Easton
One year later
It’s hard to believe the amount of time that has passed since Cat, and I met.
Many things have changed in my life, yet so much is still the same.
I sold my apartment in Seattle and Cat and I went on to build a life together on the ranch, in a home nestled amongst the strong Oak trees by our lake.
Everything that happened with Mallory is where it should be—in the past.
I still travel, playing shows across the country, and Cat travels with me every chance she gets. We balance our lives between the road and home. Still, my favorite place is with her on the ranch.
I used to think falling in love was never going to happen. I wasn't ready to be vulnerable. Not until Cat came into my life. Giving someone a map of all your flaws and putting faith in them not to abuse the power you've given them is a huge step. Cat loves me despite my imperfections.
We don't always agree. She's still as feisty and headstrong as the first day we met, and I'm sure I test her patience from time to time.
Yet, at the end of the day, love is still there, waiting for us.
Cat is the fire in my veins and the air that I breathe.
I can't imagine my life without her in it.
Tonight, East of Addiction is playing to another sold-out crowd in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my sister and The Kings front and center, showing their support, their faces lit with pride, wide smiles, and that unmistakable look of loyalty only family can give.
Like many times before, we start to play the intro into the first verse of our song Addicted To You, and as I’m singing, I look out into the audience and see everyone singing along to the song.
The natural high I always get courses through my veins, and it feels like I’m about to explode.
It never gets old. I hope it never does.
And there, in the sea of people, I find the love of my life standing center stage, looking up at me with stars in her eyes, and my heart skips a beat.
For a moment, emotion catches in my throat as my eyes fall on her round tummy, and I smile.
Cat is pregnant with our first child. I wouldn't have any of this if circumstances hadn't brought me to Callaghan Ranch, but I've ended up right where I'm supposed to be.
If there is one thing I've learned in my life, it's to embrace the unexpected.
I swear, aside from kissing Cat, the best part of my day since she’s been pregnant is getting to hear the baby’s heartbeat using one of the at-home devices.
Being on stage and getting to play our music is incredible, and I thank God every night for allowing me to live out my dream with my best friends and Cat at my side, but it doesn’t compare to being a husband and soon to be daddy.
I hit that last note and smile at my wife. Cat married me two months ago. At first, she was stubborn and wanted to wait until the baby was born, but I wasn’t having it. Cat was going to have my last name before our baby arrived.
I spared no expense giving Cat the wedding of her dreams. We held it at Callaghan Ranch. Swollen belly and all, she was beautiful walking down that white carpet, in her white gown, with her grandfather at her side.
There, on a crisp fall day, beneath the stars, amongst friends and family, we pledged our love for each other.
I bring myself to the present and move closer to the edge of the stage. I keep my eyes on Cat, and the rest of the arena fades into the background.
"I wrote this last song a few summers ago for the woman who stole my heart." The band follows my lead and begins playing the song I wrote many nights ago about a man searching for answers that only the stars knew the secrets to.
I was drowning in loneliness.
In nights of bitter cold.
Something in my life was missing…but I didn’t know what I was searching for.
Then you came along and shined your light on me.
My red-haired woman, you set me free. (You set me free)
From the moment I met you.
Since that very first kiss.
Your taste still lingers…upon my lips.
You chased away the sadness.
You brought me back to life.
Now I see my future reflecting in your eyes.
My red-haired woman, you set me free. (You set me free)
Archer takes the spotlight and begins playing his guitar solo. The crowd goes wild.
Cat smiles at me, then slowly unbuttons the flannel shirt she’s wearing, revealing a black tank top underneath. My eyes leave hers long enough to read the pink words on the front of her shirt. It’s a girl.
For the second time in my life, I forget how to breathe, and Cat has security escort her to the stage.
Cat has always been gorgeous, but an ethereal glow emanates from her that enhances her beauty as she moves toward me. The moment she’s within reach, I pull her to me and crush my lips to hers. When I pull away, we’re both breathless.
“Are you surprised?” Cat shouts.
“Now, two girls have stolen my heart.” I press my palm to her belly, and the baby girl kicks. I take the microphone in my hand and share the news with the thousands of people in the arena. “It’s a girl!” I show off my beautiful wife and mother-to-be. The crowd explodes, cheering for us.
I stare at my red-headed woman as she soaks it in. “Is this what it feels like every time?” Cat shouts, and I wrap my arms around her waist.
“Loving you feels better.” And I kiss her again.