Matt couldn’t decide which was louder, the crowd or his heart pounding in his chest. When Liv told him things between them were over, all he knew was that somehow he had to change her mind. He started sending her flowers and daily lattes—not to sway her, but because it was a way to let her know she was on his mind. It had also made him feel as if he was doing something while he formulated a proper plan. He’d known it needed to be something from the heart. Liv wasn’t the type won over by expensive jewelry or exotic vacations.
The idea to write a song for Liv only came to him after Aiden suggested he focus on what he did best. Once he sat down with his guitar, the song flowed in a way that hadn’t happened in a long time. Writing it had solved part of his problem while creating another. How would he get Liv to listen?
Fortunately, the town newsletter about the fair provided a solution. After Back Bay agreed, he sent them the music, and then he traveled to Wellesley so they could practice it together. And Emma had helped with the last possible hurdle.
With his plan executed, all he could do now was wait and hope he got the answer he wanted.
Nodding, Liv wiped fresh tears from her cheeks as the band joined the crowd’s chant of “Say yes.”
Before he could ask her to say the words, Liv threw her arms around him. Only quick reflexes kept him from landing on his ass. Cheers erupted from the crowd, and Matt barely heard Liv say, “Yes,” before kissing him. Although he never would’ve thought it possible, the cheering intensified as soon as her lips touched his.
Far sooner than he would’ve liked, Matt pulled his mouth away from hers. “I promised I’d perform a few songs with the band, but afterward, I’m all yours.”
Performing with them wasn’t the only thing he’d offered the band. He’d also lined up a meeting with his agent for them, because once his performance with them went viral, which he knew it would, Back Bay was going to need a good agent to negotiate a record deal.
Liv squeezed his hand before kissing his cheek. “I’ll wait with Emma and Brian.”
He’d prefer to keep her close, but he recognized not only how impractical it would be but also how uncomfortable she’d feel if she remained onstage.
Three songs later, Matt fought his way through the crowd. He’d managed to avoid the attention when he arrived since no one expected him there. Now that fans knew he was at the fair, they repeatedly stopped him to get a photo or an autograph. A few even stopped him to offer their congratulations on his engagement. Clearly, he should’ve prepared an escape route before taking the stage tonight.
Somehow, he reached Liv while Back Bay continued the concert. Without asking if she was ready, Matt grabbed her hand and kept walking.
“Thanks again, Emma,” he said. If she replied, he didn’t hear her.
“You owe me a deep-fried Snickers,” Liv said.
He could still hear the band playing, but they were far enough away now that they could have a conversation without shouting.
“What?”
“I was going to buy a deep-fried Snickers after the concert. We left before I could, so you owe me one.”
He hadn’t misheard her. “We can go back.”
“Maybe tomorrow. I’d rather get away from the crowd.”
Matt couldn’t agree more.
* * *
A cool breeze washed over him when he stepped back outside. When they’d returned home, they’d gone to the rooftop patio. Now that the sun was long gone, the temperature had dropped, and he’d gone inside to get them each a sweatshirt and something hot to drink. Liv had offered, but he figured if he went, it would give her a chance to answer some text messages. Her phone started exploding on the ride home, and it hadn’t stopped. He’d received his fair share too, which he’d expected, considering he’d asked Liv to marry him in front of hundreds of people.
“People I haven’t heard from in ages are texting me and sending me messages on CHAT.” Liv looked away from her phone as she spoke.
Earlier in the summer, she had a small taste of the media intruding on her life, but it was nothing compared to what it was going to be like for the foreseeable future.
“I knew word would spread around town quickly, but I didn’t think friends in Pennsylvania and Florida would know already too. Even Phoebe’s mom messaged me, and she’s on vacation in Hawaii.”
Matt handed her the sweatshirt and placed both mugs on the table.
“Videos of you proposing and performing with Back Bay are being shared all over social media. I think you made their career.”
“I had a feeling it might, so I arranged a meeting for them with my agent.”
“Talented and smart. How did I get so lucky?” Liv asked as she pulled the sweatshirt over her head.
“Actually, I think I’m the lucky one. If I hadn’t roomed with Owen in college, I never would’ve met you or found my home.”
