Page 62 of Backstage with a Billionaire Rockstar

The door opens again, and my father walks in with Liam. My son's eyes widen when he sees me, a mix of fear and relief on his face.

"Dad!" he cries, rushing to the bed. My father lifts him carefully so he can see me better.

"Hey, buddy," I say, forcing a smile despite the pain. "I'm okay."

"You scared us," my father says, his voice gruff with emotion. "The band's been calling non-stop. Brent's threatening to camp out in the waiting room if we don't let him visit soon."

I chuckle, then wince at the movement. The love and concern from my family and friends washes over me. I'm lucky, so lucky to have them all.

“The gun fired when you tackled him. That’s what Mia and the officer said.”

"Before I can say anything else, Mia bursts back through the door with a doctor. She rushes to my side, her hand finding mine, fingers intertwining. The warmth of her touch grounds me, reminding me of how close I came to losing all this.

I look at Mia, really look at her. The worry lines around her eyes, the relieved smile on her lips, the strength in her grip—she saved me in more ways than one. A future without her is unthinkable now.

As the doctor begins to speak, a thought is crystal clear in my mind. Life is precious, and I'm done wasting time. When I get out of here, I'm making Mia and Liam a permanent part of my world. No more maybes, no more waiting. The moment I get discharged, I’m shopping for a ring.

23

Mia

The sun streams through the window, casting a glow on Evan as he slowly buttons his shirt, wincing slightly at the lingering pain on his side. It's been two weeks since the confrontation with Mack, and today, he’s finally going home.

"Need help with that?" I ask, entering the hospital room with Liam in tow.

He smiles, a dimple popping out on his cheek, and shakes his head. "I've got it, but thanks."

Liam rushes over, wrapping his arms gently around Evan’s legs. "Dad! Can we get ice cream on the way home?"

"Sure thing, buddy," he chuckles, ruffling his hair.

We’re making our way out of the hospital, Liam sandwiched between the two of us, and Evan’s fingers find mine. He threads them together, squeezing them, and I think for a brief moment about how normal it feels — Liam talking excitedly between us, bringing Evan up to speed on his everyday life since he’s been in the hospital, and our hands clasped together.

It’s a life I had always imagined for Liam and me, but never one that I ever thought I’d get the chance to have — and now I do.

Surreal is one word for it. Lucky would be another.

When we come to a stop beside the car, I help Liam get into his seat while Evan watches from the side, then carefully help Evan slip onto the passenger seat.

I tried to convince Lucille that she didn’t have to, but she insisted that there would be a welcome home celebration for Evan, and I’m nervous that he’s not going to want the company. Not that he doesn’t love his parents or friends, but I know things are still fresh for him, and a small party might not be the best idea.

Lucille convinced me it was a good idea, especially since she and Jeffrey are heading back home in the next couple of hours. I’m just glad that I’ve had them here since everything happened — while I went to visit Evan for a few hours, Jeffrey and Lucille kept an eye on Liam, so Kenzie didn’t have to take any more time off work.

Not having my parents here to help has been hard, and it’s only going to be harder when Evan’s parents head back home. They assured us Liam could come to spend time at their home as often as we would allow, which he was ecstatic about. It warms my heart that he’s creating bonds with everyone.

“Are you comfortable?” I ask before putting the car in reverse, my eyes trailing down Evan’s frame with a frown. “That doesn’t seem like it would be.”

He’s slouched, favoring his uninjured side, and his head is tilted at an awkward angle that makes my neck hurt just looking at it.

Evan glances at me, giving me a dazzling smile. “I’m fine, darlin’, let’s head home.”

“Don’t forget about the ice cream!”

He chuckles. “Right, the ice cream.”

It’s good to have him back, that’s for sure. I missed hearing his laugh and having his arms around me.

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