“Cal, can I take the stage after the show?” One of my best friend’s turns to regard me with questions in his eyes. I know what he’s thinking and he’ll be right to assume. There’s something I’ve been wanting to do for too long and I’m tired of waiting around.
Both of them are married with kids on the way. It’s time I start my own family. And today is that day. “Sure, you going to finally do it?” He questions and I nod. “Good man. I’m happy for you, but enough sappy shit, let’s get down to sound check and get this show on the road.”
The walk to stage doesn’t get easier, there’s always nerves that get the better of me, but when we round the corner, Kierra’s gray blue eyes meet mine and all the fear and anxiety that plagues me is gone. Her presence calms me and I know I can and have to do this.
“Boys, are we ready? Can I get the fans in for sound check?” I nod, pulling her into my arms and inhale her scent which reminds me of apple pie. Sweet cinnamon which has my taste buds watering to taste her again.
“Can you two keep your hands off each other for twenty minutes?” Liam comes strolling onto the stage with his drumsticks. The cocky mouth of my best friend is ever present and I can’t help chuckling.
He and Emma are just the same, they’re constantly sucking face. It’s like an overload of PDA that will make anyone puke.
“Shut it. Get ready, let’s do this.” My retort is met with a raised brow and a smirk as he eyes me and Kierra.
“I’m ready, man. This is Liam fucking Hayes you’re talking to; I was born ready.” With that confident comment, he swaggers up to the raised platform where his drum set sits and settles on the stool.
“I’ll see you after the show, baby.” Ki, leans up on her tiptoes and plants a soft kiss on my lips.
Her sweet smile is enough to make my night, but I’ve got a show to play. She turns to walk away, but before she disappears with Tay, she regards me over her shoulder. “Knock ‘em dead, handsome.”
Making my way to the platform, I find my keyboard set up along with the microphone. “We ready?” Callum bounds to the front of the stage and the girls that are entering the venue start screaming. I don’t know how he handles being the center of all that attention and keeps it from harming his marriage.
He’s always been popular with the ladies, thankfully I’ve managed to keep myself mostly in the shadows. He turns to give me the nod and I start the song Liam wrote for Emma.
The keyboards are easy and I watch as Cal entrances the girls with his voice.
One night, one kiss
One touch, one smile
You’ve haunted me,
Taunted me, but always made me feel
Between lust & tears,
We found our way
The path isn’t easy,
But you’re my salvation
Between lust & tears
Now it’s forever,
Just me and you,
Fire and ice,
Passion and love
Between lust & tears,
We found our way
The path wasn’t easy,
But you’re my salvation
Between lust & tears
* * *
The show has been incredible and the energy from the crowd have pushed me through. Exhaustion is slowly getting the better of me, but I know tonight is special, so before we leave the stage, Callum makes his announcements. “Now, before we leave you, Ryan wanted to say a few words. You see, my best friend has fallen in love. He’s found his forever and I think he’s going to say something.”
I’m a flurry of fucking nerves because this is it. I’ve never wanted more anything in my life. Not even landing the gig with Hunters made me feel like this. So excited. So needy. Jesus, I sound like a woman. “Thanks, man,” I rasp as Cal hands me the microphone.
“Hey guys, thanks for coming out and making this show amazing,” my words have the crowd going wild. Raising my hand, I motion for them to simmer down, which they do. “Now, you all know my best friends have both found their forever, Callum being married, and Liam on his way there soon enough, I figured, you know… It’s my turn.”
Glancing behind me, I notice Ki standing in the shadows. She’s never been one for the public eye, but this time she has no choice.
“I’m here tonight, to tell you about my girl, Kierra,” I turn my glance toward her and crook my finger. “Come out here.” When she strolls over to me, I can’t help grinning like a kid on Christmas morning counting my lucky stars this woman loves me too.
The crowd are silent as they watch her step on stage. All our fans know who she is, and even though we’ve always been behind the scenes, I want to shout it out to the world. Letting them know she’s mine. That this woman has agreed to marry me.
“Now, this woman has put up with my crazy lifestyle, she’s been there since the beginning and she’s still here. The announcement I wanted to make this evening is to tell you all, our fans who’ve been supporting us for so long, that Kierra has agreed to marry me, and that’s not all. To top that, we’re having twins. And as much as I know I’m embarrassing her,” I smile, grasping her hand in mine. “Ki, I love you, I’ve always loved you. Without you, my life wasn’t complete, but with you, I know my song will play forever.” Swooning comes from the crowd and a few whistles and catcalls.
Those blue eyes that sparkle with excitement, are glistening with unshed tears. She takes the microphone from me and turns to the crowd. “Thank you for everything. Your support and love have given the band more than fans, you’ve given us a family. As much as I do stay behind the scenes, I’d like you all to know, Ryan and I will be getting married before the tour next year.” That’s when the crowd goes wild.
Then, she nods, her words slowly settle on me and my heart rate skyrockets with happiness. She fucking knocked me on my ass once again. Since the first time I met her, she’s always kept me on my toes, and this time it’s no different. Lifting her, I spin her around and the crowd is absolutely crazy—they’re shouting and screaming. Then I feel the arms of my brothers, the men who’ve stood by me for so long.
And I feel the emotion I’ve longed for.
True happiness.
This is what it feels like.
And there’s nothing more I want in this world.
She’s here. In my arms.
And she’s going to be my wife.
THE END