We’ve partnered with counselors who stay on call during shows. We’ve rewritten venue protocols. We’ve had hard conversations about drink spiking, about predatory behavior, about accountability in spaces that used to shrug and look away.
It’s not flashy work.
It doesn’t trend.
It doesn’t sell tickets.
But it protects people.
Safe Stage is growing, city by city, tour by tour. Some venues resist—promoters who don’t want the optics. But there are more who are stepping forward.
There’s still a long way to go. There always will be.
But now, when the lights come up and the music starts, I know the space is safer than it was before.
And that feels like power.
And today?
Today has been the highlight of my life.
I’m married.
We spent the day surrounded by family and friends in the most magical place, and now the town square is lit up like something out of a storybook. Tables line the street, covered in white cloth and wildflowers. String lights hang overhead, globes glowing warmly against the night sky, little flowers threaded through them in a boho-chic kind of way.
It’s a town celebration.
Not just a wedding reception.
Ligonier has shown up for us in a way that makes my chest ache, but in the best possible way. As I sit at the bridal table looking up at the lights glittering above us, I feel humbled beyond measure.
Kaden glances at me and smiles softly. “You look happy.”
I lean my head on his shoulder and sigh contentedly. “Undeniably, unbelievably happy, Kaden. This is the best day of my life.”
His hand slides to my leg and gives it a gentle squeeze. “I’m so happy Kiera made it to our wedding.”
I lift my head and meet his eyes. “It made the day even more special having her here with us. Exactly how she wanted it.”
I glance across the square and spot her beneath a large oak tree, a soft blanket draped over her legs. Raoul is beside her, close but careful, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her lips, andmy smile widens. There’s something steady about the way he looks at her.
I glance back at Mercs, expecting some flash of brotherly irritation.
There isn’t any.
If anything, he looks relieved, like he has finally exhaled.
And that alone makes me melt into him a little more.
Gran is dancing with Dad not far from them, laughing like she hasn’t carried the weight of the world for the past six months. I shake my head in disbelief. It’s late, I’m exhausted, and yet she’s still going strong.
She’s extraordinary.
“So,” Kaden murmurs, brushing his thumb lazily over my thigh. “What’s next for the band?”
I shrug thoughtfully. “We need to talk to Luke. He’s still trying to figure out where he stands with all of us moving here. He’s been splitting his time between Australia and the States, and it’s not easy. He has kids, so it’s complicated.”
Kaden nods. “I know how much you girls don’t want to lose him.”
