Easton

I don't know what the fuck I did, but Ireland won't talk to me. I've spent the last two days parked on the stool in the bar, waiting for her. She's avoiding me. I'm not writing, I'm not rehearsing. I'm just waiting.

"Can't you take a hint?" Summer, the blonde I've seen working with Ireland, stands in front of me. Pity mixed with anger on her face. "She's done with you."

"I need to see her."

"Why? Because she's your muse?"

"Because I'm fucking in love with her."

Her expression changes to pure pity. "Does she know that?"

"I haven't had a chance to tell her. She won't talk to me."

"Listen, Easton, Ireland's not one to trust people easily. Maybe you should start with being honest."

"I have been."

"Then why didn't you tell her about your son? She had to find out in an article online."

My heart stops beating for a moment, I can't catch my breath as Ireland's question, Is there anything about your life you haven't told me, replays in my mind. "I don't have a son."

She grabs her phone and scrolls until her eyes light up. "Not according to this. That photo looks an awful lot like a new dad in the delivery room."

I stare at the photo and I want to scream in frustration. "That is me. And yeah, I was in the delivery room because my sister's husband had just died and I was the only one there with her when she went into labor. Goddamn asshole tabloids."

"Oh, no. Really?" she asks.

"Yeah, really. That's my nephew, Noel. And you know what, he is like a son to me. I'm all he has and it kills me that I can't see him as much as I'd like."

Her expression softens and she puts a hand on my arm. "You're really in love with Ireland?"

"Yes, I really am. If I had the chance, I'd take her to the nearest chapel and marry her right now."

Her smile is so wide I could probably count her teeth if I wanted. "I'm suddenly not feeling very well. Gosh, I think I need to call someone to take over for me." She gives a dramatic fake cough. "Do you care if your bride is wearing black?"

My heart flips. "She could be wearing flip-flops and yoga pants for all I care. I just want her to be mine."

"Wait here." She flounces off to the back room and I sit up a little straighter.

Fifteen minutes later I see her. Ireland stands in the Employees Only door staring at me. She's heartbreakingly beautiful with her dark hair pinned back, away from her face but still cascading in long waves. Her lips are deep red, eyes shining and haunted. She tries to turn on her heels and I catch sight of the back of her dress. It's the same dress she'd been wearing when we met. The woman is fucking gorgeous.

"Ireland, wait," I call and Summer stops her from retreating.

She gives Summer a glare that might wither a weaker person, but her cousin knows how to handle her. "Give him a chance," Summer says.

The love of my life stalks toward me, arms crossed over her chest, eyes blazing. "What do you want?"

My hands are shaking as I force the words to my mouth. "I want to marry you."

"What?" she laughs. "You can't be serious. I can't marry someone who won't tell me the truth about who he is."

"You know everything. That baby you saw in the article, it's my nephew.”

She gives me a dubious glance. “You were in the delivery room? I saw the hospital bracelet. They don’t give those out to visitors.”

Swallowing hard, I wait a beat before launching into my story. “Paisley’s husband died not long before she went into labor. She didn’t have anyone for support. Just me. So, yeah, I was in the delivery room. I cut the cord, held him while she got some rest, and I’ll always fucking be there for him.”

Her blue eyes widen before her expression softens. “What’s his name?”

“Noel and he's seven. I love him like a son.” When she steps closer I know she believes me and the tightness in my chest eases a fraction. “You can meet him at the concert if you want. In fact, I'd love it."

"Really?" Her voice is soft and filled with hope.

"I love you, Ireland. And if you love me, which I think you do, say the word and I'll take you and make you my wife right now."

This woman who was fire and sass when we first met is staring at me in utter disbelief. "You love me?"

"I do. I should've told you the other night when I realized it, but I was scared. I know you've been hurt before, but I'll do everything in my power to protect your beautiful heart."

"I...I love you too, Easton," she whispers and my heart nearly explodes.

I wrap her in my arms and pull her close, kissing her deeply in front of all the patrons at the bar. Camera shutters click and I know this will be splashed all over social media before my manager can put out a press release, but I don't give a damn. I've got the woman I love right here with me and she's going to be mine... forever.