Epilogue
We’re all at Theo and Nate’s place. Well, everyone except Poppy. She”s at home, completely engrossed in her online Child Psychology course. When I returned from my tour in New Zealand, Poppy told me she wanted to go after her dreams. I”m proud that she”s finally pursuing her passion. Poppy has been an incredible mother to Alex, always putting him first, despite facing financial challenges. Now is her time to focus on herself, and it’s my turn to step up and be the dad I’ve always wanted to be. I fucking adore every single minute of it. That little boy owns half my heart, and his beautiful mother holds the other.
Over the past five months, we’ve cut ties with the label. Given all the chaos caused by Ronnie, we couldn’t trust Lionel. Honestly, going out on our own has been the best decision we”ve ever made, now giving us a new sense of freedom. We’re thrilled about it. Finally, we’re making the music we want and our original sound is back. Just the other day, we recorded an amazing song, with a mix of powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, as a tribute to Bianca.
I have to share something with you. The day Nate and Theo came over to my place to show me the lyrics they had written together, I almost fucking lost it. It was truly an emotional moment for me, witnessing how much their beautiful girl meant to them. It all makes sense now why they are the way they are. Theo’s flirty behavior, Nate’s serious demeanor, and their shared desire for casual hookups are a way to numb the pain of dealing with the loss of Bianca. I understand completely, for there is no one in this world I could ever love other than Poppy. I never want to know the anguish and heartbreak they have experienced. Because of this and with each passing day, my appreciation for the countless blessings in my life deepens.
“Okay, everyone got it?” I say, hoping these guys are actually paying attention for once, even though they’re focused on trying to beat Alex at Mario Kart.
“Yeah, we know. You’ve said it a bunch of times,” Ace replies, straining to glance around me at the television as I step forward.
The race ends and the three guys slump back into the lounge, disappointed. Alex leaps up, cheering triumphantly for beating all three of them again.
I have to admit, watching my five-year-old son consistently kick these guys asses makes me incredibly proud.
“Poppy and I are going out for dinner at seven, so make sure you”re all there by eight-thirty for the opening,” I tell them.
“Yeah, we get it. And before you tell me again, I’ve already got Alex’s black suit,” Theo says.
“Listen Xander. I know we fuc-,” Ace pauses and looks over at Alex sitting in between Nate and Theo before he continues. “We mess up sometimes, but you don’t have to worry about this. I promise you we’ve got this.”
“Dude, if you’re this nervous about the opening, imagine how freaked out you’ll be when you propose one day,” Nate teases.
“I really want things to go well. It’s important to Poppy,” I explain.
“It will,” Ace says. “It”s kinda annoying how you don”t trust us with this shit.”
With all eyes focused on me, I quickly meet their gaze. I nod, knowing they’re right. Settling onto the chair to the side, I become a spectator as the four of them enthusiastically engage in another round of Mario Kart.
Ever since Poppy started her course, these three guys have been instrumental in helping me with my plans. Their assistance has been crucial in locating the perfect spot for Poppy”s non-profit organization. The commitment shown by each of them in this project is truly impressive. They went all out to lend a hand, and each of them chipped in a million towards it. It shows how much Poppy and her cause means to them.
Ace took it a step further by contacting Kit and Neil to see if they wanted to help oversee the project. They both came willingly, switching to our record label in an instant when they saw how easily someone could be promoted without a particular skill set. I don’t think either of them were enthusiastic about working with a certain groupie who had a habit of being over-clingy. And I can’t really blame them, considering the circumstances.
After Alex crushes the guys for the third time today, I say my goodbyes.
While Poppy’s in her online lecture, I sneak off to our room and lay the fancy dress Kit sent this morning onto the bed. Poppy”s unaware, and that”s the plan. I want everything to be a surprise for her. I was stressing about Alex letting it slip, but so far, he hasn”t. Grabbing my phone, I shoot Poppy a text.
Xander: When you finish, I’ve got something to show you.
I notice the bubbles appearing, and I patiently wait for the message to arrive.
Princess: You already showed me it this morning.
With a smile, I recall all the dirty moments we shared in the shower this morning. I swiftly type out another quick message.
Xander: I’m down to do those steamy shower moments again if you want, but it’s something different.
Princess: What is it?
Xander: Can”t tell you, it”s a secret.
Princess: Okay. I”ll be there in ten.
I set my phone aside and make my way to the bathroom for a quick shower. After freshening up, I smoothly slip into my expensive suit. As I finish dressing, Poppy enters the room. She immediately spots the stunning blue backless dress lying on the bed, then glances in my direction. I can’t help but notice the way she checks me out.
“What’s happening?” she asks, moving over to inspect the dress.
“We’ve got a date,” I tell her, taking her shoulders and turning her around. “Go get in the shower.” I give her ass a playful slap. “And don’t bother asking where, because I’m not telling you.”
While she”s in the shower, I stand at the door, checking her out through the glass panel watching her lather soap onto her skin. It’s fucking hot, watching her like this. Despite the overwhelming desire to join her, I fight against every fiber of my being to stay where I am.
After forty minutes, Poppy emerges, her dress hugging her figure and her long blonde hair falls in elegant curls down her back. She’s absolutely stunning. Despite her usual preference for casual attire like jeans or a skirt, tonight is a special occasion, and she”s dressed accordingly. This event holds great importance, especially since our band has utilized its connections to invite potential sponsors and media outlets to cover the opening.
When we walk out the door, there’s a limo waiting for us. It”ll take us to the fancy restaurant I”ve reserved tonight. I made sure to have burgers on the menu because they’re Poppy’s favorite. I”ve got everything sorted for a special evening for my princess.
Seated in the quiet restaurant, Poppy takes in the hushed atmosphere and scans the vacant tables. “What are we doing here?” she asks.
”We”re gonna have burgers,” I say.
She smiles. “Yeah, I don’t think they serve burgers here.”
”They do, I checked,” I tell her, feeling the ring box in my jacket pocket, right by my heart. The guys have no clue I”m popping the question tonight. That’s why I’ve been incredibly nervous. I’ve been freaking out about every tiny detail, wanting everything to be perfect, including the vibe and the moment I pop the question. I want her to remember this night forever.
As the server makes his way towards our table, a smile brightens his face as he warmly welcomes us. “Can I start you off with something to drink?” he kindly inquires.
”I”d love a bottle of your best champagne,” I say, wanting to try something different than my usual beer or Jack Daniels. I really want to spoil Poppy with something fancy, especially because this occasion is so important. Besides, I”ve always wanted to say that iconic line we always hear in movies.
Poppy’s gaze lingers on me, her intuition alerting her to something amiss. “Xander, what’s going on?”
I remain silent, observing as the server returns with a bottle of champagne. He presents it to me, and uncertain of the proper protocol, I simply nod and ask him to pour two glasses. Throughout this entire exchange, Poppy’s gaze remains fixed on me.
As soon as the server leaves, Poppy bursts into laughter. ”You’re way out of your comfort zone, pretending you know all this,” she says while laughing.
I burst out laughing, knowing how fucking stupid I look, sitting in this fancy restaurant, pretending to be someone I’m not.
I stare at her while she wipes the tears of laughter from her eyes.
”I wanted tonight to be special,” I say, pulling out the ring box from my jacket pocket.
The moment she notices it, her hands instinctively rise to cover her mouth in surprise. I stand up from my seat and move towards her. Her eyes follow my every step. I kneel on one knee and open the ring box, offering it to her. I don”t give a damn how cheesy this might seem, what really matters to me is this incredible woman and how she”s changed my life, in the past and now.
“Poppy, I used to think love wasn’t real. That it was nothing more than a fabrication, a mere illusion created by people. But then, that night, when we crossed paths on the street. I encountered a girl who only saw her imperfections. On that night, I witnessed your strength, your beauty, and the pain you carry.”
As I continue, I notice tears coming to her eyes.
“Looking back now, I realize that what I felt was love. I”ve been totally and madly in love with you ever since. Having you in my life completes me, and I never want to experience the emptiness of not having you by my side again. Let’s keep living this beautiful life we’re making together. Princess, my heart has always belonged to you, and now I want to make it official. Poppy, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes,” she says, her voice trembling as the tears stream down her face.
Taking the ring from its box, I take her hand and gently slide the ring onto her finger. Knowing that Poppy prefers simplicity over extravagant bling, I opt for a classic design featuring an emerald stone and five tiny diamonds arranged in a simple pattern.
As I lean in for a kiss, I see the pure happiness on her face, reflecting the same joy I feel inside. Looking back on the tough journey that got us here, it”s clear that all the obstacles we conquered were crucial for reaching this significant point in our lives. Even if it meant enduring that pain all over again, I would willingly embrace it just to have the privilege of being by her side.
We enjoy our burgers and savor every drop of champagne. During the meal, I notice Poppy frequently looking at the ring on her finger. We exchange loving kisses, engage in deep conversation, and become so captivated with each other that we don’t even realize the server has already cleared our plates. This is how it has always been with her - being in her presence feels effortless, knowing that I never have to justify my value.
Then it’s time for us to move on to the next part of our night. I have to admit, I’m incredibly nervous about this next step. It has been her dream for as long as I’ve known her, and I want it to exceed all of her expectations.
When the limo pulls up to the curb, I see Poppy’s wide-eyed expression as she looks out the window, taking in the swarm of media and the red carpet in front of the grand building.
“What are we doing?” she asks, looking at me.
“There’s just a formal function we need to attend tonight,” I say, ignoring the rapid fire of camera flashes.
“But you’re no longer with the label. What’s this event?” Right before she looks out the window, I see a hint of worry on her face. I bet she”s freaking out about her imperfections and how the media might portray them. I fucking hate that bitch Jade and her crew for planting doubt in her mind. If only she could see herself through my eyes. If only she could see how fucking perfect and beautiful she really is.
”It”s our event,” I say, trying to ease the tension I can see building up in her body.
“Our event?” she says, her brows furrowed. “I don’t understand.”
“Come on.” I grab her hand and tap the glass, signaling to the driver that we’re good to go.
As soon as we step out of the car, the cameras begin to flicker, momentarily blinding us while the media eagerly capture snapshots of our arrival.
Amidst all the chaos, a guy with a microphone calls out, “Xander, over here!”
With a tight grip on Poppy’s hand, we make our way towards the eager media. Despite the smile on Poppy’s face, I can sense the underlying worry in her eyes.
“Can you tell me about tonight’s charity?” the guy asks, holding out a mic for me to answer.
Smiling, I know exactly how to play it up for the media. “Sure. The charity we are supporting tonight is the Poppy Williams Music for Children Foundation.” I glance towards Poppy to gauge her reaction. Her eyes widen in surprise, and the tears start pooling. “From the moment I met Poppy, she has been passionate about musical therapy to help children.”
“What exactly is music therapy?” he asks.
Even though I already know the answer, I turn my head to give Poppy a chance to respond.
She takes a deep breath and smiles before explaining, “Music therapy is a technique that promotes the growth of social skills, communication, motor skills, and cognitive abilities, all while engaging in interactive music programs.”
I am amazed, watching as she confidently tackles a few more questions.
The reporter then shifts their focus back to me. “You mentioned Poppy Williams. Does this mean the frontman of Broken Oasis is officially off the market?”
“Yes, that’s correct. She’s the one, always has been. We”re not married right now, but it”s definitely in the cards,” I reply.
“So, you could say we’re the first ones to report this exciting news,” the reporter says.
”Yeah,” I say with a chuckle. “I guess you could say you”re in the know since we just got engaged tonight.”
Moving forward, I know allowing the media more chances to ask questions could potentially turn our wedding into a media frenzy. They will stop at nothing to chase the initial scoop.
Amidst the chaotic clamor of other reporters yelling for an interview, we press on, seizing one final chance for a photo opportunity before entering the building. As we step into the foyer, there’s a noticeable shift in the atmosphere — a sense of calm takes over.
Poppy turns to me. “Xander, I can’t believe you did this for me,” she says, her voice choked up, tears pooling in her eyes.
“I’m committed to you, Princess. And so are the guys. This is a team effort. We all wanted to see your dream come true, just like we”ve been able to live ours.”
”Are the guys inside?” she asks, brushing away a tear.
“Yes, and Alex is there too,” I say, glancing up to see Kit and Neil standing by the door. Poppy remains unaware of their recent hiring because I wanted to keep tonight as a surprise.
I nod at Kit, indicating for her to go ahead. Kit, accompanied by Neil, comes forward.
”Whenever you”re ready, they”re all set for you,” Kit tells Poppy.
Upon hearing Kit’s voice, Poppy turns around. “Kit!” With a burst of excitement, she rushes over to Kit and wraps her arms around her, squeezing tightly. Afterward, she proceeds to Neil and embraces him as well.
“Congratulations,” Neil says.
As she lets go of the hug, I extend my arm towards Poppy, and she intertwines her fingers with mine. Together, we walk towards the double wooden doors. I can already imagine tears forming in her eyes as soon as she sees Alex, Ace, Theo, Nate, and his family. And let’s not forget about all the musical instruments generously donated by the bands we’ve worked with over the years, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Ace, Theo, and Nate.
Just as we’re about to walk in, Poppy looks at me.
“I never thought it was possible to love you more than I already do, but every day you continue to surprise me, Xander Williams. How did I ever become so lucky to deserve someone like you?”
Her words bring tears to my eyes, confirming that I hold a special place in her heart and validating that I am worthy of her love.