Page 300 of Fame & Chaos

Aston follows her onto the stage, and the cheers somehow grow even louder.

Chad takes his place behind the kit, and the bass drum thunders to life.

Ella follows, and the opening music begins.

I glance back one last time.

Indi smiles at me, Aria waves both arms so enthusiastically that she nearly topples off Indi’s hip.

And that’s all the encouragement I need.

I bounce once on the balls of my feet before sprinting onto the stage, and the crowd erupts. “How the hell are we, London?”

The stadium explodes with cheers and stomping feet.

“Get ready to wet yourselves with excitement… because we’re back…” The anticipation builds. “And you’re about to be Staked!”

The opening riff of “Don’t Mess With The Best” tears through the stadium, and I launch into the first verse.

When the song ends, I pace the front of the stage, feeding off the crowd’s energy. “You still with us, Wembley?” A deafening roar answers me. “Are you ready to get loud?” The cheers swell. “Are you ready to get crazy?” Even louder.

I glance across at Annie, who’s already laughing.

“Are you ready for some chaos?” I thrust the microphone toward the audience, and the response is almost loud enough to shake the stadium. “Then let’s get this party started, Wembley!”

The next few songs blur into one incredible rush.

Music.

Lights.

Adrenaline.

Everything I’ve ever loved.

Between songs, my eyes drift toward the wings. Indi stands there with Aria in her arms, both of them completely captivated.

My girls.

My whole world.

This… this is the moment I’ve been waiting for since I was twelve years old.

As the crowd settles after the final song, I step back up to the microphone. “London…” The stadium quietens. “Thank you. You’ve been incredible tonight.” I jump around. “But before we go…” I glance towards the wings, “… I’ve got one more promise to keep.”

I point to Indi. “When I was twelve years old, I promised that one day, if I ever made it to Wembley Stadium…” I laugh softly, “… I’d sing a song for the girl I loved.” Emotion tightens my throat. “Well… I finally get to keep that promise tonight.” I turn fully toward her. “So this one’s for you, my beautiful wife… Indi McCormack-Slade.”

From where I stand, I can see tears running down her cheeks as Dee slips an arm around her shoulders.

Our eyes meet, and mine brighten.

Annie plays the opening chords.

And I begin to sing “Saving Grace.”

Indi

I’m sitting on the couch in the spacious living room of our beautiful six-bedroom home, both dogs sprawled beside me as I spin the Twister dial. “Right hand green.”