Harmonizing Hearts (Darkest Symphony #1)

21. Chapter 21 Jax

I take a deep breath as I enter the bustling café, scanning the room for familiar faces. The sound of laughter and cheerful chatter fills the air, and my heart leaps with anticipation. And there they are—Emma and Angel, sitting at a corner table, heads bent together in conversation. I make my way over, a smile spreading across my face.

“Hey, ladies! What are we plotting over here?” I ask, slipping into the seat next to Emma.

Angel grins mischievously, her eyes sparkling. “We’re diving headfirst into wedding preparations, Jax! It’s time to make this day truly magical.”

Emma nods eagerly, her eyes filled with excitement. “We’ve been brainstorming ideas. From the venue to the décor, we want it to be a day that reflects who we are.”

I lean back, a surge of happiness filling my heart. “That sounds amazing, Em. I’m all in. Is there something I can help you with?”

Angel claps her hands together. “Of course, let’s get started! First up, we need to decide on the venue. Have you two given it any thought?”

Emma reaches my hand, intertwining our fingers. “Actually, we were thinking of having an outdoor ceremony. Somewhere by the beach, with the waves crashing in the background.”

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I imagine that picture-perfect scene. “The beach has always held a special place in our hearts, and it would be the perfect backdrop for our vows, or a Lake.”

Angel nods in agreement, her pen poised above her notebook. “Great, we’ll start looking into beachfront venues then. Now, what about the theme? Do you have any preferences?”

Emma’s eyes light up. “I’ve always been drawn to a rustic and bohemian vibe. Soft colors, wildflowers, and fairy lights—something romantic and whimsical.”

I can’t help but be captivated by Emma’s vision. “Make sure it’s not too much, though. I know the media will talk but I don’t want them to complain about the fact it’s too glamorous. But I want her to walk on roses petals. Red and white.”

Angel cocks a brow at me, “On the beach?” She smiles, shaking her head, “not too luxurious, huh?”

“She’s my Queen, Angel, everything she wants goes, no matter what.” I kiss Emma’s hand.

Angel scribbles down notes, her gaze shifting between us. “Rustic bohemian it is. Now, let’s talk about the guest list. Have you thought about who you want to invite?”

Emma’s brow furrows slightly, her fingers tracing circles on the table. “I want to keep it intimate, with our closest friends and family. People who have supported us and been a part of our story.”

I nod in agreement. “Absolutely. It’s about having those who have been with us through thick and thin, sharing this special day with us.”

Angel smiles warmly, her pen gliding across the paper. “Alright, I’ll start compiling the guest list, making sure we have everyone who means the world to you both. Still… I’ll send you an additional list that’s a must have and the magazines you want.”

We’ve discussed it with Em and we agreed to trust Angel’s opinions. She told me about William’s double wedding and the buzz around them. After years they still talk about them.

As we delve deeper into the wedding preparations, ideas flow freely, and the excitement builds with every decision made. I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the love and support surrounding us—Emma, my anchor, and Angel, my trusted friend. Together, we embark on this journey, turning our dreams into reality. And as I gaze into Emma’s eyes, the warmth of her hand in mine, I know that this wedding will not only be a celebration of our love but a testament to the incredible bond we share.

I get up and kiss Em. “Okay, ladies, I should get going or I’ll be late for the interview.”

Angel looks at her watch, “You’re already late.”

Passing by, I wink at Em, triggering her laugh. “Impossible, I’m already there.”

Rushing out of Caramels, I jog to my car and drive away. The radio station is minutes away from where I’m at and someone up there is helping me by keeping the traffic out of my way.

After parking the car, I cross the street and head toward SMD’s conference room. Walking toward the table where Jill, Dex, Liam, and Charlie are seated, I can’t miss the murmurs in the room.

I sit in the comfortable chair, surrounded by my bandmates and then Jill lean closer, “You’re late.”

“I’m here now,” I chuckle while taking my jacket off.

In front of me there are plenty of journalists— of the most important music and gossip magazines— that look at all of us, curiosity evident in his eyes. This interview is not just about me, even though I have something to ask; it’s about the bond we share and the music we create together.

“Thank you all for joining me today,” I say, a smile spreading across my face. “I have some exciting news to share, and I couldn’t imagine doing it without these talented individuals by my side.” I pause, making sure I have everyone’s attention, “Do you have any questions for us?”

The hands start riding and I point to the blond girl in front of us, her attention shifting between each of us. “Hi, Elaine Groover over here from Voices in Sync Magazine, what’s been happening in your world, and how do your bandmates play a role in it?”

I take a moment to gather my thoughts, feeling a surge of gratitude for these incredible musicians standing beside me. “Firstly, I’m thrilled to announce that our upcoming concert has sold out in just twenty-four hours. It’s a testament to the dedication and passion of this entire band. Without Jillian, Dex, Liam, and Charlie, none of this would be possible. Their talent and commitment shine through every note we play.”

Jill grins, her eyes sparkling. “We’re a team, Jax. We push each other to reach new heights, and it’s an honor to share the stage with you.” Her gaze shifts to the journalists. “Truth is, Jax is the one — the first one, who really believed in us and pushes us to do more and improve our skills. He’s not just our lead singer but a father who has always been there for us. And the only one to bring us ice cream to cheer us up. Our journey until here, before SMD, has been a learning process and we’re ready to conquer the world one lyric at a time.”

Dex nods, a humble smile on his face. “Yeah, the energy we bring to our performances is electrifying. It’s a privilege to be a part of something so special. We’re a family and maybe that’s what makes us different.”

“And as Jax always says, let’s not forget about the fans. They’re the reason our concerts sell out. Their support drives us to keep creating and pushing the boundaries of our music.” Liam chimes in, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Charlie leans in, his voice resonating with passion. “Exactly. This journey is about more than just success. It’s about connecting with people, sharing our stories through music, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.”

The man on the sidelines waves his hand and I nod at him. “Hi, Mark Gallagher from E-MAG . That’s incredible. The bond you all share is evident. Is there more to the story?”

I nod, a sense of excitement coursing through me. “Absolutely. In addition to our sold-out concert, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been given the incredible opportunity to join the esteemed songwriter list here at SMD. And this is where my bandmates play an integral role. Their support and musical expertise have helped shape the songs for our upcoming album.”

Liam nods in agreement. “This album is going to be something special. Each song has a unique story, and it’s a testament to the love and dedication we have for our craft, isn’t it Jillian?”

Jill grins proudly. “We’ve been pouring our hearts into this album, exploring new sounds and pushing ourselves creatively. It’s an honor to collaborate with Jax and contribute to the songwriting process.”

“Yeah, we’re always challenging each other to bring our best. We’ve grown so much as a band, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the music we’ve created.” Dex adds, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Charlie leans back, a satisfied smile on his face. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re excited to share it with the world. This album is a reflection of our growth as artists and the incredible bond we share as a band and it’ll be the first of a long success.”

The next journalist is the dickhead who spread the rumors about me cheating on Emma. She laughed so hard since we were in our baby moon. I pick him. “Val Travis from Elle Magazine ,” he says and stands up, “I’d like to shift to something more personal. How do you cope with the rumors about you and Emma?”

“As you said, there are only rumors.” I chuckle. “I want to clarify that there is and never will be another woman in my life. Emma is the only goddess that exists on this earth.”

“But the pictures don't lie. We all saw them.” He carries on.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but the girl in that picture you’re talking about is one of our fan page admins and biggest fan we’ve ever had. There’s nothing between us. In that picture, there’s nothing other than a hug even if the speculation gets bigger.” I pause and drink a gulp of water, “I want to announce publicly that if anyone continues to carry on the rumors, you will be sued by me and SMD. My priorities in this period are my soon to be wife Emma — we’re organizing our wedding and Angel Montgomery will make sure everything runs smoothly — and our babies.”

“If I can add something else,” Jill giggles, “being myself close to Emma and Jax, I can assure you nothing can break the bond between them. Hearty eyes and all.”

“So please stop sharing that stupid fake news. Emma needs to relax and enjoy her pregnancy,” Dex’s voice booms in the room. I know Dex will love to punch Mr. Fucking Travis, and I’ll do too but the last thing we need is to get in trouble.

Dex chooses a journalist, and she stands up. “Christine Parker for Music and Notes. Talking about rumors, is that true that SMD will take part in next year's edition of Vocal Keys only if Synder won't sit at the table?”

“I can’t confirm nor deny.” I shrug. “I’m pretty sure Angel Montgomery will announce it if she’ll take part in it but it depends on her schedule and not on who's in the jury.”

The conversation shifts to more personal topics, including my upcoming wedding and the news of Emma’s pregnancy. The camaraderie between us shines through as we share stories, laughs, and heartfelt moments.

The journalists marvel at our unity, our friendship, and the love we have for our music and each other. As the conference comes to an end, I can’t help but feel grateful for these crazy people who have become my extended family. I step out of the bustling conference room, the energy from the conference still coursing through my veins. The warmth of success and anticipation fills the air, but there’s a tinge of sadness too. As I glance around, I see Liam, Charlie, and Dex waiting for me, their smiles matching my own.

“Great job in there, Jax!” Liam exclaims, clapping me on the back. “You nailed it!”

“Yeah, man! The fans are going to go crazy when they hear about the sold-out concert and the new album.” Charlie grins.

Dex nods, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “The wedding and the baby news were chef's kiss.”

I chuckle, feeling a mixture of joy and longing. Since the news of the triplets, all of them try to be present for Emma. Especially Dex. He was the first to buy their first toys. “Thanks, guys. It’s an incredible time in my life, that’s for sure.”

Just then, Jill approaches, her face beaming with excitement. “Emma just sent me a text. She’s on her way to try on wedding dresses. Can you believe it? We’re going to be stunning on your big day!”

I smile, genuinely happy for Emma, but a pang of sadness hits me. “I wish I could be there too, Jill. I want to see her in that dress, you know?”

Liam pats my shoulder, amusement in his eyes. “Not until the wedding day.”

“I don’t believe that bad luck story.” I sigh.

With the wedding preparations underway, the guys and I head to a nearby tailor where Angel made sure to book a close doors appointment to try on suits. We walk into the shop, and the sound of laughter and chatter fills the air. The tailor greets us warmly, ready to assist.

As we try on various suits, Angel joins us, her presence adding an extra touch of style and insight. We exchange playful banter, providing feedback to each other as we search for the perfect ensemble for the big day. After much deliberation and Angel’s expert opinion, we finally settle on our suits. We bid the tailor farewell and step out onto the bustling streets, ready for a breather.

Dex and I decide to head to Caramels, a quaint café we discovered near the SMD offices that we adore. We settle into a corner booth, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping us.

Dex sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly. “My date dumped me. Seems like I won’t have a plus one for the wedding.”

I feel a pang of empathy for my friend, knowing how much he had been looking forward to having someone by his side. “Aw, man, I’m sorry to hear that.”

Dex shrugs, attempting to hide his disappointment. “Yeah, well, these things happen, I guess.”

I search for the right words, wanting to lift his spirits. “There are plenty of fish in the sea, you know? You’ll find someone who appreciates you for who you are.”

Dex offers a weak smile, his gaze shifting to the window. “Maybe, Jax. Maybe.”

“You need to move on from Samantha, Dex.”

Dex’s smile fades a little, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Yeah, I’m trying to.” That’s a big fucking lie. “But enough about that. Let’s talk about something else. How’s the new album shaping up, have you heard the latest version?”

I catch on to his attempt to redirect the conversation, understanding his need for some space. “The album is coming together in the best way. I can’t wait for you guys to hear it too.”

Dex nods, a flicker of excitement returning to his eyes. “That’s awesome, man. I’m feeling it in my bones this is the right path.”

As we continue our conversation, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. The joy of the upcoming wedding, the excitement for the new album, and the sadness for Dex’s recent disappointment all swirl within me. But I’m grateful for the bond we share, the camaraderie that carries us through both the highs and lows of life. And as I sip my coffee, I silently hope Dex will find the happiness he deserves, just as I have found mine.