Page 132 of Forever Flames: Padraig & Stevie
Ronni smirks, handing half a cracker to Tristan before he can knock the whole plate to the floor. “You know, being with a guy in a band. People think it’s all glamour. Truth is, you either learn to live with the absences or you lose your mind.”
I laugh, because it’s exactly what I’ve been thinking for months. What Ronni doesn’t know is for us, the absences have an end date. “Exactly. The travel, the late nights, the last-minute changes. It’s a lot. Padraig’s heart is here, but the schedule pulls him away. It’s not as bad as I imagined it back in college though.We’re figuring out how to keep the connection without resenting the gaps.”
“Connor and I had to learn how to balance too. Took a while. A lot of bumps.” Her eyes soften with recognition.
It’s true. The two of them have been through so much, it makes our situation look like child’s play.
“In some ways, his obligations have been a blessing in disguise.” I keep my expression even and my tone light.
The truth is, Padraig’s leaving the band once this album cycle ends. It’s been a runaway success, which has led to financial freedom and a ton of opportunities. The royalties alone from this run will set him up for life. He’ll be able to paint full-time and be with his son.
For now, I let Ronni think this is our forever reality, because Connor doesn’t know either. I’m not about to spill the beans.
“When he was on tour, he always made time to have long video chats with me and the kids, showing them where he was, letting them see the crowds,” I continue. “When he’s home, we’ve had a few casual outings where he can bring Raff. The zoo, a Mariners game, the Puyallup Fair. We’ve been careful not to blur the lines too fast. But the extended family dinners?” I smile as I bring the conversation back around. “The best. My family’s always been close to the McGloughlins, so when we’re all together for birthdays or holidays, there’s no pressure. The kids get to see him in a big, loud mix without forcing us to define anything until we’re ready.”
Ronni smiles knowingly. “Sounds like you’ve been turning up the volume nice and slow.”
“We’re solid. Figuring out timing. It should be soon.” A glance at the clock pulls me back to the rest of my day. “Speaking of timing, I need to grab Jude, then the girls.”
Ronni waves me off. “Go. We’ll keep the planning train moving.”
I cross through the hall toward the living room, where the brothers are deep in conversation. Padraig spots me first, pushing to his feet. “Heading out?”
“School pickup.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
We step into the warm June air, the lake glinting beyond Connor’s walkway. The scent of fresh-cut grass carries on a light breeze. Padraig’s hand settles at the small of my back, easy and familiar, as we follow the path to my car.
“Text when you’re home.” His voice dips into the private register meant only for me.
“I will.”
He leans in, mouth meeting mine in a kiss starting off soft and turning certain. His fingers curve around my hip, holding me close until I pull back with a smile I can’t quite hide.
I slide into the driver’s seat, door open as he rests an arm on the roof. “Love you.”
“Love you too.” He keeps his eyes steady on mine until I turn the key.
I pull away with the image of him standing in the drive.
Sunlight catches on the edges of a life I’m ready to claim.
It can’t come soon enough.
thirty-nine
Padraig
Six Months Later
Lifehasafunnyway of kicking you in the ass.
I burst through the door of Cactus in Madison Park, late.
The restaurant’s busy. Luckily no one’s paying attention so I’m able to slide into the booth beside Stevie and kiss her without worrying about phones capturing our every move.
“You order?” I ask, glancing at the untouched basket of tortilla chips.
