ROCK STAR
Page 17
Epilogue
One year later
Jake, my best man, sits next to me in the front pew of the village church in Surrey near to where I grew up. The scent of summer roses wafts around us. Firebird suggested we get married here even though it was where we laid Ella to rest. Mum and Dad agreed, saying me and my bride’s happy day would draw a line under the tragic event, and, although Ella would forever be in our hearts, we could all look forward to the future.
I’m dressed in a morning coat, a waistcoat, and formal trousers… we decided to go all out and do the wedding in style. I turn in my seat and scan the guests who make up the congregation. Cora is sitting in the pew to my left… Bob will walk Phoenix down the aisle within minutes. Cora’s cancer is in full remission and she’s looking amazingly healthy, her glossy, thick, highlighted blond hair styled by Camila, who is perched next to her, smiling widely.
I turn around and give a thumbs up to my parents and Declan, sitting in the pew behind. My half-brother, his wife and toddler sons are sitting behind them. Foxy, Rhys and Zach are at the left-hand side of the church, together with the members of Vanilla Sky.
I smile as I think back over the past year. ChiMera’s ‘Harbor in the Storm’ album went quadruple platinum soon after release. It was satisfying, but not half as satisfying as seeing Vanilla Sky’s album, simply titled ‘Vanilla Sky’ climb the charts. I pull in a deep breath… I’m so fucking proud of Phoenix. She worked her ass off along with Liam, Ethan and Violet, crisscrossing the country playing clubs and theaters. I wouldn’t be surprised if, next year, they won a Grammy.
The organ player launches into What a Wonderful World and we all stand. I turn and gaze at my beautiful bride, my angel, making her way down the aisle on Bob’s arm in a gorgeous figure-hugging ivory colored gown. She looks so goddess-like my heart almost bursts from my chest. Her shining pale blond hair has been styled by Camila in a chignon under a trailing lace veil. I think back to my stupid behavior at Glastonbury and my throat thickens. I could have lost the love of my life, could have gone down a tunnel of addiction which might have led to me ending up like Ella. How could I have risked hurting Phoenix and my family? There was no excuse for what I did and nowadays I make sure I stick to my resolution to stay clean.
The bridal procession arrives at the front of the church. Amelia, Noah’s four-year-old daughter, holds Firebird’s train and Hayley, the bridesmaid, is keeping a close watch on the little girl. Bob places Phoenix’s hand on my arm and goes to sit next to Cora.
I turn to Firebird and whisper, “You’re looking so beautiful. I love you so much.”
“I love you too,” she mouths the words back at me.
We make the traditional wedding vows in front of our families and friends, tears of emotion in our eyes. We exchange rings and I kiss her soft lips. We sign the register and soon I’m walking down the aisle with her arm on mine. We emerge into bright sunshine to stand on the steps of the church while our official photographer and invited paparazzi take pictures. A sudden feeling of intense love washes over me… love for my bride, for my family, for her parents, for my bandmates. I sense Ella is here with us, somehow, giving us her blessing.
The reception is held back at my parents’ mansion. Our entire team and select A-list celebrities join us, several hundred people, and we eat a sumptuous dinner, prepared by caterers, in a huge marquee, which has been set up in the garden. Our own bands will provide the music for the after-dinner dancing. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Later, after myriad toasts and enough food to feed an army, I take Phoenix in my arms for our first dance, a slow version of ‘Harbor in the Storm.’
ChiMera and Vanilla Sky are playing together in an acoustic grouping over in the corner of the tent, both drummers on portable sets. They will share the load for the rest of the evening.
I stare down at Phoenix, loving her so much a lump blocks my throat. I lace my fingers through hers. Our eyes lock and a current of love and desire passes between us… so strong it makes me breathless. “Can’t wait to get you on my own and make love to you, baby,” I whisper in her ear.
“Mmm,” she nuzzles my neck. “Me too.” A giggle escapes her lovely mouth. “It’s like we can never get enough of each other…”
She’s right. I followed her around the US for months, sneaking her into my hotel rooms overnight and depositing her back on the tour bus in the early mornings. I’m sure her bandmates knew what was going on, but they never complained. Neither did our record label, where I should have been working. We’ll all be touring together next year. Vanilla Sky will be supporting us on the first leg of our ‘Harbor in the Storm’ tour in Latin America and we’ll all be staying in the same hotels. ChiMera will need to audition a new backup singer, and I’m not looking forward to finding a replacement for Firebird. She’s irreplaceable.
“Let’s sing,” Phoenix suggests, as we finish our dance.
We saunter over to our bands and grab a mic each.
Across the room, I catch sight of Mum and Camila. They’ve grown close since my parents visited LA shortly after Firebird and I had gotten engaged. They have their love for Ella in common and like to share their memories of her. Mum goes to dance with Dad and Declan… they’re still crazy about each other after all these years. That’s the thing about love, I realize. You don’t choose it… it chooses you. Hmmm. Must write a song about that one day. My relationship with my father has returned to its old footing now that we have closure for Ella.
Jake twirls Camila and Hayley around the floor. Bob and Cora are also dancing and my heart warms at the sight of them. Bob is now working for CM doing maintenance jobs as well as taking care of Ella’s place. The next four years will be crucial for the progress of Cora’s remission, but something tells me she’ll be okay. Call it a gut feeling. Phoenix’s mum is strong and I can see where Firebird gets her strength from. Also, her humility.
Firebird and I gaze into each other’s eyes and we sing.
You say you hate
Walking on cracks in sidewalks
You say you hate
Lightning bolts and thunder
But I’ll be your harbor in the storm
I’ll prove to you I can reform
I say that I love you.
Thank you so much for reading ROCK STAR. I hope you enjoyed Phoenix and Axel’s story as much as I loved writing it. If you’d like to read what happens when ChiMera and Vanilla Sky tour Latin America, make sure you re following me on Amazon to be notified when the next book in the Rock Star series releases in early 2020.
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Acknowledgments
So many people have supported and helped me with ROCK STAR.
As ever, I’d like to thank my lovely content editor, Trenda, for being so helpful and incredibly fast with her feedback. Another book, lovely lady, thank you again!
Once more, I’d like to thank Helena Gant, my wonderful PA, for all that she does for me. You’re the best!
My amazing beta readers, Fiona, Helena G, Joy, Michelle, Nanette and Nico, thank you for sharing ROCK STAR’s journey with me and for your invaluable critique.
Mayhem Cover Creations, thanks for the gorgeous cover design. I love it. The amazingly talented photographer Wander Aguilar for the image of Zack Salaun who is just how I picture Axel.
Huge thanks to Lesley for managing my UK street team, as well as Debra, Kat, Helena H, Nancy and ZiLlah for tirelessly promoting me on Facebook.
To the m
embers of my Facebook group, Siobhan’s Courtesans, thanks for keeping me company while I write, and for joining in the takeovers and giveaways as well as spreading the word about my books.
I’d like to thank my fellow authors and the bloggers, PAs and promotors who support me. You are amazing!
Finally, and most importantly, I’d like to thank you, dear reader. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading ROCK STAR. I hope you enjoyed it.
Siobhan
xoxo
About the Author
SC Daiko, aka Siobhan, is a bestselling British author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. When she isn’t writing or looking after visitors, she loves to swim in the sea, travel around Europe, sample different food and enjoy local wine. Siobhan has worked in the City of London and taught languages in a Welsh high school before moving to Italy, where she now lives with her husband, a Havanese puppy and three cats. Nothing makes her happier than connecting with readers and fellow authors. You can find her at https://scdaiko.com/
Other Books By Sc Daiko
BDSM MENAGE
Two Three Four: The complete Trilogy
STUDENT TEACHER ROMANCE
Game On
VIRGINS MENAGE SERIES
Their Virgin Nanny
Their Virgin Brat
Their Virgin PA
MAFIA LIGHT SERIES
BRUTE
BEAST: A Mafia Romance
Nanny and the BRATVA BOSS
BRASH