A kids’ birthday party first. Then a retirement party. Then a wedding. What had started as a fun side thing had turned into a steady stream of small gigs.
Enough that we were juggling schedules now, fitting performances in around our actual jobs. Part of me wondered how long we could keep it up.
I still wanted to focus more on writing my own music. But gigs meant money, and money mattered, especially when we were deliberately saving for our own wedding.
I nudged Mark’s knee lightly with mine. “Thanks.”
Mark reached over and took my hand, his fingers threading through mine like he knew exactly where my thoughts had wandered.
“Hey,” he said quietly. “Things are a little crazy right now, and who knows when we’ll get a run like this again.” He gave my hand a small squeeze. “But we’ve got this, so let’s just enjoy it while it lasts.”
I turned toward him. “And if we don’t?”
He actually paused at that, gaze drifting toward the front of the room as if he were genuinely considering it. Then he huffed a soft laugh.
“Then we downgrade the honeymoon,” he said. “From a backpacking trip through Asia to, I don’t know. A beach somewhere closer.”
I blinked, caught off guard by how easily he said it.
“You know,” I said slowly, “I might surprise you by saying I wouldn’t mind that.”
He glanced at me, amused.
“With all the constant Caribbean request nights we still get,” I went on, “and this weather, I kind of see the appeal of a warm beach now.”
Mark’s smile turned thoughtful. “Maybe with fruit smoothies.”
“Mmm,” I said, reaching back into my bag for another chip. “Pineapple.”
“Mango for me.”
I frowned playfully. “Really? I thought you’d be more of a?—”
Cooper cleared his throat.
“Before I move on to an important announcement,” he said evenly, “I’d like to remind everyone that food isn’t allowed in this hall.” His gaze swept the room. “But if you absolutely must eat, please do so discreetly.”
I froze. Slowly, I folded the packet closed and shoved it back into my bag. A glance around the room told me I wasn’t alone, several people were doing the same.
One guy didn’t even bother hiding his burger.
Cooper spoke again.
“Regarding the winter festival. It went smoothly, and that’s thanks to the pack and the town working together. It shows trust, and it shows we can move forward as a community.”
He continued, “After months of discussion with the town council, we’ve agreed on some updates in the town policy. There will be more flexibility, clearer guidelines, and fewer restrictions on pack matters within town limits. This should make things easier for everyone.”
The room murmured, excitement mixing with cautious relief.
I let Cooper’s voice drift into the background. Mark’s hand found mine, thumb brushing gentle circles over my knuckles.
I leaned into him, shoulder to shoulder, and he leaned back just enough to rest his head against mine. Three months had passed since New Year’s, but the memory still hummed under my skin.
The music, the crowd, the way everything had felt possible. The hum of voices and shuffling chairs blended into a steady lull.
Cooper moved on to budget lines and volunteer rotations, words stacking neatly on top of one another until they softened into background noise.
I shifted, meaning to sit up straighter, but the warmth at my side anchored me. Mark’s shoulder fit like it always did. Familiar and solid.
