“Sorry about that, folks, but when you see the love of your life, you bring her on stage.”
Loud cheers make me grin.
Sam glances back at me. “And I do love you darlin’.”
And then he goes right intoMakin’ Babies in the Barn.
I can’t stop grinning. By the time the concert is over, my face aches from smiling so much.
He holds my hand as we go backstage and then outside to a waiting tour bus, not stopping for anyone. We pass reporters, fans, and I even think I see Liam and Phern.
Once we’re on the bus, the doors close leaving just the two of us.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” I say with a smile.
He moves closer toward me, making my pulse kick up.
“I can’t believe you’re here.”
“I know.”
He reaches into his pocket, digging out his phone.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m getting your damn number just in case.”
I laugh, rattling it off to him. A moment later my phone buzzes in my purse.
Sam chuckles and pulls me into his arms again, forehead to forehead, our breath mingling.
“I’m never losing you again.” He swipes his thumb over my cheek, brushing away a stray tear. “You didn’t stop fighting for us.”
“Neither did you,” I whisper. “Even if you didn’t know it.”
“I knew,” he says softly. “Somewhere in my gut, I knew you hadn’t given up.”
I slip my hand into his. “Guess the universe had a plan.”
He grins. “Damn right it did. And now I think we should celebrate.”
“Celebrate?” I laugh. “We’re on your tour bus.”
“Exactly. I happen to think tour buses are highly underrated when it comes to romance.” He brushes his lips over mine. “Unless you’re too tired.”
I shake my head slowly, curling my fingers into his shirt. “I’ve been tired for months, Sam. But this? This isn’t tired. It’s me coming back to life.”
“Me, too, darlin’.”
He leads me deeper into the softly lit space at the back of the bus, our fingers still laced. The world outside fades away. There’s no flashing lights and no screaming fans. Justthe quiet hum of the bus’s idling engine and the pounding of my heart in my chest.
The private lounge is cozy, lined with dark leather and warm lighting. Sam turns, facing me, eyes roaming over my face like he’s afraid I’ll vanish if he blinks too long.
“I still can’t believe you’re real,” he says, voice low and husky. “I’ve been dreaming about this moment since the day you left.”
I step into him, sliding my hands up his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat under my palms. “Well, I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere.”
