by Lynn Rider
The crowd thickened which I know from experience meant we were getting closer to the stage. Ashton’s grip tightened around my hand and he pulled my body tighter to his. I wrapped my arm around his waist when he stopped.
“I don’t think we’re going to get any closer without calling in reinforcements,” he said with a smile. He pulled his phone from his pocket and stood on his toes, growing even taller over the crowd. I didn’t have to ask who he was calling. Ashton hung up and we waited. Eventually, the crowd started to shift and a menacing Dave led the way of a small army of security as they came stomping through the small crease they’d formed.
“Need a front row seat?” He grinned.
Ashton nodded before Dave turned on his heel and started off in the direction he’d come from. Ashton pulled me in first and followed closely behind, holding me firmly between him and Dave. I noticed the glares from people, angry that we were cutting in front of them, but as the recognition registered on their faces, they smiled in shock and awe.
Dave led us to the stage, but the guys weren’t there yet. “When will they get here?” I yelled over the noise of the crowd.
“Not until after the ball drops.” He glanced at his watch. “Which is in less than five minutes.” He wrapped me in his arms, drawing our bodies closer.
“I need to tell you something, Ash,” I said nervously near his ear.
He looked down at me with a raised eyebrow. My heart stuttered as his eyes search mine. With a hook of his finger under my chin, he tilted my face toward his and softly pressed his lips to mine. He pulled away slowly, caressing my cheek with his thumb. I was instantly robbed of my breath with the intensity of that look. I saw the depth of his love reflected back at me in those eyes, making me want to pinch myself to make sure this wasn’t some dream I’d been dreaming. With one look, he could still take my breath away, quicken my pulse and set my body on fire. I bit my lower lip softly as I prepared.
“What is it, Meagan?” His warm breath heated my ear.
A lump formed in my throat and I did my best to swallow before I took a steadying breath and began.
“Five years ago tonight we stood near this very spot and you got down on bended knee and asked me to be your wife. Since that night, you made me your wife, you quit the band, and started med school.”
I swallowed hard, keeping that looming lump at bay. “You’ve made every dream come true and given me the happiest life. I’m honored to call you my husband. You give me strength and inspire me to follow my dreams each and every day. I can’t express how much I love you and how much further I fall in love with you with each day that passes. It’s time to open the next chapter of our lives. You’re going to be a daddy, Ashton.”
Ashton framed my face between his hands again, moisture pooling in his eyes. “Meagan?” was all he managed through a rough voice before slamming his mouth over mine.
His tongue assaulted my mouth with vigor. His kiss was hungry and passionate, causing my knees to weaken. When he loosened his embrace and pulled away, a slow smile lit up his features, making him look younger. “I love you.” He pressed his forehead to mine. “I fucking love you!” he reiterated.
“You’re so romantic.”
“You love it.”
“You’re right and I love you.”
Ashton opened his mouth to say something, but the crowd started counting down. Ashton caressed my bottom lip with his thumb and once we were on three, he couldn’t wait another second, slamming his lips against mine again.
“Happy New Year, everyone!” Kyle yelled out, causing an instant frenzy within the crowd. Ashton and I broke our kiss and realized the ball had dropped as streamers and confetti clung to our bodies. We shared a look of surprise between the two of us and laughed that we had somehow missed the commotion of the New Year celebration, completely lost in each other.
Ashton and I turned our attention to the stage. Austin stood appearing larger than life up there next to Kyle. Austin’s eyes dropped from the crowd, finding us almost immediately and cast a heartfelt smile in our direction. He walked to the edge of the stage and kneeled down when Ashton waved him over.
“I’m going to be a dad!” Ashton yelled out. Austin pulled back, looking at Ashton with that familiar crooked grin they shared then lifted his guitar strap from over his head and jumped from the stage. He drew us in simultaneously for a hug. “Congratulations! I fucking love you guys!”
“Austin, get your ass back up here. We’ve got a concert to start!” Kyle called out, laughing over the sound system. We both laughed as Austin hopped back on the stage and secured his guitar with a wide grin.
When the familiar ticking of Charlie’s drum started, a hush fell over the crowd behind us. Ashton pivoted his body, wrapping his arms around me and secured me to his chest. “I love you, Meagan Harris,” he murmured against my ear.
Our gazes remained locked on the new, but original version of Silver Knight for the rest of the night.
TO MY HUSBAND, THANK YOU isn’t enough to express how much I appreciate you and all that you do for our family. Picking up my slack when I’m with my fictional friends isn’t always easy, but you do it without complaint. You listen to my ramblings about my characters, storylines, marketing and whatever else that pops into my head. Saying that I couldn’t do this without you is an understatement.
To my kids, you guys ROCK! And had better never read this until you’re at least thirty … no forty! No matter how hectic my life can get, you make me appreciate each and every minute of it spent with you. You continually make me laugh with your wit and proud with your intelligence. I love you to the moon and back.
To my incredible betas, Ann Marie, Carmen, Dannyelle, Jennifer and Melanie. It seems like a lifetime ago that you first read this story. Thank you for all your insight in helping me to make it what it is.
Ahren Sanders, I initially reached out to you for help in answering a few of my questions, what I got was so much more. You are an incredibly talented lady and one I’m proud to say is my friend.
Jennifer Roberts-Hall, I think I said this in my last acknowledgements page, but I’m going to say it again. You are amazing! Numb was the first story of mine you read and your unwavering support of it helped me to believe it was good enough to publish. But, it was your mad editing skills that got it here! Thank you for all that you do.
To the readers, thank you for taking time from your life to give my book a chance. I hope you enjoyed it and will consider leaving a review on the site where you purchased it from.