Chapter 48

FORTY-EIGHT

S tanding on the dark stage, I grin as I soak in the fans chanting and screaming for us. They don't know we're already here, watching and waiting. We're the last acts to perform. Fallon and I prepared this concert, and all money raised will go to those affected by childhood sexual abuse. It's been a huge success. The music industry has called it the concert of the year, maybe even the century. With so many big names, we had to expand the venue to this one, the largest in the country.

There are the Dead Ringers, Reign Harrow, Will Rock, and so many more names, including the smaller bands we handpicked like Sanctuary and Willows. It's been a day of music and enjoying the sun, but now the moon is high in the sky and the anticipation is astronomical.

Looking over at Fallon, I smile, and she winks at me just as the lights come on.

The crowd goes wild, and Fallon's crooning voice fills the air as I watch her, awestruck just as I always am. She captivates the crowd of thousands here and the millions streaming from home. Her blue gown flows behind her as she walks farther onto the stage, performing one of our new songs, and when the guitar shreds, I lift my mic and sing with her. I catch up to her so we are side by side, staring at one another as we sing our wedding vows.

This is what this song is—our promise to love one another no matter what storm arises.

"Not even death could part us," we finish, both panting.

Licking her lips, she turns to the crowd. "Are we having a good time?" They go wild as she grins. "I know I am. We've had some incredible performances tonight, and as you know, it's all for a good cause. Tonight is for everyone who has been affected and for every voice that was silenced or stolen."

I step back as she stands before the mic, one single light falling on her, creating a halo as she performs her new song. "Sun Rising" is a raw ballad, one of struggles, hope, and suffering. It details hers and every survivor's battle, and when it ends, she isn't the only one crying.

I don't bother to wipe away my tears. I let everyone see them as she holds out her hand to me, and I stride forward to her side, gripping her hand as I kiss her cheek softly. I am prouder of her than I have ever been.

"How about one more song?" I call into the mic. "This one, well, it's a new one and not yet released. We know you're going to love it. It's our story. It's our love, our past, present, and future. It's also our protest to this world, our riot. We hope you like it."

We perform it just like that, our eyes on one another, filled with love. It might not be what my fans are used to, but I know they will adore it like I do because it's real, raw, and loving.

I take her hand, and the fans scream as our voices trail off. I lift our clasped hands into the air, showing off our matching wedding bands before I tug her into my arms and dip her in a dramatic kiss, tasting her happiness and laughter.

They didn't get to see our wedding. It was a private affair just for friends, a bohemian meets rock ceremony held behind our houses where we swore our love to one another forever. I wasn't joking when I said I wanted to marry her as quickly as possible, and she looked stunning in her hand-stitched dahlia gown I had made, matching my suit and the flowers overfilling our house and garden .

I know the pictures are up on the screen behind us, telling the world and our fans, and if the ear-shattering screams are any indication, then they are as happy as we are.

Pulling away slightly, I look into her bright eyes.

"My ice queen."

She grins. "My rock star."

Then, for the world to see, I kiss her once more, claiming my wife.

My Fallon.

My entire world.