Page 31 of The Song We Lost

I look at all of them now, one by one.

“This doesn’t change what we built here. This property, these homes... none of that was conditional. Everyone is on the deed because this was always about family. That hasn’t changed.”

Thomas lifts his head. “But Luke...”

“Is still your son,” I say. “And he always will be. I will never tell you he can’t come here.”

Sadie looks like she might argue, but I keep going.

“What I may ask for is privacy if he does. Space. Time. I need to heal. That’s the only boundary I’m setting.”

Thomas nods slowly. “That’s fair. But, Bailey, you are our daughter too. We... ”

"I know, Thomas, that won't change. I promise." I choke out.

Rachel finally speaks. “There’s also something you all need to be prepared for. This may become public very quickly.”

Rose stiffens. “Public how?”

“Speculation is already starting,” Rachel says. “With photos of Luke. Clips of him with Kacey, while Bailey was photographed and filmed at the wedding, with all of you. People are talking; it's trending on social media. We’re putting additional security in place as a precaution.”

I hate that I have to say this part.

“I don’t want people showing up here looking for a story,” I add. “This place is home. I won’t let it become a headline.”

Sadie reaches for my hand, gripping it hard. “You don’t have to leave,” she says suddenly. “You can cancel the rest of the tour. We’ll figure it out. We already have enough. You've already given enough, Bailey. Let us shield you from this.”

I squeeze her fingers. “I can’t.”

“Why not?” she demands.

The answer hurts too much to soften.

“I’m contracted to finish the tour,” I say. “And one more album.”

Silence.

“I thought…” I hesitate, then force myself to say it. “I hoped he'd show up. I thought if I gave him time, he’d catch up. Not professionally. Personally. I wanted him towantthis life. The one we promised each other.”

The truth sits heavy in the room.

“I need to go back earlier than planned,” I continue. “I’m finishing the tour strong. Jackson Reed is joining me for part of it.”

Sadie’s eyes widened. “You’re working withhim?”

“Yes.”

“When?”

“Soon,” I say. “We’re announcing it onstage, that's why I have to leave today.”

Rachel glances at her phone. “We tried to avoid it, but the announcement lands on Bailey’s birthday.”

“And your anniversary,” Sadie adds quietly.

Cole swears under his breath.

As the meeting breaks apart slowly, everyone lost in their own version of grief, I retreat upstairs to pack. Rachel is already on calls, moving pieces into place. I haven't asked for my phone back. I don't think I can handle seeing him with her, hearing what people are saying about my marriage, my life. Sadie appears in the doorway, eyes soft now... I know she is piecing together what happened during her wedding, and I don't want her guilt or questions right now. I want her to be happy and calm.