make love a couple of times before we fall asleep.
“I was thinking,” Beacon says as I rest my head on top of his chest. “We could travel around the world while I’m healing. This time will be just about visiting places, enjoying each other’s company.”
“Have you discussed your situation with the guys?”
He nods. “I told them that maybe they should look for a replacement—someone temporary. Neither one of them accepted my suggestion. Mane almost knocked me down. Fish stopped him only because I was on my crutches.”
“We’re a unit,” I remind him.
“Would you play with us?”
“I owe you a tour, but remember I’m a cello nerd who likes her stuffy fans,” I joke.
“You don’t have to stop playing because of me.”
“I wouldn’t stop playing because of anyone,” I remind him. “This break was planned a long time ago. I haven’t found any offers for next year that are good enough to take me away from you.”
He kisses my bare shoulder. “I can always carry your bags.”
“Why don’t you make love to me instead?” I ask.
It doesn’t take long to convince him. He moves on top of me and thrusts inside of me. I can’t remember what life was like before we became us. The only memory I have is of us making fascinating music.
Every morning I wake up to an empty bed. Beacon joins his brothers at the gym and then makes breakfast since it’s the only chore that doesn’t require him to be on his feet for a long time. Today, I frown when I find the crutches against the wall, the chair next to it, and Beacon nowhere around the bedroom. I dress fast and jet out of the room searching for him. He’s not in the kitchen preparing breakfast.
Grace: Where are you?
There’s no answer. I go to the barn where Leyla is feeding the animals. Mozzy looks at me curiously and continues staring at Ally. This is the first time I witness the sight of my cat hanging out with the rest of the animals.
I look toward at the lake, checking if his clothes are around. What if he drowned? My heart is beating fast when I don’t find him in the gym. I walk to the studio and my lips turn upward when I hear the sound of his guitar. It’s a prelude. The intro of a song.
She’s an electrical storm,
A force that can move oceans,
And sometimes she stands still, controlling my chaos.
She knows my soul like she knows my heart.
She’s my savior,
My reason,
My music,
And my life.
I haven’t heard him play with this much heart in a long time. I listen to the entire song and when he opens his eyes, he stares at me.
“It’s coming back.” His cheeky smile melts my heart.
“I never doubted it.”
He pushes himself up and walks toward me. No crutches, no help, no wobbling.
“How?”
“I’ve been working extra hard,” he answers. “Those times when you’re not around, I’m busting my ass. If I want to carry your luggage when you start touring, I have to be ready.”
He then pulls out something from his pocket and drops on one knee.
“Grace Aiko Bradley, my first memory is of you. Of us on your family’s playground, laughing carelessly, happy because we were in that moment sharing each other’s space. We’re not those kids, but I want us to become something similar. Two people laughing, loving, enjoying every moment. Walking through everything life throws our way.
“My therapist asked me why I thought my anger went away too easily. I told her, ‘It’s Grace. She reminds me that life is short. She’s the one who makes it magical.’ We have gone through so much more than this accident. How can I be mad, when I’m lucky to call you mine, and have your support?
“Also, how can I not ask the love of my life to share the rest of her life with me? We’re forever. An eternal song. One that will play even when we’re gone. Grace, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes.” I nod as I sob. This time it’s happiness. My guy evolved. He’s different and yet the same. This time, it’s us.
“I love you, Beacon Aldridge.”
“Love you more,” he insists.
“How do you know?”
“I don’t, but it’s a good challenge. I say that I do, you love me more the next day, and I up the bets.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Ridiculously yours.”
Beacon’s Epilogue
I work at The Lodge part-time. I work the front desk along with Grace. Although I love to make Henry’s life difficult,