Epilogue - Lennox

FOUR MONTHS LATER

I stand backstage at my first concert in Montana since the release of my new album, breathing deeply, trying to focus. My single “Mountain Storm” has been sitting at the top of the charts for weeks and I couldn’t be more thrilled. The last few months have been a whirlwind of rehearsals, media interviews, and fan meetups. Now, as the familiar buzz of the crowd reaches my ears, reminding me of the countless times I’ve been in this very position, the nerves I feel are…different. This performance is deeply personal; not only is it my official comeback, but also, more importantly, it's a tribute to Hallie—to us.

It's been several months since the blizzard that changed my life, and I can't believe how far I've come. That isolated cabin now feels like a distant memory, a turning point in my journey of self-discovery. And here I am, on stage, ready to share my hit song— our song—with the crowd.

As the band backing me begins to play a vamped intro, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the surge of emotions I know will hit once I step into the spotlight. The shadows of my troubled past still lurk around the edges of my mind, but I find it easier to push them away these days. And that’s all down to the incredible woman who brought me back to life.

I walk onstage, casting a long shadow under the bright lights. The crowd erupts in cheers, their energy warming my heart. I grin, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity as I take my place behind the mic.

“Welcome, everyone,” I address the audience, my voice steady. “For those of you who have been waiting patiently, wondering if I'd ever return to the stage, I’m happy to say that your patience has been rewarded. Tonight, I'm not just here to sing for you. I'm here to celebrate new beginnings, rebirths, and the power of love that can mend even the most broken of hearts.”

A chorus of cheers and whistles fills the arena, and I let out a low chuckle, feeling that unique connection that I’ve missed, the one between a performer and his audience.

The opening chords from Jake on the piano start, a haunting melody that sets the tone. I close my eyes, taking a moment to ground myself as the spotlight bathes me in warmth.

“This next song is very special to me,” I continue, picking up my acoustic guitar from the nearby stand. “It's a song about finding light in the darkness, about discovering that sometimes miracles happen when you least expect them. I was lost, struggling to find my way back to the world, until an angel as bright as the stars burst into my life.”

The crowd is still cheering and whistling like crazy as I turn briefly to look offstage. When I see Hallie standing there in the wings next to her sister Ciara, I wink. “Hallie—my savior, my muse, my love. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. This song’s dedicated to you, baby.”

She smiles at me, and I begin to sing.

When I finish, I feel like I’ve poured every single drop of my soul out onto the stage.

The audience goes wild, leaping to their feet.

“Thank you,” I say quietly, looking out to the crowd. “Thank you very much.”

Once the arena settles down, I ask. “What do you say: you guys want to meet her? Hallie?”

The crowd cheers loudly, and I walk over to the side of the stage and take her hand, pulling her gently onto the stage, much to the delight of the audience.

“‘Mountain Storm ’ isn't just about me,” I say, as I look deeply into her eyes. “It's about us. Hallie and I met during a massive snowstorm. After five years of creative silence, she coaxed music back into my life. But more importantly, she started bringing love and sunshine into my life every single day. So, I'm making it official.”

I get down on my knee and pull the ring from my pocket. “Hallie, will you be mine…forever?”

The audience erupts into even louder cheers and applause, and Hallie's eyes fly wide. She laughs, covering her mouth. She nods and stammers out a yes, and I slide the ring on her finger before I stand and she jumps into my arms. We kiss deeply, as the crowd nearly brings the house down.

When we finally pull apart, I look off to the side to see Ciara giving me a huge smile and a big thumbs up. I told her two weeks ago that I would be proposing tonight, making her promise not to tell Hallie. She was thrilled to be entrusted with the secret. I know that I have gained not only the love of my life, but also the love of her family. And that is something no amount of fame can ever come close to touching.

I turn back to Hallie and she smiles at me, her eyes wet with happy tears.

I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life making beautiful music with this woman.