And she was never letting go.
***
Vic
Hours later, when the house had gone quiet, Vic slipped into the garage studio alone.
He sat behind the kit under the single light, picked up the sticks, and played.
Not for a crowd.
Not to prove anything.
Just for himself.
The rhythm flowed out of him—powerful, graceful, free.It carried every piece of his past and every hope for his future.The sound filled the garage, steady and strong, like a heartbeat.
Grace in motion.
Vic smiled in the dark, eyes closed, sticks moving like they were always meant to.
He was home.
Occupy Yourself had a future—new songs, new tours, new challenges waiting on the horizon.
But tonight, in this quiet moment, Vic Montrose had everything he’d ever needed.
And he was finally ready for whatever came next.
***
Bonnie
Bonnie lay curled against Vic on her couch, his arm draped around her shoulders, their legs entwined.The ring on her finger caught the afternoon light every time she moved her hand, sending little sparks across the room.It still didn’t feel entirely real.
She was engaged.
To Vic Montrose.
And she was stupidly, terrifyingly, completely in love with him.
She’d spent so many years convincing herself that love was a trap.That it was something that made smart women weak and left them picking up the pieces when the man inevitably walked away.But Vic hadn’t walked.He’d stayed.He’d waited.He’d loved her even when she made it hard.
Now she couldn’t stop smiling.
“I should call my mom,” she said suddenly, the words slipping out before she could overthink them.
Vic shifted so he could see her face.“Yeah?”
Bonnie nodded, nerves fluttering in her stomach.“She doesn’t know about any of this.The label deal with Iron Indian, the collaboration with OY, the tour support that actually makes sense...or that I’m getting married.”She let out a shaky laugh.“She’s probably going to think I’ve lost my mind.”
Vic brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch gentle.“You want me there when you call?”
“Video call,” she corrected.“And yes.I want her to meet you.Even if she freaks out.”
He smiled, that steady, warm smile that always made her feel safe.“Then let’s do it.”
They sat up on the couch.Bonnie opened the video app on her phone with trembling fingers.She stared at her mom’s contact for a long moment, thumb hovering.
