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Epilogue
“Ladies and gentlemen, give it up one more time for the Kings of Karmichael!” Johnny says to the audience. “Their brand-new album, Long Live the Kings, comes out tomorrow! Be sure to download it wherever you stream your music, and don’t forget they go on tour next month! The Kings of Karmichael!”
I’ve seen fans and friends go crazy for the Kings before, but tonight’s been unlike any of those times. The late-night television show with Johnny puts in perspective just how big of superstars they are.
“This is insane!” Sebastian says to me while we watch in the green room.
Last month Maddox invited me, my mom, and my brother to the show. Since it films in the evening, it’s not too late for Sebastian. I was surprised my mom made it, though. She was supposed to be out of town until next week on business.
It’s been six months since the truth came out about what my father did. The silver lining should be that not only has Luxe Miami opened, but my father fast-tracked New York as well. It opened last week. The reason it’s not a silver lining is that I’m not running any part of it anymore.
Instead, I’m helping my mother around her real estate firm and studying to become an agent. It’s disheartening, but I couldn’t go back to working for my father and pretending everything was okay. He didn’t speak to me for almost two months. And even when he did, it was only when my mother was present. Things are still rocky between us. We talk here and there, but he still hates that I’m going out with Maddox.
Maddox and the rest of the band walk back to the green room, and Sebastian starts jumping up and down in pure excitement. “That was amazing! How do you play the drums like that so fast?”
“Because I’m awesome, that’s how,” Maddox says, twirling a drum stick around.
“I still beat you at Fortnite.”
“All right, let’s get out of here,” Derrik says. “Everyone else is already waiting for us at the restaurant.”
“Hold on. We can’t go yet,” Maddox tells them.
They all stop and stare at him with an annoyed expression.
“Maddox, Skye and the girls have a gig in three hours,” EJ says.
“I know, but I have to do something first.”
When they all stare at him, expecting him to explain, he simply smirks. Then he looks at me and gives me a smile, but I’m not sure why. “What are you doing?” I ask.
Instead of answering, he looks over at my mom, then nods to my brother. “You got it?” he asks him.
Sebastian nods enthusiastically, then reaches into his pocket, pulling out a little box. My eyes narrow to try and figure out what it is. That’s when Maddox drops to one knee, and Sebastian hands him the box.
“Oh my God,” Jade whispers.
My hands cover my mouth. My eyes jump around the room. Everyone looks utterly shocked except Sebastian and my mom.
“Cecelia Mavin,” Maddox starts with a huge grin, “I love you. Will you marry me and make an honest King out of me?”
“Is this really happening right now?” EJ says.
“I thought you’d be the first to pop the question,” Derrik jokes.
“Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod,” Jade repeats.
I’m still frozen in place. My mom continues to smile, and now I realize why she came home early. Maddox must’ve told her about this. She’s been more than supportive of us since finding out what my father did. And knowing she made time to be here warms me.
“Cece?” Maddox asks, his voice shaky.
“Yes,” I’m finally able to get my voice to work. “Yes, of course.”
Getting to his feet, I wrap my arms around him, and we kiss. I didn’t know what would happen when he finally told me the truth, but we got through it. I still have my family, and he still has me. When he’s on stage like he was tonight, or out for shows, I know that’s the King of Bad, but I always get Maddox. The real Maddox. And now I’ll have him forever.
