploring touch rekindled the fire in Annas body, and Anna battled the urge to draw those gently stroking fingers to her again. They absolutely did not have time for this now!

"And the color?" Graham murmured huskily, her hands resting on Annas hips.

"Midnighton a clear night in October," Anna managed, sliding her arms around Grahams neck.

Graham nodded, holding her close. "Beautiful."

Anna touched a finger to her own lips, then to Grahams. "Thank you.

*********

They rode in silence to the symphony hall. Annas hand rested gently in Grahams. Grahams hand was warm and steady. As they slowed to glide up to the curb, Anna glanced out the window.

"Tell me," Graham said calmly.

"There are a lot of peoplequite a number of photographers. The sidewalk is roped off, though."

"How far?" came the quiet question.

"The same distance as from our front door to your music room. Four steps upthen five steps to the door. Sheila is waiting back stage in your dressing room."

Graham didnt ask how Anna knew the precise distance Graham would have to travel in front of a curious crowd, a walk she had taken so many times before, but never in darkness. Anna didnt tell her she had been there the day before just to be certain. Anna couldnt even begin to imagine how difficult this first public appearance since the accident must be for Graham. She wanted to make it as easy as she could for her. She squeezed Grahams hand reassuringly.

"Thank you," Graham said softly, knowing instinctively what Anna had done.

"You can do this easily by yourself, Graham."

"Yes," Graham said as she pushed the limo door open, stepping out to a barrage of camera flashes and a cacophony of voices calling to her"Ms. Yardley! Meistrin! Over here!"

Oblivious to the demands of the crowd, she reached down and handed Anna from the car, tucking Annas hand firmly into the curve of her arm. "But I dont have to do it alone any longer, do I?" she whispered to Anna as they turned and began the walk Graham was born to make.

*********

The concert hall was filled to capacity. The news of Grahams return to the concert stage had created a stir in the music world, and her performance was eagerly awaited. Anna sat with Helen, trying to quell her nerves. They were in the VIP box to the left of the stage, seats that were situated so one could watch the pianists hands on the keyboard. Shortly after they were seated a young usher approached, a bouquet of long-stemmed white roses in his arms. He stopped before Anna, saying, "For you, madam."

Anna cradled the flowers, opening the card with trembling hands. In Grahams bold hand the message read, "You are my strength and my inspiration. You are my heart. All the music is for you. Yours eternally, Graham."

"Oh, Graham," she murmured, tears suddenly wetting her cheeks.

"Are you all right, dear?" Helen asked in concern.

Anna took her hand, squeezing it gently while she tried to contain her tears. "When I think that I could have lost her - that we all might have lost her. Oh, Helen!"

Helen patted her hand reassuringly. "You neednt worry, Anna. Shes stronger for having you than ever she was before the accident."

The house lights dimmed and suddenly Graham was on stage - tall, elegant, perfectly composed. She bowed once in acknowledgement to the orchestra and the audience, then settled herself before the piano as if she had never been away.

Anna watched the slender form bend to the strains of the music that filled the hall; a refrain that carried all the beauty and tender passion of Grahams heart to those who listened. At last she witnessed what she had only imagined from faded images in a dusty scrapbook. Alone in the muted spotlight, center stage, the impresario gifted them with her genius. The audience was on its feet just as the last notes faded away, strewing the stage with flowers, welcoming Graham home. Graham stood to acknowledge the applause, turning toward the seats where she knew Anna sat. She bowed first to her, one hand to her heart, offering her thanks. Through her tears, Anna looked into the dark eyes that she knew could see into her very soul.

When finally the ovation began to abate, Graham left the stage, and found herself immediately surrounded by people requesting a statement or an interview. A hand unobtrusively took her elbow, steadying her in the jostling crowd.

"Lets get back to your dressing room," Sheila suggested. She had been waiting offstage at Annas request. They both knew what would happen the moment Graham appeared in the wings. There would be no way for her to orient herself there, especially when she would be exhausted from the rigors of her performance.

"Where is Anna?" Graham asked immediately, grateful for Sheilas presence in the demanding press of people.

"Shes coming," Sheila replied grimly as she shouldered a path through a throng of reporters and fans. The crowd was at a fever pitch of excitement, everyone wanting to get to Graham, pushing forward despite the security peoples best efforts. It was worse than Sheila expected, and she was beginning to fear for Grahams safety.

Suddenly the hallway in front of them began to clear as Annas vehement voice rang out, "You will all have a chance to speak with her at the reception - and not until then! Now if youll just give us a moment alone, please."

And then she was there. " Thank you, Sheila," Anna said quietly as she stepped up to Graham, not caring that dozens of people surrounded them. She reached for Grahams hand and brought it gently to her lips. "Hello darling."

Graham lifted her free hand to Annas cheek. It was still moist with tears. "Hello my love." She drew Anna gently near and rested her forehead against Annas hair. She closed her eyes with a sigh.

"Were you pleased?" Graham asked at last.

"Much more than pleased," Anna answered. "The only thing in this world I love more than your music is you." She stepped back with effort, for all she wanted to do was hold onto her. Grahams jacket and shirt were soaked with sweat, and for the first time all day, her hands trembled. Anna slipped an arm about her waist.

"Lets get you out of here," Anna said, looking over her shoulder at the amazingly quiet group in the corridor. "Sheila, tell them ten minutes please."

When the door finally closed behind them, Anna drew off Grahams coat and loosened her tie.

"You neednt do that, Anna," Graham protested when Anna began pulling the studs from her shirt.

"Graham, hush," Anna said in exasperation. "Ill give you up to the demands of your music when I must, but not for one minute longer. You need a dry shirt and jacket if youre going to the reception." She brushed the damp hair back from Grahams face with concern. "Are you up to it? Because Ill just tell them all to be damned if youre too tired."

Graham grasped her hands. "Im fine. And I would appreciate a dry shirt very much."

"Thank you for the flowers," Anna said softly as she fitted the diamond cufflinks into Grahams sleeves. "You make me feel so loved."

"I couldnt do this - any of this, without you," Graham murmured, exhausted from her performance. "Ill never be able to tell you how much I love you-"

"You dont have to tell me," Anna whispered, "I can see it in your face, and in the way you touch me, and in the music that you write." She paused her ministrations to slide her fingers into Grahams hair, pulling her head down for a kiss. After a moment she said gently, "Now stand still so I can fix this tie."

As Anna straightened her tie, Graham asked quietly, "Will you be all right in there? There are likely to be questions - about us. There was always speculation about Christine."