Page 289 of Fame & Chaos

The frantic pounding of my heart begins to slow beneath the warmth of her embrace.

“Jesus…” she whispers against my chest.

“She was suffering, Indi.” The words come out broken. “While we were getting married… while we were having the best day of our lives…” I close my eyes. “She was living through the worst day of hers.” My throat tightens. “Her birth mother was shot and killed.” I shake my head. “I don’t even know the whole story. I just…” My voice disappears.

I can’t even imagine what Annie must be feeling.

Indi rubs slow circles across my back. “I know, baby.” She tilts her head up to look at me. “But we’ll be there for her now.” She brushes away the tears on my face. “And you cannot blame yourself. We didn’t know. There was no way we could’ve known. This isn’t your fault.”

I nod slowly, drawing in a shaky breath. “I just hate knowing I was so happy…” I close my eyes, “… while she was going through hell.”

“I know.” She squeezes my hand. “But if you carry that guilt, it’ll steal this from us too.” Her smile is small but certain. “Right now…” She takes my face between her hands. “We focus on Annie.”

I nod. “You’re right.”

An idea suddenly hits me. “What if…” I look at her. “We throw her a surprise party when she gets home?” I can already picture it. “Get everyone together. Show her she’s surrounded by people who love her.”

A smile spreads across Indi’s face. “You have such a beautiful heart.” She kisses me softly. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” She nudges my phone back into my hand. “Call Colt. See what he thinks.”

I nod.

Kissing her forehead, I unlock my phone and dial Colt’s number.

Chapter Fifty

Caleb

After talking to Colt, we organized a welcome-home party for Annie at the manor in Oxfordshire.

Everything’s ready.

The food is laid out, drinks are chilled, and Indi has helped me with every last detail.

Everyone’s here except for Annie and the family, who went to pick her up from the hospital. Dee texted a few minutes ago to say they were turning into the street, so they should be here any second.

“You okay, babe?” Indi asks, slipping her hand into mine. “You look nervous.”

“I am.” I glance around the room one last time. “I just want Annie to know how loved she is. Her birth mother turned out to be the wicked witch from hell, and I want her to remember that this…” I gesture around the room. “This is what family looks like.”

Indi grins. “I’m so proud of you.” She steps closer. “You could’ve let all of this crush you, but instead you’ve turned it into something beautiful. Annie’s going to remember this for the rest of her life.”

I take her hand. “You’re my rock, you know that?”

She gives me a gentle nudge. “I think we’re each other’s.”

The front door clicks shut.

Conversation dies instantly.

Everyone falls silent.

A moment later, footsteps approach.

I glance around the kitchen.

Chad is standing beside his parents, with Aston’s mum and dad. Annie’s grandparents are here, and Nan hasn’t stopped smiling since she saw Indi. She always adored her.

The kitchen door swings open… Annie, Aston, Ella, Colt, and Dee step inside.