Heartstrings: The Complete Collection

Bonus Epilogue

Bonus Epilogue

Harmony

Four Years Later

Hendrix sits in his dad’s lap on the piano stool as Mack plays the first five notes of Euphemia Allen’s Chopsticks.

Hendrix copies his dad, stretching his little fingers over the keys. His little tongue pokes out of the side of his mouth, something he always does when he’s concentrating.

It’s our wedding anniversary, and we’re at our New York apartment for the weekend. I’m wearing a classic black dress that highlights my curves, and Mack looks edible in black pants and a black silk shirt as he grins down at our son.

I still have to pinch myself when it comes to my life and how blessed I am. There’s nothing more important to me than my boys. They are so damn cute. Seeing them together always melts my heart.

Hendrix has inherited our musical talents. When Mack and I noticed his musical aptitude on his toy keyboard, we began teaching him on the piano right away.

Having our son has changed things a little. Touring went on a back burner so we could enjoy time as a family, something that was important to Mack and me. I went back to college to study counselling, and now run classes and relaxation sessions for people who struggle with anxiety, like me.

I still have the occasional anxiety attack but have learned to recognize my triggers. Taking on too much is one of them, so I’ve learned not to overload myself and ensure I have downtime with Mack and Hendrix whenever possible.

Music is still a huge part of our lives, and it seems we have a little maestro in the making with our son.

“Look at my amazing nephew,” Jess says with a huge smile as she walks in the door.

Harrison is close behind, holding their two-year-old daughter, Wynter. She has her momma’s blonde hair and her daddy’s deep brown eyes and both of her parents wrapped firmly around her dainty little finger.

“Wyn-Wyn,” Hendrix squeals, scrambling off Mack’s lap and making a beeline for Wynter.

Jess and Harrison have become Hendrix’s designated babysitters when Mack and I need some alone time, and the same is true of us with Wynter. As a result, our two cherubs are best friends, and love spending time together.

Who would have thought when Mack and I first met that Jess and I would become such great friends and that we’d be raising our families together.

Harrison lowers Wynter to the floor, and she and Hendrix take off for the playroom, thick as thieves.

“You guys have fun and stay out as late as you want. Harrison and I brought popcorn, and we’re going to watch a Disney movie with the kids before bedtime,”Jess says with a grin.

“Sounds like fun,” I reply, hugging Jess and Harrison before grabbing my purse from the chair.

“Don’t do anything we wouldn’t,” Harrison calls out as my husband tugs me toward the front door.

“In that case, we could be some time,” Mack snorts as the door closes behind us.

“So, where are you taking me, husband?” I ask Mack playfully.

“Somewhere I haven’t taken you before,” he says, wagging his eyebrows suggestively.

I chuckle and shake my head. “One track mind.”

“And you love it.” He smirks.

He’s right. I do. My love for him has only grown over the years. He’s still the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I know that won’t change even when we’re old and gray.

As we walk the bustling sidewalks of Time Square, Mack's hand firmly in mine, I can't help but feel grateful for everything we have. Being married to him has been an adventure, to say the least.Like any married couple, we've had our ups and downs, but our love has always been the constant in our lives.

Mack takes a sharp left turn, and we arrive at a nondescript door. He knocks twice, and a burly bouncer opens it a crack.

“Password?” he barks.

“Songbird,” Mack replies, and my eyebrow quirks up in surprise.

The bouncer nods and opens the door wider.

We step into a dimly lit room, and I immediately feel a rush of excitement. It's a speakeasy, somewhere I've always wanted to visit but never had the opportunity. The atmosphere is sultry, with jazz music playing softly in the background and red velvet curtains draped over the walls.

Mack leads me to a table in the corner, and we order drinks from the server. As we sip our cocktails, we talk about everything and nothing. It's nice to have some downtime, just the two of us.

But as the night wears on, the music gets louder, and the drinks flow more freely. Mack and I are caught up in the atmosphere, dancing together and laughing like we did when we first met.

The air is thick with desire, and Mack's eyes burn into mine as we dance. I know where this night is headed, and I'm more than ready for it. Having alone time with a young child can be tricky, and it’s been over a week since we were intimate.

Mack pulls me closer, and his lips crash down on mine. Our bodies move together in perfect sync and I lose myself in the moment, in my husband. The way he touches me drives me wild. His hands are rough and calloused, but gentle at the same time. I can feel his desire for me, and it's intoxicating.

As our kiss deepens, Mack's hands roam down my back, gripping my hips and pressing his hard cock against me.

Suddenly, he breaks our kiss and rasps in my ear. "Need you, Songbird. So fucking bad."

I need him too, so much. But there are people all around us.

Mack grins and tugs me toward a door at the back of the room. He pulls a key from his pocket, unlocks the door and hustles me inside. I barely notice the décor of the small room as he backs me up against the door. All that registers is that I’m along with my husband and I need him inside me desperately.

Mack’s lips trail down my neck, nibbling and sucking at my skin, and sending shivers down my spine. I tug at his shirt, desperate to feel his skin against mine.

His hands slide down to my thighs, hitching up my dress and spreading my legs. He kneels in front of me, his eyes locking onto mine as he pulls my panties to the side. I feel his hot breath against my core, and a moan escapes my lips as he flicks his tongue over my clit.

Pleasure builds with every flick of his tongue, and I grab his hair, pulling him closer as he devours me. My orgasm is already building inside me, and I buck my hips against his mouth. I'm close… so close...

I mewl in disappointment as Mack stands.

"Put your legs around me, baby," he instructs, grasping my thighs.

I do as he says, wrapping my legs around his waist. My head lolls against the door and I moan loudly as he slides inside me with one hard thrust. My pussy stretches to accommodate his thick cock, the slight pinch of pain only adding to the pleasure.

Mack pulls out, and I whimper in protest. I don't want him to stop. I want him to fill me, stretch me to my limits. I want him to claim me. Fuck me.

But just as I'm about to voice my demands, he slams back inside me. I cry out, my inner walls tightening around him. He groans in response, rocking his hips against mine and sending waves of pleasure throughout my body.

He fucks me harder and deeper, our bodies moving as one. Back and forth we move in unison, gaining momentum with every thrust. I buck my hips against his, my body begging for release.

And then I’m coming. Hard. I lose track of time and space, my world filled with nothing but Mack. His touch. His scent. His love.

I wrap my arms around his neck, holding on for dear life as my climax washes over me. He grunts, his thrusts becoming quick and jerky. He pumps once… twice, and then his cock twitches as he spills inside me with a hoarse shout.

“Happy anniversary, Songbird,” he murmurs, kissing me softly.

I’m still pinned to the door, Mack’s cock still buried inside me as we catch our breath.

"Happy anniversary, husband,” I whisper breathlessly. "I love you so much.”

"I love you too, baby. I’m the luckiest man in the world. I have a beautiful wife who’s given me an amazing kid.”

I take his hand and press it to my stomach, giving him a soft smile. “Make that two amazing kids.”