Page 88 of Indescribable Love

“I’m so proud of you,” she said, leaning in close. “I’ve been with you at awards shows and to tons of your concerts, but this is just so…surreal.”

Smiling, he had to agree. “Thanks, Mom.”

“And the house is amazing!” she went on. “The pictures didn’t do it justice. It’s the perfect home for you and Juliette.”

“Thank you. When we pulled up to it that first day, I took one look at her face and I knew she was in love with it. Then I started walking around and felt the same way.” Reaching for his glass, he felt like he needed to share part of this journey with her. “I never thought I’d do this—buy a house and do the whole settling down thing.”

“Well, you haven’t exactly settled down yet,” she murmured. “I understand that people move in together without getting married all the time, but…I thought maybe one of my boys would walk down the aisle first.”

“There’s always Jax,” he teased, and when she snorted, it made him laugh. “Believe me, I thought Noah would have gone the more traditional route too, but he’s so happy. I mean…just look at him.”

At that moment, Noah was feeding Lily a forkful of crab cake and he was laughing and smiling and looking completely at ease.

“She’s so good for him,” his mother said before looking over at Juliette, who was talking animatedly with Celia. “And she’s so good for you. You’ve always been a happy person, Simon, but since you met Juliette, it’s on a whole other level. This relationship has given you a sort of inner peace that I think has been missing.”

Again, he had to agree.

For the next ninety minutes, they ate and talked until he thought he’d go mad. When it was finally time to head to the media room, he was the first one on his feet. It was another thirty minutes before everyone was seated and they each had their personalized snack trays handed to them. The event planner had thought that doing snack trays with popcorn, candy, and a drink would enhance the movie experience, and he and Juliette had readily agreed.

At last, it was showtime.

The film opened in black and white with backstage footage, all very candid. There was the chaos that he’d grown accustomed to, and it was fascinating to see it from this perspective. Then came the rush of his entire team as they headed for the stage. The camera stayed several feet behind him as he talked to his lead guitarist, Sammy. They were laughing about something, but you couldn’t hear what they were saying. The only sound was of the roar of the crowd in the distance, with it growing louder the closer he got to the stage. The two of them shook hands and Simon wished everyone luck as he jogged up the stairs to take his place.

The words “The Power of You” came up on the screen in the font and style that matched the album cover, and then the film turned to color as Simon took the stage and began to sing.

It wasn’t just the concert, however. There were some random interviews—some with him, some with the band or Nikki, or his family. But mostly, it was a concert in its entirety.

Up on the screen, he and the band were taking their final bow after a second encore, and that should have been the end, but another interview popped up.

“Simon,” the off-screen interviewer said to him. “Writing your own music can be incredibly personal. What inspires you the most?”

He grinned at the camera before answering. “We’ve all experienced love and heartbreak, and, even if you haven’t, it’s very easy to imagine what it would feel like and to draw from that. I’m a very passionate person who is also very empathetic. So for me, writing love songs is…I wouldn’t say easy, but maybe easier than for most.”

Again, the off-screen interviewer spoke. “Do you have any particular song that is…maybe the most personal you’ve ever written?”

Another grin. “I believe you have some exclusive footage for the fans, don’t you?” Then he nodded. “This was the first time we ever played ‘Indescribable Love’ so it’s a bit rough around the edges, but I promise it sounds a lot better on the album. Enjoy.”

Back to black and white, the footage of him on the stage the day Juliette came back to him in Buffalo. Beside him in the media room, he turned his head and saw her smiling at the screen, mesmerized. Simon found himself silently singing along and then holding Juliette’s hand as they watched him jump off the stage on screen and go to her.

“Oh God,” she whispered. “I look terrible!”

“Nonsense,” he murmured, kissing her cheek. “You’re beautiful. Always.”

The entire scene played out and when they were kissing, the screen faded to black and the tour title flashed again before the credits rolled.

Everyone was on their feet clapping, and Simon stood and smiled, thanking them all. His mother had Juliette’s attention, as he had instructed her to do while he got into position. When his mother glanced at him, he nodded, and the entire room went silent.

For a moment, Juliette looked around in confusion before spotting him down on one knee. Her hands flew to her mouth as her eyes went wide.

Holding up the five-carat ring with the halo setting, Simon gently cleared his throat. “That song is everything I feel for you, my sweet Juliette. You bring out the absolute best in me, and make me a better man. I always thought I was happy, but I realized I was leading a very one-dimensional life. Everything I am, everything I create, is because of you. I fell in love with your feisty attitude, your infectious laughter, and your cooking.”

Everyone laughed.

“But more than anything, I fell in love with you. You are enough, Juliette. You are everything. I love you and want you to be not just my partner in business, but in life. Will you marry me?”

Her hands were still over her mouth, but she nodded. Simon took her left hand and slid the ring onto her finger before they kissed.

“It really is just like in the movies!” Jax called out as everyone clapped.

This was much better than an ice cream sundae to celebrate, but maybe they’d have one later anyway.

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