“Because I wanted that moment for us. I love my mum, but it wouldn’t be long before the entire world knew our business. Not that it won’t find out soon enough.” He takes in a deep breath. “So, now we’re alone, do you have an answer for me?”
We are in love, completely committed to one another, and I truly believe we couldn’t be in a better place. I bite my lip, trying hard to keep calm and control my smile. “Yes, Tom. I’ll marry you. I’d love to be your wife.”
He slams his lips to mine, and I lose myself in him completely. After a few cherished moments, Tommy reaches into the back pocket of his jeans, and when he opens his hand, a platinum solitaire diamond ring sparkles in his palm. “This is for you. If you don’t like it, we can change it.”
My eyes nearly burst from their sockets. “It’s beautiful.”
“I got the size from another ring, so it should fit perfectly.” Tommy beams while sliding it on my finger. “Sorry, there’s no box. I couldn’t fit it in my jeans without giving the game away.”
“It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. I love it, Tom. Thank you.”
He leans forward, his head tilting slightly. “Come here.”He signals, lifting his chin. “I wanna kiss you while I have you all to myself.”
For now, we’ve agreed to keep our engagement quiet until after the gig, and Tommy has safely tucked my ring back inside his pocket.
The atmosphere backstage is electric. Brae Fest is our town’s music festival and attracts some of the biggest names in the music industry. The boys have played here every year since their big break thirteen years ago, and it’s become a pilgrimage for their fans who meet here from all over the world.
Everyone is here. Bernie waves as I spot him on the other side of the stage, and Dani is next to him, dishing out orders.
“Hey, man,” Max says, greeting Tommy with a back slap. “Angie, you look beautiful.” He kisses my cheek. “I’m looking forward to seeing my goddaughter later.”
“Um, my goddaughter,” Ash adds, planting a kiss on my other cheek. “Hey, Tommy,” he says as they grasp hands and slap shoulders.
“You two will have to share,” I say to them, but we’re soon interrupted.
“Not if I get there first. She’s my goddaughter too.” Calla hugs me close. “You look beautiful today and are too fresh to be a mum of a three-month-old.”
I smile graciously, but somehow, I don't feel beautiful. My boobs are sore as hell, my nipples are cracked, I only just washed my hair in time, and this dress, together with my old cowboy boots, has seen better days. Maybe Calla is being kind.
"Is Bonnie still sleeping through the night?” she asks.
“Yep.”
‘Ugh. It’s not fair,” Calla jokes, poking my arm. “Out of three babies, none of mine slept through the night this early. You’re a super-mum.”
“Where are the girls?” I ask, looking around.
“In hospitality with the boys. They were so pleased to see Josh and Oz. I didn’t stand a chance of keeping them with me, but it’s always good to catch up with Connie.
“Guys, five minutes until showtime. We need to mic you up,” one of the crew calls.
Max heads off, Calla follows Ash towards the mic technician, and I stand back and take in my sexy-as-hell drummer. He’s wearing a black Foo Fighters tour t-shirt, faded blue jeans, and Vans. I swear to God he’s hotter than ever and being a father of three suits him.
“Do you want to tell them now?” he whispers in my ear.
“About the engagement?” I shake my head and gaze into his eyes. “Later. I like this being our secret for a while, and you’ve got a show to do.”
Tommy grins. “Here we go. The last show of the tour.”
“I can’t say I’m not happy it’s over. It was tough not having you around and being so heavily pregnant.”
“At least I got back in time for Bonnie’s birth.”
“Just,” I remind him.”
We couldn't believe it when the midwife announced Bonnie’s due date. It was smack bang in the middle of the tour and I went into labour two weeks early. Thank God Tommy was in Scotland and not abroad. He arrived at Braebeach Hospital with an hour to spare.
“It was a difficult time for both of us, but I appreciate everything you did to keep our family together, although it didn’t stop me from missing you.” Tommy’s arm curls around my waist and his mouth is on mine instantly. I melt into hisarms and, for a few short seconds, it’s just the two of us. Then the wolf whistles and clapping begin. Max, Ash, Calla, and the crew all applaud and whistle around us. As we break apart, my face is boiling hot, and I giggle like a schoolgirl, but Tommy doesn’t care who sees us or what they think. “Love you, babe,” he mouths.
