Snared(100)

“Yes,” she whispered. “YES!”

I stood, grabbing Robbie and both of us held on to her like she was the last life preserver we had. Well, maybe she was. I slid the ring on her finger to deafening applause and cat calls.

“I love you,” she cried against my chest. “I love both of you. This is the best day of my life.”

Robbie and I exchanged a glance. “Us too.” I kissed my fiancée while our guests continued to cheer. I knew Natalie was probably sobbing and possibly Bex, too. Years ago, I would’ve said no, but now it was probable. Johnny was probably holding her, remembering his proposal. Tanner was more than likely shaking his head that he was now the only single one in the band, but happy he’d get all the ladies for sure now. I couldn’t worry about any of them. I had everything, right here in my arms. I’d thought love would never be in the cards for me, and that banging my drums would have to be enough to fulfill me.

I’d allowed life to snare me into believing I wasn’t worth anything and was incapable of loving anyone. I’d met my son because of April, and the two of them had shown me life doesn’t have to hold you down or keep you trapped under years of self-imposed lockdown. I couldn’t imagine my life without either one of them now, and now I knew I wouldn’t ever have to be alone again.

Love was a snare I would gladly choose over, over, and over again.

THE END