One Year Later
There’s been so many times I’ve looked out over at a crowd, but no crowd as ever been as special as this one. I may not have much family as in immediate family, but the family I do have I hold very close to my heart.
Within weeks of making our relationship official again after telling Cameron, I was moving in with them, officially. In all honesty, I only went back to my Mum’s house for clothes. I spent the rest of the time with Cass and Cam, getting to know them and finding a routine that worked that fit around us all. It’s been the best year of my life so far and it’s only getting better.
It’s been a long year for Cassidy and her Mum, but they eventually got to a place where they can be civil with each other. She even came to the wedding and she’s having Cameron tonight so Cass and I can spend some time together. We’ve spoken, but there isn’t any love lost with us - as long as Cassidy is happy, and she doesn’t make any trouble for us, I’m good with that. I guess when she comes to her senses and sees I’m going nowhere then she’ll accept me. I don’t know how I can prove it to her anymore though.
Glancing back over my shoulder, there’s gear set up at the back of me, obviously I’m not working tonight but Carson must have booked a band for tonight. Clearing my mind, I turn back to the task at hand and look to see where the love of my life is. Pinpointing her I lift the mic to my mouth but wait as I watch Cass hugs her Mum over by the bar, a soft smile etched to her gorgeous face. I give them their moment then lift the microphone again.
“Cassidy Chase, get your sexy arse up here on this stage with me.”
She swings around at the mention of her name with a gorgeous broad smile on her face, her loosely curled, blonde hair swishing after her. She looks an absolute picture in her long flowing dress and I can’t wait to take it off her later.
Hitching her dress up a few inches she takes the steps to the stage carefully and joins me at my side. Threading my hand in her hair to hold her neck I pull her lips towards mine in a searing kiss.
“I love you, Mrs Chase,” I whisper to my wife, leaving her with a broad smile.
Tapping the mic, I start my speech.
“Hi everyone. Thank you so much for being here with us to celebrate our special day. I know it’s not big and fancy, but this place holds so many memories for both Cass and me. No one will ever know to the full extent of how much love I have for this woman and I’m beyond happy that we’ve made it official.”
‘Yeah, finally!’
Following the voice back to the bar I see Carson laughing.
“Thank you to the heckler in the back... but yeah you’re right,” I admit laughing with him. “When Cassidy and I first went our separate ways, my mum always used to say to me, if it’s meant to be, it’ll be, but you need to patient. Patience never was my strongest suit but, as ever - she was so right.”
Dale agrees with a nod and a smile. “God bless her soul. Love you mum. I wish she was here today, but I hope she’s looking down and sharing a sneaky brandy with us.”
My gaze cuts back to Dale, his remorseful eyes look up to the ceiling before finding mine. We both raise our glasses in a private toast.
“Anyway,” I turn to face Cassidy. Looking her dead in the eye, I go on. “Cass. You’ve made me the happiest man alive, I hope you know that?”
My hands rest on her bare, silky shoulders as I pull her gently towards me. “I have a special performance though and it’s all for you.”
Grabbing my guitar from the back of the stage I place the mic in its holder, adjust the stand then pull up a stool. I begin to strum the notes to Amazed by Lonestar, it may not be an eighties classic but it’s a song that fits Cass and I completely. Almost as soon as I’ve started to sing, she tears up, tenderly she smooths away her tears. I don’t even get to the middle of the song before she’s full on crying. Standing from the stool I was on I let her sit down instead then carry on my song. Once I’m done I stand before her, tipping her head back with my hands using my thumbs I wipe away the wetness from her cheeks then kiss her. Leaving my arm around her shoulders I turn back to face our friends.
“Can my best man come up here please?”
Cass watches him walk through the crowd and up the stairs with a soft grin until he’s standing next to me.
“Dude, I want to say thank you, one for letting me into your life but secondly for letting me be your Dad. I know how hard that had to have been for you and I’m so proud of you. I love you son.”
“I love you too Dad.”
Feeling embarrassed from the crowd standing in front of us, he turns his face away to look at the back of the stage. Cass wraps him a hug while I smile and kiss them both.
“Right our other thanks go out to Carson and Dale, since coming home a little over a year ago they really helped me to see clearly and at times gave me the arse kicking that was needed.”
Carson raises his drink from the bar at the back of the room and winks as Dale does the same.
Carson rounds the bar and makes his way over to us through the crowd. Omitting the steps at the side he jumps up onto the front of the stage taking the mic from me.
“Well, as most of you know, Elliott, Cassidy and I have been friends for a long time. It’s been a rough few years of ups and downs with trials and tribulations but like any good friendship we got through it. You’re my buddy and I’m glad to finally see you both happy. I love you guys!”
Cass steps forward and hugs Carson, placing a kiss on his cheek then steps back.
Holding my arms out I walk forward.
“Do I get one? Come on bud bring it in, you know you want to…”
Shaking his head amused he taps my back and we hug it out.
“Right now, I have my own surprise. Cass, Cameron, if you could step down. Elliott, you stay with me.” They take the steps and walk over to Dale.
“What are you up to?”
“Just a little surprise I managed to pull off. So, a few years back if some of you here don’t know - our very own Elliott was part of a group and he was lead singer. This is the one all the girls adored, I was basically their roadie until they left town for brighter horizons. This is the dude that got the girl everyone wanted. I’ve managed to pull a few strings and for one night only Soul Divider are making a comeback especially for you guys. You can come in.”
My eyebrows hit my hairline as I watch each of the guys walk onto the stage, Aaron leading them in.
“Carson you sneaky shitbag. How have you done this? The guys haven’t played in years.”
One by one they greet me clapping hands with mine in a tight handshake and pulling me in for a hug. My face must be a picture because the guys just laugh and take their places.
“Congratulations to you both Ell, I always knew you two would find your way. Cass...” He kisses his fingers and blows her a kiss. “Keep that for now because I’m coming for another soon enough.” Aaron tells her smirking while she smiles and pretends to catch the kiss.
“Keep your hands off my girl, I’m not having this shit. Sorry Cam.” I apologise to my son for using bad language.
“Whatever, Dad.” He smiles and lifts his glass of Coca cola to his lips.
“Alright ladies, stop your hugging and kissing we’ve got work to do.”
Aaron takes his place at the drums while the others, Grayson and Sebastian take their places and pick up the guitars. Looking around a little overwhelmed, Carson passes me my guitar, stunned I take it from him and place it around my neck. “Ladies and gents, I give you Soul Divider.”
Carson jumps from the stage and stands next to Cass and Cameron, placing his arm around Cass’s’ shoulders. She buries her face in Carson’s white dress shirt while he laughs at her emotional state, because I know she’s crying...
These guys were my best friends, we spent every waking moment together shooting the shit and rehearsing from the age of fifteen when we thought it was just a stupid dream, but we got to live that dream - even if it was only for a short time.
After singing a couple of songs with the boys I head off the stage and let Aaron sing, it is after all our wedding reception.
“I take it the special couple haven’t had their first dance yet then?”
“Nope.” I shout back. He smirks.
“Okay this is an Ed Sheeran song, but I think it’s Perfect for you guys. The intro to Perfect begins. I lead my wife to the floor and hold her in my arms, swaying to the song.
“I love you Elliott.”
“I love you too, babe. More than anything.”
The smile hasn’t left her face all day which is probably the mirror to mine.
“Have you got some sexy underwear under that dress Mrs Chase?”
“Oh, Mr Chase that would be telling.” Her eyes dazzle.
“Just you wait until I get you home later.”
She takes my hand in hers and pushes it towards the top of her thigh and presses on my hand. I can feel the ridge and the clasp of a suspender belt instantly making my dick.
“Fuck. Can we go home now?”
“No. Suck it up buster. I’m dancing with my gorgeous husband now shut up before the songs over and just kiss me.”
“Your wish is my command, my queen.”
Without any more hesitation, my mouth covers hers in a burning kiss, her hands gripping my shirt at the back, pulling me closer. My arms wrap around her tiny waist lifting her until she’s looking down at me. Her palms covering my cheeks and my stubble, her fingers caressing my face.
This woman is my world and she knows it.
Calling over Cam, he stands between us with his arms around our waists, making a circle. Kissing Cassidy’s forehead, she smiles again then I bend to kiss Cameron’s.
This is probably the best day of my life.
My family.
Watching from the bar Cassidy has Cam on the dancefloor trying to teach him the Cha, Cha slide and Macarena with some of the female regulars. His hands covering his face in embarrassment. Carson joins me by the bar asking his new girl behind the bar for two shots of JD. She places them on the bar winking at him and with a shake of my head I look at him, a smirk gracing my lips,
“Are you tapping that?”
“I might be,” he sniffs.
“One day my friend, a woman is going to knock you right on your fucking arse and I’m going to be there to laugh.”
“Shut the fuck up and pick up your drink.”
Picking up the short tumbler, Carson proposes a toast. “To my best friends, hope you have a long and happy life.” Clinking glasses, we neck the drink letting it burn as it goes down and slam the glass down on the bar.
“Abi, same again but make it double and a can of coke please beautiful.”
It’s gonna be a looong night. Turning with my back leaning against the bar I fold my arms across my chest watching my wife, I see my brother join them on the dance floor too. Grinning my head shakes. Carson passes me my drink, clicking again I take a sip and enjoy the view.
I always thought music was a part of my soul, but really Cassidy Summers was my heart and soul. When I didn’t have her in my life - I just didn’t work without her, they, didn’t work without her. I was empty. Now with Cameron, I’ve come full circle. I have my family. I have my whole world mapped out. I don’t need music, I don’t need to perform in front of thousands to get a kick out of life, I can look at my wife and son and get my kicks that way.
As long as I have those two, I have everything I’ll ever need.
My heart and my soul.