by RC Boldt
Simone King: (Her smile is pure naughtiness, and we share a giggle.) Um, my mother- and sister-in-law will read this, so…I’ll say make out.
JL: Something you love doing with your husband that isn’t naughty but ends up that way?
Simone King: Showering or cooking.
JL: Cooking, huh?
Simone King: My husband is an amazing cook, especially when he makes his seafood gumbo, and when he has an apron on… (She fans herself with a little laugh.)
JL: If Kane were sitting here with us, what would his favorite physical feature of yours be?
Simone King: My smile. But he’d clarify it by saying “a real smile, not a practiced one.”
JL: Really?
Simone King: (She snickers.) You expected me to say breasts or ass, right?
JL: Honestly…yes. But I’m pleasantly surprised. Now, how do you two wind down after a rough day?
Simone King: Funny enough, we’re never stressed at the same time, so if we’re at our house here, for example, we’ll sit out on the deck and talk things through. Something about the ocean breeze and watching the sunset helps soothe us. But, yeah. It’s pretty simple. We just vent to each other and try to be as supportive as we can.
JL: For the last question… You and Kane have been together for almost two and a half years. Fast-forward ten years from now, what do you picture?
Simone King: The same, really. The two of us, just as happy and loving our careers, but maybe—hopefully—with a little one thrown in the mix too.
JL: Do you have plans to start a family soon?
Simone King: We’re taking it all in stride for now.
I can’t quite decide whether her smile is simply hopeful or if it’s one that hints we’ll be hearing a pregnancy announcement very soon.
JL: Please forgive me because I can’t help but try to nudge gently—not only for myself, but also for our readers. We’ve all seen your husband, and I think we’d be hard-pressed to find a woman in this world not inclined to try to start a family with that man.
Simone King: (She grins.) I can’t wait to watch him blush when I share that with him later. We’d love to start a family of our own, but we’re letting it play out naturally. If it’s meant to be…
Let’s keep our fingers and toes crossed, people!
We move on to discuss her newest album and tour dates.
JL: Congratulations on your new album going triple platinum. I think what I love most is how it has a very empowering feel to it. But there’s also a sense of contentment. I think my favorite track is ‘I Belong’ and the beginning lines are pretty powerful.
* * *
For reference, they are as follows:
You’re the sun that kisses my skin
Whose arms I wanna be wrapped in
You’re the whisper of a summer breeze
Your smile brings me to my knees
And I know I’m right where I belong
Simone King: I’m glad to hear that. I feel like this album is a strong reflection of how far I’ve come and how I’ve grown, as well as my struggles both personally and professionally.
JL: It listens like a journey. Each song takes us through another period in your life.
Simone King: Exactly. You get a glimpse at my oftentimes chaotic life.
JL: I noticed an interesting development regarding your tour. The dates for the majority of locations are still marked TBD, and word is they’ll be announced later, aside from the first two months of stateside shows. This is decidedly a departure from what you’ve done in the past.
Simone King: Well, I wanted to change it up a bit, so the initial tour dates will be smaller venues, and there’ll be a more acoustic setup. Less glam and stunts and more down-to-earth singing and performing.
JL: Are you retiring from spinning in the air during your performances?
Simone King: No, I’m not ruling that out, but I feel like this is the right move for me. Like a little change is needed. (She tips her head to the side with a playful grin.) You know I love to shake things up sometimes.
JL: I think we all do.
JL: Switching gears, I read that you’re working closely with RAINN [the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network].
Simone King: After the ordeal with the trial [against Shaun Sinquist], I felt like it was necessary to do whatever it took to give back and try to help those who feel silenced by sexual assault.
The victimization needs to stop. It’s my hope to bring more awareness to this issue. Because not everyone has the ability to stand up in court to bullies who try to take advantage of you. I did, but I’m making donations to try to help others in need.
Records of the amount of donations she’s made thus far have not been disclosed, as King allegedly requested such, stating “I don’t want a pat on the back for doing something I feel is right.” However, an anonymous source who works closely with RAINN claims that King has donated the amount Sinquist had listed in his [now dismissed] lawsuit demands: a whopping 10 million dollars.
JL: Do you feel like a whistleblower? A role model?
Simone King: God, no. I’m just a woman trying to stand up for myself and for those who’ve been stripped of their voice.
I leave the interview feeling like more than simply a fan of Simone King. I feel as though I’ve caught a glimpse of the woman who’s been concealed beneath the guise the tabloids have shrouded her with. A force to be reckoned with. An intelligent woman ready to slay dragons in order to fight for the rights of herself and others.
More than that, I feel like I’m walking away from having lunch with a dear friend. A friend who’s down-to-earth, exceptionally talented, and who will reach even higher levels of stardom with her work ethic and passion.
Watch out, world. I think it’s clear that we’re under Simone King’s rule now.
The kingdom hasn’t looked this good in years.
44
Simone
FIVE MONTHS LATER
60 Minutes Interview
“Are you sure I look okay?” I smooth down the fabric of my summery knee-length dress and wonder if I should change. A third time.
“Princess.” I lift my eyes to meet Kane’s. The crinkles at the corners combined with the tender smile he gives me instantly set me at ease. “You’ve got this.” He drops a light kiss to my lips at the exact moment the doorbell rings. “I’ll answer that.”
Kane heads down the hall to greet everyone, and I take a moment to calm myself. It’s just an interview, I chant internally.
But it is, and it isn’t. It’s the first time we’re allowing an interview to take place here in our beach home, which happens to be only a few minutes’ drive from Foster and Noelle and the others.
Luckily, the interview proceeds smoothly. Then, about halfway through, Susan Bradshaw surprises me.
“Does your husband ever do interviews with you?”
My eyebrows rise slightly, and I carefully answer. “Not normally, no.”
“Do you think he’d be interested in joining you for the rest of this?”
I press my lips together to stop what I’m certain would be incessant stammering of uh and um as I scramble for a response.
Thankfully, Kane hasn’t gone far because a second later, I hear his deep voice. “With all due respect, ma’am, I don’t reckon anyone cares much about me.”
The deprecation in his tone might come off as phony to those who don’t know him, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. My husband has no desire to bask in the attention the press or fans offer me. Sure, he understands it goes hand in hand with my life and my career, but he makes it clear that he’s not in it—not with me—for all the fanfare.
Susan practically glows, her smile so bright as she focuses on Kane. I swear, the man’s Southern drawl has quite the effect on women. Well, that and the fact that he’s incredibly easy on the eyes.
“Nonsense. Everyone is positively enamored with the two of you.” She tips her head to the side to offer a pleading smile to
Kane. “Would you consider it just this once?”
Those aqua eyes lock with mine, the questions evident in the depths. I offer a faint shrug, communicating a silent, Whatever you want to do, babe.
He studies me for a moment, gaze intent, before his eyes cut to Susan. “As long as it’s clear this is an anomaly, ma’am. I really don’t wanna make it a habit of nosin’ in on her spotlight.”
Susan’s smile is nearly blinding. “Oh, of course.”
Within a matter of seconds, the crew fits Kane with a mic, and he takes a seat beside me. Draping an arm across the back of the couch, he grazes his fingertips along my bare shoulder exposed by my sleeveless sundress.
Just having him close like this puts me at ease. I look over at him, and he gives me a quick wink before we turn our attention to Susan.
“Simone, when did you know he was the one?”
I feign confusion. “Who?”
Amusement sparkles in Kane’s blue eyes, crinkles fanning at the corners, and he mumbles, “She means me, smartass.”
With eyes wide in feigned surprise, I offer him an apologetic look. “Ohhhh. Sorry.”
He just shakes his head with a low chuckle.
Susan, of course, eats it all up and remarks about our Instagram following and how we’ve been featured by Buzzfeed a handful of times.
“The world seems enamored with the two of you and your dynamic. The way you both have shifted to be more open about your relationship. You seem to have fun poking at each other on social media.” Susan refers to her notes. “There was one, in particular, you posted, Simone, and it was a photograph of you and Kane posing with the president.”
I press my lips thin, attempting to suppress my laughter.
Kane grunts out a laugh. “Yes, ma’am. That was when we hit a rough patch in our relationship.”
I whip my head around to stare at him. How he can say this with a straight face is beyond me. Damn him, he’s good.
Susan snickers before she continues. “Simone posted the photo and wrote, ‘Happy Valentine’s Day to the best man I know. I’m so proud to stand with you and be in your arms.’ Simone, the president has an arm around you and stands between you and Kane.” She laughs. “So, it was obvious you were addressing the commander-in-chief.”
“And that was when we started couples counselin’,” Kane supplies quickly, shaking his head with faux sorrow. “Broke my damn heart that night, Princess.”
I can’t help but laugh, and his eyes meet mine in that intimate way where he doesn’t have to say a word because they tell me everything. I love you.
Susan watches us with a smile. “I must say, you two fill the air with fun. And obvious affection.” She gestures back and forth between us. “The chemistry you have absolutely sizzles.” Addressing Kane, she adds, “And I just love how you call her Princess.”
Kane looks pained. “It’s really just because I forget her name sometimes.”
I roll my eyes with a laugh, and the arm draped behind me tugs me in so he can drop a kiss on my head.
Susan’s expression sobers a fraction. “So, Kane. How would you describe your marriage?”
I watch him, curious to hear his answer. His forehead creases as he considers the question, and I love that we both recognize the moments when we can have fun and those that are better handled with a more serious response.
“I reckon I’d have to say it’s nonstop happiness. Love.” His mouth hitches up in the start of one of those devastating smiles. “Fun. Because I’m married to my best friend.” He glances over at me with a quick wink, grin spreading wider. “Although I reckon Matthias’ll get upset by me sayin’ that.”
A little laugh escapes me. “Matty can deal with it.” I lean forward to brush a quick kiss to his lips.
“And you, Simone? How would you describe your marriage? Any differently than Kane just did?”
I study my husband while I mull it over. I’m certain the love in my eyes is undeniably evident when I turn to Susan and answer.
“Kane’s answer is perfect. I honestly don’t have anything to add.” With a secret smile, I turn back to my husband and add softly, “It’s all fact.”
Entertainment Online!
FOUR MONTHS LATER
BREAKING NEWS!
* * *
BELOVED PRINCESS OF POP, SIMONE KING, IS EXPECTING!
King announced her pregnancy early Saturday morning by posting an adorable selfie on Instagram of her handsome hubby, Kane Windham, feeding her a forkful of French toast with the caption, “Ensuring baby Windham will be a fan of my famous French toast. #Love #Fact #BabyWindham #FrenchToastFriday”
The couple met when Windham filled in as King’s personal head of security. Their nuptials were held at a private location in Florida two years ago.
One thing’s for certain, with parents as stunning as King and Windham, this little one is bound to be gorgeous.
Entertainment Online!
FIVE MONTHS LATER
BREAKING NEWS!
* * *
CHECK OUT SIMONE KING’S ADORABLE NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY!
King’s husband, Kane Windham, posted a photo of his wife, Simone King, sans makeup and absolutely glowing while she held their new daughter, who is too adorable for words.
Kane captioned the photo:
Fact: I didn’t think I could love you more, but I sure as hell do, Princess. I’m the luckiest man on this earth because now I’ve got two beautiful princesses. #BabyWindham #MyPrincesses #SimoneKingWindham
No word yet on the baby’s name, but this little lady is already winning at life simply because her first photo doesn’t make her resemble a red, wrinkled mess.
Welcome to the world, Baby Windham!
Celeb Radar Online
THREE YEARS LATER
SIMONE KING SHARES ADORABLE FAMILY PHOTO ON INSTAGRAM ANNOUNCING HER NEW TOUR
Anyone who’s followed Simone King knows that she wrote Melt the Ice about Kane, her handsome security-mogul husband, and the universe is doing one giant fist pump now that the beloved Princess of Pop is returning to the stage after taking a hiatus to spend time with her family.
Her Melt the Ice tour will kick off this September in Jacksonville, Florida, and the singer took to Instagram to announce the tour dates and ticket sales (which sold out within two hours!), making it clear the family will be traveling together for the duration.
In the photo Simone, Kane, and their three-year-old daughter, Olivia (“Livvie”), each wear Simone King: Melt the Ice tour T-shirts with the caption:
The Windhams are ready if you are! #WorldTour #MelttheIce #September #SimoneKingWindham #TheFamilyThatToursTogether #WindhamFamilyAdventure #MyTwoLoves.
As if that isn’t cute enough, it looks like the photo caught the trio giggling. You can take one look at this family and actually feel the love radiating from them. Livvie’s smile has to be the most adorable sight, but the way Kane looks at Simone in this photo is the epitome of #CoupleGoals.
For more information on Simone’s Melt the Ice tour and to enter to win an exclusive four-pack of backstage passes we’re giving away, click on the link below!
Epilogue
KANE
“Is he asleep?” Making my way over to my wife, who’s relaxing in the recliner part of our leather sectional, I hand her a bottle of water.
“He’s finally settled.” Tone hushed, she looks up at me with a soft smile on her lips. “His appetite rivals his father’s.” Uncapping the bottle, she takes a long drink.
I grin. “That’s my boy.”
Simone runs a hand in a soothing path along the back of our newest addition to the family currently asleep against her chest: our one-month-old son, Micah.
Settling in beside her, I place a kiss on her temple before lowering my head to lightly kiss the top of Micah’s head.
“Livvie’s conked out.” With a smirk, I add, “After tellin’ me her plans to teach Micah how to braid hair once he gets older.”
She lets out a
little laugh, but Micah doesn’t stir, luckily. “That girl is something else.”
“She’s a spitfire.” I wink at her. “Like another lady I know.”
On the coffee table, my phone vibrates as a text message lights up the screen. I reach for it as soon as I see it’s from Matthias.
Hey, macho man. Isn’t it exhausting to be featured in Buzzfeed AGAIN??? Sheesh. Tone it down and give others a chance. :p
He includes a link, and I click on it, curious to read what they’ve listed this time.
Another text comes in from him.
Give some kisses to my godchildren for me. And to my bestie, of course. Miss you guys.
I quickly shoot off a response.
I’ll speak with the boss about toning it down, but no promises. And will do. Livvie is obsessed with having a side ponytail lately. She asked me tonight about FaceTiming you because, “OMG, Dad! Uncle Matthias NEEDS to see me with my side pony.”
He texts back with a dozen laughing-crying emoticons.
I’m off tomorrow. Have her FaceTime me whenever she wants. Gotta run. Later, macho man!
With a grin, I go back to the link he sent before glancing over at Simone.
“We made Buzzfeed again, Princess. Matthias says we need to tone things down and give other people a chance to be featured.”
Her eyes are bright with amusement. “Sounds like Matty. What’d they say about us this time?”
“Apparently, they chose the top moments we were, and I quote, ‘hashtag couple goals.’” I chuckle as I scan the write-up, scrolling on my cell phone. “They even included a few pics.”
