Page 173 of Fame & Rhythm

He shakes his head. “No. This is just… tonight. The gift’s something else. I had it made for you. It’s us.”

My smile softens as he hands me a small box.

I untie the purple ribbon and lift the lid.

Inside is a bracelet.

It’s layered, intricate, and completely unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Thin bands of white leather wrap together, and at the top sits a silver infinity symbol. Beneath it, a band is engraved with the word love. Another is plaited leather, followed by a set of delicate wings with a diamond at the center. The final band is another braid, finished with two entwined silver hearts.

I turn it slightly, noticing the clasp adorned with small charms—music notes and a willow tree.

It’s stunning.

Not delicate or overly girly.

It’s bold, a little edgy, and completely me.

“Aston… it’s…” I trail off as he gently takes it from my hands and opens the clasp.

“Do you like it?” he asks.

I look up at him, my eyes stinging. “I love it. I love you!”

He smiles softly as he fastens it around my wrist, his fingers brushing over the leather. “Can I tell you what it all means?” he asks.

I nod, wiping at a tear. “Please.”

He traces the infinity symbol. “This is us… our bond. We’ve known each other forever, and I think we always will. It doesn’t end.” My chest tightens. “The love one is pretty obvious,” he adds, making me laugh softly. He moves to the wings. “These… when we’re together, I feel free. Like I can do anything. Like nothing can hold me down.” I bite my lip, feeling the same truth settle inside me. “The hearts are you and me. Always connected. No matter what.” His fingers brush the charm at the clasp. “And the willow tree… that’s ours. Everything we’ve shared here… it matters. This place, it’s like it gives something back to us every time we come here. Like it keeps pulling us together.” A shiver runs down my spine at how accurate that statement is. “And the music notes…” he finishes, “… that’s Staked. That’s us when we’re playing. Even after everything, I still remember how it felt. Having you beside me.”

I reach up, cupping his cheek gently. “Aston Soulding… you are the most incredible man I’ve ever known,” I whisper. “We’ve spent more time apart than together, but I know… I know we’re not wasting another second. Not if I can help it.” I take a breath. “And I promise… when we’re on stage, I’ll lean on you every single time. If you’ll have me back.”

He smiles, eyes soft but unwavering. “Baby, I want you to lean on me for everything. For the rest of our lives. I’ve got you, Lennox. Always.” He pulls me into a deep, lingering kiss, and for once, there’s no fear, no doubt, just us.

And that feeling carries us long into the night.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Annie

The date with Aston was nothing short of perfect. Even though every part of me wanted to take things further, he kept his promise to Dad, and we didn’t make love under the willow tree… though we came close.

It was nice to be with him again and get reacquainted. After the three courses were served, the waitress left, and it was just us. We stayed out under the stars for hours, talking, laughing, soaking each other in. If it hadn’t been so cold, we probably would have stayed out there all night.

But eventually, the early morning chill crept in, and we headed inside around four a.m. With the house quiet, we made our way to the living room. Aston didn’t feel comfortable sleeping in my bed with Dad home, so we curled up on the couch instead and fell asleep wrapped around each other.

It was the perfect end to a perfect night.

The next morning, everyone tried to be quiet as they came downstairs, not wanting to wake us. But I was already awake. Aston was snoring softly, and instead of moving, I just stayed tucked into him until he stirred.

We spent most of the day in the music room. He played me songs he’d written while we were apart, songs he never brought to the band because he didn’t want me to hear how lost he’d been.

Hearing them… it hurt a little. Knowing we’d both felt the same way and still stayed apart for so long.

I shared one of mine too.

I sang it to Aston, my voice steady even though the words weren’t.

I felt I was never good enough to be with you.