Third Act (Dark Falkon Book 3)

by J. O Mantel

  “What else would you like to know?” Jake asked.

  “Marriage. If you love me so much, then why was it that every time I asked you about marriage, you were so reluctant about it?”

  “I wasn’t reluctant about it, Lukas was.”

  “Huh?” Sienna asked, confused.

  “If I was going to marry you, I wanted you to marry me, Jake Cooper, not Lukas Dark. I wanted you to marry me for who I truly was.”

  “And what about Stuart and Mike? They’re your managers, surely they noticed things?”

  “With the demanding schedules that Stuart and Mike had and trying to organize our tours, they were barely lucky to remember whenever we had a gig. They were both completely unaware that I was the other person. Again, as I’ve said before, Jake and Lukas were never in the same place together, except for Japan. I also made it a point to change my appointments and appearances, to give me enough time to change and get to and from places.”

  “So that’s why you got the motorcycle,” Sienna gasped.

  “Yes. It’s how I’ve been getting to and from places so quickly. And there were many times that I would sneak in and out of my window at night, whenever you’d meet Lukas.”

  “That explains why you weren’t at the ultrasound.”

  Jake nodded.

  “It all seems very well thought out Jake, but there’s still some things that don’t sit right.”

  Sienna thought for a moment and then her eyes widened again, almost popping out of their sockets.

  “Your tattoo. The Dark Falkon tattoo on your back. How come I’ve never seen it on you as Jake?”

  “I was wondering when you’d ask me that.”

  Jake stood up from his seat.

  “I’ve always wanted to do this in front of you, without feeling awkward.”

  He slowly unbuttoned his shirt, before pulling it off his shoulders and placing it on the armchair. He stood in front of Sienna bare-chested, before he spun around and showed Sienna his back, the tattoo was gone.

  “I don’t understand,” Sienna said.

  “It’s fake. I had special tattoo stickers made up, ones that I could easily put on and take off, when I needed to.”

  Sienna ogled his body, suddenly it all had a completely different meaning now.

  “I’ve seen your body many times and I can’t believe I never noticed the resemblance.”

  “Once you started dating me… Lukas rather, I started to hit the gym more frequently in secret to try and maintain a more toned physique. Whenever we were home together, I tried to keep myself covered up as much as possible, so that you wouldn’t notice the similarities in our bodies. Whenever I was shirtless, I would always try and cross my arms to avoid you noticing anything. That night when you and I slept together, it was dark and you were …well we know what you were. So I knew, you either wouldn’t remember it, or wouldn’t be able to see that we were the same, because it was so dark.”

  “Thoughtful,” Sienna replied.

  “Look, Sienna. Please understand-”

  “Jake, please. Don’t say another word.”

  She stood up and checked on the twins, before walking by the window and stared outside.

  “I need some time to think” she said, not looking at him.

  “Of course” Jake replied.

  He kissed his children on the forehead, put on his shirt and grabbed his jacket. He stopped by the door and looked up at Sienna.

  “I love you, Sienna. I’ve always loved you” he said, walking out the door.

  “I love you too, Jake” Sienna whispered, still staring out the window.

  “And you did all this for Sienna?” Tom asked.

  “I love her dad.”

  “And to think I had a crush on Lukas Dark, when all along it was you. That’s kind of gross,” Emily shivered in disgust.

  “Sorry Em.”

  “I just can’t believe you did all this for one woman” Olivia said.

  “It wasn’t all just for Sienna, mom. Being a rock star was always my dream. But I also wanted to have a normal everyday life. Lukas helped me do all that.”

  “And what about Sienna, what did she have to say about all this?” Tom asked.

  “She told me she needs time to think. She’s coming home tomorrow and I’d like to have it all sorted by then. Those two children need a loving mother and father in their lives.”

  “Jake, you have to realize something, what you’ve just revealed is huge. Of course Sienna’s going to need time, she needs to figure out who you really are. That’s going to take some time.”

  “All I wanted to do mom was fit in. I wanted to be like the popular kids in high school. But I also wanted to live like a rock star.”

  “I know that Jake, and I’m sure Sienna does too. Deep down, she’s just hurting. You’re going to have to build up that trust with her again, because once that’s gone, it’s difficult to get back.”

  There was a knock on the door, Jake answered it, and saw Ivy and Dick standing there.

  “Hi Ivy, hey Dick” Jake said.

  Ivy took a step forward and noticed the others sitting on the sofas.

  “Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you had guests. We can come back later.”

  “Don’t be silly Ivy, we were just leaving,” Tom replied, as the four of them stood up and headed for the door.

  They said goodbye to Jake, before getting into the rental car they had hired and pulled out of the drive.

  “Can I get you guys anything to drink?” Jake asked.

  “Just a tea for me, please” Ivy responded.

  “Coffee, thanks Jake” Dick said.

  After preparing their drinks, Jake joined Ivy and Dick on the sofa.

  “So it’s all true then?” Ivy asked.

  “Yeah” Jake replied, nodding his head.

  “You managed to fool the whole world, Jake, including us,” Dick said.

  “Guys, please understand-”

  “We’ve heard the whole story from Sienna, Jake” Ivy interrupted.

  “I suppose you both never want to see or speak to me again.”

  “Would we be sitting here right now if that was so?” Ivy asked.

  “I can’t help but wonder Jake, you always spoke so ill of Lukas whenever you were talking about him.”

  The kettle sounded, Jake got off the sofa and poured their drinks.

  “As much as I enjoyed being Lukas, there were many times when being him really got on my nerves. Even after five years, I tried so hard to show a dislike for him, in the hope that Sienna would want to love me… Jake, not Lukas.” He handed them their drinks and sat back on the sofa. “I was just so frustrated at times trying to play him. I was even having conversations with him, whenever I was in front of a mirror or a window.”

  “But… he is you… you’re him. It’s kind of confusing.”

  “Not to me it isn’t, Ivy. You do crazy things when you’re in love.”

  “When is Sienna due home?” Ivy asked.

  “Tomorrow” Jake replied.

  “What’s going to happen to the bands?” Dick asked.

  “We haven’t discussed that yet. Once Sienna’s home and settled with the twins, I’m going to have a meeting with both of them to discuss the future.”

  “Have you thought of names yet?” Ivy asked.

  “No. We wanted to wait until they were home.”

  They sat there and finished their drinks, and after finally apologizing to Jake for the way she acted, Ivy hugged him.

  “I know how much you truly love her, and I know she feels the same,” Ivy whispered in his ear. She kissed him on the cheek, and after shaking Dick’s hand, the two of them left.

  Jake picked Sienna and the twins up from the hospital the following morning. He had already put together the two cribs that they had received as presents from his mom and dad, and they were placed next to each other in the nursery. Gently, they placed the twins in each of the cribs and stared at them.

  “I guess we better
decide on some names,” Jake said.

  Sienna looked at her daughter and smiled, “Maree” she said.

  “What?” Jake replied.

  “I like Maree,” she repeated, looking at Jake.

  He nodded in acknowledgment. They now looked at their son, “Max” they both said in unison.

  “Maree and Max,” they smiled.

  As they stood there and admired their children, Jake suddenly felt Sienna’s head rest on his shoulder. They gently pulled the door to the nursery, leaving it slightly ajar, before heading into the living room. They sat on the sofa and Sienna turned to Jake.

  “For five years I was in love with a rock star, someone who I never knew I could see myself having a future with. And the whole time, I was too blind to see what was right under my nose… you.” She raised her hand and brushed it gently against his cheek.

  “You fooled the whole world into making people believe you were two different people, and I was one of them. I know now why you did it and Jake, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for never giving you the attention you wanted. But Lukas Dark is a part of you, and he always will be.” A tear trickled down her cheek.

  “I love you, Jake Cooper.” She said through tears.

  “You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear you say that.” Jake smiled, “I love you, Sienna Forrester.”

  She leaned forward and kissed him passionately.

  Jake got off the sofa, reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. He got down on one knee and opened the box.

  “I’ve had this for quite some time, and I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to do this.” He took a deep breath and stared into her eyes, “Sienna Forrester… will you marry me?”

  Sienna smiled.

  “Who’s asking, Jake or Lukas?”

  “I’m asking. Just plain Jake Cooper.”

  “Ask me again” she said, still smiling.

  “Sienna Forrester, will you do me the greatest honor and be my wife?”

  She paused. She looked at the ring, then she stared at the nursery door before finally turning to Jake and smiled. He held the box open and Sienna leaned forward.

  “Yes,” she said.

  Overjoyed, Jake removed the ring from the box and placed it on her wedding finger, before the two of them leaned in and kissed.

  Jake silently paced the floor awaiting Sienna’s arrival. The day he had been waiting and wishing for, for the past five years, was finally here. Nerves were beginning to hit him, would she show or would he be left to face the crowds alone? Surely Sienna wouldn’t back out now, she knew how much this meant to him.

  From a side door he watched silently as the guests began to enter and take their seats. He saw his parents sitting together in the front row. Near them, waiting patiently, were some of Sienna’s brothers and sisters and their partners.

  The only ones missing were Sienna’s parents, Sienna and their children. She was late. How on earth could she be late, doesn’t she realize how nervous I am? Jake thought.

  Suddenly Dick approached him, “It’s time Jake.” Dick adjusted Jake’s tie and tux, before the two of them headed out.

  That’s when Jake noticed Margaret Forrester had taken her seat. Suddenly music filled the room. Jake made his way to the front with Dick and the rest of his bridal party; Chris, and Jake’s former band mates, who had now joined as one to become the rock group Dark Ridge, stood at the front. Ivy was stunning as maid of honor, stealing the lead from Tori, Emily and Sienna’s sisters. Jake smiled, turned around and finally saw her, Sienna, a vision in white, walking toward him with her arm resting on her father’s.

  Walking ahead of them were their children, Maree and Max bearing the rings, the sight made Jake shed tears of joy as he watched.

  Today was the day all his dreams were going to come true. Sienna Forrester was going to become his wife. Finally he, Sienna and their children were going to officially become a family. Sienna was finally becoming a Cooper, just like himself and their two children.

  After the ceremony, the festivities continued and Jake had written a song especially for Sienna for this day. He passed the microphone to Tori, and Jake made his way to the dance floor. He took a hold of his wife’s hand and pulled her in. Wrapping one arm around her waist, the two of them danced as Tori sang the song Jake had written for her. Their children and the rest of the guests joined them on the dance floor and they celebrated well into the early hours of the morning.

  Dark Ridge topped the charts in ten countries, including Australia, England, Asia and the United States. Dick and Ivy settled into their new home in Vegas and began a life of their own.

  Jake and Sienna moved to LA with their children, to live in their newly renovated home. Sienna had resigned from her position and Jake retired indefinitely from touring to be a full-time dad, he wanted to enjoy every moment of their childhood. He still wrote and recorded with the band, and they still performed at special gigs, they all decided not to do anymore long, exhausting tours, they didn’t need to.

  As the children played, Sienna and Jake sat on the patio and stared at the view of LA before them.

  With Sienna in his arms and a glorious sunset to complete their evening, Jake smiled and looked around. He couldn’t have imagined a more perfect ending to his rock star life, and for the first time in over twenty years, Jake Cooper finally had everything he ever wanted.

  Don’t Know Much ~ Aaron Neville and Linda Ronstandt

  Stop ~ Spice Girls

  Wannabe ~ Spice Girls

  I’ll Never Break Your Heart ~ Backstreet Boys

  Not Me, Not I ~ Delta Goodrem

  Sitting On Top Of the World ~ Delta Goodrem

  The Way You Make Me Feel ~ Michael Jackson

  Johnny Be Good ~ Chuck Berry

  Love Me Tender ~ Elvis Presley

  Burning Love ~ Elvis Presley

  Man! I Feel Like a Woman ~ Shania Twain

  The Right Stuff ~ New Kids on the Block

  Pink Cadillac ~ Bruce Springsteen

  5,6,7,8 ~ Steps

  Chained to the Rhythm ~ Katy Perry

  Gangsta’s Paradise ~ Coolio

  Old Time Rock n Roll ~ Bob Seger

  Don’t Dream it’s Over ~ Crowded House

  I Promise You (with everything I am) ~ Backstreet Boys

  Just The Way You Are ~ Bruno Mars

  Back in 2014, I had this wacky and crazy idea that I would sit down and write a novel. I didn’t think much of it at the time, and I was already working a secure full-time job. So I figured, what the hell, I have nothing to lose, I’ll give it a try.

  After six months, I pressed publish on a book about my life and the struggles I went through as a child dealing with obesity and bullying. I put my book out there and waited. The response was slow, and I didn’t really have anyone marketing my work, other than social media and an independent publishing company.

  Three years later, I’m working three jobs, have limited hours in a day and barely sleep, and yet I sit here and I’ve pressed publish on my third full-length novel.

  This hasn’t been an easy journey for me, and if it wasn’t for the help of some amazing people, I wouldn’t be here right now telling you this story.

  To my family, for putting up with my mood swings and late night sessions yelling at my laptop. Thank you for your endless love, loyalty and support.

  Ria. WOW! What an incredible eighteen months this has been. We started with Miles and Lola and we ended with Jake and Sienna, and it was by far the best choice we ever made. I don’t think I have ever worked with someone who is more dedicated, hardworking and loyal as you are. We have been there through it all, thick and thin, and in all honesty, I don’t think I would change any of it for a second, even if I could. This chapter has been an emotionally gripping ride for both of us and aside from being my assistant and editor, you are, and always will be, a dear and loyal lifelong friend. Thank you so much for never giving up on me and for always listening to me until the waking hours of the morning, even
when I’ve threatened to throw in the towel. Without you, this incredible, wacky, stressful and incredible journey, would never have happened. This trilogy is for you. I love you, and thank you for coming into my life when you did.

  Dana, my words are never enough to thank you for all the explosive and wicked covers that you’ve created for this series. Your talent is truly worth a million words.

  David, thank you so much for bringing Jake to life. I am honored to call you a great friend and a huge inspiration in my life. I am glad that we finally got the opportunity to meet in person and I hope we continue to have a great working relationship and friendship together.

  Jodi Perry, you are the reason I keep pushing through, even when times are tough. I am so glad that I have had the amazing opportunity to meet you in person. I don’t think I have ever met anyone who is an amazing and talented as you are. Most importantly, your endless love, support and talent is what gets me through this every single time I sit down to write a story. I love you with all my heart and soul and thank you for being a truly amazing friend and an author who I will always look up to.

  My fellow authors; Even as an author, I can never find enough words to express my sincere gratitude for all the support you’ve shown not only me, but the entire author community. Thank you for such an awesome and wild ride.

  Laura, what can I say? Thank you so much for finding me and coming into my life when you did. I can’t thank you enough for ‘saving me’ when you did. I love you to the moon and back.

  Rick, thank you so much for being the incredible voice behind my characters for the audiobooks. You have an amazing talent and I am so grateful that we finally got the opportunity to work together and I hope we can continue to do so for many more books to come.

  Ena and the team behind Enticing Journey Promotions, thank you for all your promotional and marketing material and sharing my work with the rest of the world.

  Edeth, we are worlds apart, and I am grateful that my writing has helped us connect. Even though we’ve never met, I am truly proud to call you a dear and loyal friend.

  To Marley, Mariah, Alessia, Angela, Whitey, Brad, Justin, Jay, Finn, Silvana, Grace, Will, Roland, Grace, Maddy, Alyce, Donna, Tessa, Josh, Dom, Danny, Tom, Louis, Kirsten, Michael, Uj, Kevin, Michael, Tom, Teddy, Adam, Annie, Andrew, Dante, Darcy, Lucy, Mel, Nikki, Seamus, Sheridan, Chloe, Tawn and finally, Wayne, I hope I’ve mentioned you all. Guys, thank you so much for the incredible love and support these past two years and for having my back, I love you all.