Page 51 of Flawless Aria

“Not yet,” Melody says. “We just got started. We’re talking about touring and how much we miss our men.”

“It sucks big time. Having him home to help with all of my camera equipment for six months spoiled me rotten.” I know for a fact that shit’s heavy. I’ve helped Harmony before.

“We def need a girl’s night so we can have wine without all the guilt. I’ll check in with the mothers-in-law to find out what works for them,” Lyric beamed.

I’m still concerned about this whole touring thing, especially if I’m leaving soon. I need answers so no time like the present to ask away.

“I’m curious, if we decide to tour with the guys, what are the sleeping arrangements?” Should I be concerned when they burst into a fit of laughter?

Leaning forward, Melody spills the tea. “The tour bus has one bedroom and a bunch of bunks. You want the good news first?” Oh god, do I? I nod anyway. “If there’s only one wife or girlfriend on that bus, you get the bedroom. If there’s more than one, you flip a coin and the couples each take a week. The bad news is you need to bunk with the guys if it’s not your turn.”

“It’s not the ideal situation but we make it work. There are a few extra bunks but what’s the point of sleeping alone if you go see your man?” Harmony’s too funny. She’s so serious.

“The best news ever,” Lyric pipes in, “Is if it’s overseas then we get hotel rooms, and that’s a win. Reason why I want to wait to go because Mel and I have babies now. No idea how that would play out.” So true, it would be a complete disaster with eight adults and two babies.

“You didn’t hear it from me, but Zander told me in confidence that Caleb might be getting them another bus sometime soon. If that happens, then two couples could share a bus and that would be amazing. Even better if they got rid of the bunks and installed two bedrooms. Heaven.” Uh-oh. Melody just snitched on the hubby.

“Okay, enough about our men. Makes me miss Ace all the more. Give us all the deets about the wedding. And don’t hold anything back.” I chuckle when Harmony gets comfortable, and all the girls do the same.

I can only tell them so much, because for the most part it’s a surprise. Of the top-secret kind. It’s a nonconventional wedding and once we send out the invitations, they’ll figure it out.

Listening intently, I tell them about my dress, the flowers, food, and all the finer details. I skip the venue and the date, but of course they get suspicious. So I can only hold them off for so long.

“Okay so you gave us a cookie cutter version of what the wedding is supposed to be like. Aria, we girls need to stick together. You’re going to have to give us more details than that.” And that’s what I was afraid of. It’s so hard not to shout it from the rooftops, but Jax and I promised each other. I just hope Melody understands.

“Mel, I swear if I could tell you more, I would. But Jax would kill me. Even our parents don’t know all the details. I don’t know, maybe we’re superstitious, afraid if we say too much it will backfire in our faces. You’ll just need to trust me on this one.”

30

One monthlater

JAXON

We now havetwenty-three concerts under our belt. All up and down the East Coast. We’re now in Detroit and Aria will be arriving anytime now. Bill went to pick her up at the airport, and I just got word that her plane landed. Fuck, I wanted to go so bad, but we just wrapped up sound check, so it was absolutely impossible. I’ve already warned the guys to use their noise-canceling headphones if they don’t want to hear all the bedroom shenanigans happening tonight.

They all threw their empty water bottles at my head.

How rude.

“Jax, for fuck’s sake, sit still. She’ll be here when she gets here.” So much for my bestie having my back.

“Fuck off, Zander. If Mel was coming, I’d be happy for you guys.”

“Sorry, bro. I just miss her and Hadley so fucking much that I’m losing my mind. This is harder than I ever imagined. My heart breaks every time we video chat and my daughter reaches for me through the screen and I can’t fucking touch her.” Well, fuck. I miss my niece, too, but it’s got to be killing him. She’s such a daddy’s girl.

Micah’s feeling it too, because he gets all choked up when he slaps him on the back. “We got this, bro. We just need to hold on for a little longer and they’ll be here. Leaving our wives is one thing, but our babies,” now he’s getting all choked up, “it’s wrecking us. Excuse me.”

You could hear a pin drop, and I feel guilty as fuck. I shouldn’t have to hide my joy, but I should learn to tone it down since they’re lonely and missing their families.

The road is a dark and lonely place unless you like to party, do drugs, and sleep with every female who drops to their knees.

Not my thing. Never was. In truth, theirs either.

One by one they walk back to the bus. I drag my feet because I know when I see my girl, I won’t be able to hide how happy I am. That we are. And, somehow, I’d feel like I’m rubbing it in their faces. Just sucks that I want to be inside her tonight, but I might need to refrain for the sake of the guys.

I’ll let you know how that goes because my willpower is at a breaking point. Not sure if I can rein it in.

I’m lost in thought when I hear a little shriek. When I glance up, I have a second to brace myself before she comes flying into my arms. Immediately she wraps her legs around me and fuses her mouth to mine. Stealing my very breath.

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