Page 39 of Harmonizing Hearts

“I’m sorry,” I choke out the words before bursting into tears. Fuck the hormones!

Standing backstage, my heart pounds in my chest, as the anticipation builds. The spotlight shines brightly on the empty stage, as Dex stops next to me. “You ready?”

I nod. “As never before.” And I am. Tonight I have Emma here and Darkest Symphony is about to launch a new song. In the past months I’ve penned thousands of songs and Angel has approved each of them. I’m over the moon and feel so inspired.

I steal a glance toward the sidestage, where Emma stands, her eyes fixed on me, a smile playing on her lips before she blows a kiss. She’s been my rock, my biggest supporter throughout this journey, and her presence alone fills me with a mix of nerves and excitement.

Taking a deep breath, I feel the weight of the microphone and step onto the stage. The crowd erupts into thunderous applause, their cheers and whistles filling the air. It’s overwhelming, but empowering. This is what I’ve been working for all my life – a dream come true. As Charlie strums the first chords, my voice resonates through the auditorium. The melody wraps around me like a warm embrace, and I close my eyes, letting the music guide me. The words flow effortlessly from my lips, carrying with them the depth of my emotions.

“Through the ups and downs, you’ve been there by my side,” I sing, my voice filled with gratitude. “Emma, this one’s for you, my eternal source of inspiration.”

I glance at her and I know her eyes are sparkling with anticipation. She mouths the words to the song, singing along silently. It feels as if we’re connected, our souls intertwining through the power of music.

As the final verse approaches, Angel joins Emma sidestage. I have to admit Angel became one of my best friends, and I like how she always pushes Emma out of her comfort zone. She wears a mischievous smile, and with a gentle nudge, she urges Em onto the stage. She looks at Angel in surprise, uncertainty written across her face. But Angel only nods encouragingly, pushing her forward. With a mix of apprehension and excitement, Emma eventually steps onto the stage, the crowd erupts into thunderous applause as I drag her closer and kiss her like no one is watching us.

“Jax,” Emma whispers, her eyes shining with tears of joy.

I squeeze her hand, unable to hide my own tears. “I love you, baby girl.”

Stepping off the stage, the echoes of applause are still reverberating in my ears, and I find myself backstage, surrounded by the energy of the band. We exchange exhilarated glances, knowing that we’ve just experienced something incredible together. More powerful than the last time and I love it. Emma squeezes my hand, her face glowing with pride and joy.

I drag her in front of me unable to contain my own elation. “Thank you, baby. None of this would have been possible without you. Your support means the world to me.” While talking with Angel she said Em was the one to introduce us to her. That’s why fliers of Vocal Keys were everywhere we went. She played her cards good, but I’m sure it’s not how she imagined we’d end up. Looking back, I’d change a lot of things, starting right at New Year’s. I find myself smiling while tightening my arms around her.

As we revel in the afterglow of the performance, Angel appears, a wide grin plastered across her face. She claps her hands, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “Well, well, well! Look at you, rockstar! That was a performance for the ages!”

I laugh, feeling a surge of camaraderie with my boss. “Thanks, Angel. Let's say imagining you kicking my ass gave me an extra boost of confidence.”

Angel playfully nudges me, her tone teasing. “Oh, please. You didn’t need any help. That was all on you, guys.” Just then, Angel reaches into her bag and pulls out an envelope. My curiosity piques as she hands it to me, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “I thought to add a little more pressure on tonight, after that incredible performance.”

With trembling hands, I open it, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I pull out the contents, my eyes widen in disbelief. It’s a contract—an additional contract. I scan the document quickly and a rush of emotions overwhelms me.

“You want me as an exclusive songwriter?” I stammer, my voice filled with astonishment.

Emma claps her hands beside me, her eyes widening in excitement. “I’m proud of you, Jax.”

I’m at a loss for words, the weight of this opportunity sinking in. It’s a validation of my passion, my dedication to my craft. I turn to Angel. “I… I don’t know what to say. This means a lot. Thank you.”

Angel grins, her eyes shining with pride. “Don’t thank me, Jax. You earned this. You’ve poured your heart and soul into your music, and now it’s paying off. I saw your potential from the stage, and I hope to have you on board.”

I take a moment to let the joy and gratitude bubbling within me. The stage was just the beginning, and now a new chapter is unfolding before my eyes. I’m filled with determination to embrace this opportunity, to continue crafting songs that touch people’s hearts.

* * *

I stepthrough the front door, the adrenaline from the concert still coursing through my veins. The house is quiet, the chaos of the crowd replaced by a serene calmness. Emma and I exchange tired but contented smiles as we make our way to our bedroom. It’s been a long day, but my mind refuses to settle.

As I lie in bed, staring up at the ceiling, my thoughts begin to drift to the room we’ve chosen for the babies. It’s a blank canvas, waiting to be filled with love and warmth. The image of cribs, stuffed animals, and soft pastel colors dances in my mind. It’s both thrilling and overwhelming. But as excitement bubbles within me, so do my fears and insecurities. Can I really be enough for Emma and our babies? Will I be a good father? Doubt gnaws at me, threatening to consume my thoughts.

Unable to find solace in the silence, I slip out of bed and make my way to the room we’ve designated for the babies. The dim light from the moon casts a soft glow, illuminating the empty space. I take a moment to breathe, to let the room envelop me in its potential. My mind races with thoughts of parenthood, of the immense responsibility that awaits us. What if I make mistakes? What if I can’t protect them from the challenges they’ll face? Doubt takes hold of me, its grip tightening. I pull out my cell phone and start researching. Pregnancy safety tips, nursery decoration ideas—I delve into the vast sea of information, desperately seeking guidance. I want to ensure that Emma and our babies have the best of everything that I can provide for them in every way possible.

Minutes turn into hours as I devour article after article, my mind buzzing with newfound knowledge. But the more I read, the more overwhelmed I feel. The weight of responsibility intensifies, threatening to crush me under its burden. Suddenly, the door creaks open, and Emma steps into the room. Her presence brings a sense of calmness, and I look up, my eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and worry.

“Jax, what are you doing here?” Concern is lacing in her voice.

I put my cell phone aside and sigh, my shoulders slumping. “I couldn’t sleep. The room… It got me thinking about everything. I just wanted to make sure I’m prepared, that I can be the father our babies deserve.”

Emma walks toward me, her steps soft and comforting. She sits down beside me and takes my hand in hers. “You’re going to be an incredible father and I have no doubt about that.”

I meet her gaze, searching for reassurance. “But what if I mess up? What if I can’t protect them? The world can be so cruel.”

---