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We’ve been looking at houses because trying to live without my stuff has been difficult. Most of Sean’s things are in storage, and even though Sean and I aren’t on hold, it feels like we’re still waiting for it all to come together. This house is the final step, and I can’t wait.
“When can we close?”
“The sellers are already out, so the sooner, the better for them. I was thinking with Nora here, maybe we could make it happen if you’re ok with that. She’s packed all my things thatneed to be moved, and Gem said she’ll let movers in and give directions whenever we’re ready.”
“Let’s do it then. I’m ready to get out of here and have you and Ax settled before things really pick up.”
“Yeah?” This doing-life thing with Sean is so surreal to me. Whenever I think about all of the decisions I used to have to make alone, like buying a house, dealing with car issues, or having a baby, I’m so grateful for his support. It’s the small things you take for granted unless you’ve never had them.
“Yeah. I want us in our own house as soon as possible. We’ll be here at least through next season, so the sooner, the better.”
“It may sound weird, but I like making these kinds of decisions with you. When I learned that I was pregnant with Ax, all of a sudden, decisions had to be made. I wanted a house for us. I needed to find a doctor I was comfortable with delivering him. I needed to find a pediatrician and decide if I was freezing the umbilical cord. All the most important decisions I’ll ever make. I was terrified to make the wrong one. I laid in bed at night praying I wouldn't screw it up.”
My stomach still pinches at the thought of all those nights I lay there, scared, and with no one to talk to or help me.
I link my fingers with his. “Buying a house is not the same as having a baby, but it’s still a big decision, and it’s been really nice doing it with you.”
“You don’t have to do any of that stuff alone anymore. You and Ax and I are a family. We’re going to do all of the life things together.”
I rest my head on his chest with the comfort of this truth overwhelming me. I’m so thankful that I made it here, that I took one step at a time, climbing out of despair and into a happiness I’m only just beginning to discover.
Epilogue
Two Months Later
ANDIE
I use my hand to shield my eyes from the bright lights to survey the small crowd gathered in the confined space. The FlyOver is packed. Every table is filled, and Gem and Nora sit at a table in the front, beaming like two idiots. Jonesy sits on a stool to my right, a guitar resting on his leg.
“Thank you so much for joining me tonight. This is a dream come true. You know…it feels like not that long ago, I sat up here on an open mic night, just needing one person to hear my song. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be playing a whole album's worth of songs for you. I’m truly honored to have been asked here tonight.”
I set my guitar on the stand next to me. “I have one final song I’d like to share. So if you’ll indulge me, it’s something new.”
A round of soft applause fills the space as I move to sit behind the piano. I search the back wall until I find Sean. He’s standing in the back, rocking a sleepy Ax high on his chest.
I adjust the mic before I play a chord lightly. “This song is incredibly personal. I wrote it late one night after getting somedifficult news.” I find Sean again. “And amid my heartbreak, someone came in, scooped me up, held me, and didn’t let go. He’s held my hand every day since.”
I sing of walking in the dark, knowing everything will be ok as long as he’s by my side. I tell him I need him to hold me, keep me, and never let go. It doesn’t matter what happens or what life may bring. I’ll ride with him until the end.
I hit the final chord and let it ring out as people stand and applaud. I press my hands to my chest, thanking them, but I look for the one I need, like my soul needs music.
His spot along the wall is now empty, and as I search, my eyes snag on a couple in the far back corner. My breath catches in my throat as my parents stand, eyes trained on me.
I shake myself loose from the shock, joining Jonesy on the side of the small stage where Sean is waiting for me. I walk straight into his free arm.
“I’m so proud of you.” He kisses me and hugs me so tightly that my entire body relaxes into him. Home. He is my home. “Baby, I will ride with you anytime, anywhere, forever.” I lean back to see his face. “I’m never letting go.”
“I love you.” The idea of forever with him sounds perfect to me.
Sean kisses my forehead and leaves me to chat with his former teammate, Tyrell, and his wife while I spend the next hour greeting and talking with friends and acquaintances. Jonesy and I speak with a few people from the industry. Eventually, I make it to Gem and Nora’s table, who sit relaxed with drinks in their hand.
“Take a seat, sweet cheeks. You earned it up there. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house with some of those songs.” Gem takes a sip of her drink. I search for Sean and spot him talking to the McNeils. “I told everyone here that you’re about to blow the top right off the charts.”
“Gem. You didn’t.”
She scoffs. “You bet your sweet ass I did.”
Nora’s head falls back as she laughs. “She did, and they all kept saying how they begged you to sign with them. They still want you to. I told them they could send a formal offer.”
