Audra took Mason’s arm, then stopped to look at Kira with a wrinkled smile. “I’m so happy for you, sis. The next time I talk to you, you’ll be a married woman.” She kissed Kira’s cheek, then hurried away with Mason.
All heads turned and smiled as the young boy valiantly walked his mother down the aisle. Mason wore a grin that shone like a ray of light, but it dimmed in the reflection of the megawatt smile on Jimmy’s face. His pearly whites could be seen shining from a hundred feet away as he beamed at his wife and son. When Mason and Audra reached the end of the runner, Mason turned toward his mother and gave her a curt bow, then proceeded to shake Brett’s hand, and the hands of the other groomsmen, which elicited a small chortle from the guests.
Even Kira’s father chuckled proudly. “That boy is something else.”
Kira’s heart warmed. “He is.” Although she was talking about her nephew, she and Brett were still staring at one another, and she melted a little from his gaze.
“I must ask,” her father stated, dryly. “Haven’t any of Brett’s friends heard of a barber? There’s enough hair up there to make Crystal Gayle jealous.”
Kira burst out laughing, mostly because of her father’s dated reference. “They’re members of Bulletproof, Daddy. They’re the nation’s number one heavy metal band.”
The corners of his lips turned upward, and he rolled his eyes playfully. “Rock stars.”
A murmur from the guests brought their attention back to the procession. Little Tessa, wearing a poufy pink gown and looking like a princess, dropped red rose petals on the white runner as she walked with her brother. Lucas, with his pale blond curls and bright blue eyes looked so grown up and handsome, walking next to his sister, carrying the velvet pillow with the rings. Behind them, Jimmy walked alone, strutting down the aisle as if he were the one getting married.
The wedding planner suddenly rushed at Kira and fussed with her veil, pulling it forward over her face. “Get ready. Your big moment is coming up.”
Kira took a deep breath filled with an equal amount of excited anticipation and nerves.
“Relax,” the wedding planner said. “Don’t think about anything except that handsome man waiting for you. Just focus on him. I’ve been doing this for a long time, Miss Abelman. I’ve seen a lot of couples get married. Some have been less than ecstatic. Some have been so eager to get married that they practically ran down the aisle. I can honestly say that I’ve never seen two people who looked more in love that you and Mr. Navarro. He’s all the way over there, a hundred feet away, and I can feel the connection the two of you share. Since the ceremony started, you’ve locked eyes a dozen times, and it was as if the world stood still. You two make a beautiful couple, and you’re going to have a long, loving life together. It’s because of couples like you that I became a wedding planner. I love love. Live your dream.”
A huge lump formed in Kira’s throat, and she couldn’t swallow it. Oh, God. She was going to cry again. “Thank you,” she managed to squeak out, holding back the tears.
Her father took her arm and redirected her attention. “Just focus on your man, sweetheart.”
She nodded and pulled herself together. Just then, the sound of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, performed by a full orchestra, resonated through the open air. Holding tightly onto her father’s arm, she crossed the path that led to the long white runner. She breathed deeper with each step, her head swimming with a million thoughts.
“I’m not giving you away,” her father said. “So, the minister better not ask that question. I’m simply escorting you to your soon-to-be husband.”
She rested her head on his shoulder for a second. “No one is ever taking me away from you, Daddy.”
He patted her hand that clung to his arm. “That’s my little girl.”
They reached the rows of chairs and started down the aisle. Everyone was on their feet looking at her and smiling, but she was looking at Brett. His eyes were glued to hers, as if no one else existed. She felt as if there were an invisible tether between them, and he was pulling her to him with each step. His lips moved, and she read the words that passed through them, even though she couldn’t hear them. “Beautiful.” And then, “I love you.” Another wave of emotion flooded her, and she pressed her lips together and inhaled a shaky breath.
“So many happy tears today,” her father noted.
They were in front of the gazebo now, and she turned to her father. She was shocked at the tears in his eyes. This was a man who stood rock solid her entire life. He was unflappable, but today his emotions were on full display.
He lifted her veil, kissed her cheek and then hugged her. “I love you, sweetheart.”
“I love you too, Daddy.”
He shook Brett’s hand. No words, just one solid nod of the head said everything.
Brett nodded back with mutual respect, then he turned to Kira, and his face lit up brighter than the sun.
Kira’s heart was pounding so hard it was vibrating in her throat, and her cheeks hurt from how wide she smiled. She handed Audra her bouquet and joined hands with Brett. They stared at one another, lost in a silent exchange of love.
Theirs wasn’t a romance filled with ups and downs or pain and angst. They didn’t have to overcome unsurmountable odds to be together. It took a minute, but compromise came easy. Their story wasn’t a tear-your-heart-out ugly cry. Theirs was a love story. A fairy tale. And all their dreams were about to come true.
Ten Years Later
“Sit right here, Aunt Kira. It’s the best seat in the house.” Mason tapped the arm of the recliner in the recording studio located in the basement of the Blade-Garcia mansion.
Kira sighed with relief as she settled into the cushy chair, thankful to be off her feet and ready to watch the show. Jessi sat on a small loveseat to her left, while Audra and Alyssa sat on a couch to her right. They had a front-row view of the performance.
Mason tried to hand a pair of child-size ear protectors to his two-year-old little brother, who was sitting on the floor playing a video game on an iPad. “Here, Mikey. Put these on. It’s going to be loud.”
“Playing!” the boy shouted with excitement as he tapped away on the iPad. It emitted a series of bells and dings, and then Michael let out an adorable happy giggle. He flashed the famous Wilder smile, complete with dimples, and held up his game. “I won, Mase!”
“Again?” Mason looked down at the screen. “Good job.” He put the ear protectors on his little brother. “You need to wear these, OK? Unless you want to wait upstairs with Aunt Mary.”
“I want to stay here and listen to Mason and Lucas and Tessa.”
Audra scooped up her young son and nestled him in her lap. She adjusted the ear protectors to make sure they were still in place and kissed his cheek loudly. “Make sure you keep these on. Just like at home in the drum room when you listen to Mason and Daddy.”
Michael nodded his head really fast, almost knocking the ear protectors off.
Audra adjusted them again and then turned to Kira. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired.” Kira exhaled as she ran her hands around the circumference of her belly, barely touching the tips of her fingers together, and felt movement from the babies. The twins were active today. “I can’t wait until these two are born.” She looked over at Michael and smiled. He was so freaking cute with his little ear protectors and bouncing excitedly in Audra’s lap as he waited for his big brother to play the drums. “I love that Michael and the twins are going to grow up together, just like Mason, Lucas and Tessa.”
“Me too,” Audra agreed. “I can’t believe how quickly the years have gone by. It feels like just yesterday that you and Brett got married.”
“I know.” The five-year plan Kira and Brett had discussed a decade ago had slipped by before they knew it. “Luckily, we’re having two babies at once to make up for lost time.” She leaned forward, as much as her belly would allow, and looked at Alyssa. “There’s still time for you and Damien to add a fo
urth to the baby brigade.”
“None for us.” Alyssa reached over and tickled Michael. “I like to spoil all your babies and then give them back.”
Footsteps grew louder as heavy boots made their way down the stairs, and Brett entered the studio. His gaze never left Kira as he approached the recliner and sunk to his knees next to it. He slid one arm across the back of the chair and rested the other on her belly as he gave it two kisses, one for each baby. “Are you babies ready for your first concert?” he asked.
The twins moved sharply, as if answering their father. “I think they both just said yes,” Kira replied. “Did you talk to Jimmy?”
“Yeah. They’re still recording tracks for the new album.” Brett looked over at Audra. “They’re going to be a few more hours.”
“I figured as much,” Audra replied.
“What are you doing for your 21st birthday, Mason?” Brett asked, getting to his feet. “Any big plans now that you’re finally going to be legal?”
“I’ll be in Australia touring with Black Lightning.”
Brett’s eyebrows shot up. “Wow. That’s an incredible opportunity. When did that happen?”
“It’s been on my calendar for a while. Their drummer is going in for carpel tunnel surgery and can’t finish their world tour. I leave in ten days and will be gone for two months.” Mason looked down at Kira’s belly. “So, you two better come out real soon so I can meet you before I go.”
“You heard your cousin,” Kira told the babies, patting her belly. “It’s time to come out.” She was done being pregnant and wanted to hold these two little peanuts already.
Kira watched Mason as he discussed his upcoming tour schedule with Brett. Her nephew had grown into such a handsome young man, and his career had skyrocketed. At 20 years old, Mason was already known around the world as a renowned drummer and in high demand.
“Are you ever going to commit to one band?” Brett asked. “Or do you really prefer to fill in as a guest drummer all the time?”
“I am committed to one band.” Mason pointed his thumb over his shoulder at the set up behind him. “Prodigy. Until Lucas and Tessa are ready to embark on a full-time career in music, I’m freelancing. I’m learning a lot too. Touring with Immortal Angel when I was growing up, and watching my mom work, has really allowed me to see the dynamics of what goes into a tour, but there’s nothing like living it firsthand.”
Audra scrutinized her oldest son, concern creasing her brow. “There’s no harm in taking time off, Mason. You’ve been in front of the camera since you were 10 and touring for the last couple of years. I’m worried about fame taking a toll on you.”
A lopsided smile showcased one of Mason’s dimples. “I’m fine. There’s nothing I’d rather do than play the drums. It’s in my blood. I love playing with the biggest bands in the nation, and it makes me feel good that they want me.”
Lucas hopped down the stairs and strutted over to Mason, filled with assertive swagger. He rested his elbow on his best friend’s shoulder and smiled. “Bragging about your lustrous career again, Mase?”
“Nah. Just reinforcing my loyalties,” Mason answered, with rare modesty, especially from someone who claimed national stardom by the time he was 11. He slung his arm over Lucas’ shoulder and the two headed toward the amps to set up.
“I love how close they are,” Kira commented.
“Like brothers,” Jessi added, with a smile. She glanced at the staircase that led to the first floor. “Here comes my daughter. I can’t believe she wasn’t the first one here.”
Tessa entered the studio like a whirlwind. “I hope everyone’s ready to rock!” She took center stage and faced Mason and Lucas who were standing near the soundboard. She read from a list of song titles, announcing the order in which they should rehearse them. She adjusted the mic stand, then fiddled with a video camera that was attached to the wall facing the band. “Ham it up,” she told the boys. “Feel free to stare directly into the camera lens.” Clearly, she ran the show. She was 13 going on 30.
“What’s with the camera?” Kira asked Jessi.
“Tessa thought it would be a good idea if they recorded their performance so they could see what the audience will see when they play the street fair.”
“Tell her what else Tessa has planned,” Alyssa offered.
“She wants to move these couches to the side walls and cover the entire wall behind us with mirrored glass, so she can watch the band when they practice,” Jessi explained. “I swear, I think she’s ready to produce an album.”
“She’s full of creative ideas,” Kira marveled at the ingenuity that this young girl possessed. “I thought she might be nervous performing in front of hundreds of people for the first time, but she looks like she’s ready to play Madison Square Garden.”
Brett clapped his hands together enthusiastically. “Let’s go. I can’t wait to hear the new song you penned,” he told Tessa.
She was the lyricist. The boys didn’t even bother. Tessa had been making up songs since before she could form sentences. By the time Prodigy officially came together as a band, she had a half dozen on paper.
“Get ready to be blown away,” Lucas called, as he tightened one of the keys on his Gibson. “We have two new songs that are perfection.”
Whereas Mason was humble, Lucas had zero modesty. At 15, he was already slaying hearts. And he knew it. His platinum blond hair had grown past his shoulders. Time spent in the pool and at the beach gave him a golden tan, which made his bright blue eyes shine. He had recently sprouted by nearly six inches, and his chest and shoulders had broadened significantly.
A hum from the amplifier meant the kids were ready to play, and it filled Kira with a surge of excitement. It didn’t matter that she’d seen Prodigy play hundreds of times over the years, watching their talent soar filled her with adrenaline.
Tessa picked up her bass and slung it over her shoulder. She was a petite little thing, and the instrument dwarfed her as it hung low on her hips. She boldly stepped up to the mic, tapped her foot on the floor several times, then threw her head back and raised her finger up to the ceiling with dramatic flair. She was cueing Mason with her back to him. He clacked his sticks together four times, and the studio exploded with sound. Tessa’s powerful vocals delivered a punch of pure adrenaline while she plucked grungy notes that thumped out the rhythm. She had no inhibitions and oozed showmanship of someone twice her age. She had the stage presence of Angel Garcia and the tenacity of her mother.
Lucas delivered a soul-crushing melody that rang through the room. Jutting his hips forward, he played while he wore a cocky grin. He was all confidence and attitude, with the talent to back it up.
Kira’s gaze drifted to her nephew. Mason was clearly the star. He played effortlessly. His arms flew over the drum skins, delivering a heavy beat that reverberated in her chest. He was lost in his own world as he assaulted the drum kit with unprecedented skill that shocked the world.
These three kids dripped talent and were afforded every opportunity. Kira touched her belly with affection. Her two babies and Michael would be given the same advantages in life. A hiccup made her jump.
Brett’s hand was immediately on her shoulder. “You OK?”
She nodded. “It was just a little—ugh!” She jerked forward, as a twinge pulled inside her, then quickly subsided.
“What happened?” Audra asked, with concern.
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
Kira’s hand went to her belly, but Brett’s hands were already there cradling their babies. There was heavy tension in his brow and worry lines creasing his face. “Are you sure you’re OK?” he asked.
“Yes. It was nothing.” He remained seated on the arm of the recliner and slipped his hand in hers as he continued to watch her, while she relaxed and enjoyed listening to Prodigy. Her eyes moved to Michael, who sat in Audra’s lap, transfixed by the older kids with a happy animated smile plastered across his face. She began to imagine her babies crawling on the fl
oor with him and sharing the video games that he loved so much. She wondered if Michael was destined to become a drummer like Mason, or if, maybe, this younger set of children would inherit the Abelman business sense. They could take over Falcon Records and work side by side with her and Audra.
A dull pain in Kira’s lower back made her adjust her position in the recliner. As soon as she moved, a surge of warm wetness drenched the back of her thighs and buttocks. At first, she was mortified and thought that she peed herself, but she quickly realized that her water broke. “Oh my God.”
“That’s it,” Brett stated. “I’m calling the doctor.”
“Yes. I think you better.”
Panic stared back at her, and some of the color drained from Brett’s face.
“My water just broke,” she explained.
“Shit!” He jumped to his feet, which made everyone react.
Audra handed Michael to Alyssa and quickly stood up. “You’re in labor. I’ll get the car. Brett, help her upstairs.”
Audra was gone before Kira even stood up, and Audra was the one who ended up driving them to the hospital.
Six hours and 34 minutes later, Kira sat in a private room in New York-Presbyterian Hospital cradling two little bundles. Brett sat on the edge of the bed with his arm resting on the pile of pillows behind Kira. He gazed at the babies with a warm smile, then placed a delicate kiss on her lips. When he pulled away, he had tears in his eyes. “Why the hell did we take so long to start a family?” He let out a long-contented sigh. “I love them so much. I love you so much.”
“Me too.” She gazed at her newborn babies. “But I’m glad we waited. Otherwise these two babies wouldn’t be these two babies. Besides, we’ve done so much in the last 10 years. Just me and you. We’ve traveled the world, both with Bulletproof and Immortal Angel and on private vacations. We had a magnificent hilltop mansion build for us in Malibu. And, all that time, it’s been just us.”
Love shone brightly in his eyes as he gazed at her. “Me and you. We’ve lived our dreams together. Few people can say that life didn’t get in the way of their love or marriage. But our relationship has always been about us. Everything we’ve done, we’ve done together.” He kissed her cheek. “You’re my partner in life. My best friend. I’ve cherished every moment that we’ve shared together without anyone else stealing the attention.” He gazed down at the babies. “Now it’s time to share our love, and our life, with these two little ones. I’m glad we waited too.” He gently lifted his newborn son from Kira’s arms, who fit perfectly in Brett’s large hands. The baby stretched with a lazy yawn, and, a second later, his sister mimicked him as if sensing her brother’s tardiness.
The Roadie: Radical Rock Stars Book 7 Page 22