‘I thought you already gave it to me on Monday night. Several times.’ She smirks and winks at the camera, finding her mojo or at least putting on a good show after this week’s scandal.
Painted red fingers float to her throat. She’s still wearing the diamond I gave her. That’s something at least.
‘I have a better one than that.’ Nodding towards the back of the stage, I beckon out the woman and child who hover nervously behind it. ‘Come on out, girls, it’s okay.’
A ripple of gasps resound from the audience, then the booing begins as Maddy and Zoe step out into the light. The colour drains from Shelly’s face, and her fists clench by her sides. ‘Trust me,’ I whisper to her, taking her by the hand and offering an encouraging squeeze.
‘Calm down, calm down.’ I gesture to quiet the audience. Teddy and Aaron turn to each other. Teddy shrugs and Aaron mutters, ‘They do call it reality TV.’
‘Shelly, you were one hundred per cent accurate when you noticed Zoe looks like me.’ Shelly glances at Zoe, then at me again, wide-eyed. She attempts to drag her hand from mine, but I cling on to it, refusing to let go of her. Unable to let go of us.
‘Take another look at Maddy. Those hazel eyes flecked with gold. Her strong jaw, prominent bone structure. Her height and build. Do you see the resemblance there too?’
Shelly turns to Maddy, her face pinched with pain at having to confront who, until this second, she considered to be her biggest competition. Confusion mists in her expression as they rake over Maddy in a new light. Several seconds later, enlightenment dawns in her eyes and her frown relaxes marginally, transforming her face as her head tilts in an inquisitive gesture.
‘Maddy, this is my wife, Shelly. Shelly, meet Maddy, my biological sister, and my niece, Zoe.’
Another gasp bursts through the studio, echoing off the walls and circulating the room before evaporating high into the double-height ceiling.
Reaching into my trouser pocket I produce the lab results containing the proof. Shelly looks to me, then to Maddy, then back to me again. When I hand her the folded paperwork, she shakes her head, refusing to take it.
Dragging her into my arms, I hold her cheek against my chest, pressing her against the heart that she owns, the heart she’ll always own. Turning to the audience, I fill them in on the rest of my story, our story, while Shelly drowns my pecs with fat salty tears, hopefully of relief, muttering the same word over and over again.Sorry.
‘I’m adopted. I was lucky enough to be homed with the most fabulous parents when I was four months old. Though I’ve never had any inclination to find my real family, they recently came looking for me.’ I motion Maddy to step forward, bringing Zoe with her. Shelly turns, wipes her tears and pulls Maddy into a hug that makes my heart melt. The crowd erupt with applause, feet stomping, and cries of joy. Gazing around the front row, my heart soars as my mam and dad lift Emily and Erin onto the stage to join us, running as fast as their little legs can carry them.
When the noise eventually subsides to a level where I can attempt to speak again, I tap the microphone, signalling I want their attention once more.
‘Now, this is a dance show, right? If you don’t mind, I’d like to dance with my wife. If that’s ok with you all?’
While the shrieking threatens to envelop us completely, Shelly turns to me.
‘I love you so much. I’m so sorry I doubted you.’ Full firm lips find mine, pressing urgently against them. Her tongue slips against mine, oblivious to the audience around us.
I pull back, before I get a full-on boner on national television. ‘I’m sorry for putting you through it. I had no idea. I’d never hurt you, Shelly. I’d never break our vows.’
She nods, finally accepting the truth. She’s stuck with me. Always and forever.
Indigo eyes lighten and sparkle with curiosity. ‘About this dance?’
‘It might have been ten years, but I reckon we can still pull it off.’
Realisation dawns and she smothers a giggle. ‘Our wedding dance?’
‘The one and only. It’s only right. I’ve been practising for the three days solid. Happy anniversary, honey.’
‘Well, in that case, who am I to deny you your five minutes of dancing fame?’ She ushers the girls, Maddy and Zoe towards the side of the stage, before slapping my arse and whispering in my ear, ‘You are absolutely in for it tonight, Mr Williams.’ As she winks at me, I nod towards the microphone she’s wearing, reminding her we aren’t alone yet.
Thirty seconds later, when the stage is clear and I’m holding her against me in the starting position, the lighting dims, bar the spotlights that beam directly onto us.
A photo from our wedding day illuminates the screen behind us. Thankfully the weird angels have been removed. A voice clip from thirty seconds earlier resounds over the multiple speakers and the audience are treated to Shelly’s lust-fuelled promise. ‘You are absolutely in for it tonight, Mr Williams.’
The audience explode again, but the first few chords of the music quickly silence them. All eyes are glued on us and as we move together to our wedding song, we’re transported back ten years, remembering all the significant and insignificant details in between, going ‘Somewhere Only We Know’.
Holding Shelly against me, my heart feels so full it’s in danger of bursting out of my chest. As I twirl her away from me, I spot a shirtless figure lurking at the side of the stage, dark eyes absorbing the scene before him. My once friend, my biggest rival, bows his head respectfully, in what looks like final acceptance. Nodding back, I’m comfortable in the knowledge that he, nor anyone else, will ever come between my wife and me again.
