AllFreeNovel
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Sabine chuckled in the way of a sister who was about to share something she maybe shouldn’t. “He didn’t have an ass to help hold up his pants when he was younger. Belts didn’t work because he was so skinny.”
“I guess I just got used to the suspenders. I tried converting to belts, but it didn’t take. Too uncomfortable,” André explained.
“Well, you always look great. Very sophisticated.” Sunshine looked at Sabine. “Should I start wearing suspenders?”
Sabine screwed up her face. “Please, no.”
Johnny and his partner, Hannah, came over and entered the conversation. They talked about the album and how proud Johnny was of Nikki. Hannah praised her talent and skill.
Sunshine concurred.
Zara joined them.
And Asa and Justin.
And after they had made Nikki sufficiently uncomfortable with their compliments and praise, Johnny and Hannah made her an offer.
“We’d like to offer you twenty-five percent,” Hannah said.
The group grew quiet as everyone’s eyes came to Nikki.
“What?” Nikki asked, a confused smile tilting her lips.
“Of the studio,” Johnny continued. “No buy-in. Just yours. If you want it.”
Nikki swallowed and her gaze cut to André. “What?” she asked him.
He squeezed her hand, his heart beating wildly for her. “Ownership,” he said to her.
Nikki looked back at Johnny and Hannah. “What?” she repeated.
Johnny smiled and nodded. “But only if you want it.”
“I want it,” Nikki blurted. And then she hopped. “I really want it.”
“I thought you might,” Johnny said around a chuckle. “We’ll do all the paperwork next week.”
Nikki squealed and threw her arms around Johnny. And then Hannah. She spun around, grabbed André’s suspenders and pulled him in for a triumphant kiss.
He laughed as he caught her, her joy infectious.
Another round of grape juice was poured and André held Nikki close, kissing her, hugging her, celebrating her.
He cradled her face in both hands and enjoyed the radiance shining out of her eyes.
“Are you happy?” he asked, knowing the answer.
But somehow her smile grew brighter. “I am so happy,” she whispered. “I have everything I have ever wanted.”
“So do I,” he said, lowering his mouth.
“Tell me you love me,” she said against his lips.
“I love you,” he rumbled.
But he’d do more than tell her.
He would show her that he loved her every day for the rest of their lives.
