Warm laughter echoed from the walls. I sank back into the comfy couch as I let my gaze wander Shea and Sebastian’s living room at their place out on Tybee Island.

Baz, Austin, Ash, and their families had mostly settled here in the Savannah area, considering this was where they wanted to raise their families.

Lyrik and Tamar still spent most of their time in Los Angeles where they could be closer to Brendon.

Of course, that was where Alexis and I planned on laying down roots, too, so she could keep close to her sisters.

Avril was six months clean, living in a halfway house of sorts as she learned to get back on her feet. Fighting everyday but knowing living would always be worth the fight.

I’d always feared if Sunder wasn’t continually making music, touring, and fighting to be on top, we’d lose sight of the dreams. But those bonds hadn’t loosened and had only seemed to strengthen as the demands of the rock star life were shifted. Even though our permanent homes were on opposite sides of the country, that didn’t mean we all didn’t get together as much as we could.

Which was why we were all here to celebrate the holiday.

The lights were cast low and Shea had candles set about out of reach of small hands.

A spray of what had to be a million white twinkle lights sparkled from the tall Christmas tree set up against the panes of glass that overlooked the sea, and the rolling waves crashing on the beach just beyond the darkened windows only added to the contentment that stretched its fingers out like welcome.

Sunder was scattered about the massive room. Shea and Edie were chatting in the kitchen, Baz and Austin not far where they rested on stools at the island.

Lyrik and Tamar had curled up together on another couch, and Ash and Willow were murmuring to each other where they shared a lounger next to the fire.

The flames lapped and danced, reflecting on the glass and sending a warm glow across the entire room.

What made it best?

All the kids were in the middle of the floor playing with the gifts they’d ripped open.

My chest pressed full, unable to reconcile the satisfaction I felt. The easiness I’d never really realized had been missing until it was there. This peace that soothed the wounds that I’d thought would forever remain raw.

That peace only amplified when I let my eyes settle on the two who were in the middle of it all.

Liam was right at Alexis’ side, which was where he always seemed to want to be, laughing hysterically as she poked him in the belly. He grabbed that spot, crying out “no” when it was clear he was begging her to continue.

Yeah.

Things had been rough. But they were getting better. Every day. Knew Veronica would always be a loss for Liam, and I’d never discount the fact my son had lost his mother. I could only be grateful for what Alexis and I could give him.

Safety and security and stability.

A big house with an even bigger yard.

Our time.

Our love.

And God, was there a ton of it. So much love it should have been impossible. But it was real. Just as real as the love that bounded against these floors and echoed against these walls.

“All right, tea and cocoa is ready.” Shea set a tray of hot teas on the huge, square coffee table that’d been moved out of the way so the kids could all get near the base of the tree, and Baz followed her in with a tray of hot cocoas for the kids.

“Yay.” It was a chorus of cheers from the kids. Apparently, a cup of hot cocoa on Christmas Eve was a big deal.

A tradition in the making.

Ash stood and helped pass out the saucers and cups.

“I do believe this calls for a toast,” he said with one of those smirks.

Lyrik shook his head. “Of course it does.”

Ash chuckled, but his expression turned serious. “We’ve all been through some really rough times. Tragedies and more disappointments than any of us could count.”

His gaze bounced around the room. “But I think it’s safe to say that our luck has won out.”

He shook his head. “Never thought I’d find love the way I did”—he gestured with his cup to all of us around the room—“and I’m betting none of you did, either. Sunder is still making magic, but we’re doing it on our terms because every single one of us knows what’s most important.”

He blinked, his throat heavy. “Family.”

Everyone lifted their cups. “To family.”

Warmth covered me, and I shifted to look at where Alexis was gazing down at my son.

So damned tenderly it twisted through me like a hurricane.

Maybe she felt my eyes on her, because she turned to look at me.

Faith and goodness and belief.

This girl.

I couldn’t have asked for anyone better, and I’d never thought I’d have a match. But this girl, she was my heart.

My spirit.

My soul.

That space between us came alive. A stir of energy and need. Didn’t matter that I had her. I couldn’t ever get enough.

As if she were drawn, she slowly pushed to her feet, swaying over to me wearing a sweater that hugged her in all the right ways, those eyes alive and that smile sweet.

I stretched my hand out for her, pulling her to me just as anxiously as she was crawling onto my lap. I wrapped an arm around her, my nose at her temple. “Merry Christmas, baby.”

She looked up at me. “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had. Thank you so much for letting me share it with you.”

I hugged her a little closer. “And where else would you be?”

“I don’t ever want to be anywhere else.”

“Now I’m thinking I like the sound of that.”

Her teeth clamped down on her bottom lip, and that redness rushed to her face. “Yeah?”

“Yeah, I really like the sound of that.”

I turned to look at where Liam was giggling at some goofy face Brendon was making, my voice soft. “Hey, Liam.”

His head popped up, grin set in place. “What is it, Daddy?”

“You remember that special present we have?”

His entire being lit up, and he scrambled to his feet. “Yes! I’ve got it, I’ve got it.”

He rushed to where it was hidden on the back side of the tree, weaving through everyone as he came our direction.

Swore I could feel Alexis’ heart rate amp, rising as this steady beat began to drum between us.

A connection unfathomable.

A bond unshakeable.

Liam was bouncing like he just might pee his pants with the amount of excitement he had over the secret he’d kept for the last week which was hidden behind his back.

Figured that was about as much time as I could expect of him, the boy the perfect accessory with his little winks and attempts at throwing her off track.

I shifted Alexis off my lap and to the couch then slid off and twisted around to face her.

Just as I dropped to my knee.

Liam was right at my side.

A soft gasp left that pouty mouth, her throat wobbling as she looked between Liam and me.

Hopefully.

Because that was what she was.

Hope.

Goodness.

An angel.

Starshine.

“Liam has something special he wants to give you, don’t you, Liam?”

He nodded emphatically, quick to pull the gift out from behind his back and shove it her direction.

There was no missing the collective breath sucked in by my crew. The guys and the girls and the kids.

Truth was, I wouldn’t want this taking place any other way.

I’d hidden what was important away for too long.

Not ever again.

Alexis pressed shaky fingers to her chest, that gaze sliding to me before she turned all her attention on Liam, who still held the tiny box wrapped in gold paper out in the palms of both hands.

She reached out, trembling, struggling for breath while I did my best to choke down the emotion that spilled from my spirit, gathering fast and pressing out.

“I wrapped it,” Liam whispered quietly, like he was seeking her approval. The little man needed constant reassurance, which we continually gave to him.

“You did a great job,” she said, though the words were merely a rasp. She inhaled as she carefully unwrapped it.

The black velvet box barely peeked out when Liam started jumping and clapping. “Me and Daddy want you to marry us. You wanna marry us?”

She looked over at me, eyes glittering with moisture. My words were soft. “Yeah, Alexis, you want to marry us?”

She slipped off the couch and onto her knees. “Nothing would make me happier than to marry you.”

Liam whooped, spinning around and shouting at the rest of the family, “She said yes! I’m gettin’ married.”

She smiled at my son who had become hers. “Of course we’re getting married,” she told him, her fingers a gentle caress beneath his chin.

He beamed at her while she watched him with outright adoration.

Her love for him was enough to knock me from my feet every time I saw them together.

Everyone cheered. Honestly, they were probably already expecting this, considering I really wasn’t all that hard to read. Not since I let all the bullshit secrets go.

Alexis clutched my hand, like she needed the support. Like she was overcome.

But that was the thing.

I’d never been known as a fighter.

But I knew the first night I met her, I’d never regret fighting for her.

Maybe for all those years I’d forgotten what I was living for.

But no more.

Alexis had taught me what it was like to be free. She taught me to trust in faith and love.

Because of her?

I remembered what it was like to Stand.

I slipped the ring on her finger and brought it to my lips. “Forever.”

Alexis nodded through the tears that streamed down her face. With a soggy smile, she angled her head to the piano sitting on the opposite wall. “Play with me, little drummer boy? It was always a wish, you know.”

Love pressed and pulsed, and I looked around at the happiness on my family’s faces.

Bleeding Stars.

Who’d have known they’d been raining wishes on all of us all along.

Did you enjoy Stand?