The next day, we checked out of the hotel, refusing to use the board’s money anymore. For the final time, we packed our stuff from the bus. I handed out my number to staff we trust and consider family, those who showed interest in following us. With nowhere else to go, we headed home.
We spent a day at my mother’s where she spoiled us, cooking for us before we had a chill movie night. Later on, while the guys were asleep in the living room, I nursed a glass of wine with her and explained what our plans were. She told me she was proud and hugged me, promising to help in any way she could.
Supporting my career like I always thought she would.
One thing she said stuck with me. “You can do it, Gabby, you can do anything you set your mind to… Your brother would be so proud of you.” She leaned in and kissed my forehead. “He would like them.” She looked towards the living room. “They’re good guys, I’m glad you finally found your family.”
Now, standing outside of Kingston’s family home, it’s all I can think about. His hand clasps my clammy one. I’m sick with nerves. Facing down a stalker and the board is nothing compared to his mother. I know they’re very close and he trusts and loves her, but if she doesn’t like me, what will happen?
The house is actually two houses which have been made into one—she did have ten children to raise, after all—and it’s situated on a normal suburban street. It has a windchime in the window and flowers in the garden. It’s quaint. Just then, the door opens, and a woman in a long floral dress bursts onto the doorstep. She’s tall and stunningly beautiful, and shares Kingston’s dark onyx skin. Her bright brown eyes light up, and a huge smile spreads across her regal-looking face. Her curly hair is tied back to show off her high cheekbones. The dress has a slit up the side, displaying her toned thigh, and it cinches in at her impressive waist, showcasing her ample bosom. “Kingston!” she screams and bustles down the drive. He lets go of my hand and strides towards his mother, picking her up and hugging her when he reaches her.
“Mother,” he greets warmly. I can’t help but smile as I see them. I can feel the love from here, and when he puts her down and looks over at us with a wide smile, she follows his gaze. The other guys head over, kissing her cheek as they pass into the house, as much family as her other children. She greets them all by name, laughing at something Liam says to her.
“There is food on the stove! But wait for me to serve it,” she calls to them, and then it’s just me. I step closer nervously, swallowing as she looks me over with a friendly smile, her head tilting to one side as she takes me in. “And you must be Gabby, the love of my son’s life.” I glance at Kingston with wide, love-filled eyes, incredulous he told her that. Before I know it, I’m being swept into a tight hug. I freeze, unsure, but I quickly relax and embrace her back.
Pulling away, she cups my cheeks and scans my face. “Well, aren’t you a beauty? I’ve heard so much about you, I’m so glad we finally get to meet. Come in, come in, and let’s get you fed before the boys eat it all.” She takes my arm, and with Kingston on her other side, she drags us into the house. His mother is a force of nature, just like him, kind, caring, and warm, though I shouldn’t have expected anything else.
We move through the living room to the huge kitchen. The house is decorated in warm tones, with pictures of Kingston and his family all over the walls. Newspaper clippings and reviews of the tour and show hang in frames. She is clearly very proud of her son and not embarrassed to show it. It only makes me like her more. It’s clear she’s proud of her family. She makes me sit with a stern command before smacking the guys away from the stove, directing us to sit around the huge table. Kingston instantly sets it and hands out drinks as she moves effortlessly around us, serving a feast in under ten minutes flat. I look across the food with a grin and then meet her gaze.
“It all looks amazing, thank you.” She blushes and nods her thanks before looking at Kingston.
“I like her, you can marry this one,” she declares, giving her blessing, and I almost choke on the rice I just put in my mouth as the others laugh. Leo grumbles as he hands money to Blake. Did they bet? Idiots.
The meal is delicious, some kind of stew and rice with homemade bread and chips. The table is filled with ruckus, laughter, and teasing, not that she seems to mind. She appears to be used to it, and her eyes fill with happiness as she watches us all. She doesn’t even balk when Blake kisses my cheek and Liam flirts with me. She clearly knows about our relationship, yet there is no judgement, only love, and I know from that moment on, this woman will be my family forever.
This is a safe place, this is a home for us.
After eating, Kingston and I help with the pots before the guys all go and relax in the living room, leaving me nursing a coffee at the table as his mum finishes cleaning up before joining me. She has her own mug, and we chat comfortably. I tell her about my family, and she holds my hand when she learns of my brother. For some reason, I even tell her about my father.
She shakes her head, angry on my behalf. “He is a fool to not see the love between you all, to not want to be part of his daughter’s life. A daughter who is clearly smart, strong, and wonderful.” I blush under her praise, and she laughs and pulls me into a hug.
“So is it true, you all quit?” she asks, and I wince but nod again. “Good, about time you took your own path.”
I blink in shock. This woman is a constant surprise. “You don’t think it’s foolish? You don’t want stability for your son?”
“I think sometimes you have to take a leap, even though it’s terrifying, otherwise how will you ever get to the other side?” She sips her coffee as I contemplate that. “It will work out, you’ll see.”
“I hope so,” I murmur, looking at the wooden table. “We still have so much to figure out. I just hope I haven’t messed up their lives. I don’t know how to begin, where to find the money. The venue—” She lays her hand over mine, interrupting me.
“Look at me, child. You are Kingston’s family now, and that makes you my family.” She smiles softly as she considers me. “And you are an amazing one at that from what I’ve heard from him. You may be strong, but everyone needs help every now and again. Let us help you.”
Searching her eyes, I smile with a nod. “Okay, where do we start?”
I tug the suit into place and fidget in the wooden seat. Across from my mother and me is a banker. One we are sorting a loan with. In my name with my mother signing with me. Kingston’s mum and family are already calling in favours and have found us a space where we can set up our show. Having a huge family is coming in handy, and I already feel like part of their lives, which makes it hard to stop smiling.
Blake and Damon are recruiting staff. Leo and Liam are handling the social media side, answering questions, and doing interviews, getting our new plans out there. The Wild Boys are back and with a brand-new act.
Three hours later, we have ourselves a loan, we have our staff, we have the name and the act…and all we need is the venue. But I receive a call from Kingston’s mum, telling me to meet her because she has found the perfect place. It doesn’t take too long to get to the location, and my guys meet us there. Kingston’s mum is standing at his side, smiling happily as she waits for us.