Cage looks around the table. “I got a call this morning. Falling Down and Blush are requested to perform at four charity concerts. There’s one in Nashville, as I mentioned earlier.”
“When?” Jesse asks.
“One each Saturday for the next month.”
Jesse nods, as do the Falling Down members.
“I’ll need to talk to the rest of the band. I don’t know what Jace, Meggie, or Trace have planned since this is such short notice,” Lucy explains to Cage.
He nods. “I figured as much. I need to know asap.”
“I’ll make the calls after breakfast,” Lucy agrees.
“Perfect.” Cage turns his attention to me. “How would you feel about going with us, Tera?”
I look at Xander who’s watching me. “This is what I’m afraid of most. I’m afraid if I get there, to the venue, and you’re out there performing, and the crowd backstage gets rowdy, or even the audience, that I’ll have an anxiety attack. I need to be extra careful since I’m pregnant and unable to take any of the medications.”
“We always have security. I mean, Damian’s there. I’m sure he’d be happy to escort you and ensure your safety,” Xander answers.
I nod. “I’m just afraid, and I don’t want you to worry about me while you’re up there playing for the crowd.”
“We’ll work this out,” Cage assures me. “I can have as many men protecting you as you need to feel safe. No number is too big.”
“Anything you need, Tera,” Sera begins, “it’s yours.”
I bite my lip. I feel stupid. I want at least four, but is that overkill? Will they think I’m a silly and crazy chick?
“Stop,” Lucy commands. “No one judges anyone in this family. No one.”
“Was it that obvious?” I ask.
She nods. “It was. When Sera says ‘anything you need’, that’s precisely what we all mean. I can’t even imagine how difficult this is for you without your medications.”
She looks down at my wrist where I’m snapping my anxiety wristband. I stop and cover the band with my other hand.
“Please, don’t, Tera. Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t feel ashamed. Not with us. You don’t with the guys, right?” Lucy asks.
“Right,” I reply.
“We’re just an extension of them. We genuinely care about you. You are our family.” Lucy grasps my hand and squeezes gently. “I promise you. No one will ever judge you.”
“Never,” Sera assures me. “That’s not how this family works.”
Tears fill my eyes. They’ve accepted me as family. “Just like that?”
Jesse nods. “Just like that.”
I sniffle and nod. My gaze slides back to Lucy. “Thank you.” I look over to Sera and Cage. “All of you.”
Xander wipes his eyes. “Best family ever.”
I nod and kiss him softly. “Thank you for letting me be a part of it.”
He pulls me to him and hugs me fiercely. “You will always be my family, Tera. You always have been. Since day one.”
I nod. “I know. I know.”
Lucy lets out a sob. “This… oh, my heart is so happy right now.”
