Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62972 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62972 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Except that now, it’s started to happen when we’re making love with Hazel. All three of us are focused on her and her pleasure, and we find ourselves working together, anticipating her needs, without even having to speak.
I don’t need a sign to know that Hazel’s right for us. But if I wanted one, that’d be it.
The only thing that bothers me is that Rafe and I can’t legally marry her, like Conal did. We can have a commitment ceremony, though. I heard that there’s a woman at the Belle Epoque resort —Lexy something?—who specializes in ceremonies for poly relationships. I hope we can do that while we’re on our break, after this leg of the tour finishes.
A knock on the door sounds, and the stage manager pokes his head in. “Showtime, gentlemen.”
“Let’s do it,” I say, and we wind through the back of the theater to the side of the stage, where Hazel’s waiting for us.
She gives each of us a kiss. “Have fun,” she says. “I love you. I’m so proud of you.”
It makes me want to carry her back to our dressing room for more fun and games, but instead I’ll channel that energy into the show … for now. “We love you,” we all say, and wait for our cue.
“Ladies and gentlemen … the Black Pythons!”
The audience explodes, a massive wall of sound that electrifies our bodies as we jog onstage. The cheers and screams only get louder as Rafe picks up his guitar and slings it over his body. Conal does the same, and I take my seat behind my drum kit.
Conal counts off the beat, and we launch into the first Hazel song we wrote, which is also the first hit off the new album. The audience is with us all the way, and they don't let up as we work through the first half of our set, mixing new songs with older numbers.
The energy is off-the-charts insane. This is our best concert ever, and that’s saying something.
HAZEL
I’m so buzzed it feels like I’ve been downing energy drinks. But it’s all from the concert. My men are amazing, though it’s not just them—the audience is blasting out enough good vibes to drown in.
I’ve snuck out front with Ember so I can take some shots of the band in action, and that’s where I am when Conal says, “We’ve got a new song for you tonight.”
Immediately, an expectant hush falls over the crowd. Conal picks up his acoustic guitar, and Rafe swaps out his electric for an acoustic, too. I’m trying to remember if I knew about this song.
As soon as the first chords fill the air, I know it’s new to me. And judging from the soft, slow strains, it must be a ballad. I’m almost ready to cry even before Conal starts singing, but the beautiful lyrics tip me over the edge.
Baby, on the night we met
I saw the magic in your soul
never once will I regret
the way your spirit makes me whole
I’m standing with my hand over my mouth, trying not to sob out loud. Ember puts her arm around me and pulls me in close. “Your men really love you,” she says.
I cling to her and soak her shoulder. She was slow to accept my relationship with the band, but once she did, she was all in. Her acceptance and support—and occasional practical advice—mean so much to me.
The song is drawing to a close. I look up at my men, who can see me as I’m right up front next to the stage, and blow them kisses. The way they look at me echoes everything they’ve just sung.
I’m the luckiest woman in the world.
EPILOGUE
HAZEL
I’m getting married.
Again.
My memories of the later part of New Year’s Eve, including my wedding, never did come back to me, though I have a complete video that I can watch whenever I like. But that ceremony only involved Conal, so we’re having another wedding, with all three Curran brothers taking their vows with me.
I’m completely sober this time, and a million times happier, because I know who I’m marrying.
We’re not having a big wedding, so in that sense it’ll be like the first one; but this time, a small group of friends and family will be present, and they’ll celebrate with us afterwards.
We did ask the officiant from the Vegas chapel to oversee the ceremony, so it’s another echo of our first one. Instead of the chapel, however, we’re having it at Belle Epoque. Ember’s friend Lexy organized everything for us, and she’s been wonderful to work with. She’s in a poly relationship herself, so she’s sensitive to all the nuances.
The security team is supplementing the resort’s own security to make sure only approved guests get in. We might release an official wedding photo to the press later, but that’s all.