She’s ours. Completely.
We rattle through our back catalog and I’m swept away on a cloud of endorphins. It’s almost like I leave my body for a couple of hours and am floating above it all, watching from on high.
Then, we break into our final number for the night and shards of light shoot down from the ceiling like fork lightning. I’m hit with three sensations in quick succession: joy, gratitude, and contentment so strong I’ve never felt anything like it.
There’s a sharp intake of breath all around us and the crowd quiets for just a moment.
“Thank you guys. For all your support over the years. This stage has felt like home for so long. But we’re gonna step off it and find our new home, and so will all of you.” My voice doesn’t waver until the last five words and then I find my throat going tight as my own feelings threaten to overwhelm me.
Dorian’s closest to me, and he throws his arm over my shoulder in a side hug. “Nice words, brother.”
And shit, my eyes go glassy. If he was trying to pull me back from the tears threatening me right now, he’s gone the wrong way about it.
The last light shard in the stadium fades and the stage dims for just a second as we all take a second to recalibrate and take a breath. I hug Dorian back, even though we’re both dripping with sweat by this point.
Then the lights flare bright. Iri starts a heavy rhythm on the bass as Dorian’s fingers work his guitar and Cal smacks the shit out of his drums with his legs and arms seeming to work independently.
I open my mouth for one final time tonight. And, as one, the crowd and I scream at each other and we break into our closing song. And it feels a lot like we’re right where we’re supposed to be.
It feels a lot like healing.
Epilogue
Sin
Three months later
My palms are sweaty so I wipe, wipe, wipe them on my overalls. Just another couple of twists with my screwdriver and...
The bear’s beady eyes stare back at me.
Is this a terrible idea? I feel like he’s judging me.
“What are you up to, my love?” A growled voice makes me jump, spinning around with the bear clutching against my chest.
“What’s that? Not another gift for my sisters, is it?”
I hold up the little bear, thrusting it at Cal with a scowl. “Is it cute or creepy? I can’t tell anymore.”
“Sin.” He says my name slowly, like I’m two seconds from a breakdown. Which might be pretty accurate.
I’ve bought... and tweaked, a whole bunch of toys for Cal’s sisters’ kids. And I’m thinking I might have gone overboard. What if they think I’m messing with their kids’ minds?
It’s my first time meeting his family and I’m clearly losing my mind.
“Are they going to stop the kids grizzling when they’re tired?” He waits for my nod, taking the bear out of my hands. “Then my sisters will love them.”
He pulls me into a hug and I rest my cheek against his chest, breathing in his scent and letting it soothe my frazzled nerves.
We’re staying at the cabin the guys own at the base of the mountains, about half an hour from where Cal grew up and not too far from the cabin he bought for his parents.
His parents and sisters, along with their families, are all descending on us in a couple of hours.
Downstairs is stocked with food and drink and everywhere is spotless.
We’re ready for them.
And I’m about to chew through the walls with nerves.
