Epilogue
2 months later…
Scarlett
“ W e did it, Scar! We’re going on tour!” Whit exclaims as he bursts through the glass doors of Echo Heights.
The bright afternoon sun catches his wild, tousled hair, casting a gleaming halo around him. Chaos Theory finished their album last week, and today was the monumental meeting with the executives that would decide their fate.
I can hardly contain my excitement. “I never had any doubt, rockstar,” I admit, a grin breaking across my face as I step out into the sunlight, the scent of wet pavement and Whit envelops me as he pulls me into his arms, spinning me around as if he’s just won the lottery. The world blurs around me—the sounds of the city fade, replaced by the thumping beat of my heart and Whit’s infectious laughter.
“You’re going to go on tour with me, little flame,” he says, his voice low and seductive. I look up at him, adrenaline coursing through my veins. His blue eyes, warm and twinkling, enrapture me completely.
“I better be, Mr. Lockwood!” I say, tightening my grip around his neck, feeling the warmth and strength of him against me.
“I’d never leave you behind, wife,” he replies, his lips curving into that wicked grin that sends butterflies swirling through my stomach.
“We’re leaving for the first show tomorrow night! And the first stop? Denver!” He grins, the excitement spilling off him like beads of light. “Just think, you’ll be backstage with me, living the dream!”
The thought sends a shiver of excitement down my spine. I have been by his side through all the late-night studio sessions, our rigorous songwriting marathons, and his journey through rehab. All of it culminates to this moment.
The day of the Valentine’s Day concert arrives, and my heart races with a blend of nervousness and excitement. The bright stage lights twinkle like stars in the darkened venue, creating an electric atmosphere that buzzes with anticipation. I glance over at Whit who is doing vocal warm-ups with the band, a confident swagger in his movements that makes my heart flutter. He looks absolutely incredible in his black leather pants and vest, his tousled hair framing his striking face. The smoldering look in his eyes when he catches my gaze makes my knees feel weak.
“You look stunning,” Whit says, his eyes lighting up as he strides towards me, pulling me into a warm embrace. The smell of his cologne mixed with a hint of sweat sends my head spinning.
“Are you ready for the show?” he asks, his voice low and smooth.
“Yes, I am,” I reply, biting my lip to hide my glee. I try to keep my surprise a secret, excitement bubbling beneath the surface. My heart swells at the thought of seeing Whit’s reaction to my gift.
“I have something for you.”
“Oh, really?” he asks, raising an eyebrow, the playful glint in his eyes revealing his curiosity. “What is it?”
“It’s a surprise,” I say, my voice barely containing the thrill in my chest. I reach into my handbag and pull out a small, neatly wrapped box. “Open it.”
Whit takes the box, his eyes scanning my face for any hints of what’s inside. As he carefully unravels the delicate paper, his eyebrows crinkle in confusion when he lifts the small leather jacket from the box, its material sleek and soft.
He drops the box in order to examine the jacket fully. “Turn it over,” I say, unable to hold back my excitement any longer.
Whit flips the jacket over, and when he sees the patch on the back that reads ‘My dad is a rockstar’, his mouth drops open in disbelief.
His expression shifts from confusion to sheer joy, and I can hardly contain the tears of happiness that threaten to spill down my cheeks. “We’re having a baby, Whit,” I say softly, my heart pounding in my chest.
“You’re pregnant,” he states, not as a question, but more as an awe-struck realization. His hand instinctively moves to my stomach, his touch both tender and protective, and he leans in, kissing me deeply.
“I fucking hoped it was going to happen soon!” he shouts, lifting me off the ground and spinning me around, my laughter ringing out like music.
I cling to him tightly, joy radiating from us both. “I love you, Whit. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Setting me down, he cups my face in his hands, kissing me again, his lips warm and eager. “I love you too, little flame. And happy Valentine’s Day to both of you.”
He leans closer, his breath brushing against my ear like a warm whisper. “And you have no idea how much fun I’m going to have with that little bump.” His hand glides to my abdomen, tracing small circles, and I can’t help but blush.
“You’re incorrigible, Whit,” I say, playfully swatting at his arm, but my smile betrays me.
“You love it,” he grins, that charming, cocky smile that always sends butterflies fluttering through my stomach. “Now, I have a show to do. Are you ready to see your rockstar in action?”
“Always,” I reply, my eyes sparkling with admiration as I watch him transform in front of me as he steps into his role as a captivating performer.
Leaving me behind the scenes, I take a moment to appreciate the view from the side of the stage. The adoring fans, and the palpable energy in the room. Whit walks to the front of the stage, the spotlight catching him just right. My heart swells with a mix of pride and adoration as the roar of the crowd becomes deafening, a sea of faces illuminated by the vibrant stage lights.
Whit is in his element, gripping his guitar with a newfound intensity that speaks of all the struggles and triumphs we have endured. The months of rehab were grueling, but seeing him now, there’s no doubt it has been worth every single moment.
His music has evolved, reflecting the growth and healing we’ve both achieved. The lyrics are raw, the notes are charged with emotion, and the rhythm is a pulse that resonates deep within my soul. It’s a testament to the power of resilience, love, and hope. As I look around, the energy of the crowd is electric, a shared experience that transcends words. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that is infectious.
I can’t help but think back to those early days when I first met Whit. The connection was instant; a spark that ignited into an all-consuming flame. We’ve been through hell and back, but we’ve emerged stronger, our love unbreakable. Now, standing here, surrounded by the music and the crowd, I feel a surge of pride. My heart is full, knowing that we’ve come so far together. This is our moment, our victory lap after the storm.
Whit
The crowd roars as the band takes the stage, an overwhelming wave of energy crashing over us like a tide. I look out at the sea of faces illuminated by the stage lights, each one filled with excitement and anticipation. Then my eyes drift back to Scarlett, my light in the chaos, standing off to the side. Her presence steadies me.
“Before we start the show, I have an announcement to make,” I say, strumming my guitar, letting the sound resonate in the air, feeling the weight of the moment.
The microphone picks up my voice, and the crowd quiets slightly, curiosity dancing in their eyes. “I’m going to be a dad!”
The reaction is immediate and deafening—a symphony of roars, cheers, and screams erupts all around us. One particularly loud fan yells out, “You’re a lucky man, Whit!”
“Damn right, I am!” I nod enthusiastically, the joy bubbling inside me fueled by the warmth of the crowd and the love of my life standing just a few feet away. I catch Scarlett’s gaze again, and I’ve never seen her shine so brightly. She’s wearing my oversized leather jacket, looking every bit like a goddess. It swamps her frame, almost disguising her petite form as a whimsical dress, and I can’t help but grin wider.
I signal to the rest of the band, and we launch into our first song. “This song is for my little flame!” I shout, the words spilling from my heart. The crowd seems to swell with enthusiasm, a palpable energy that pushes me forward as I strum the opening chords, losing myself to the rhythm.
Suddenly, the atmosphere is electric.
“This song’s called Soul’s Obsession,” I announce, and the crowd goes wild again, lyrics roaring back at us as they join in. My heart swells—this connection, this unity, it’s breathtaking.
Scarlett is swaying to the music, a smile plastered across her face, her eyes sparkling with pride and affection. I take a moment to drink in her beauty, the way the stage lights dance across her features, creating shadows that emphasize how radiant she is. She’s my muse, the whisper of love that fuels every note I play.
As I sing to the crowd, every verse feels like a confession, a vow to her.
“My soul’s desire, my soul’s obsession,
In her eyes, I find my confession,
She’s my everything, my only light,
In the shadows, she’s my guiding sight.”
When those lyrics flow through me, it feels like I’m baring my soul. I can see the impact of my words; people sway, lost in the melody and the message.
“I didn’t know true beauty until I saw her,
A vision that haunts, makes my heart stir,
I didn’t know what love was until I met her,
A feeling deep, profound, a whisper.”
I can feel the beat of the bass reverberating through my chest, a steady reminder of the heartbeat I might soon share with her.
“She’s the center of my world,
The reason for my existence,
She’s the center of my universe,
In her darkness, I find my muse.”
As I croon into the microphone, my gaze locks onto Scarlett once more, and for a moment, it’s like she’s the only one in the room. The crowd fades into a background hum, and all that matters is her.
“I didn’t know what passion was until I touched her,
A spark igniting, a fever burning deeper,
I didn’t know what obsession was until I needed her,
And then insatiable yearning, my heart’s grim keeper.”
The song builds up to its crescendo, the band strumming a harmony that vibrates in the air, wrapping around us like an intimate embrace. Scarlett’s eyes shine with a mix of love and pride, each note of our song echoing the promises we’ve made to each other.
“She’s the center of my world,
The reason for my existence,
She’s the center of my universe,
In her darkness, I find my muse.”
Scarlett’s eyes shine with a mix of love and pride, each note of our song echoing the promises we’ve made to each other.
“Every moment without her, and eternity,
Her presence, a haunting symphony,
She’s the echo in my soul’s cry,
The love that lifts me high.”
I can’t help but lose myself in the moment, riding the musical wave alongside my bandmates. Every chord, every lyric spills from the depths of my heart.
The song wraps around us like a warm blanket, the chorus ringing out:
“My soul’s desire,
My soul’s obsession,
In her love, I find redemption,
She’s my everything, my endless fight,
In her arms, I found my light”
As the final notes vibrate into silence, I step back from the mic, taking a deep breath to ground myself. The crowd is a thrilling cacophony around me, filled with applause and cheers, but all I can see is Scarlett.
She’s glowing with happiness, her smile infectious, and as I meet her gaze, a quiet understanding passes between us.
I don’t just love her; I live for her. Together, we’re embarking on the most exhilarating adventure yet—one that expands beyond the stage, far into our future—the beautiful chaos of parenthood looming ahead.
We’re living proof that love can conquer all.