Chapter 14
TIA
Being pregnant was nothing like I’d expected. My ankles were swollen after the flight home from New York. I was horny all the time. That wasn’t new...and Lewis never complained . I couldn’t stop eating. My clothes were tight. My five-month baby bump seemed excessively huge, bulging like I was near due. At this rate, by the time I reached full-term, I’d be as big as a humpback whale. My newfound craving for salty Australian Vegemite spread and grilled cheese sandwiches didn’t help my waistline. The toasted treat had become my weakness. I should’ve never tried Vegemite when we were Down Under during the tour. Now, I couldn’t live without the stuff.
Nor Tim Tams.
Oh. My. God.
Those chocolate biscuits were pure evil.
I could never just have one.
Last week, Lewis had driven to three different grocery stores across LA to track down the Aussie items for me. I would’ve screamed bloody murder if he’d come home without them. He hadn’t let me down.
He was a keeper.
My baby daddy !
Tonight, we’d rocked up to Flint and Sutton’s for dinner and a catchup. Sutton had let us in, and we followed her to the music room, where soft music was playing.
Since July, Cole, Lewis, and Flint had gotten together once a month to jam. The only thing missing was Slip. It had been just over a year since the tour had ended, but there had been no talk of getting back together. I was certain it burned on everyone’s brain, like mine. I missed working with the guys. I couldn’t wait to be back on the road, even when I had a baby.
Sutton opened the heavy door to the music studio and the three of us strolled inside. Ava lazed on one of the black sofas at the far end of the room, drinking a glass of wine. Cole sat behind the drum kit, hammering out a wild rock beat. Flint stood before him, slaying his electric guitar.
Lewis’s fingers twitched in mine.
Giggling, I drew him close and smacked his hot ass. Love him in Levis...in leather is even better. “Go. Play. You know you want to.”
“Thanks.” He gave me a quick kiss. “We won’t be long. Promise.”
I patted the center of his chest and shook my head. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
His eyes glinted, and he wriggled his brows. “I always keep my promises. I promise to give you a foot massage and fuck you any way you want when we get home.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“I’m counting on it.” He kissed my tummy, then walked backward toward the guys. “Just a few songs. Half an hour. Tops.”
That meant at least an hour. “It’s okay. Go.” I had the girls for company. We wouldn’t be with these guys if we couldn’t tolerate them playing for hours on end. They hadn’t had a good jam session in weeks, so we’d better let them have their fun.
“Hey, you.” Ava waved me over to join her, then patted the sofa beside her. “How was New York?”
I placed my tote down on the floor and lowered onto the seat beside her, tugging my T-shirt that was now too short over my baby bump. “Fabulous, as always. It’s so beautiful there in the fall.” Spending a week catching up with Lewis’s old friends, Hayden, and the rest of the Everhide crew, had been full of laughs. “Crashing at Hayden and Lexi’s place was an eye-opener. Having a toddler in the house was a whole new level of crazy. Charlotte and Josh are tame compared to Declan. I was exhausted watching him run around. Lewis loved every second.”
Lewis had so much love in his heart for everyone. After growing up with parents who didn’t support his homosexuality-cum-bisexuality, he’d run away from home as a teen and had always stayed true to himself. He’d followed his heart. He was one of the strongest people I knew. He’d found a new band. A new home. A new family. Me. Was there something more to life than being blissfully happy and excited about our future together?
We’d bought a house. We were about to have a baby. We loved each other.
We were soulmates for life.
Oh, whoa . A wave of heat washed over me. I let out a slow breath and pursed my lips to contain my smile.
Was there something I could do to make our life even better?
Maybe.
“How’s Kara? How’s my dress coming along?” Sutton interrupted my train of thought as she topped up her wine.
“She’s good, and she’s on track with your wedding dress.” I tucked a cushion behind my back. It already ached. Not sure I wanted to be pregnant anymore. “I saw some of the flowers she was making for your skirt. They’re beautiful.”
The biggest smile lit Sutton’s face. “I know. Kara keeps snapping me photos and sending updates. I can’t wait for my first fitting after Christmas.”
“I won’t fit into anything by then other than stretchy leggings and hoodies.” Luckily, it was coming into winter. I could at least be comfortable in what I wore.
“You look gorgeous no matter what you wear.” Sutton handed me another cushion for my feet. “Tell us more about your trip. Are Gem and the other guys good?”
“Yes. They’re back in the studio recording again.” I put my aching feet up on the old coffee table, propped the cushion under my heels, and stretched out my legs. Oh...that’s better. “Lewis and I spent a day in the studio with the four of them. They’re working on a new album. It was so freaking amazing to see them lay down tracks. They’re magic to watch. Lewis jumped at the chance to work with them to refine some riffs and progressions for one of their songs. Reynold, their producer, showed me around the studio’s new channel mixer and recording equipment. That was incredible.” I was certain I’d never return to acting. I loved light and sound engineering and working for the band too much. I couldn’t wait to tour again. “But a week away was long enough. Like always, it’s good to be home.”
“Hmmm. Not for long.” Ava raised her glass and took a big gulp. “We’re about to hit awards season again. The next few months are flat out with invites and functions. I’ve got everyone scheduled for fittings at Gabrielle’s boutique in two weeks.”
“You’re an angel. Thank you.” I’d go with Lewis to his events as long as pending motherhood didn’t cause me grief. But lately, every position I sat, stood, or lay in had gotten more and more uncomfortable. Where had that information been in the baby books I’d read? Where did it say you’d be tortured from the moment you became pregnant—morning sickness, having to pee all the time, and having sore tits? Those things weren’t fun, but I still couldn’t wait to have a baby.
“Have you had an update from Slip and Maddy? Are they coming home for any of the functions?” I asked. Last time I’d talked to Slip two weeks ago, he’d said he had no plans to attend anything. That plan had better change soon. Wasn’t the end of the break approaching?
“April’s talking to Maddy’s publicist.” Ava sighed and relaxed back onto the sofa. “We haven’t had a final confirmation on anything yet.”
“Mads has said nothing to me either.” Sutton swept her long hair back over her shoulder. “She hasn’t been happy at work. I worry about her.”
“ I worry about these guys. Look at them.” I jutted my chin toward the three of them playing. Heads bobbing. Bodies swaying. Totally in sync with each other. “They need to get back together.”
Christmas was only two months away. I prayed Slip was ready to make the move in the new year.
There was a loud knock on the door.
Wait. What? I knew that knock. Didn’t I? Holy shit!
Everyone froze.
I looked at the girls, then the guys. They knew that rap as well as I did.
Or did I have baby brain?
Ergh! Highly possible.
The door flung open and in rushed Slip and Maddy.
“Argh! Surprise,” Slip hollered and jumped through the doorway. He charged over to the guys and hugged them.
I was right! Only one person banged on the door like Slip.
“Oh my God.” Sutton leaped from the sofa and charged toward Maddy. She flung her arms around Maddy’s neck and hugged her tight, rocking from side to side. “I didn’t know you were coming to LA this weekend.”
“So good to see you.” Maddy clutched onto Sutton for dear life.
With a skip in her step, Maddy dashed over to Ava and me and gave us a huge hug. Maddy hovered her hands toward my tummy. “Oh. You’re getting so big. May I?”
“Sure.” I didn’t mind when people asked to touch my tummy, but I hated it when they just dived on in and rubbed it without permission.
She flattened her palms over my bump and her eyes widened. “It’s so hard. I thought your belly would be mushy. Sorry. You’re the first person I’ve known to have a baby.”
“You want one?” I pointed to my stomach.
“Hell no.” Maddy grimaced and shook her head. “But I’m happy for you. You look amazing. Definitely have that glow about you.”
“Thank you. And how are you?” I clutched her hand.
“I’m...” Smiling, she swiveled her head toward Slip, catching up with the guys. “We’re really good.”
Within seconds, Slip had a guitar in his hands and had joined the jam session. Ooooh! My eyes watered. My chest quivered. Holy shit. I placed my hand over my heart. The guys were playing. Just like old times. But why the fuck was I so emotional?
“How are you, Ava?” Maddy sank onto the sofa opposite Ava. Sutton returned to sit beside Maddy. “How’s living with Cole?”
“It’s loud. Crazy. Non-stop.” Ava’s gaze drifted to Cole and a warm smile curled across her lips. “Waking up every day next to someone that good-looking is tough, but someone has to do it. I’m okay to take one for the team.” She shrugged one shoulder and giggled. “But it wasn’t much of a change. We basically lived together anyway. Dad loves having my house all to himself. He’s actually started dating. I’m happy he’s finally moving on after losing Mom.”
“That’s awesome.” Maddy shuffled around on the sofa and turned to face the guys.
As they played, hope filled my chest. Please get back together.
The boys churned out another three songs before they joined us on the sofas, squishing in beside us.
“That was incredible. Damn, it’s been too long since the four of us have played together.” Lewis leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. He jutted his chin toward Slip, sitting opposite us. “It’s fucking great to see you, man. Why are you in LA without letting us know?”
“We had some shit to take care of.” Slip twisted and fidgeted with the lid on his water bottle. “Mads had to meet with her agent and has put her house on the market... and I wanted to talk to you guys about something.”
“As long as it’s good news.” Cole wiped his sweaty face on a towel he’d grabbed from the basket beside the drums, then hooked it behind his neck.
Slip winced, grimaced, and rubbed the tip of his chin. Then a big cheesy grin inched across his face. “I was wondering if anyone is fucking ready to get back together?”
“Holy shit! You mean that?” Flint yanked his arm from around Sutton’s shoulders, knocked her in the head, and shot forward like a bullet. “Sorry, babe.” He patted her knee, then refocused on Slip. “Are you serious?”
Slip splayed his hands wide. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
“Fuck yes!” Flint hollered. My pulse skipped in time with his energy. This was what we’d been waiting for.
“We’re in.” I waggled my finger between Lewis and me. I couldn’t wait to get back behind the soundboards and control panels, working with these guys .
“Me too. One thousand percent.” Cole pumped his fist. “Fuck yeah.” But then he drew his shoulders back, cracked his neck, and patted the air with his hand. “Can we think this through for a sec though? We’ve got events coming up before Christmas. Lewis and Tia will have a baby in mid-February. My kids are in Kindy and school. Flint and Sutt, you’re getting married in May. Slip and Maddy, you’re still in Canada. Before we jump into this, we need to put a solid plan together. If Blake gets a whiff of this, he’ll have our next tour planned before we’ve written our first song.”
“Then let’s talk.” Lewis rubbed his hands together. The vibe radiating off him and the guys filled the room with a contagious buzz—totally addictive and adrenaline-pumping. “How are we going to do it? When? Where?”
“I don’t want to rush this album,” Slip said calmly. “Like Cole said, we’ve got a lot on in the coming months.”
“True, but first...” Flint caught his breath and scanned the guys, as if readying himself to gauge their reactions. “We all need to be on the same page. Have the same mindset. I can’t wait to record again. I’ve got lyrics coming out of my ass. But we have to think about where we’re going to take this. How big do you want to go?” Fire blazed in Flint’s ice-blue eyes. “Everhide and Ashlem will need to know for scheduling ahead. So for me? Singles and promo are a given. Tour? Fuck yeah. But do you want indoor venues like last time or push for larger arenas and stadiums? I’m all for bigger shows. I want to sell out the likes of Wembley and MetLife, and perform in front of enormous crowds. So if you want something different to that, say so now. We all need to agree and commit to this. There’ll be no turning back. So if you need a few days to think about it, do so. But I’m all in for fucking big.” Flint slapped his thighs, stomped his feet, and yelled, “I can’t freaking wait.”
“I don’t need to think about it.” A buzz hummed through Lewis’s voice as he edged forward in his seat. Any farther and his ass would be on the ground. “I’m with you. Count me in. Stadiums would be wicked.”
“The bigger, the better.” Cole clapped, then nudged his elbow against Ava’s arm. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, absolutely.” She kissed him on the cheek.
“I wouldn’t have bought it up if I wasn’t ready.” Seriousness hovered in Slip’s tone. “Ashlem promised us to make us as big as Coldplay, so they’d better fucking deliver. But when we tour, our breaks need to be longer. I don’t want to burn out again. We need to accommodate Sutton’s and Maddy’s schedules. Lewis will need time with Tia and their baby. Cole and Ava with their kids. So if you’re okay with that, I’m in. My hip is better. My head is straight. I want this. Let’s go as big as fucking possible.”
“Whoa! Yes!” the guys hollered in unison, jumped to their feet, and hugged each other across the coffee table. After some back-slaps and fist-pumps, they flopped back onto the sofas.
Flint couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
Neither could I.
Sutton curled her hand around Flint’s leg and kissed him on the lips. “I told you to be patient. And I’m with Slip. Longer breaks would be nice.”
“We’ll do that. I promise.” He sat three inches taller, unable to contain his electric energy, and took everyone in. “So, when can we start? Planning. Brainstorming. Writing. Playing. Slip, are you going to join us via Zoom or be here? We could come to Bowen Island for some sessions. What do you think about that?”
“Whoa!” Cole butted in. “Slip, your house is really nice, but at this time of year, it’s fucking cold. If I can’t snowboard, I don’t want to be near the snow. I need sunshine, man.”
“It’s coming out of your ass.” Chuckling, Lewis flicked his finger toward Cole’s backside. “I can see it from here. ”
“You want a closer look?” Cole went to stand, but Ava caught his hand and pulled him back onto the sofa. Cole just grinned and kissed Ava on the cheek. “Spoilsport.”
“No one wants to see your lily-white ass.” Ava covered Cole’s face with her hand and pushed him away.
Maddy cleared her throat loudly, capturing everyone’s attention. “Um . . . actually . . . as of Christmas . . . Slip and I will be in LA. We’re moving back home.”
“ARGH! What?” Sutton shrieked, turned to Maddy beside her and clasped Maddy’s hands. Tears welled in her eyes. And mine too. Damn hormones. “You are? Oh my God. That is amazing...but why? What’s happened?”
“My show’s changed too much.” Maddy’s lower lip sank, but she kept her tone light. “I don’t like the new direction. So, I quit. I finish this season in mid-December. I’ve talked to my agent, and he’ll hunt down a new role for me. I’m in no rush. I’m going to enjoy more time off. Be with Slip. Fall back into LA life.”
Sutton wiped tears from her eyes. “This is the best news ever. I’ve missed you so much.”
“Same.” Maddy entwined her fingers with Slip’s and held their hands against her thigh. “Since Mom died, I’ve realized how important family is, and time together is precious. You guys are my family. I’ve been away for far too long.”
“It will be so good having you home.” I splayed my hands across my chest. I loved that everyone would be together again. I loved Maddy and Slip. This was where they belonged. “We are family. Always will be.”
Tears glistened in Maddy’s eyes. “It’s time to come home.”
I understood that more than anyone. After being away filming in Chicago for years, the pull to be with Cole and the guys had become overpowering. I’d come back to LA to be with them.
“So, guys?” Flint rubbed his thighs. “Can we start now?” He’d start right that minute if the band wanted to.
“Honestly and realistically, after the new year would be best.” Slip didn’t hesitate. “That’s only two months away. We can have some initial discussions over the coming weeks and make plans, but I don’t see us hitting the studio before then. Maddy has to finish her show. We need to sort out what to do with her condo in Vancouver and move back to LA. Does that sound okay?”
“It sure does. It absolutely does.” Flint rubbed his hands together, then slapped them against his thighs. “I can’t fucking wait.”
Lewis hooked his arm around my shoulders and cheered with the guys. The tension that had been present in his brow for months had disappeared. Deep down, he’d been concerned the band wouldn’t reform. That he’d have to find a new venture to work on or a new group to play with. But he’d always been optimistic. And he had every reason to be. These guys were solid. They weren’t going anywhere. Lewis belonged with them. He was a Flintlock.
So was I.
And so was our growing little one.
After dinner, drinks, and too many laughs, Lewis and I headed home.
We ambled into the kitchen, and I eased onto a stool to get off my swollen feet. Lewis switched on some soft music, then made me a cup of peppermint tea. He hadn’t stopped smiling since Slip and Maddy had given everyone the good news.
Neither had I.
My boys were ready to rock up a storm, write, record, and tour. Yeah!
Every step would take months to deliver, but I couldn’t wait to see what direction their new music took and hear the songs they created. The material Lewis had written was incredible. But I was even more excited to be with them every step of the way, working in the studio, running their front-of-house, and traveling with them when they performed live.
Damn . . . I’d have a baby when we hit the road.
That would be life-changing.
As Lewis placed my cup of hot tea in front of me, my belly twitched. I shot my hand over the weird sensation. My breath hitched. What was that? It was like butterflies, coming in soft waves of little pops and flutters.
“Tee, you okay?” Concern swayed in Lewis’s voice.
My eyes widened as I slid my hand across my abdomen.
The tiny, barely there flutters happened again. I’d felt something similar before, but I’d thought I’d had gas. But this movement felt much different, lighter, not uncomfortable.
“Lewis.” Tears welled in my eyes as I waved at him to come around the kitchen counter. “Come. Quick.”
“What’s wrong?” Panic flashed in his silver eyes, and he dashed to my side. I’d never seen him move so quickly.
I took his hand and held it beneath mine against my belly. “It’s the baby. I can feel it. He’s kicking.”
“ He? He is?” Lewis ran his hand from side to side, staring at my belly.
Then the little pops jumped to life again.
“Holy shit.” The biggest grin slid across his lips. “That...is so weird, but freaking awesome.” He bent forward and kissed my tummy. “You be nice to your mommy.”
I combed my fingers through Lewis’s hair, drawing the long strands off his face. “You’re going to be an amazing dad.”
He straightened and drew another stool closer. He rested his butt against it and cupped my face. “All thanks to you. You’ve given me more than I could’ve ever imagined. Being here with you, watching our baby grow, blows my mind every day. There is no place in the world I’d rather be. I love you, Tee. ”
“Love works in mysterious ways.”
“It certainly does.”
I stood, drew him to his feet, and took a couple of steps clear from the stools. I wrapped my arms around him and rested my cheek against his shoulder, and we danced, swaying slowly to the music.
“This is perfect.” I shuffled from side to side, our bellies pressed together. Love already surrounded our baby. I eased back to meet Lewis’s gaze. My heart thudded with happiness. The band was back together. The year ahead would be exciting. I was with the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Lewis and I had always wanted the same things.
There was only one piece we’d missed.
We hadn’t been ready before.
But now we were.
I felt it in my soul.
I took Lewis’s hands in mine. “I love you.” My voice came out soft and held a tiny tremor. “With every part of me and all my heart. We have music, a family of incredible friends, a baby on the way, and each other.”
He rested his forehead against mine. “Life couldn’t get any better.”
My pulse quickened, tapping faster and faster throughout my entire body. “What if it could?”
He leaned back. Intrigue flitted across his eyes. “How so?”
I took a deep breath, filling my lungs to capacity, then squeezed his hands. “Marry me?”
“What?”
“I’d get down on one knee if I could, but my tummy’s too big. Remember, I said I’d ask you when the timing was right? Now...is right.”
After Emilio had dumped him when Lewis had proposed, Lewis had sworn he’d never ask someone to marry him again. I’d said I would if and when the time came about.
I held his hands against my chest. “Lewis King, I love you. You’re the father of our child. We have this incredible life together...and it’s only going to get better. So please, will you do me the honor and marry me?”
He caught me around the back of my neck and drew my lips to his. His tongue flicked into my mouth. He breathed me in and moaned. It was like every kiss he claimed from me was the best fucking thing he’d ever had, tasted, and craved. He drew back. His heart pounded beneath my touch. His eyes glinted with warmth, love, and tenderness. “Yes. Yes, I’ll fucking marry you.”
I kissed him again, unable to stop smiling.
His love bound my heart to his. He was my soulmate. My life.
He was mine. I was his.
From then until the end of time.