A/N: Hello again everyone! We've reached the final chapter!
Before we get started, I would like to thank everyone that read last chapter and this story in general! I would also like to give a huge thank you to winterschild11, Side1ways, Guest, Anno1701, and RainbowDiamonds for reviewing!
I hope you all enjoy!
After enjoying a shower together in which I took the opportunity to reacquaint myself with every single wet, soapy inch of my man, we got dressed and made it to the restaurant fashionably late.
"It's about time you guys showed up," Michelle said with a scowl.
"Yeah," Emma chimed in grumpily. "I hope you're happy. You kept two pregnant women starving with your tardiness." My eyes widened at the unusual hostility coming from my sisters.
"Girls, I have a treat for you. That's right, this way. Everything will be okay." I gave Kendall a confused look as my dad cooed at the women and led them over to a tray of appetizers. He spoke out of the side of his mouth as he walked by. "Your mother was the same way when she was pregnant. As soon as we feed the beast within, they'll return to their normal selves." We chuckled, but I was glad that I wasn't in love with a woman. That pregnancy stuff wasn't for the faint of heart.
Mom came up and gave us each a hug and I smiled as she fussed over Kendall, urging him to sit so he wouldn't wear himself out. Kendall looked flustered, but the small smile on his lips told me that he enjoyed having some maternal pampering in his life so I left him in her capable hands and wandered over to where my brothers were all gathered.
"Hey, James! Welcome home." Giovanni smiled at me and grabbed me in a strong hug. I laughed and patted his shoulders, waiting for him to let go so I could breathe again.
"Thanks! It's really good to be home," I said as I exchanged hugs with the other guys.
"Yeah, it is," Landon agreed. "I like seeing different places when we actually get to stop and look around, but living out of a suitcase for months on end can really wear on you after a while."
"Try living with four other people on a bus and then we'll talk about who has it rough," I teased him.
"No thanks. I'll leave that to you rockstars," he said as he patted me on the back.
We stood around talking for a few more minutes and listened to Mark and Jason exchange their woes of living with expectant mothers. Finally, Shane announced that lunch was ready and I quickly made my way over to Kendall and took the chair next to him.
When everyone was seated we all took hands and bowed our heads as Dad said grace. His voice was rough as he thanked God for bringing his boys home safely then praised Him for watching over Kendall and helping him heal. Kendall's hand squeezed my own and I was sure he was feeling as emotional as the rest of us at that moment. When we lifted our heads, I noticed more than one person wiping their eyes.
"Shane, this looks incredible. I've missed your cooking so much," I said as we all began passing the rich, aromatic food that I was sure had taken my brother all morning to prepare. It looked like he had made enough food to feed an army, but knowing our group, we would manage to put a pretty large dent in it.
"Thanks," Shane beamed at me.
"Seriously, little bro, the food on the road can't compare to yours," Landon agreed as he took a large bite of chicken parmesan, cheese dripping off of his fork.
I started to dig into my own plate of food, but suddenly felt really flushed. Startled, I glanced across the table to see Giovanni whispering something in Shane's ear. Shane blushed as his husband's hand disappeared under the table.
Shane's gaze flew to mine, his eyes wide with shock when I kicked him under the table.
"Knock it off," I hissed. "I'm picking up on your...strong feelings." I gave him a pointed look and he smirked at me.
"I'm pretty sure that's just your feelings whenever you're around Kendall," He whispered back. Giovanni chuckled and Kendall looked at me when his brow arched questioningly.
"There's no denying that," I said and leaned over to give Kendall a quick kiss.
Shane and I exchanged happy smiles across the table. The rest of my family had probably figured I'd never meet someone that I would be serious about, but Shane knew me better than anyone. He knew how I had longed for the kind of relationship he shared with Giovanni. Someone who I could call my own, who would not only be my lover, but my best friend as well. Now it seemed we both had found our soulmates.
I glanced around the room at my family as we laughed with one another and simply enjoyed being together. There was so much love and trust in this one room and I felt happier and more content than I ever had. No matter where my career led me or what people I met along the way, the people in this room would always be the ones who mattered most.
XxX
My phone rang as I walked out of the bank. I hated leaving Kendall when we had so little time together, but there were some necessary errands I had to run and so I had slipped out of the house while he took a nap. I grabbed my phone from my back pocket as I slid into my car.
"Hey. What's going on?" I answered when I saw that it was Landon calling.
"Are you sitting down?" Landon's voice sounded urgent and I immediately sat straighter in my seat.
"Yeah, I just got in my car. What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, I promise. I just got off a video conference with Griffin and you won't believe what he said." Landon spoke fast and I felt my heart rate speed up as I waited to hear what had him so excited.
"Spit it out, man. You're killing me here."
"Sorry. Okay, you ready for this?"
"Landon," I growled, making him laugh.
"Alright, I'll quit teasing you. As you know, he's been keeping a close watch on Diamond's Creed. He's been very impressed with you guys and he likes what he sees. He said he doesn't need to wait until the end of this tour to know you guys have what it takes to make it."
I held my breath as Landon continued. "He's offering you guys a full recording contract and record label backing. He also wants Diamond's Creed to go international. He's put me in charge of setting up a worldwide tour that will last a year. You'll begin and end in the States with shows all across Europe in between. This is it, man, you did it! Can you fucking believe it?"
"Wow...I think I'm in shock right now. Can I call you back later? I need to talk to Kendall."
"Of course, you tell your man the good news. I'll call the rest of the guys and get started on this. And James? I'm really proud of you."
I thanked him and hung up. I lay my head back on the headrest and closed my eyes in stunned silence. Landon was right, this was everything I had ever dreamed of, everything I had worked for my whole life. Suddenly I pictured Kendall as he had looked curled up in bed, my pillow cradled against his chest like it was holding my place until I could return.
My eyes opened and I took a deep breath as I pulled the small black box I had bought this morning from my pocket. I opened the lid and smiled at the way the sunlight bounced off the titanium band. I read the inscription inside. The Music of My Soul. I tucked the box back in my pocket and started the car. Kendall and I had some decisions to make about our future.
I let myself in the house and quickly climbed the stairs. Kendall was awake and in the kitchen with his back to me. He was shirtless and had a pair of gray sweats on that hung low on his hips, accentuating his perfect ass.
"Hey, babe, did you get everything done that you needed to do?" He asked, smiling at me over his shoulder and I was relieved to see him looking so happy. How in the world could I walk away from this man again?
I can't. I won't.
"Yes," I answered quietly and then slid my arms around his waist, letting my fingers trail over his smooth skin and rested my head on his shoulder as he stirred a pan of soup on the stove. I breathed in deeply, letting his masculine scent fill my lungs.
Kendall removed the pan from the heat and then turned in my arms and circled his arms around me, giving me a concerned look. "Are you okay?"
I gave him a tender smile, loving that he could read me so easily. I took his hand and led him over to the couch. "I'm fine, but I need to talk to you about something important."
Kendall turned to face me, giving me his undivided attention. He held both of my hands in his. "What is it?"
I cleared my throat as I studied our clasped hands. "Landon called me while I was out. Apparently Griffin is very pleased with our work. He's offered us a full recording contract."
Kendall's eyes went wide and he let out a loud whoop then he pulled me against him and hugged me tightly. "I'm so proud of you, baby! You did it! I mean, I'm not surprised. Anyone with half a brain could see how talented you are and know that you were going to go far." He shook his head at me with pride. I felt his broad smile against my lips as he kissed me.
When he pulled back we were smiling at each other. "Thank you. I appreciate your enthusiasm," I teased him with a wink before growing serious again. "But there's more I need to tell you." I swallowed hard as I delivered the rest of the news.
"As soon as this tour is over, we'll be hitting the road again. This time we'll be headlining our own concert and we'll be traveling all over the world." I watched the gamut of emotions that ran over Kendall's features. Pride, love, concern, and dread being a few.
He twined his fingers with mine and studied them as he spoke slowly. "Worldwide. Sounds like it's going to be a lot longer than three months this time."
"I'll be gone a year," I answered him and his shoulders slumped. I took his chin in my hand and lifted his face until he was looking in my eyes. "I told Landon I needed to talk to you about this first."
Kendall stood and walked over to the fireplace. His head slumped as he rested his hands on the mantle. "It's alright. I knew this was a very strong possibility when we first got together. Doesn't mean I have to like it though."
He straightened and rubbed his hands over his face then walked back over to me and sat down. "I love you, James. I will love you for the rest of my life and if I have to wait here while I share you with the rest of the world, I'll do that. I want you to be happy and your music makes you happy." He nodded his head as if convincing himself. "So you go out there and knock them dead and I'll be here when you get back because you're worth waiting for."
"Thank you, but I don't want you to wait for me," I said firmly. When I saw the hurt in his eyes, I realized what my words must have sounded like. "No," I rushed on. "What I meant was, I don't want you sitting around waiting for me because I'm not going to go." I held my hand up to silence his protests.
"When Landon called to tell me the news, I was thrilled. It was everything I used to want for my life. Then I met you and my priorities changed. I no longer want to tour the world if it means leaving you again. You are my heart and my home and it nearly killed me being gone from you the last few months. I can't be away from you for a whole year, I just...can't."
Kendall held my head between his strong hands and I leaned into his touch. His lips brushed over mine in a gentle kiss and then he trailed kisses over my eyelids and nose before landing one on my forehead in a tender gesture.
"You are the most incredible man I have ever known and it means the world to me that you would give everything up to be with me, but I won't let you do that."
I pulled my head away from his so I could see his eyes. "But-"
"Hear me out. I...I actually think I might have an idea of how we can compromise." He smiled when I nodded my head to let him know I was listening.
"I've had a lot of time to think since I've been laid up. I know you thought I was upset about the news that I couldn't be a fireman again, but I was surprised by just how little it bothered me. The things I've seen on the job...those kids that died...countless other tragedies and then the whole clusterfuck with Dan...I was already starting to feel like I didn't have what it took to do that job anymore. I joined the fire department after my grandpa died because they offered a brotherhood that I desperately needed at the time. I was lost and I needed to feel like I belonged to a group of people. They became my family, and they've made it clear to me that even if I'm not a fireman anymore, I'm still their family, and it means a lot to me. And I don't regret becoming a fireman because it led me to you and now I belong to a new family. You and the rest of the Diamonds are my family."
I smiled at him, my heart surging with love. "You belong to us now." He gave me an answering kiss and then looked at me, biting his bottom lip shyly. "So why have you been so quiet lately?"
"I've been trying to figure out what I want to do with the next chapter of my life. My grandfather left me with enough money that I really don't ever have to work again if I didn't want to, but that's not who I am. I need to do something, feel like I'm making a difference with my life. I had a talk with Dak the other day and it got me thinking about maybe taking some online classes so I could become a firefighter instructor. If I do that, I was thinking...maybe I could go with you on the tour if that's alright with you."
I threw my arms around his neck excitedly then quickly pulled back, afraid I might have hurt him, but he laughed loudly and pulled me back into his arms.
"Yes! That's more than alright. It's perfect!" I kissed him deeply, my enthusiasm and love for him pouring through. "Are you sure?" I asked when we stopped to catch our breath.
"I'm sure. I want to be with you as long as you want me there."
I smiled, knowing there was no better time for what I was about to do.
"I will always want you with me, forever. In fact…" I got off the couch and pulled the little black box out of my pocket. Kendall's eyes grew wide as I went down on one knee in front of him. "Kendall Knight, you came into my life like Superman, saving me and literally breathing life into me. You are my best friend, my life, and my love. You are the music of my soul. I want to spend the rest of my like making you as happy as you've made me. Will you marry me?"
Kendall's eyes were swimming with tears by the time I finished and all he could do was whisper a ragged "Yes!" before I lunged for him. Our kiss was slow and deep, full of unspoken promises and hope for the future.
When we parted, I settled my back to his chest on the couch and he watched over my shoulder as I slid the ring down his finger. I let out a contented sigh as I admired the way it fit him. I liked the fact that the whole world would be able to see it and know that he was mine.
"So, you wouldn't have a problem sleeping with a college student?" he teased. My mind instantly scrambled as role-playing ideas ran through my head.
There are so many possibilities: stern professor and student in need of a good grade, "straight" college roommates exploring their sexual curiosities for the first time…
Fingers snapping in front of my face pulled me from my wandering thoughts and I found Kendall laughing at me knowingly.
"No problem whatsoever," I murmured and reached down to adjust my cock which was pressed painfully against my zipper.
"Maybe we should go ahead and practice one of the kinky things that just went through that very creative mind of yours," he whispered in my ear as he reached around me and slid my zipper down.
I groaned as he freed my aching cock and began working it in his firm grasp. "Okay, but I get to be the college hockey coach and you're the player who got caught drinking and will do anything to not get kicked off the team."
"Fuck, baby, I love the way you think," Kendall said with a moan.
I adjusted my favorite beanie on my head, trying to get it to lay just right before I had to go out in front of thousands of screaming fans. We had wrapped up the tour with The Wallows and Corey and I promised to keep in touch. We were only given a month off in between tours to get everything ready. There had been a lot of prep work involved with putting a concert of this magnitude together, and my friends and I were thrilled when we finally got three whole days off before we had to leave again.
Kendall and I had spent most of that time with our family. We helped Dad knock off several items from the to-do list Mom had made for him, then painted the room Shane and Giovanni were setting up for Amelia. I smiled as I thought about how excited the two men were as the time neared for them to bring their little girl home. Any day now they would get the call that the adoption could be finalized and I couldn't wait to welcome my new niece to the family.
We had been on the road for several weeks and things were fantastic. We were playing to sold-out crowds nearly every night. The fans loved the new group that was opening for us, but they lost their minds when we took the stage. My bandmates seemed to be adjusting to the demands of being on the road long term.
I was much happier this time around. Instead of being lonely and miserable, I could focus more on the music and learning everything I could about the industry. I smiled as I looked in the mirror and caught a glimpse of the reason for my happiness, sitting only a few feet away from me.
Kendall was sitting in a comfy armchair with his feet propped up on the table in front of him. He had his laptop on his lap and his textbooks spread out beside him as he nibbled on a pencil, his brow furrowed in concentration. He took his studies seriously but preferred to be near me as much as possible so most of the time he could be found with his nose in a book in my dressing room.
He had dealt with being thrust into the limelight rather well, considering what a private person he was. He still got flustered when complete strangers recognized him when he was out somewhere, but he was taking it all in stride. In fact, he had been amused at the magazine cover that had a photo of the two of us together. They had zoomed in on the ring I gave him and the caption read: Hearts broken everywhere as music heartthrob James Diamond announces his engagement. Get the scoop on Kames inside. We couldn't help but laugh whenever we heard the name combo Hollywood had assigned us.
I let my gaze wander over him. My fiance was sexy as hell in his worn jeans and the tight Superman shirt I had bought for him as a joke. He ran his fingers through his hair and then glanced up, a smile spreading across his face as he caught me ogling him.
"What are you thinking about over there?"
I looked at his reflection in the mirror and then lowered my lashes before bending over and spreading my hands flat on the surface of the makeup table. "Oh, nothing much. I was just thinking that you should pull my pants down and fuck me against this table so we can watch in the mirror."
I laughed as he scrambled out from under his work and came to stand beside me, his thick erection rubbing a torturous trail up and down my ass. I groaned low in my throat, cursing the layers of clothing between us. He reached forward and pinned my hands down on the table with his own. His tongue ran up my neck and then he used his teeth to nibble my ear, sending shivers of anticipation down my spine.
His eyes were a dark green as they found mine in the mirror. I called them his bedroom eyes. "There's only one problem with that," he growled.
"What?" I gasped as he sucked the sensitive spot below my ear.
"There are about ten thousand fans waiting for you right outside the door, not to mention your brother."
"That's what locks are for," I whined, still convinced I could get him to cave.
Kendall chuckled and kissed the back of my neck. "Later, I promise."
"Fine," I grumbled then turned to poke him in the chest. "But just so you know, I'm wearing the green jockstrap you love."
His eyes grew big. "The one that matches your eyes?"
I nodded my head at him and let that mental image sink in. I knew my hero's weakness and sexy underwear was his Kryptonite.
A deep sound rumbled from his chest and he lunged for me, but I quickly darted to the door. "Uh-uh. You said we needed to wait and now you have to live with your decision. No matter how wrong it was." I laughed at his pitiful expression as I made my way to the door. God, I love messing with him.
I opened the door, suppressing a smirk at the sight before me.
Landon and Jett stood there, Landon with his arm raised as if he was about to knock. Seeing the two of them together wasn't unusual, at least not lately. I had noticed that they had started spending more time together lately, and I didn't think it was a coincidence that Jett had stopped sleeping with everything that moved in that time either.
"There you are. Are you ready?" Jett asked.
"Yep. But, uh, you might want to fix your hair," I responded. His eyes went wide as his hands immediately went to his hair. Kendall and I both burst out laughing as Landon rolled his eyes and Jett looked mortified, a blush coloring his cheeks.
"Still going to deny that there's anything going on between you two?" I asked once my laugher had died down a bit.
Jett huffed before turning and starting making his way to the stage, but I didn't miss the "asshole," he muttered under his breath.
"Don't you have a show to play, brat?" Landon asked, shaking his head, but he couldn't fight the smile tugging at his lips.
"Yes, I do," I said before pulling him in for a hug. He clearly wasn't expecting it, but he hugged my back after a second. "I'm really happy for you guys," I added when we broke the hug, then I heard Kendall clear his throat. "Sorry, we're really happy for you guys," I amended.
"Better," Kendall said, wrapping his arms around my waist.
"Thanks, guys," Landon chuckled. "You really do need to get to the stage, though."
"I'm going, I'm going," I said, giving Kendall a quick kiss and another Landon quick hug. "I'll see you guys later."
As I made my way to the stage, I couldn't help but smile. I was touring the world with my best friends, my brother, and my soulmate. I was getting married. And although I missed my twin and the rest of my family like crazy, I took comfort in the fact that I would be seeing them again in a few days when we had a little break in the tour.
Life just didn't get much better than this.
Done! So Kames got their happy ending and are getting married!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the chapter and story in general, as well as if you happened to have a favorite part/moment!
Again, I hope that you all enjoyed and that you all are okay and healthy out there! Thank you all so much for joining me on yet another ride! I'm sad to say goodbye to this story, but I also have a little announcement. For those of you interested, I'm going to be writing a prequel of sorts to this story focusing on Shane and Giovanni! It'll be more of a side project, but I'm excited about it. The first chapter will hopefully be up a little later this month! Again, thank you all so much for the support! :)
-Epically Obsessed