Page 41 of Princess and Country

Six months later

“This is it. Our first single is playing on the radio,” Dahlia announced as she sat between my legs, facing the bonfire. The four of us, including Stud—now officially a member of Carter Hills Band—were enjoying a night by the creek with our friends. A little celebration of our own.

“I’m so proud of you, Princess.”

The smile she offered me broke me into pieces and built me back up, my heart warmer, bigger, and shinier.

“Our album is coming out in less than a month, and we already have over fifteen interviews scheduled. This is insane,” Carter exclaimed, bringing a bottle of beer to his lips. None of us were of legal drinking age, but since tonight was a celebration, I offered to be the designated driver. My brother had earned the right to have some fun and let go for a night.

Dahlia and he had turned seventeen a few months back.

Five weeks ago, I closed the deal on a two-car garage, white front-porch-swing house. The exterior needed a good paint job since the once-gray paint was all chipped, and the kitchen and bathroom needed to be remodeled, but I didn’t care. It was home. I’d work days and nights to make this place beautiful before Dahlia moved in. We chose the house together, and she picked up shades of paint to refresh the kitchen cabinets because my girlfriend had a gift for turning ugly things into gems. In a couple of months, this place would be ours.

Until Dahlia could move in with me, I took Stud in as a roommate. He needed a place to stay, and I had a spare room. And his monthly rent covered half of the mortgage. The guy couldn’t live forever in a van. Stud was easygoing and nice and fit right in with us.

For the last six months, I’d been working in construction—Brendan’s dad hired me—which was pretty useful with my new house project. I also picked up shifts at the garage I used to work at on the weekends.

Life was good.

Better than good.

I raised my red plastic cup. “To you guys. I’m so proud of what you’ve accomplished. It’s— I’m not sure there’s a word powerful enough to express how I feel right now. I’m happy to be a part of your foursome. Cheers.” Everybody raised their cups or beer cans.

“Cheers.”

“Can you play us something from your upcoming album?” Addison asked, taking the seat next to my girl.

“It’s kind of embarrassing,” Dahlia said.

Addison looked at her with one tipped brow. “C’mon, girl. Soon you’ll play in front of thousands of people. Let us be your test run.”

“Okay,” Dahlia agreed, her cheeks an adorable shade of pink. She rose to get her guitar case from the back of my truck.

She sat back between my legs, next to Carter and Stud. They played “One More Night,” and we all sang along. Most of us had heard the band practice that song dozens of times.

Then they played two more songs.

Pride and excitement filled the air. Carter and I fist-bumped, and he sauntered away toward his friends.

Dahlia put the guitar back in its case, and I pushed her copper hair over her shoulder to drop a kiss on her neck. The spot that sent shivers to her toes. Every single time. Her warmth transferred to my lips. My hands tightened around her waist.

“You’ll do amazing out there, Princess. I know you will.”

“This is bigger than anything I’ve ever dreamed of. I’m still not sure it’s all real.”

“Oh, believe me, it’s happening.”

Dahlia spun her head until our lips met. “I love you,” she whispered against my mouth.

We lost ourselves in each other’s gaze for a few beats before she brought her attention back to the bonfire.

My eyes traveled to all the people here to celebrate with us. Everyone had a smile pasted on. Behind the bushes, Carter and Phoenix were busy throwing a football. Addi was dancing with her boyfriend, country music playing from somewhere. Brendan joined us and clinked his beer bottle with Dahlia’s red cup.

“You’ll do great. I’m happy for you guys.” They exchanged a smile. “When you’re rich and famous, don’t turn your back on this dude,” he said, pointing to me.

“Never.” Dahlia flashed me a grin. “He’s mine.”

Ten minutes later, Brendan left us alone.