Before I can reach them, his hand gently stops me, resting on my hip. “Go sit. I’ll bring it to you.”
I hesitate, glancing back at him. The determination etched into his features tells me it’s not worth arguing. As much as I feel guilty about not spending more time with him recently, I know this is his way of caring for me—something he needs to do right now.
Moving to the small table, I settle into a chair, watching as Marcus moves with practiced ease, preparing our coffee. A few moments later, he places two steaming mugs on the table and sits across from me.
I cradle the mug between my hands. The warmth seeps into my skin, and I breathe in the rich aroma. For the second time today, a small sense of comfort and normalcy settles over the morning, fragile but welcome.
“You know,” Marcus starts, his voice heavy, “before Jax got tangled up in all this, we had such big dreams for the band. Touring felt like freedom, a way to see the worldtogether. Now it feels like a trap. Everywhere we go, it’s just… chaos.”
I reach out, squeezing his hand. “I can’t imagine how hard it’s been for you guys. But maybe we can figure out a way to make things better.”
He looks at me, a flicker of hope breaking through the exhaustion. “What are you thinking?”
“Do you have a computer?”
“I have an iPad,” he replies.
“Can I borrow it?”
Marcus nods and retreats to one of the bedrooms, returning moments later with a tablet in hand. He hands it to me before settling back at the table.
I quickly finish my coffee and move into the main living area, where we find space on the couch together. His leg presses against mine, his hand resting lightly on my thigh. His steady presence is soothing as I dive into the work ahead.
I start scrolling through articles on addiction recovery, absorbing as much information as I can. Ideas begin forming as I shift my focus to retreats. Wellness centers, remote getaways, anywhere that might offer Jax the space to heal and all of us the time to regroup. The soft murmur of the TV Marcus has turned on provides a calming backdrop, though his attention shifts between me, his tablet, and the show. His hand stays firmly in place, a silent reassurance.
As I research, I think about each of the guys: Enzo’s fiery intensity, Dylan’s forced levity, and Jax’s struggles pulling us all into his downward spiral. Then there’s Marcus—steady, dependable Marcus. His calm presence is the glue holding us together.
I’m so engrossed in my thoughts, I don’t immediately realize that the noise from the TV has stopped. Once the silence registers, I look up and find Marcus is watching me. A soft smile plays on his lips as he leans in and kisses me—a tender, lingering kiss that sends a bolt of warmth straight through me.
“Thank you, Lily,” he murmurs, resting his forehead against mine.
“I haven’t done anything yet,” I respond.
“You being here and trying is enough.” His hand smooths down my hair before he places a gentle kiss on my forehead. Then, as if sensing my need to focus, he turns the TV volume back on, the sound filling the room again.
I watch him for a moment longer, letting his gratitude wash over me, before returning to the tablet. His quiet support bolsters me as I complete my research, my ideas solidifying into a tangible plan.
By the time the others wake up and join us in the living room, I’ve sketched out a proposal. Enzo and Dylan perch on the couch across from Marcus and I, curiosity written on their faces. Jax remains in his room, the nurse keeping a close eye on him.
“I have a plan,” I announce, looking at each of them.
“What kind of plan?” Enzo asks, skepticism clear in his tone.
“We need these next three weeks to regroup and recover,” I explain. “I found a retreat in Montana. It’s remote, private, and perfect for us. We can focus on wellness, recharge, and you guys can even work on some new music—away from the public eye.”
Dylan nods slowly, his initial doubt giving way tocautious optimism. “That actually sounds... perfect. But how do we pull it off?”
“I’ve already looked into several places and picked the best fit. I reached out, and they have availability. Harris has all the details and is ready to book it if everyone agrees.” I hold up the tablet, showing them the information. “We can leave tomorrow. It’s exactly what we need.”
Marcus squeezes my hand, his expression one of quiet gratitude. “This is perfect,” he says softly.
Enzo narrows his eyes, his skepticism lingering, but after a beat, he nods. “Alright, Lily. Let’s give it a shot.”
As we hash out the final details, a flicker of hope stirs in my chest. It’s just a plan—a first step on a long road—but for now, it feels like it’s enough.
CHAPTER 14
FINDING PEACE
