Phoenix Rising Issue #3 - S. R. Watson Page 0,55

I smile down at the Jack in my hand — my once trusted companion to provide liquid numbness. Now the whiskey is a celebration of my growth, happiness, and my journey getting here. I reflect on the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m glad I didn’t give up on us. I take another sip, wondering if I’m hearing things. I swear I just heard my name announced.

Two seconds later, one of the security guards summons me. My nerves are on edge as the sound of the crowd gets louder. I don’t know what’s going on— I just let my feet propel me forward. Phoenix meets the security guy and me at the edge of the stairs leading to the stage. Is he going to officially announce me as his girlfriend? The butterflies in my chest flutter about while my stomach drops. He reaches for my hand, and I let him guide me. Once we reach the stage, I freeze, suddenly overwhelmed. The crowds’ screams are unintelligible. My eyes water, and I blink away the tears to make sure I’m seeing right. Standing not even three feet away, is my mother, Irelyn, and Lily. After the initial shock releases my leaden feet, I run the short distance to hug my mother—Irelyn and Lily joining in.

“This is the love of my life, everybody,” Phoenix says into the mic. The crowd goes wild with excitement. “So naturally, I wanted to bring the people she loves most here tonight.”

My mom and the girls release me. They part as Phoenix walks toward me, his swagger making me dizzy with desire. He is going to get so much pussy tonight.

“Thank you,” I mouth, wiping away the rest of my tears.

“You make me whole, Harlow. You love me for the man I am—all of me. You gave me hope when there was none, stuck by my side even when you didn’t have all the answers, and you showed me what true love and loyalty looks like.”

My heart quickens, suddenly aware of where this may be leading. “Oh, babe. I love you too,” I promise.

He gets down on one knee, and it all becomes real. Suddenly, the band begins to play the song Phoenix wrote for me, “Leave it All Behind.”

“Harlow, I have a record deal, the best fucking band ever, a number one single, and a rise to fame. I’m only missing one thing. Will you make my life complete and do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

I nod slowly. My head light from disbelief.

“Yes,” I say hoarsely, but then repeat it a little louder. “Yes, babe. You make me so happy.”

He pulls a perfect solitaire from his back pocket, and I’m stunned as he slides onto my left ring finger.

“I thought you said we would get tattoos instead of rings.” My mouth agape; I’m unable to hide my shock.

“Meh. We don’t need ink to solidify us being permanent. My beautiful princess deserves a rock to match.” He takes the mic away from his mouth, and it is then I realize the entire audience bore witness to our moment. “Fuckers will see this a mile away and know to stay away. You’re mine forever, babe, and I couldn’t be happier. You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”

My mother and the girls cheer along with the crowd, but at this moment, it’s only Phoenix. I’ve never seen him be so publicly vulnerable, and it melts my heart.

“You saved me, Phoenix. Now I’m yours.”

“We saved each other, love. We were two lost souls battling our demons in darkness—destined to find the light in each other.”

He stands, and without a care to our surroundings, he gives me a kiss filled with heat— a prelude to what’s to come—me!

He waves good night to the crowd, and their approval is deafening. I’m looking forward to spending time with my mom and the girls, but first, I’m going to properly celebrate my engagement with my fiancé.

“I got us a hotel for the night,” he ensures as we leave the stage.

“Are you reading my mind?” I tease.

“I’m right there with you, babe. No reading necessary. We need to consummate our engagement.”

I can’t help the giggle that escapes me. My man is quite the comedian. “Doesn’t that come after marriage?”

“Babe. We’re going to consummate the countdown to the wedding—as in every day. I have a lot to make up for.”

We both laugh as he sweeps me into his arms. As he heads straight for the back door, I know he has every intention