Eternal (Seaside 4.5)

“Always,” I croaked. “I’ll always miss you when I can’t touch you, when I can’t feel that strong heartbeat of yours.”

She winked as I let her down onto her feet.

“Gabe…” Saylor tossed some sand into the air and twirled. “…can you believe we get to go on tour soon? And I get to play the piano…” She did a little dance. “Come on, it’s pretty awesome. I get to say I’m a concert pianist.”

Gabe chuckled. “Just don’t let any of the band hit on you, and we’ll be good.”

“I’ll fight ‘em off.”

“With what muscles?”

She flexed.

He burst out laughing and pulled her into his arms. “I love you.”

“Love you back.” She kissed him softly, then both turned to look at me and Kiersten.

“You ever think…” I wondered aloud. “…you know, two years ago when we were all visiting hospitals and crying… that we’d be on a beach with our wives… in Seaside, Oregon, of all places, attending a wedding thrown by AD2.”

Gabe laughed. “Don’t forget Jaymeson… hottest action star on the planet.” He rolled his eyes. “Stop sighing. Say, you already made me jealous enough when you took one look at Demetri and nearly passed out.”

She hid her face in his jacket and mumbled, “It was a childhood fantasy.”

“Um, so was I, and we’re married. Beat that, Demetri Daniels.”

“He can’t hear you, man.” I laughed. “But good to know you’re so secure.”

Gabe glared.

“So Seaside…” Kiersten whispered into my ear. “Maybe we should spend some time here in the offseason.”

“Yeah.” I took a deep soothing breath. “I think I’d like that.”

“Us too.” She winked and patted her stomach.

“WHAT?” Gabe roared. “You’re having a child?”

“No, she’s just really full.” I rolled my eyes. “And good job keeping a secret, Kiersten.”

“I’m only twelve weeks,” she said shyly. “But—”

Gabe practically tripped trying to get to her and then pulled her into his arms and swung her around. “Knocked up by Saint Michels. Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Just because you think I’m a saint doesn’t mean I’m crap in bed.” I fought the urge to strangle him. “Or unable to get my wife pregnant.”

Gabe held up his hands and laughed.

“So…” I shoved my hands in my pockets. “…what now?”

“Now…” Gabe grabbed Saylor’s hand and squeezed. “…now I guess we keep living.”

“Despite the guilt that comes at times.” I nodded.

Kiersten put her head on my shoulder.

“Despite the fear.” Gabe sighed. “Despite it all… we go forward.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Alec — Two weeks later

“ARE YOU READY?” DWAYNE yelled at the crowd. “I can’t hear you!”

Screams erupted across the stadium, mostly women. I popped my knuckles and looked at my watch, jumping back and forth between both feet, trying to hype myself up. Where the hell was Demetri?

“Sorry, man.” Demetri ran up beside me, his makeup slightly smeared, his eyeliner a bit skewed on his right eye where the tattoo of a star was supposed to look like it was bleeding down his temple.

“What happened to you?”

He grinned shamelessly. “Alyssa happened… girl’s crazy insatiable. It’s like the more I give her the more she takes. I started stocking Gatorade in the bedroom, just in case.”

I rolled my eyes. “You do realize that the last time you were late for a concert it was because you were higher than a kite and snorting coke, right?”

“So?” He shrugged as the makeup artist ran up to him and powdered his nose.

“So…” I chuckled. “…I like this excuse way better.”

“I’ve got my girl… and taffy... my brother— What else do I need?”

“Ashton Hyde, at your service.” Gabe stepped between us, his red leather pants and ripped white t-shirt set him apart from our black leather pants and white t-shirts. Then again, he was the surprise of our opening set, and, because he and Demetri looked scary alike, not to mention acted similar, we had to differentiate for the fans.

“Twilight… you’re still here.” Demetri shoved him a bit to the side. “Thought you’d be sick of us by now.”

“Nope, you two need me, admit it. Ticket sales have been through the roof.”

It was true. They’d had to add another four stops and move two of the concerts to bigger areas.

One of the assistants handed us our headsets. More hairspray went flying. I looked behind me to make sure the girls were where they were supposed to be. Not only was Saylor holding my little girl, but Nat was dressed up, since it was our one-year anniversary of our first date. Damn, that girl was drop-dead gorgeous. She waved and blew me a kiss.

“Enough of that. We know. You’re in love. Your wife’s hot. The show must go on.” Demetri popped his knuckles. “You girls ready?”

“Please.” Gabe snorted. “Try not to trip this time during the dance sequence.”

“Spotlight. In. My. Eye.”