I call Jill and Kayla and give them the good news while Ryder updates Rod and the guys. When I get off the phone, I throw myself at my husband, showering him with kisses. “Not that I’m complaining, but what’s that for?” he asks, pulling me into his arms.
“Kayla just told me what you did.” I kiss him again. “Thank you.”
He shrugs. “It was the right thing to do.”
When Kayla told me Torment’s new label had offered Savage Mania a recording contract, I almost fell off my chair. But when she explained that Ryder had personally called Gus to apologize, I nearly burst into tears. I know that couldn’t have been easy, and that he was doing it for me, and I couldn’t love him any more than I do. “It was, but it took balls, and I’m proud of you. And I’m so excited for Gage and the rest of the band.”
“I think they have a bright future in the industry, and we look forward to working with them.” His hands move to the knot on my toweling robe. “Now, enough talk of your ex. I want you underneath me, naked and screaming out my name, Mrs. Stone.”
I shimmy the robe off my shoulders, letting it pool at my feet. “I think that can be arranged, Mr. Stone.” I drape my arms around him. “Lead the way.”
* * *
“How didyour meeting go at the charity?” Rod asks as we arrive at the Manhattan hotel where the press conference is being held. We’d stopped at the charity’s HQ on the way to meet with the director. Ryder wanted to explain the situation to her before he announced his identity to the world. Considering the nature of the services the charity provides, it’s a sensitive situation.
“About as well as expected.” Ryder shrugs, trying his best not to look dejected.
“They’re naturally shocked, and the director said they need some time to consider the potential impact on their operation,” I explain. “They’re grateful for all Ryder has done for the charity, and more understanding of why he wanted to keep his involvement on the down low, but they may come under scrutiny because the donations that come from the annual Torment charity concert are a matter of public record. She’s not sure how that will be perceived.”
I squeeze Ryder’s hand, as Rod ushers us into the building via a concealed back door. Judging by the screams and shouts reaching us from the front of the hotel, I think it’s safe to say quite the crowd has amassed. When Rod issued an announcement a couple days ago, confirming Ryder Stone was holding a press conference, speculation among the media and his fans was rife. Everyone is wondering what today is about, and interest is high.
“I hope it works out,” Rod says, patting Ryder on the back. “I know how much the charity means to you.”
“We’ve actually discussed starting a new charity in Cory’s name,” I supply.
Rod slams to a halt. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, and if you need any help with it, you know where I am.”
Ryder slings his arm around my shoulders, smiling at me. “It was my wife’s idea, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.”
I stretch up and kiss his cheek. “You hanging in there?”
He sucks in a sharp breath, and tension lines his jaw. “I just want to get it over and done with.”
“It’ll be fine, Ryder,” Rod says. “And we’ll deal with whatever shit comes at us as a team.”
When we walk into the side room, at the back of the ballroom where Ryder will make his statement, I’m surprised to find Gar, Micah, Scott, and Linda there along with Jill and Liam and Kayla and Gage.
“What are you all doing here?” Ryder asks, shock splayed across his face.
“You didn’t think we were going to let you do this by yourself now, did you?” Micah says, grabbing him into a hug.
“Can’t let you hog all the limelight,” Gar adds, slapping him on the back.
Scott approaches next, offering him his hand. “We’re all proud of you and behind you one hundred percent.”
I’m hugely emotional at the outpouring of love for Ryder, knowing how much he needs this because he’s been a nervous wreck all day. Jill pulls Ryder into a hug. “You’re doing the right thing,” she says. “And people will understand once they hear the full story.”
“Good luck, Ryder.” Liam shakes his hand, smiling at me.
“You have a good heart, Ryder,” Kayla says, grabbing him down to her level so she can kiss his cheek. “And everyone will see that.”
“Savage Mania supports you,” Gage says, hugging him briefly. “And if you need us to do anything, you’ve only got to ask.”
“Thank you,” Ryder chokes out. “Thank you all for being here.”
When it’s time, we walk out into the ballroom where the world’s media is congregated. I take my place at Ryder’s side as he stands before the curious crowd, holding his free hand. The remaining members of Torment, and Rod, line up behind us with the rest of our crew standing off to the side.
Some reporter notices our wedding bands, asking if we’re married. “Yes, we got married recently, and I’m proud to call this beautiful woman my wife,” Ryder confirms, shooting an adoring glance my way. “But that’s not what today is about. Today is about a little boy named Cory Barnes and a past I have hidden from the world.” Hushed whispers echo around the room. “I have a statement prepared, and I won’t be accepting questions.” I squeeze his hand as he begins to read out his statement, keeping my eyes focused on him and shutting out the room, as he tells the world the truth. His voice breaks in a few places, and I slide my arm around his waist, offering my physical support. Reporters shout out questions while he speaks, but Ryder ignores them, reading the words he’d painstakingly written. I’d helped him with it, but it’s still so emotional listening to him reading the words out loud. At the end, he confirms our intent to set up a charity in honor of Cory and promises more details will be forthcoming in due course.
