Chapter 24
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
VALLIE
Two years later
"Dad, this is Ryan.” Molly and a small boy approach us as their band filters out into the crowd, the music students embracing their proud parents. Claps still echo, along with, ‘You were amazing’ and ‘I’m so proud.’ A room filled with praise and excitement.
It is their opening night.
Well deserved; it was spectacular.
" Hm ,” I hear Donnie’s grunt-hum come from beside me as he stares down his lashes at the red-faced blonde kid Molly is clutching to. If looks could burn, that kid’s arm would be ash.
"Nice to meet you, Ryan.” I press between them, tapping his shoulder lightly. It’s weird touching other people’s kids. I never know if it’s okay or not. “You were wonderful up there. Do you take guitar lessons?"
"Yes.” He nods and smiles at Molly. Adorable. “Every Tuesday and Thursday, but I practise every day.”
"I do, too!" Molly declares dreamily.
Well, it must be love.
Donnie makes a noise again. “Hm."
Families move around, weaving between chairs and the aisles as they greet and converse.
Tyler and Dexter appear behind me, warm, large bodies creating a firm wall I love to disappear into.
Turning around, I stroke my finger down Bowie’s cheek. He is sleeping, tucked into a harness on Tyler’s chest, looking tiny alongside the Vaughn brothers.
"If you don't mind, Mr, erm, Mr Vaughn.”
Oh crap.
I look back at this poor kid as he stares, wide-eyed up at the huge, unsmiling Donnie and fumbles for words. “I mean, sir , my parents—" Ryan points to a neatly dressed, cardigan-wearing couple. I look at her neck, expecting to see pearls or rosaries. "They want to meet you and Mrs Vaughn."
Donnie folds his arms over his chest. "Why?"
" Donnie ." I nudge him.
" Oh , Donald, step aside—” Kathleen pushes her way through the Vaughn brothers and makes herself the front for our family. “It's lovely to meet you.” She shakes the couple’s hands, firm and matriarchal. “I'm Kathleen.” Smoothly, like the queen of England, she gestures over her shoulder to us. “This is Vallie, Dexter, Tyler, and Donald. And this little angel is Bowie. Like the singer, or so I’m told.”
"Oh, jeez. It is truly lovely to meet you all,” the man says. “I’m Colin. This is Ruth. Our boy, Ryan, has been asking for playdates for a while, but we know you're unsure. We thought if you met us.” He beams with perfect teeth and bright eyes. He gets a lot of sleep. Very wholesome… “You'd see we are normal. Just normal people. Like you."
I spit out a laugh but clear it away.
A provocative curve forms on Donnie’s lips. Oh, fuck, what is he thinking? He finally leans forward, shaking Colin’s hand. "I'm the dad."
Tyler follows. "So am I."
Handshake.
Then Dexter. “So am I."
Handshake.
Oh. My. God.
Colin’s smile freezes. "Oh."
Embarrassment like I’ve never felt before floods me from head to toe, building my olive skin to an unmistakable scarlet hue. This is not happening. I gaze around the room filled with normal couples. Couples . Two. Not four and a non-related older lady Donnie held hostage and fed pears to.
Behind Colin, Ruth swallows nervously, lightly patting her husband on the arm. "It's 2024, Col, please." Each pat of her slim, manicured hand offers him a clear message.
I cringe internally but try to bring us back to a path that might not condemn Molly. "Ryan was amazing up there. Very skilled. We are a family that loves music, too.”
"Yes, well.” Colin is still bouncing his gaze between the four of us. I can see the cogs in his mind processing and questioning this information. “He, ah, he practises most nights. Ah, every night.”
Awkward.
I sigh. "That's good."
"Come on, Ryan.” Colin waves his son over, and I can hear the “quickly” grit through his tone. “Nice to meet you, Vallie, Donald, and, um, Kathleen."
Donnie straightens. “Hm."
“Well, that was embarrassing.” I look at Tyler and Dexter, who didn’t have to come on so strong. “We could get to know people before we decide to throw this in their faces.”
“Oh, dear, she is jealous.” Kathleen loops her arm with Tyler’s and coos at Bowie. “And he is too, probably. I would wager. I’m quite the catch. Come along.”
Gazing at Donnie with his frown, eyes fixed on Molly, then to Tyler with Bowie strapped to his chest, to Dexter as he places his hand on my lower stomach, cradling the unborn baby inside, to the top of Molly’s head, the little girl who taught me how to be a mum, I smile.
Then I laugh.
I have no idea how I got here.
The past three years with the Vaughn brothers were like a tidal wave that picked me up and washed me around. I never want to jump off.
I hope we are old and wrinkly and fucking each other like fiends. I hope they stay together—brothers. I hope Molly becomes the most impressive individual who isn’t afraid of her talent or being vulnerable, or being tough. Hope Bowie grows up to be just like his dads… Well, perhaps I’ll improve his sense of right and wrong.
No breaking and entering.
No holding anyone hostage.
Unless she is a dark romance girlie…
THE END