Harmonizing Hearts (Darkest Symphony #1)

12. Chapter 12 Emma

B oxes and suitcases are scattered around the room as I carefully fold my clothes, packing them neatly. Moving in with Jax feels surreal, yet it’s a step I’m ready to take—a leap into a future we both envision together. The sound of laughter and chatter fills the air. Jax, Dex, and Liam, are acting like kids, while Angel and Jillian write on the boxes where they should go before handing them to Charlie and Matthew. We’re a great team and honestly it’s going way too fast. Luke and the security team are in the van trying to stuff each box before dropping them to my new house. Jesus, I haven’t realized I had that many things.

Jax walks over, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “Hey baby, need any help with those?” he asks, pointing at the stack of books beside me. When he found out I adore reading romance, especially the steamy ones, he promised we’ll try every single one of them. I admit he’s a man of his word.

I laugh and hand him a few. “Sure, but be gentle with these. They’re my treasures,” I tease.

He playfully rolls his eyes. “Of course. I’ll treat them like fragile glass.” He winks, making me blush.

As we pack, the conversation drifts to the upcoming concerts and their plans for the tour. Darkest Symphony’s first ever headlining concert will take place soon and I’m so thrilled to see them play live. Even though they have opened various big concerts, Angel made sure to create a buzz and expectations are high since their tickets are selling fast for being a new band.

One of the things I love about SMD is that Angel asks everyone’s input. Dex discusses the set list, Liam talks about the stage design, and Charlie excitedly shares his dream to perform at MetLife Stadium. Angel and Jillian listen attentively, interjecting with suggestions and words of encouragement. Matthew sits quietly, peering at his wife with such adoration that I adore. Occasionally he adds a humorous remark that sends everyone into fits of laughter.

Amidst the lively banter, we take a break to share a meal. Jax had arranged for a cozy dinner, a way to celebrate our goodbye to my apartment. We gather around the table, and for once I’m the first to raise my beer bottle, “I want to take a moment and thank you all for the help.”

Angel and Jill stand by my side and hug me, “Family is always by your side, Em. We may be crazy and chaotic but still that’s a big step and we couldn’t miss it.”

Feeling my eyes water, I close them while Jax pulls me backward out of the girls’ grip and shields me.

“Hey Em, I found these… ehm…” Dex's voice makes me turn my head to him, “You’re badass, girl.” He grins while spinning my handcuffs over his finger.

Jax growls, while throwing a stuffed bear at him. “Shut the fuck up or I’ll use them on you.”

“Catch me if you can.” Dex mocks him. Jax releases me and dashes toward Dex who sprints toward the door. Some cheer for Dex but most of us do for Jax. When my man comes back with a victorious smile, laughter booms in the apartment.

“Come take them off you son of a bitch!” Dex’s voice makes me wonder where in the hell he got tied. Seeing Dex sit on the stairs, while pulling at those cuffs makes me giggle.

“Jax! I don’t have the keys,” I pretend to be mad.

“Don’t fucking joke about it, Emma, take these fucking cuffs off,” he rants, panic in his voice.

“Leave him there for ten minutes.” Jax shrugs while dragging me back inside.

“That’s cruel.” I giggle while passing the keys to Jill.

As the evening draws to a close, Jax and I find ourselves alone in our new house. The room is bathed in soft, warm light, casting a glow on our surroundings. He holds a set of keys in front of me, his gaze locked with mine.

“Welcome home, babe,” he begins, his voice gentle and filled with emotion, “you know these keys represent more than just a place to live.” I feel my heart skip a beat as he continues, his eyes shining with love. “I love you, baby girl. With every fiber of my being, you’ve become the center of my world.”

Tears of joy well up in my eyes as I take the keys from him, my voice trembling with emotion. “I love you too.”

He pulls me into a warm embrace, and in that moment, the world for once feels complete. Our hearts beat in sync as we embrace this new chapter, holding onto each other tightly. “Do you think we can sort them out before Sunday?”

I turn around and peer at the tons of boxes scattered around us. “If we work as a team, maybe.” Truth is, I doubt it. But I know he wants to invite Mac, the guys and my aunt over for a family barbecue and I’ll do my best to make it happen.

* * *

My heart races with excitement as I prepare for this special day. The sun shines brightly in the clear blue sky, casting a warm glow over our new house. I can’t wait to share this beautiful space with our loved ones. It’s our first time hosting an event since moving in, and I am determined to make it a memorable occasion.

The tantalizing aroma of barbecue fills the air, wafting from the grill that Jax has set up on the patio. I’ve spent hours marinating the meat, carefully selecting the spices and flavors that will make everyone’s taste buds dance with joy. The sound of sizzling and crackling adds a lively rhythm to the atmosphere, building anticipation for the feast that awaits.

The inviting scent is not the only thing that beckons our guests. The rhythmic sound of laughter and animated chatter fills the backyard as auntie Trish and our friends begin to arrive. I greet each person with a warm hug and a smile, their excited voices blending harmoniously with the gentle breeze.

As the afternoon unfolds, our backyard transforms into a haven of joy and laughter. Vibrant colors of beach towels and umbrellas adorn the patio, inviting everyone to relax and soak up the sunshine. My aunt, who has always been the life of the party, regales the group with her infectious humor and silly jokes, leaving everyone in fits of laughter.

“Hey, Dad,” I call out to Jax’s father, who is huddled near the grill, overseeing the food. “You’re doing an amazing job with the barbecue!”

Mac turns to me, his eyes crinkling with a warm smile. “Well, thank you, Emma. Just passing on the torch, you know. Your Jax learned it all from me.”

I chuckle, my heart swelling with gratitude for the man who raised my Jax. “He’s lucky to have learned from the best, that’s for sure.”

Our conversation is interrupted by the sound of splashing and playful shrieks. Angel and my aunt have decided to take a dip in the nearby ocean, their laughter echoing through the air. Unable to resist the call of the water, Jax and I exchange knowing glances and race toward the waves, our friends following closely behind.

As I dive into the cool embrace of the ocean, a surge of exhilaration courses through my veins. The saltwater engulfs me, washing away any remnants of stress. I resurface, my laughter mingling with the crashing waves.

“You’re getting slow, Em!” Jax teases, splashing water playfully in my direction.

I retaliate with a mischievous grin, sending a spray of water his way. “Oh, you’re in for it now!”

Our friends join in the friendly water battle, creating a joyous symphony of laughter and glee. For a moment, time stands still as I revel in the sheer happiness of the present moment.

With a grateful smile, I glance around, taking in the sight of our parents and friends, still immersed in playful banter and shared stories. I can’t help but feel blessed, knowing that these bonds will only grow stronger from now on.

As the evening breeze sweeps through, I whisper a heartfelt thank you to the universe for the gift of this day. And in my heart, I hold onto the joy and love that permeate every minute.

Our big family gathers around the long, wooden dining table. Plates are filled with delicious food from the barbecue, and stories fill the air catching up on each other’s lives.

As we sit down to enjoy our meal, Dex speaks up with an excited gleam in his eyes. “Hey, guys, I’ve been thinking. How about we have a movie night soon? We can set up a big screen outside, get cozy under the stars, and watch our favorite films together.”

His suggestion sparks interest around the table, and everyone begins to chime in with their movie recommendations. I smile, enjoying the warmth of their camaraderie, but a pang of sadness tugs at my heart.

“I’d love to join you all for movie night,” I say, my voice tinged with regret, “but I won’t be able to make it. I’m leaving for Tokyo in a few days and I’ll be gone for three weeks.”

Silence falls over the table as my words sink in. Time flew by and I forgot about it. When I got my tickets delivered in my email, I screamed in frustration and of course I procrastinated to tell him. Jax, sitting beside me, looks at me with a mix of surprise and disappointment in his eyes. Darkest Symphony will have their first big concert that will take place in just a couple of weeks. And now, he realizes I won’t be there to cheer him on.

Dex senses the shift in the atmosphere and clears his throat. “But… you never missed our concerts before.”

I nod, unable to meet Jax’s gaze. “I know, Dex. I feel awful about it, but this trip was planned a year ago, and I can’t postpone it. I wish I could be there for the concert, but the timing just doesn’t align.”

Jax’s disappointment is palpable, but he manages a small smile, trying to be understanding. “I know, Em. It’s just… It won’t be the same without you there. Your presence always fills me with energy.”

I reach out and take his hand, squeezing it gently. “I wish I could change the circumstances, but I can’t. I promise I’ll support you from afar, and we’ll celebrate when I return.”

He gives me a bittersweet smile, his thumb brushing against the back of my hand. “We’ll make the most of it, and when you come back, we’ll have our own concert, just for you.”

His words bring a small spark of joy to my heart, and I lean in to give him a soft kiss. “Thank you.”

“Love you, Em.” Around us, the conversation slowly picks up again, laughter and banter resuming. Though the pang of missing the concert still lingers, I remind myself that this trip is an opportunity for growth and new experiences.