“There you go again,” I roll my eyes, but smile. “Can we…wait a while first before we start down that path?”
“Baby, yes,” she assured me, sitting up. I sit up too, and she pulls me into her lap. “I’m in no rush at all. We can go at whatever pace you want, love. We have the rest of our lives, okay?” I nod. “Besides, your career is just getting started, Siren. You’re about to do big things, and I can’t wait to support you to the best of my ability.”
“Ugh, you’re perfect,” I replied, hugging her tightly. When I pull back, she looks at me with so much adoration. “My heart is filled with so much joy just thinking about getting to live out my dream, and it’s all thanks to you.”
“Baby, how many times do I have to tell you? You’re the most amazing dancer I’ve ever seen,” she chuckles. “You were always destined to be great, and it was only a matter of time before you received that recognition. I’m beyond blessed to be able to be here to watch you grow and glow. My beautiful Siren.”
I could feel tears building, but I was all cried out, so I did the next best thing. I kissed her, and we kept kissing until our clothes were peeled off. And as we made love, all I could think about was how beautiful this was - being here with her and knowing that we had so much time left. How could it not be magical?
Or at the very least, fate.
Epilogue.
SIX YEARS LATER
Dawn Williamson - April 12th, 2032
I watched as Raine paced the length of the dressing room for the tenth time in a row. I knew she was nervous, even though there was no reason to be. For the last five years, she’d been working hard and making a name for herself in this industry. She’d not only performed with me, but she’d gone on to be cast in musicals and hired as a choreographer for other big-name artists.
Last year, she also released her debut album, something that neither of us saw coming. But when I heard her sing for the first time, I knew that she was even more talented than I’d ever imagined. I wasn’t wrong when I said that she was a Siren through and through. From her moves to her voice, to the way she carried herself, she was ethereally alluring in the best way.
Actually, she was hesitant to let the world know she could sing at first, mainly because she wanted to keep focusing on her dancing. But after a few late-night talks where she had a few mini anxiety attacks, I assured her that whatever she wanted to do, I would be there by her side, supporting her always. She continuously thanked me, and when she finally decided torelease a small EP, Sammie and I helped her write and produce every track.
Then, when it was time to make visuals to promote it, she was back in her element, finding joy in creating moves for her own music. It was a beautiful thing to witness, and her fans ate it up. Even to this day, they still ask if she’d release another album, but she announced that she wasn’t sure, but that she’d enjoyed it.
“Maybe one day in the future,” she’d said in an interview. “I just wanted to try something new, but my priority has always been dancing and furthering my career that way. I’ll leave the singing to my wife.”
Yes, you heard me right!
Herwife!
About two years after we got engaged, we finally got married. With life and work being busy for both of us, we had to push back the wedding a few times, but when we finally had it, it was nothing short of magical. It was a destination wedding, and although we tried to keep it as private as we could, pictures still ended up all over social media and on popular entertainment news sites. But we didn’t mind. All we cared about was that we were officially Mrs. and Mrs. Williamson. We’d decided to combine our names, and I loved it.
It had a nice ring to it, huh?
Speaking of rings, a couple of months ago, Raine and I received an invitation to the wedding of none other than Trelyn. We were shocked, mostly because neither of us had seen or heard from her since that night on tour all those years ago. She hadn’t been in the spotlight much after being dropped from Lighthouse, and we hadn’t crossed paths at award shows or events. It was almost as if she’d fallen off the face of the earth.
We were hesitant at first, but curiosity got the better of us, and we decided to go anyway. It turned out to be a beautifulceremony with Trelyn marrying a woman named Adelaide. During the reception, she found us and pulled us in for a hug as if we were long-lost friends. It was definitely awkward as hell, but then we spent the next couple of hours talking, and she apologized for the way she’d acted in the past. She let us know that a lot of it stemmed from unhealed trauma and jealousy, but losing her job made her realize just how far she’d taken things.
So, after a couple of months of sulking, she met Adelaide, and for the first time in forever, she made her feel like life was worth fighting for. We listened as she explained how meeting her was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Apparently, she’d left the spotlight not long after and focused on becoming a dance teacher instead. Everything had worked out, and I was honestly happy for her. Even Raine agreed that she was relieved to know that she had changed her ways for the better.
Yeah, life was good for both of us, and we’ve been taking it one day at a time, experiencing new things together and welcoming the love and lives we always wanted. We even got to star in a film together a year ago. It was a short, indie film that Esmé produced and directed. The script was beautiful, and it incorporated both thriller and rom-com elements, which was perfect for us. And I think it also got nominated for an award at the local film fest that was taking place later this year. I was so happy for Esmé, Raine, and me.
“I’m so nervous right now that I think I’m going to throw the fuck up,” Raine whined, pulling my attention back to her. I stood from my spot on the sofa and quickly closed the space between us.
“Raine, my love, you truly have nothing to be nervous about,” I say as she melts into my embrace. “Everyone is here today because they love you and are excited to see you take this next step.”
“I know. I know,” she sighs. “It’s just such an out-of-body feeling, you know? Not even six years ago, I was confused about what I wanted to do, my family life was a mess, and I was just lost. So much has changed since then, and I still can’t believe it’s really real. I know I deserve this because I’ve been working so hard, but still.”
“There’s no need to add a ‘but’ to everything, sweetheart. It’s as simple as you said. You worked your ass off, and now it’s all paying off. This studio is your baby, and its grand opening has been a long time coming,” I smile at her. “Youdid this, love, and I’m so damn proud of you.”
“Thank you, Dawn,” she sighed, hugging me tightly. “Thank you so much.”
“It’s nothing,” I nod. “Now, let’s go out there and welcome everyone to your dream.” I take her hand in mine and smile. “Are you ready?”
“Yes. Yes, I am.
I kiss her once more before guiding her out of the room and down a short hallway. The crowd of people in the distance could be heard, no doubt anticipating the ribbon-cutting of Raine’s new dance studio. She’d be hosting dance classes for people of all ages and experience levels, and starting a dance team for high school-aged kids. She’s gotten so many pre-registrations already that she had to add one more class a week. Further proof of my baby’s success.
