I’m pacing the back corridor of Wigmore Hall, anxiously awaiting my parents’ arrival. It’s a big night—Eva’s first, and possibly last, public concert in London. Since regaining ninety percent functionality in her hand, her music has carried an emotional depth that’s nearly overwhelming. As her husband, I hear it not just with my ears but with my heart.
She’s nervous about tonight; I can feel it. And I’m not far behind. This concert, a dream of hers to play in a renowned London concert hall, is about to come true. It feels like destiny, especially since we’re already in Europe for a wedding.
Supporting her dreams has become my purpose, and with her recent graduation, I’m ready to follow her wherever her music takes her. But instead of a global tour, we’re setting up Angel Music School, where she’ll teach and create a comfy life for us.
I get a text—my folks are out front. I rush to the back door to let them in.
“What took you so long?” I ask, almost out of breath.
“London traffic,” Dad grunts, his usual self. “I hate this city.”
“No, you don’t,” Mom chides half-heartedly, patting his cheek.
As I usher my parents in, I can’t help but share, “The concert’s sold out.” The pride in my voice is unmistakable. Eva’s talent did all the work—no need for my intervention this time. I’d been ready to buy any unsold tickets, but a viral video of her playing at a community center did the trick, selling out in an hour.
“Don’t be so nervous,” Dad scoffs, noticing my state. “Looks like you’re the one about to perform.”
I shoot him a glare, but Mom laughs. “Oh, Jeremiah, you were the same at my first painting exhibit, remember?”
He looks down at her, a mock glare of his own. “You’ll never let me forget anything, will you?”
“Not in this lifetime,” she replies, kissing him. Their love, still strong after all these years, brings a smile to my face.
“Everyone’s here. Eva’s dad and stepmom are in the front row. You’re beside them.” I inform them.
Mom’s face lights up. “Can I go wish my beautiful daughter-in-law good luck?” She adores Eva, and the feeling is mutual. Eva found a mother figure in her, something we’ll need in the upcoming months.
I nod. “She’s in her dressing room with Poppy and Vanessa.”
Dad raises an eyebrow. “Vanessa came?”
“Yeah, she wouldn’t miss Eva’s concert for the world.”
“There’s no press outside.”
I nod. “I know, she’s here incognito.”
Mom tilts her head, a hint of concern in her voice. “Isn’t it too much for Eva? The concert tonight, then flying out for the wedding tomorrow, and then back home for the school opening… and with the baby…”
I freeze, realizing that the cat is out of the bag. Mom grins, always the perceptive one. “How did you know?”
“Your hand has a way of resting on her stomach, and she didn’t drink at Jeremiah’s birthday last week.”
“It’s very recent,” I admit. “We didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.”
“It’s the superior Westbrook sperm,” Dad says with a wink, making me laugh.
“Yeah, must be it,” I agree, shaking my head with a grin.
The dressing room door swings open, and Poppy and Nessa come out, the latter in a disguise so thorough it could fool anyone. Nessa’s usual striking features are hidden under a black wig and makeup that makes her unrecognizable even to people who know her. It’s a testament to how much this night means to her, to be here for Eva while keeping a low profile.
My mom steps into the room then, her arms immediately wrapping around Eva in a warm, maternal hug. She whispers something in her ear, something that makes Eva’s eyes light up with gratitude and love.
“You were right, son,” my dad says, his arm coming to rest around my shoulders. There’s a note of pride in his voice, a rare concession. “She was the right choice.” He lets out a soft sigh, almost imperceptible. “Grandfather…” The word hangs in the air, filled with wonder and nostalgia. He then moves to Eva, embracing her warmly.
Once everyone else has left the room, I close the door and lean against it, craving a few stolen moments alone with my wife. “Mom knows.”
Eva looks down at her stomach, her hand coming to rest tenderly upon it. “It’s okay. I think we should announce it after the wedding. Let everyone share in our joy.” She steps closer, her body fitting perfectly against mine. “I’m so happy, Cole. Happy to be carrying our baby.”
Her words, filled with such pure joy and love, resonate deep within me. When she first told me about the pregnancy, I was overcome with emotion, tears of happiness freely flowing. The thought of our growing family, of this new life we’re creating together, is both exhilarating and humbling.
We reaffirm our love with a kiss, a connection that speaks of shared dreams and a future filled with endless possibilities. In a quiet voice, I ask, “Do you ever regret giving me another chance?”
She looks up at me, her eyes brimming with certainty and love. “Not in this lifetime. Not ever.”
With one last kiss, I reluctantly pull away and head to the front row to watch her perform. As the concert begins, Eva’s music fills the hall, each note a testament to her talent, her resilience, and her passion. Her music transports me, carrying me on a wave of emotion that’s both profound and exhilarating.
Sitting there, watching her on stage, I’m overwhelmed with a sense of pride and awe. The woman who challenged and changed me, who stood by me through the best and worst of times, and who now carries our future within her.
As the final notes linger in the air, the audience erupts into applause. I join in, clapping louder than anyone. My heart isn’t just swelling; it’s soaring, filled with a love so profound it’s as if every hardship we’ve faced has led to this crescendo of joy. Eva Westbrook, my wife, has once again captivated a crowd, this time not just with her music but with the love and life we’ve built together. Our journey, marked by its ups and downs, has led us here to this moment of triumph and joy.
As she takes her final bow, I realize that this isn’t the end of a concert. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with love, music, and the sweet anticipation of the life we’re about to welcome into the world. My wife, my love, my savior—together, we’re ready for whatever melody life plays next.
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Next up? Vanessa & Liam in Broken Desires will hit your kindles in June 2024.
