Page 101 of The First Chord

“Okay, I’ll move in, well, like you said, not move out. But…” Holding her uncast hand up she pointed at me. “If at any point either of us don’t think it’s working then I will move out. If that happens, I swear to you I will still include you with anything to do with the baby. You will always be in its life, and you will be on its birth certificate—”

“That’s amazing.”

“I haven’t finished yet. I want everything to be written in an agreement drawn up by a solicitor.”

“Amber—”

“No, Ronnie, that’s my stipulation. Along with any sort of agreement regarding your money. All I’ll ask is that you provide for the baby.”

“You know I would never see you struggle. I would always be there for you.”

“I know, but I don’t want anyone to say I’ve done this for your money, or to trap you.”

The look of determination on her face was cute but I was willing to agree to anything. I held out my hand.

“Deal.”

She grinned and took my hand and shook it. “Deal.”

“Excellent. Now, one more question.”

“What would that be?”

“Before I leave for the gig, can I draw that cock and balls on your plaster?”

CHAPTER44

AMBER

To say that Ronnie was attentive was an understatement. Since being back at the hotel he hadn’t left my side or let me lift a single finger. He’d even, under protestation, carried me to the bathroom so I could have a wee. I’d argued that my legs were working perfectly fine, but he was adamant. If nothing else, it gave me an insight into what kind of dad he would be, and that made me hopeful.

“Now, are you sure you’ll be okay?” he asked, placing the remote on the arm of the sofa. “I’ll be three hours, tops.”

“I will be fine.”

I sighed as he plumped the cushion behind me for the fifth time.

“Don’t sigh at me, young lady,” he scolded, pointing a finger at me.

“I’m not,” I replied with a giggle. He was not good at being strict. His denim blue eyes were too bright and soft. “Just go and do your sound check.”

It was the last night in Germany, in fact the last night of the current leg of the tour and Destiny had called a sound check. According to Beau, who had called by Ronnie’s room earlier, she said they all sounded like shit the night before. She’d specifically mentioned Ronnie saying he was too ‘caught up with fanny to remember how to play a fucking bass guitar’. Beau had laughed his head off when he told us, but Ronnie hadn’t been amused. I knew it was probably just Destiny’s way of bringing some normality back. I knew because she’d sent me a text.

Destiny

Heard you had an accident. Hope you’re okay. If that fucker Fox is involved, I’ll nail his balls to the side of the bus and make him run alongside it. Let’s see what a big man he is then! Think ALL those rock stars need a bit of a distraction. Might just have a plan for that (evil laugh). Will give you some peace and quiet too ‘cos no doubt Dwyer is doing your fruit in thinking he’s a qualified nursemaid!

Funny how she also wondered if Jimmy was involved. He really had a great reputation!

I read the text again and smiled. It wasn’t all flowery and words of worry, it was Destiny. As much as I liked her, I wondered how much her abusive relationship had made her the way she was. I was determined not to be like that and knew that becoming a mum would give me a steel and determination that I’d lost over the last three years. Never again.

“If you need me, I’ll have my phone in my pocket. Fuck Destiny and her rules.”

“I don’t think I’ll need you.” I lifted my chin and pursed my lips for the kiss Ronnie was offering.

“But if you do.” He cupped my cheek, rubbing his thumb across the bruise which was now a lovely shade of yellow. “If you call room service make sure it’s them before you open the door.”

His eyes were full of concern and weariness with dark shadows underneath them and I felt awful for grumbling about his fussing over me. My accident had been hard on him and if taking care of me helped to make him feel better, then I’d go with it.

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