Chapter Eight
Christina was on edge. Ellie, the reporter from Savage Release, had shown up on Tuesday, flying out to California on her own dime after the press release about Griff’s fundraiser concert. Christina had set up a Q&A in the living room of their rental home, but after Ellie’s article on Griff’s proposal (and Christina’s less-than-enthusiastic response) and her numerous speculative comments about Griff’s “other women,” Christina kept any further access to Griff limited to his concert on Saturday. Unfortunately, Ellie had cozied up to Kelly instead. Christina warned Kelly not to say anything about Griff that could be used in the article, and she’d sworn she wouldn’t breathe a word, but Christina still didn’t like the two of them hanging out.
Of course, it didn’t help her nerves that she’d spent much of the past week alone. She was used to the constant hustle of the city and touring. Griff spent nearly the entire day at Kelly’s apartment in a creative surge Christina knew better than to mess with. When he got into this kind of creative frenzy, greatness was born. So she did what she did best, kept herself busy with organizing and promoting the fundraiser concert. She even got some local press and TV stations involved from as far away as San Francisco. It wasn’t every day that Griffin Huntley played an intimate venue for a good cause.
Griff was euphoric when he returned to her at night and made good on his promise to wear her out in bed. She couldn’t complain about that part. They hadn’t had two weeks of nothing planned in so long it almost felt like a normal life. Work by day, play by night. Honestly, she felt closer to him than ever. She was beginning to wonder what she was so worried about. He wasn’t her ex. He was so spent with his efforts on her there was no way he could manage to get frisky with anyone else. Of course, the real question was—what would happen if temptation crossed his path when Christina wasn’t with him? Would he resist? When she was with him and saw the love shining in his eyes, she knew the answer definitively. But when she wasn’t with him, she still had that little niggling of doubt.
Her phone vibrated. Another text from her mom. Christina sighed. She was going to kill her brother for hooking her mom up with texting and the Internet. She was driving her crazy. She glanced at the screen.
You want me to come out and lend a hand with the concert?
She quickly texted back. No.
She knew her mom just wanted to meet Karina Black. She’d been bugging Christina about an autograph ever since she’d seen the picture of Griff with Karina.
Christina’s phone rang. She picked it up and immediately said, “I got it covered, Ma.”
“Are you sure? There’s not much time to bring it all together.”
“Everything’s under control.”
“I sure like that Karina,” her mom hinted.
Christina didn’t reply. It was uncool to ask for autographs from other famous people. She’d explained that multiple times.
Her silence didn’t faze her mom, who went on. “Your father and I were dancing to her new album last night—” she lowered her voice “—and a little more, if you know what I mean.”
Christina cringed. “I gotta go.”
“Oh? What’re you so busy with? I knew you could use an extra set of hands.”
“I’m Griff’s manager. I’ve done this kind of work many, many times.”
Her mom snorted in a very unbecoming way. “Manager. What man wants to be managed?”
“It’s a business thing,” Christina said through her teeth. “He does the music; I do the business end.”
“And does he listen?”
“Yeah, Ma, he listens.”
“Well, don’t let it carry over to the personal, Christina Marie.”
Christina rolled her eyes and bit back a retort.
“Are you rolling your eyes at me?” her mom demanded.
She sighed. “No, Ma.”
“I’ve been reading about the concert on the Googly Alerts,” her mom said. “Sounds like his sister might join him for a song.” Christina didn’t bother to correct her Google reference. She suspected her mom said it on purpose to irk her.
“That’s the plan,” Christina said. She wished she could set up a Google Alert on her brother so her mom would start bugging him instead. Unfortunately, middle school math teachers didn’t make headlines all that often. Just a few times for him that were a whole ’nother crazy story involving Griff, which she would’ve found comical if her brother’s future happiness hadn’t been at stake. No one messed with the people Christina loved.
“You sound tired,” her mom said. “You sure you don’t want me to come out? It’s no bother. I could meet Karina and be home in time for Monday night poker.”
Her mom played a mean game of poker with a group of women from the neighborhood and always came back flush with quarters.
“All good here,” Christina said in a tone of finality.
“Maybe you could propose to him this time,” her mom said out of nowhere.
“I’m hanging up now.”
“You are his manager after all. Manage him already!”
“Love you, bye!” She hung up. Her phone vibrated a few moments later with a text. She snatched it up.
I’m just saying. You’re not getting any younger.
She really had to change her number.
~ ~ ~
Kelly was seriously having the time of her life. Not only was she creating music with her brother, but she’d really hit it off with Ellie, the music reporter. She was so New York. She had shoulder-length purple hair, buzz cut on one side, and a nose ring. They even went shopping together in Tahoe for a new outfit for Kelly to wear to the concert. Christina had given her a credit card to charge it on and asked her to pick up a new wool coat for her as well since hers was stained beyond repair from their brief wrestling match.
Kelly and Ellie had so much in common—love of music, muscled bad boys, and martinis—and had been going out to JT’s Roadhouse every night together. Even the nights when Kelly had to work, Ellie met up with her after, and she paid for all the drinks! (Ellie had an expense account.) They talked about anything and everything. Ellie even said she’d report on Kelly’s performance too, but Kelly had declined. She was nervous enough about performing her song at the concert without worrying about that too. She was only doing it to please her brother. In fact, Kelly confided to Ellie over her third fabulous martini the night before the concert that she’d written her song in honor of him and Christina. It was a little secret.
“Because they’re so perfect together, you know,” Kelly said, popping the olive into her mouth. “Shh, don’t tell anyone.”
“Oh, I know,” Ellie said, nodding at the same time. “I saw him propose. They’re in deep.”
“I know, right?” Kelly leaned her head on her hand and stared across the room at a cute guy shooting pool. He had a shaved head, neck tattoo of some kind of bird, and a linebacker body. Nice rear view.
Ellie giggled. “It’ll happen sooner or later, right?”
“Absolutely. Griffin said it was just bad timing.” She wiggled her fingers at the guy, but his back was still to her and he didn’t see. Ellie grabbed her fingers, drawing her attention back to her. Kelly slowly blinked. “What?”
“I just had a great idea!” Ellie exclaimed.
Kelly beamed. “That’s great!”
“The timing would be perfect at the concert after you dedicate your song to them.”
“You think so?”
“I know so. Perfect time for a proposal. Want another martini? My treat.”
“I wouldn’t say no to more olives,” Kelly replied. They were so tasty.
Ellie ordered her another martini. When it arrived, Ellie raised her glass and gestured for Kelly to do the same. “A toast to Griffin and Christina and their happy ever after.”
Kelly clinked her glass and sloshed some on her hand. “Oops!” She licked her hand.
“I can’t wait to see the perfect proposal,” Ellie said. “With perfect timing.” She threw her arm around Kelly. “All thanks to you!”
“Thank me!” She took a sip of martini because you had to or the toast didn’t count. “And then Griffin will be so happy he won’t even care about the money.”
“What money?”
Kelly forced herself to focus on her new bestie, but everything seemed a little fuzzy. “Oops. Shh. It’s a secret.”
Ellie smiled so big Kelly just had to smile back. “My lips are sealed,” Ellie declared. “Hey, you should visit me in New York. We’d have a blast in the city.”
“To-ta-lly,” Kelly said, the words coming more slowly now. “I think you’re my best friend.”
“You’re mine, girlie,” Ellie chirped. “How much money is it?”
“It’s all mine,” Kelly said. “From our dad.” She giggled. “I think he loved me more.” She lifted her glass and looked to the sky, err, ceiling. “Thanks, Dad! You beautiful jerk!”
They toasted to that. Everything was perfect thanks to Ellie and olives and her.
~ ~ ~
Christina peeked out the front window the day of the concert. The paparazzi had found their rental house. Wouldn’t take too much digging once they reached Hope Falls. It was a small town and everyone knew Griff through Kelly.
“Griff,” she called upstairs, “you’ve got an audience!”
“Cool!”
She grinned. If anyone was meant for this lifestyle, it was him. He headed downstairs wearing a navy blue T-shirt and faded jeans that molded to his body. Work boots too. So freaking hot.
“Do I look older?” he asked. His birthday was two days away. He was kinda hung up on the number.
“You look hot,” she replied, skirting the real question. He looked his age, yes, but he kept in good shape and lived cleanly. He had many, many years ahead of him in the spotlight. She’d make sure of it.
He grinned and crossed to her, banding his arm around her waist and kissing her. There was a commotion outside. Probably the paparazzi snapping pictures. Griff only deepened the kiss, bending her over his arm in what was probably a picture-perfect shot. She would’ve been mad at his publicity-whore ways, but his kisses were amazing and she couldn’t help but revel in it. He let her back up and grinned.
“Show off,” she said.
He cradled her cheek and gazed deep into her eyes. “I want the world to know I love you.”
She felt that down to her toes. “Me too.”
“Ready for the crazy?” he asked.
“Let’s go,” she said.
They headed out the door and the press pushed in, asking questions about his plans and why he was in Hope Falls. Griff made no comment, as she’d instructed, only smiled and waved, saying he’d see them at the concert. The only reporters who got info from him were interviews she’d signed off on. He signed a few autographs from fans who’d shown up with the press, and then gave his apologetic smile, waving goodbye and getting into the Hummer. He drove this time because he was pumped and loved to drive when he could.
“Nice crowd,” he said.
“There’ll be more at the concert,” she replied.
“What?” He glanced over at her. “Did you call them?”
“Yeah. I always handle the publicity for you.”
“I thought this was going to be an intimate night.”
“It will be.”
“Does Kelly know?”
“I assume so. She’s been hanging out with Ellie. I can’t wait to get rid of that one.”
“Geez, I don’t know if Kelly will perform now.”
“I’ll be front row, far right. Tell her where to find me and just focus like she’s only playing for me.”
“Yeah, okay. I’ll tell her.”
Griff drummed the steering wheel in a beat that played in his head. Usual preshow jitters. As much as he liked to perform, he still had a nerve-racking preshow anxiety phase that launched him even more powerfully when he channeled that energy into the music.
Once they got to the Community Center, she hustled Griff to the backstage of the theater before peeking out at the audience. It was packed. The press lined up against the back wall, standing room only, though the news station she’d given the exclusive to was sitting front and center, camera rolling, with two additional cameras on the side. Maybe they could add this concert to some bonus footage on a behind-the-music video to promo his next concert tour. It was both for a good cause and involved family. Big-time PR points right there.
She returned backstage, where Kelly now stood with Griff. The poor girl was pale, her hands visibly shaking. Her outfit looked amazing—a white, off-the-shoulder peasant blouse paired with black leggings and thigh-high black leather boots. Her hair wasn’t teased and instead flowed in a blond waterfall down her back.
“Don’t worry,” Christina said, grabbing Kelly’s icy cold hands firmly in hers. “They’re here for him. By the time you go on, you’ll be so bored backstage you’ll be ready. And, by the way, you look very rock ’n roll.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be ready,” Kelly said, her voice shaking. “I don’t have to go on.”
“Of course not,” Christina soothed, though she knew Griff would call Kelly out on his own. He was damn proud that he had a sister who could join him in the music. He’d been bragging about her all week. Called her his legacy. Christina made him promise not to tell Kelly that before the concert. The pressure was too much for a beginning performer. After was soon enough. Maybe it’d be the kick in the pants Kelly needed to embrace her musical destiny.
Kelly nodded and looked considerably relieved. “You think the outfit’s okay?” She pulled the off-the-shoulder ruffle further down her shoulders. “It kind of covers me on top, but Ellie says guys go nuts wondering what’s under there. You know, instead of knowing by seeing the boobage on display.”
“Absolutely,” Christina said. “Very classy, yet sexy. I’d do ya.”
They laughed.
“I like the hair too,” Christina said. “You were made for this.” She hugged her. “I’ll be far right, front row if you need a funny face.” She wrinkled her nose and pursed her lips to the side.
Kelly laughed. “Maybe I’ll sit with you.”
“Nah,” Christina said. “Griff needs you backstage for moral support. Right, Griff?”
“Absolutely,” Griff said, raising his fist for a fist bump. Kelly fist bumped him back.
Christina rubbed her hands together. “Break a leg,” she told Griff, as she always did.
He gathered her in his arms and nuzzled into her neck, breathing her in, as he always did. It was part of his preshow ritual to hold her close for a few moments. He released her and nodded, which was her cue to get the show moving.
She turned to the mayor, Henry, waiting in the wings to announce Griff, and nodded before slipping back into the theater to take her reserved seat.
A few moments later, Henry stepped out on stage, pushed up the brim of his cowboy hat, and called for everyone’s attention by tapping the mike and making it ring out with horrible feedback. Christina cringed. She was pleased to see the turnout and knew they’d done some good here with the fundraising.
“Ooh, doggie, what a show we got tonight!” Henry proclaimed to wild applause. “I want to thank our very own Kelly King for setting this up with her very famous rock star brother, Griffin Huntley!” The crowd picked up with more cheers. This guy knew how to play to his audience. “And with your ticket sales and a generous contribution from Griffin, we’ve raised one hundred thousand dollars for new playground equipment!” More wild applause.
When Christina had learned the cost of the playground equipment, Griff had insisted on keeping ticket prices at an affordable twenty dollars and said he’d contribute whatever the difference was. He’d ended up paying ninety percent of the needed funds out of his own pocket. She dearly loved this man.
Henry pulled a red bandana from his pocket and mopped at his forehead. “I know you’re all-fired ready to get started, so without further ado, Griffin Huntley!” He made a quick exit stage right.
Griff ambled on stage and the crowd cheered. Christina found herself smiling at his casual badass swagger. She knew he didn’t calm the jitters until he started playing. He picked up his guitar, threw the strap over his shoulder, and approached the mike. He strummed the first notes, sought her out in the audience, gazed right into her eyes and began to sing. She swayed in her seat. It was her song, “Crazy Thing,” and she never, ever tired of hearing it.
~ ~ ~
There she is, my crazy thing. Seeing Christina always centered him, and Griffin lost himself in the glory of performing the music of his heart. The music he would never have dared reach for without Christina’s unshakable faith in his abilities. He’d spend the rest of his life earning her trust if he had to. All that mattered was that they were together.
When he got to the chorus, he gestured to the audience to join in. They did, making him smile, as they knew the words and sang at the top of their lungs. He spotted Karina Black sitting a few rows back, smiling at him. She’d declined his invitation to join him on stage, saying she’d like to have “the full Griffin Huntley experience” from the audience. Smartass.
It was a stellar audience, and he played nonstop for an hour before he took a break and snagged the bottled water that had been left for him on a nearby stool. He took a long drink of water and smiled at the audience. “You all are a real nice crowd, Hope Falls.”
The crowd went wild.
He nodded once. “I’ve got a special surprise for you. One of your homegrown talents is going to join me up here and it’s not Karina.” He gestured to the side of the stage, but Kelly didn’t come out. He could see her standing there, frozen in place.
He smiled at her encouragingly and pointed to her guitar case a few feet away from her.
She shook her head. And then the reporter, Ellie, appeared behind Kelly and shoved her out.
“My sister, Kelly King!” Griffin announced. He went over and fetched her guitar for her and joined her center stage. Holy crap. He’d never seen such bad stage fright. She stared unblinking at the center camera, stiff and pale. He was afraid she was going to pass out. He pulled the stool over and hustled her onto it before taking his place standing by her side.
“We’re just going to tune up,” he told the audience. “Give us a minute.”
She held the guitar, but made no movement.
“Did you see Christina out there?” he asked her in a quiet voice.
She jerked her head up and locked eyes with Christina, who mimed slapping her. Kelly actually smiled. The women in his life were nuts and he loved them like crazy. Kelly looked down and began tuning her guitar. He brought the mike down to her level and stood supportively nearby.
“I need Christina on stage,” Kelly said into the mike.
That was odd. What did she need Christina for?
Christina didn’t question it. She leaped out of her seat and joined them, standing in front of Griffin, who set his guitar down and wrapped his arms around her. Kelly nodded to her in silent thank you and launched into a ballad with soul. Her voice, soft at first, slowly built in confidence as she sang looking right at him and Christina.
“My heart lives with you
“My soul breathes with you
“No more doubts or walking away
“With you I’m here to stay
“What’s a piece of paper, you say
“What’s a bridal veil for
“If not to show you forever
“You’re my legacy
“You can build me up or destroy me with a single word
“There will never be another
“You are my heart, you are my soul
“Make me complete.”
When the song ended, the audience burst into applause. Kelly beamed. Griffin gestured for her to stand and take a bow. She did, hamming it up with bows right, left, and center. He gestured behind her for the audience to amp up the noise. Some catcalls and whistles rang out, and a wild stamping echoed through the theater.
Griffin went over and hugged her. “Beautiful, Kel. Nicely done.”
“Thank you,” Kelly said. She pulled the mike off the stand, looked backstage, nodded and then stopped in front of Christina, saying into the mike, “That was my song for you and Griffin.”
“Thank you,” Christina said. “It was beautiful.”
Kelly turned to Griffin. “Do you have the ring?”
Griffin’s brows shot up. “What?”
“This is the perfect timing you needed,” Kelly said, “for your proposal.”
The crowd gasped. Christina took a step back, her bright blue eyes wide.
“Chris, wait!” He grabbed her hand, and she yanked her hand out of his grip.
“Don’t you dare!” Christina hollered.
“Marry him, Christina!” Kelly hollered. “He loves you! You love him. It’s perfect!”
Flashes of light went off as the press got close to get the picture that would be plastered all over the Internet within minutes. Another botched proposal. Ellie ran on stage with a small video camera to capture the horrifying event.
“Enjoy your headlines!” Christina spat at him before doing an about-face and rushing off stage.
He looked at his sister in shock. Her return look was equally shocked. Obviously Kelly thought that would’ve worked. She didn’t know Christina.
~ ~ ~
Christina left the theater and drove straight back to their rental, locking herself in their bedroom. Griff could get a ride home with Kelly. She couldn’t believe the two of them plotting behind her back like that. Worse, Griff had turned their relationship into a publicity event. Again. Would she ever get the real Griff?
Christina heard Griff return when the front door shut with a bang. “Chris! Where are you?” There was a buzz of voices. People must’ve followed him back home for the after party in honor of his birthday.
She opened the door. “I’m right here but not for long. I’m going home.”
Griff sprinted up the stairs, Kelly and that damn reporter Ellie followed quickly behind. “Wait,” Griff said. “I need to—”
“You seriously expect me to talk to you about us in front of her?” She looked pointedly at Ellie, who merely stared.
“Tell her,” Griff said.
Ellie said nothing.
Kelly filled in the silence. “That on-stage kinda proposal wasn’t Griff’s idea. In fact, he had no clue. Ellie convinced me it was a good idea and I thought so too. Griff said the first proposal was just bad timing.”
Christina smiled sweetly at Ellie at complete odds with her uber-threatening voice. “You will never get access to Griffin again. No pictures, no interviews, no comment ever. If you publish—”
“It’s already online,” Ellie said smugly.
Christina did a head swivel and turned to Griff. “You’d better get her out of here fast.”
Griff stepped between them. “I will. But not before I tell her on the record that Christina and I are together forever, whether or not there’s a piece of paper saying so, and…” His voice got choked. He took both of Christina’s hands in his and gazed into her eyes with that soulful look that she knew was from his heart. “And I don’t deserve her, but I will spend the rest of my life trying to be the man she deserves. She is my heart, my soul, my everything.”
“Whoa,” Kelly whispered, “just like my song.” Then she turned to Ellie. “You should leave now.”
“Tell him about the money, Kelly,” Ellie said, “from your daddy who loves you more.”
Kelly gasped.
Griff turned to Kelly. “Dad had money?”
“Nuh-uh,” Christina said. “Family business. Get out of here, Ellie, right now. And I’m going to make sure your boss knows exactly why you lost access to Griff forever.”
“Bitch,” Ellie spat.
Christina lunged at her, but Griff caught her before she could make contact. “Ellie,” Griff said calmly, “I suggest you leave if you ever want to work in this business again.”
Kelly whipped out her cell. “I’m calling the police. She’s trespassing.”
“Whatever!” Ellie sang before stomping off.
The three of them stood in the hallway, watching her go until the door slammed shut behind her.
Griff turned to Kelly. “What was that about Dad?”
Kelly’s lower lip wobbled. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Hey, don’t cry,” Griff said. “This is our night to celebrate. I’m sure it’s not that bad.”
Kelly looked to Christina and then to Griff. “Dad left me his life insurance money. A lot. Just me. I wasn’t sure if I should tell you because he left you out, but you can have your share—”
“No,” Griff said. “I don’t need it. It’s fine.”
Kelly bit her lip. “I’m sorry. He was a jerk. I don’t know why he did that. Mom said he took out the policy ten years ago…and…I don’t know what to say. I was being selfish.”
“Ten years ago?” Griff asked. “That was the last time I saw him when I put out my first album.”
“Maybe he knew you were going to be big,” Christina said. “Maybe it was a compliment of sorts.”
Kelly stared at the floor. “And he knew I was just a waitress.”
“But we know you’re a songwriter,” Griff said. “Water under the bridge, Kel. I’m fine with it. Now go party. This is your night to shine.”
“Really?” Kelly asked in a voice full of hope.
“Really,” Griff said.
Kelly hugged him tight and ran downstairs.
He hadn’t even asked how much money it was. His heart was always in the right place. Christina grabbed her man and pulled him inside the bedroom, shut the door, and launched herself at him.
He caught her and they kissed passionately. Finally Griff lifted his head long enough to say, “Does this mean I’m forgiven?”
“Yes! I shouldn’t have run off. I’m sorry.”
He turned and pinned her against the door, kissing her again. “No, I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have to be in the spotlight like that. Our relationship is private.”
“Did you really mean what you said about how we’re together forever even without a piece of paper saying so?”
He searched her face. “How can you even question it? Don’t you know how much I love you?”
“Yes, of course I do.”
“Some part of you doesn’t.” He kissed her tenderly. “I’m okay with that. I’ll keep trying, the rest of my life if I have to, until you believe deep down that you are it for me.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. “Oh, Griff.”
“I’m signing over all of my money to you.”
“No! Why would you do that?”
“Because I want you to have everything I have to give.”
She knew money was wrapped up with love for him. He gave money with heart. He provided for his ex’s brother when he was under no obligation to, contributed a sizeable donation to her brother’s school music program as a peace offering, and spent his first big paycheck not on himself, but on his mother, buying her a house. She had to take a leap of faith and trust him with her own heart.
She stroked his scruffy jaw. “I don’t need that. All I need is you.”
His soulful hazel eyes got shiny, which made her cry. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. They stayed like that for a long time.
~ ~ ~
Griffin breathed a sigh of relief. He’d finally gotten through to Christina. The woman hardly ever cried, and he knew it was because she felt deep down the strength of his love.
Someone pounded on the bedroom door. “Get your ass downstairs, birthday boy! I flew in from LA for this!” It was Jake, his former bandmate and keyboard player.
“Go hang with my sister, Kelly,” Griffin hollered back through the door, his arms still full of Christina. “We’ll be down soon.”
“You have a sister?” Jake asked.
“Yes. Tell her I sent you.”
“Is she hot?”
Griffin put down Christina and yanked open the door. “She’s my sister. Geez, Jake.”
Jake grinned, his blue eyes dancing with mischief. “Hey, old man.” He hugged Griffin and pounded him on the back. They were the same age, so Griffin didn’t take offense.
Christina smiled. “Look at you! Well-groomed beard, mustache, glasses. You almost look respectable.”
Jake kissed her on the cheek. “I’m a high school music teacher now. Gotta look a little less badass.”
“You ready to join the party?” Griffin asked Christina.
“Let’s rock and roll,” she replied.
He gave her a smacking kiss on the lips and headed downstairs, where the party was already in full swing. His sister had set up a nice spread of food and was busy welcoming each new arrival. Karina and friends made an appearance and, damn, if Kelly wasn’t glowing as Karina praised her performance. Most of the guests were musicians, friends he’d picked up along the years, but he was happiest to see Jake again. His other bandmate, Henry, never forgave him for breaking up the band, but Jake said he’d never been happier than teaching the next generation music.
Griffin celebrated his big-number birthday with Christina at his side like he wanted her for every birthday. Kelly and Jake seemed to hit it off and chatted quite a bit off in the corner. The party went late into the night and was especially sweet for him because just as he was drifting off to sleep a new song came to him almost fully formed about soul mates. He grabbed his guitar to capture it. It was the best birthday gift he could’ve gotten from his muse and soul mate Christina.
~ ~ ~
Christina stretched lazily the next morning after a long makeup sex session with Griff. He’d been slow and tender in the way that rocked her body and soul. They were leaving tomorrow. She’d kind of miss this place. They had precious little vacation time with just the two of them, and it had been especially touching to see Griff with his sister.
Griff sat up, naked, and grabbed his guitar. “I wrote something new for you.”
“You did? When?”
“Last night. You slept right through it.”
“Let’s hear it,” she said, propping a pillow against the headboard and closing her eyes.
And then Griff blew her away with an incredibly emotional song about soul mates. They both had tears in their eyes when he finished.
Her throat was so tight she couldn’t get a word out.
“What do you think?” he asked softly, setting his guitar down.
His tone just about killed her. His heart was sitting in her hands with that incredible song, and she didn’t take that lightly. She closed the space between them, climbed into his lap and wrapped her arms and legs around him. She held his scruffy cheeks in both her hands and gazed into the hazel eyes of the man she loved heart and soul. “I think I want you to marry me.”
He blinked. “Y-you do?”
“I do!” she cried.
And then they were kissing and showering each other with I love yous. The light of hope pushed any remaining doubts away. They were soul mates.
She was his.
He was hers.
Nothing else mattered.