by K E Osborn
“I miss them so much,” he says sniffing.
“I know, I do too. We all do. That’s why you have to get on that stage tonight and play your heart out for your Dad. Make him proud,” I say and he nods and leans forward kissing me.
“Right Slayed, are we ready to go?” Hux calls out.
I break from Chad and he looks up at Hux and nods. Standing up with him, we all walk down the halls to the back of the stage. Mum is standing there with the boys and I wave them over.
“Stand with me and watch Chad play?” I ask them both and they nod. They’re both having trouble keeping it together too, so I pull one either side of me and wrap my arms around their shoulders. Mum and Anna come and stand on either side of the boys as we watch Slayed prepare themselves to go on stage for the final time. Chad looks back at me and I nod and mouth ‘You got this.’ He takes a deep breath and smiles at me and the boys.
‘You can do this,’ I mouth again and he nods.
‘I love you,’ he mouths back and I smile and blow him a kiss as Dad slaps him on the back and pushes him toward the stage.
Slayed run up onto the stage, excluding Dad, and the crowd erupts in elation. I smile as the adrenalin hits me and I almost wish it was me on stage. I miss the thrill of performing. Staked is scheduled to perform soon so I will get my chance again. I watch Chad as he looks up at the screen behind him which is showing a picture of Slayed back in the early days. He looks at the images of his Dad and I see him falter for a second, but the crowd cheers again snapping him out of it, and he takes his seat behind the drums. I smile at him and tighten my grip on the boys.
He kicks the bass drum a couple of times and the vibration reverbs right through my soul. I love it. Hux starts with the guitar and Johnny follows with the bass, and then soon after Dad is running out on stage with his guitar, and the crowd erupts again stomping and cheering so loud it’s almost deafening. I smile widely knowing that they would would love this as much as I am.
“Welcome to Wembley everyone. We are Slayed and this is our last ever performance. We hope you like our show. It’s dedicated to the late and great Dingo and Sia Everly. Please put your hands together and raise your phones in a show of respect,” Dad says.
I look out at the crowd and the stadium lights up with a sea of phone screens. The sight is beautiful, and it takes my breath away as I bite my bottom lip while Chad continues to play perfectly. Dad starts singing and the concert is now in full swing. I hold onto the boys and they cuddle into my sides as we watch the entire show from the sidelines. Chad is playing well and the crowd is loving all the Slayed music.
The end of the concert arrives and they’re about to do the tribute piece. This was the part I was worried about with Chad and the boys. Dad wrote a song especially for Dingo and Sia and they’re going to play it now. Chad starts the slow drum beat and the song starts, and it fills my eyes with tears immediately. The lights dim and the backdrop shows family slides of photographs from the Everly family album. I pull the boys closer to me as they hold on tight watching the slideshow while Dad sings slowly about losing your best friend tragically. A photograph comes up of Chad with Dingo, and they’re pulling funny faces and it’s the best photo I’ve ever seen. It makes me laugh as I start to cry at the same time. The next photo is of Sia with her three boys, and she looks like she’s yelling at them. They’re all ignoring her, again it’s a funny photo and it makes me smile through my tears. Mum is struggling to hold it together as Anna holds onto her tightly as they both cry for their friend. The next photo is a family photo taken not long before they died, it’s all of them together and it breaks my heart knowing that they will never have another family photo. I start to really cry as the boys sob in my arms, but I hold onto them tightly while Dad finishes the song.
It was a really moving tribute, and as Chad steps out from behind the drum kit he walks up to the front of the stage, the rest of Slayed move with him to centre stage. Chad is crying and it breaks my heart as he looks back at the picture now firmly in place of Dingo and Sia on the screen. He blows a kiss to the screen, and then holds his drumsticks up into the air looking up into the sky. I burst into tears as he acknowledges his Dad, and Dad grabs him and pulls him in for support as the crowd cheers and applauds Slayed for the final time. They stomp their feet and the love emanating from the crowd is overwhelming.
“I want to thank you all for joining us here tonight for this tribute and farewell concert. Slayed has been a massive part of our lives for so long, and we’re so happy you all came with us for the ride. We need to thank this guy right here,” Dad says pulling Chad into him embracing him again. “Without Chad, this concert couldn’t have taken place. As far as we were concerned there was no one else who could fill Dingo’s shoes. No one came close except for his son, and my son-in-law. So thank you, Chad. We know how hard today is for you, and we thank you for having the courage and the strength to honour your parents today of all days,” Dad says.
Chad simply nods, wiping the tears from his face and patting Dad on the back as I cuddle into Carter and Carlton.
“We also wanted to let you know we have started a foundation in your father’s name to help kids with cancer. The foundation helps teach them music and gives them something to focus on other than their treatment, something fun and exciting, and we hope this small gesture will help you and your brothers heal,” Dad tells Chad. The crowd erupts in applause.
“Thanks again for coming tonight, we appreciate each and every one of you. Thanks for being loyal fans until the end. Just so you know Staked are going to be returning soon, so keep an eye out for them. Have a good night London,” Dad says and they all wave and walk off the stage.
I take a deep breath and smile so wide but also wiping my eyes from the tears that are falling. I don’t want Chad to know I’ve been crying, although the red eyes will probably give me away. Chad comes down and I walk our family over to greet him. He sees me and the boys and he bursts into tears. I frown and race to him, and so do the boys. We pull him into a family hug.
“Oh baby, you did so well,” I say and hold him tightly as he cries into my shoulder.
“I don’t know how I kept it together up there, I really don’t,” he says and Carter and Carlton grip onto him.
“Are you guys, okay?” he asks wiping his face looking down at his brothers.
“It was so sad, Chad. I miss them so much,” Carter says and Carlton just nods.
“I know guys, me too.”
I wrap myself around them all and hug them as tight as I can.
“But we’ll be okay. We have our family now, and we’ll make it through. I promise,” Chad says. I smile at him and we cuddle together as a family for a little while longer.
Staked has been back together and performing really well for a while now, and everything is going well. Carter and Carlton are fourteen and doing well with Susan’s home schooling. We did have some trouble with the paparazzi, so we’re glad we chose home schooling because if they were at a regular school it would’ve been much worse. Things are going to get a whole lot more hectic around the house now.
Chad’s just gotten back from the shops, and I have something to show him while the kids are in home school distracted. He walks into the bedroom looking for me carrying a bunch of flowers, I smile and bite my bottom lip as he grins at me knowing he’s done well.
“And what are these for?” I ask and he tilts his head to the side.
“What, a husband can’t buy his wife flowers for no reason?”
I walk up to him and wrap my arms around his neck and lean on my toes kissing his lips softly.
“Yes he can, anytime he wants to. They’re beautiful, thank you,” I say and he smiles placing them on the bed. “You’re such a romantic you know?”
“I know, you bring out the big gooey, squishy teddy bear in me,” he says and I smile and pull back from him.
“Well, I have something to show you, and I’m not sure what side it will bring out in you,” I say and he f
urrows his brows and purses his lips.
“Hmm…intriguing. Do tell,” he says and I take a deep breath and walk him to the bed and gesture for us to sit down.
“Shit this seems serious. Ella, are you sick?” he asks sitting down and swallowing hard.
I sit down next to him and take his hand in mine. “Not yet, but I will be,” I say and his eyes open wide and his body slumps as a look of sheer terror and panic washes over his face.
“Fuck Ella, what’s wrong?” he says, his voice harsh.
I pull out the test from my pocket and smile wide as I show it to him. He looks at it and shakes his head seeming confused.
“What’s that?” he asks and I place it in his hand.
“A pregnancy test,” I reply and his eyes shoot to mine and his breathing stops.
“Don’t fuck with me. Are you fucking with me?”
I giggle. “Not fucking with you.”
He stands up suddenly. I bite my bottom lip unable to read whether he’s happy or furious about this. “Well, is it positive?” he asks starting to pace the floor.
“Do you want it to be positive?” I ask and he looks at me and opens his eyes like I’ve said the most stupid thing in the history of the world.
“Are you kidding, of course, I do. Please tell me it’s positive,” he says finally smiling and rushing to me taking my face in his hands forcing me to look at him.
Relief floods my veins and I want to jump up and down on the spot. I simply nod and he lets out a small sob and leans down kissing me passionately. I’m taken aback by his reaction. I knew he wanted kids, I just didn’t know how badly. He pulls back and then he lifts me up from the bed. I giggle at his force.
“You’re fucking pregnant?” he asks, just to make sure.
“I’m fucking pregnant,” I reply and he laughs as tears flood down his cheeks.
“Oh my God! I’m so God damned happy right now. You’re so perfect. I fucking love you,” he says and forces his lips to mine. I giggle and wrap my arms around his neck running my hands through his hair and holding his face to mine. I couldn’t be happier than I am right at this moment. Chad is everything and having his baby completes me in every way.
It’s Dad’s eightieth birthday and everyone is gathered at the manor for his birthday bash. Our family is huge now. Mum walks over with the cake as everyone sings happy birthday. Caleb and Indi’s children Aria, Coda and Treble, all have their own families. That family is massive, with Aria marrying Jason and they have three kids of their own. Coda married Alison, and they had two children and then there’s Treble, well she got married three times and had four kids by three different fathers. She always was trouble that one.
Annie and Aston only had one child, they named him Dylan after Bob Dylan. He married Katie and they had their own little girl Liana, and she’s the most adorable little thing.
Carter found a girlfriend when he went to college, and they got married quickly and had a baby girl called Rylee. He works as a mechanic at the local dealership.
Carlton had a bit of a tougher life, he had a harder time dealing with the grief and turned in some bad habits. He went from woman to woman and ended up getting two different woman pregnant around the same time. So he has a daughter and a son. The son he sees every now and then, but his daughter he doesn’t get to see much of. He’s settled down a bit more now and has finally met Fee. She’s lovely and doesn’t put up with his shit, so I hope she sticks around.
And Chad and me…well, we had twins. Can you believe it? We named the girl after Sia, and Chad wanted to name the boy after my dad – Colt. Because his dad hated his name Rupert and Chad didn’t want to name his kid after a dog (Dingo) so we honoured his dad by naming our son after his best friend and my dad. Sia and Colt are both married and have their families too. Sia married a dog trainer, which we found quite ironic, and they had our first grandchildren Kaydence and Oscar, and then Colt married his high school sweetheart and they gave us some more grandchildren soon after in Ruby and Olivia.
Our family is huge and birthdays and events like this are always massive at the Slade manor. Dad is getting old even though he’s still really spritely for his age.
Chad and I are still as in love as ever. Choosing him was the right thing…it was the only thing to do. And I haven’t regretted it for a single second, since making my choice. Living with him has been the best part of my life, and we’ve been together now for the better part of thirty-something years. It’s been bliss, and now that we’re getting on a bit and are in our fifties, we’re thinking of retiring from Staked too. The band has seen its success and we’ve done many world tours. Our kids have grown up with music and can all play instruments. They grew up and loved it like us and played in their own bands, but were never serious about it.
We all finish singing happy birthday, and after gormandizing ourselves on cake and too much food, Mum and I take a seat on the lawn watching Chad play with our grandkids.
“The party is going so well Mum, Dad seems to be in his element,” I say and Mum laughs.
“Yes, he did always love a good party,” she says. I look out at Chad and even though he’s in his fifties now, he’s still fit and looks completely gorgeous.
“He’s so good with the grandkids,” I say and Mum nods.
“He really is. I’m pleased you knew to follow your gut instinct. You always knew how to listen to your instincts, and in the end you chose the right path like I always knew you would,” Mum says making me think back to Danger. I haven’t thought about him for so long.
I wonder how he’s going?
I think of what Mum has said and think back to that time when I was young and Mum told me to always follow my gut. Mum was right, and I just had to see it myself. It’s such a shame it took a plane crash for me to see the light.
The party comes to an end and Chad and I are staying over tonight. We walk up the stairs and say goodnight to Annie and Aston, who are also staying over. Chad and I walk into my old room, it’s been so long since I’ve stayed in here.
“Today was great, wasn’t it?” Chad says as we both get changed into our nightwear.
“It really was. Dad had a great time. It was so nice to have everyone together like that. Thank God the Manor is huge and can hold everyone,” I say and Chad chuckles.
“Yeah, for sure. Now come here and let me cuddle you in your childhood bed,” he says sliding under the covers.
I smile and slide in next to him snuggling into his side resting my head in the crook of his neck and my hand on his naked chest.
I remember back to when we were teenagers, and all the angst and heartache that I felt in this room. It seems like it was all to get to this one place, where I am right now. Here with Chad, where everything is perfect. I cuddle into him and plant a soft kiss on his chest.
“You’re so good to me you know that. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I say honestly.
“Well baby, I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’m so lucky to even have you. I cherish every second with you,” he says and I smile. Leaning up and looking down at him.
“I love you, you know that?” I say and he smirks.
“I know that. But I love you to the ends of the earth, Ella Everly. You’re my world,” he says and I lean down and kiss him passionately. My heart flutters and my stomach is giddy with excitement. Even all these years later, he still has this effect on me and I know without any hesitation or question that I made the absolute right decision.
Chad is my forever.
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A Red Velvet Novel
(Amber’s Story)
Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree?
A Red Velvet Novel
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Amber Montgomery’s had a pretty rough five years. Her mother died—on Christmas day. The love of her life left her for another woman, and she found herself knocked up after a drunken one-night st
and.
Now a single mother trying to keep her head above the waves crashing around her, Amber and her band, Red Velvet are shining in the limelight. But her ex is causing dramas. Well, his fans are.
Aston, the love of her life is in the well-known band Staked. Amber’s relationship with Aston, though serious on her behalf, was just a stepping stone for Aston to get back with his real love, Annie. The fans wanted Annie and Aston together and Amber, unfortunately, is the catalyst for the Staked fans acting out. They turned on Amber, and now as she fights for her sanity in a world that hates her. Can she struggle to stay afloat?
When fans attack you need protection. So Amber’s brother hires a bodyguard for Amber’s safety. In walks Alex Braxton. Tough, handsome and everything Amber is not ready for. He sets her heart back into motion, but Amber is hurt by her past love. Will she able to find true love again?
Along with her fear of Christmas—being the day that her mother died—can Brax break Amber out of her shell enough, to see that there’s a light at the end of the dark and torturous tunnel? Will she see that family and Christmas can be a joyous occasion filled with happiness, delight and maybe even…love?
Goodreads Links
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Just Friends?
Trust Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy
Love Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy
All of Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy
Complete Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy
The Trust Me? Trilogy Box Set
Off Your Rocker? The Rock God Series
Get Your Rocks Off? The Rock God Series
The Violet Widow? The Shattered Heart Series
A Different Shade of Violet? The Shattered Heart Series
Rock Solid? The Next Generation Series
Get Rocked? The Next Generation Series
