Okay here is the final chapter. The epilogue will follow in a few days. Disclaimer I own nothing. Characters and lyrics belong to their rightful owners.
Chapter 54
The weeks following the finale were extremely busy. Jude was ready to jump right back in and get to work. She and Darius came up with an agreement she'd do a greatest hits album. It would be her biggest hits plus her new songs. It was the least stressful way to get back into the recording groove. Darius also wanted her to work with the new Instant Star winner. Jude was more than happy to help out. She felt so good getting back to work.
Tommy decided to take a few weeks off from work to help get Jude moved. He spent his days packing boxes while she was at G Major. He was more than happy to do it. He couldn't wait for her to officially live with him. He also spent time preparing his proposal. He wanted it to be perfect. They'd both been through so much together and apart. He knew they had something that would last. They were both a lot more mature than they were back before she went to London.
With her house in a mess of boxes, they would eat dinner at his house. Jude was always happy to be home with him every night. She would go on and on about her day at G Major. She felt like life was finally normal.
"So, D demanded we have Jessie's first single ready by the end of the week. She is still having problems with the last verse."
"I'm sure you can figure it out for her." Tommy sipped his water and smiled.
"Considering I was taught by the best." She smirked.
"Is he putting too much pressure on you?"
"No, he is just being Darius. I told him we would have it Friday by five and to leave us alone. Jessie is so intimidated by him and he is on a power trip because of it."
"That's Darius."
"So, what did you do today?"
"I boxed the kitchen up. There are a few things we can use here, but everything else I sealed and labeled. You can decide what you want to do after closing."
Jude nodded. She was really excited about moving in with him. Sometimes in the back of her mind she wondered when he was going to pop the question. She knew she wanted to marry him, and she thought he wanted to marry her. She just didn't know when he was going to make that official. She was completely ready. She wanted to start a real life together.
"Hey, where did you go?"
"I'm right here. Just thinking about what all I need to do tomorrow. We are going to a small club downtown to listen to a band that Jessie thinks will be great for her back up band."
"That sounds fun. Do you need an extra ear?"
"No, I will be fine. Kwest is going with us. Besides you are on vacation."
"You just want me at home slaving for you."
"Yep." She gave a little wink.
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Walking into the club, Jude was trying to calm Jessie down. The girl was completely hyperactive about finding her band. Kwest just followed behind keeping an eye on things. He really only offered to come because Sadie was afraid Jude would feel temped to drink. Not that Jude knew this.
"Kwest, tell her."
"What?"
"I swear you and Tommy are the same way. I talk and neither one of you listen."
"You two stop. They are about to play. I'm getting a drink. Jude, you want anything?" Jessie was just bouncing up and down.
"Just Ginger Ale."
"Okay."
When Jessie was gone, Jude looked back at Kwest. "So, Sadie was afraid I would be tempted to drink, huh?"
"What? No, I thought you would need…"
"Stop Kwest, I know my sister. She just didn't want me to freak up at a club and start drinking. I really have no urge. I believe one day I might be able to have a glass of wine with dinner, but right now I don't even want it."
"I believe you, Jude. And I know your sister has faith in you, she just worries a lot."
"I know."
The whole afternoon, Jude pondered over the last several months. I was true that before her accident, there would be no way she'd be at bar without drinking a beer or something. What she told Kwest was completely true. She had no urge to drink at all. She could exist in the music business and not drink and do drugs. She was Jude Harrison.
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The day the new owners of the house were closing was the longest day. It started at six when the movers came to get the rest of Jude's furniture to put in a storage unit behind G Major. There were a few pieces they were going to put in their house, but there wasn't enough room for it all. Tommy was also getting rid of the couch and chairs that Katie had picked out when he first bought the house. He felt like it was way past time.
After the movers were gone, Jude had to be a G Major for a press conference announcing her plans for the greatest hits album. She wanted her fans to know she was back. She knew going into there, the press would ask questions about her situation, so she had a speech planned out.
"Thank you all for coming." Darius greeted the press like he always did. "This morning, I asked you here to announce a new G Major artist. That was just a cover story. I am proud to say we have welcomed back one of our most talented and profitable artists. Ladies and gentleman, I give you Jude Harrison."
Jude leaned up to the microphone. "Thank you, Darius. It is nice to finally be back."
"Miss Harrison, is it true you were in rehab."
"Jude, did you overdose?"
"Why now?"
All at once the questions came at her. Most she didn't even understand.
"I know there are a lot of questions about where I have been and why I left the business. There is one simple answer. A few years ago, I left G Major for a record label in London. After my move, my mother became very ill. I moved to Rome to help my step father take care of her. After my mother passed away, I moved back to Toronto to be with my family. Dealing with her death I sort of lost my way. I am not proud of my actions, but I got help. Now I am ready to put my career back together, and there is no where I'd rather be than G Major. That is all I will say on the subject. My personal life is just that, personal. Thank you for coming today and I hope you all like the music." Jude looked back where Tommy was standing and smiled when he gave her a reassuring nod.
When the press conference was over, Jude had to be at her realtor's office to sign the house over. Luckily that only took a few minutes. The rest of the day was spent in the studio with Jessie. Producing was a whole new ball game for Jude. When she was co-producing with Tommy, he still did most of the work because she was just learning. This time it was just her. She loved it.
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That night they had all their friends over for an unpacking party. Tommy spent most of the day getting food ready for everyone. He was also working on the final touches to his proposal. He knew he had the perfect plan. He couldn't wait to call her his wife.
"This is funny?"
Tommy was chopping vegetables in the kitchen, when Jude's voice startled him out of his thoughts. "What's funny?"
"You are slaving away in the kitchen while I was out at work." Jude walked over and hopped up on the counter beside him.
"I don't mind. Everyone should be here in a bit. The burgers are ready to throw on the grill." He leaned up to peck her on the lips.
"I'm going to go change and get this boot off."
"Okay." Tommy helped her down from the counter.
Stuart was the first person to show up, and Tommy was relieved when he heard the shower turn on in their bathroom. He wanted a few minutes a lone with her father. "Stuart, come on in. Jude is just freshening up."
"How is she after the press conference?"
"She's fine. She handled herself really well. She didn't let the reporters rattle her at all."
"Good. I think she has finally got a grip on her grief."
"I do too. Speaking of moving on with life, I wanted to speak to you about something."
"Anything, Son."
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Jude was going to just change, but decided to take a quick hot shower. She needed a way to relax before everyone got to the house. The whole day was really catching up with her. At the press conference, she'd stood her ground and tried to act like the questions didn't bother her. The truth was they bothered her more than she wanted to admit. She didn't know why people thought her personal life was anyone's business other than her own. She made mistakes and she had learned from them. Those mistakes had nothing to do with her music. It was part of being a public figure, but she really wanted to concentrate on her work.
The shower relived all the tension in her muscle and she felt refreshed when she went back to the kitchen. "Dad, when did you get here?"
"Just a few minutes ago. How are you feeling, sweetheart?"
"Much better after my shower. Today has been a long day."
"I bet, but now is time to sit back and let your friends and family do all the work. Why don't you prop your leg up and tell your old man all about your producing job."
Jude sat and told her dad about the past few weeks. Tommy just kept preparing the food. He knew everyone was going to need their energy to get everything done. He and Jude pretty much wanted the whole living room and dining room rearranged.
It was fun for both of them to have all their friends over, but at the end of the night, they were ready for everyone to leave. Jude fell into bed absolutely exhausted. "Thank goodness we have a lot of friends. I couldn't handle another night like this."
"Yeah, everything is set up, so we don't have to worry about it anymore."
"So, what did you and dad talk about while I was in the shower?"
"Not much. He asked what I have been doing with my time off."
"Oh. So, I have to be at G Major really early tomorrow. Darius wants to talk to me about when I want to start working on my album."
"Whenever you are ready just let me know. Are you just wanted to do the two new songs from the finale?"
"I think so. Everything I have been writing still needs work."
"Okay, we need to record those two songs. Shouldn't take too long to get ready for release."
"I need to tell Darius that I don't plan on touring. I'm doing really well right now, but I am not ready to go on the road."
"I'm sure he will understand." Tommy pulled her to him and wrapped his arms tight around her.
"He's really been amazing since I got home."
"Then I see no reason for him to change now that you are back with the label."
"I guess you are right."
"Let's get some sleep, baby."
"Okay. I love you."
"I love you too." Tommy kissed her forehead as she drifted off to sleep.
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By the end of the next day, Jude was exhausted. She just wanted to fall into bed with Tommy and sleep for a week. She was getting in the car when she got a text from Tommy. "Meet me at the café." Jude sighed and threw her phone into the passenger seat. So much for going home. Maybe a dinner out with Tommy might be nice. It had been a while since they'd been on a date.
She noticed the café looked deserted. Of course, Tommy would rent the whole thing out just for dinner. She smiled when a waiter opened the door for her. The whole place looked amazing. There were flowers and candles everywhere. One table was set in the middle of the room with her favorite meal. She looked around for Tommy and found him sitting on a small stage with his guitar in his lap.
"You did all of this?" She walked over to him.
"I wanted tonight to be special."
"Every night with you is special. What's the occasion?"
Tommy reached his hand out for her to take it. "I love you more than anything."
"I know. I love you too."
"Do you remember all the memories we have here?"
Jude nodded. "We were supposed to have our first date here."
"Yep. This is also the place I first told you that I loved you."
"Right after you bought the rights to my music."
"Do you remember when our relationship went public after out little stint in the men's room?"
"How could I forget? D almost had a cow. Wow, we eat at the same place a lot."
"But it makes it feel like our place. Do you remember the last time we were here before you left for London?"
"Of course. That night replays in my mind a lot."
"Well, I wanted you to come here tonight, so I can do it right this time."
Jude was a bit completely confused. "What…"
Tommy interrupted her by strumming his guitar.
Song Marry Me by Train
Forever can never be long enough for me
Feel like I've had long enough with you
Forget the world now we won't let them see
But there's one thing left to do
Now that the weight has lifted
Love has surely shifted my way
Marry Me
Today and every day
Marry Me
If I ever get the nerve to say
Hello in this cafe
Say you will Mm-hmm
Say you will Mm-hmm
Together can never be close enough for me
Feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I'll wear out the words I love
And you're beautiful
Now that the wait is over
And love and has finally shown her my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe
Say you will Mm-hmm
Say you will Mm-hmm
Promise me
You'll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to
Sing to you
When all the music dies
And marry me
Today and everyday
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe
Say you will m-hmm
Say you will Marry me
Mm-hmm
Jude had tears in her eyes, when Tommy put down his guitar and kneeled in front of her. "Last time I did this, it wasn't thought out. I was scared of losing you and lost you anyway. Having you back in my life is the best thing in the world. I never want you to leave again. Jude, will you marry me?" He pulled out the ring box and held it out to her.
Jude nodded several times. "Yes, of course I will marry you. I love you so much, Tommy."
"I love you too. And I plan to show you every day for the rest of our lives." He placed the ring on her finger before wrapping his arms around her and swinging her around.
"Is this what you were talking to my dad about?"
"Yeah."
"God I love you," she said before her mouth was covered by his.
After everything she'd been through. All the heart ache and tears were completely worth it to be right there with him. She knew they would still have tough times, but as long as they loved each other they could make it through anything.
There you go guys. Sorry this is a little later than I wanted but life seems to always get in the way. I had car trouble and had to buy a new one. I have been so stressed out lately. I have been called back to my second job, so after the Epilogue I will not be writing for a while. I won't have a lot of extra time on my hands.
This story has been very dear to my heart, please let me know what you think. Epilogue will be posted Friday.
