Chapter 77

Tank
Lilly was so happy about getting married. She even loved the small ceremony. I’m happy I did right by her. The only thing I wish we could do is be on our honeymoon already but I know these concerts are important to her. So I will just sit here until the concert is over then I will take her away to the cabin I have rented. Just the two of us and a fireplace for five days. I have many ideas on how to pass the time. Most of it without clothes. Anna told me that Lilly is worried about some of her dancing tonight. I know she grinds up on the guys but I also know it doesn’t mean anything, it is just an act. I also know she is dancing with a few new guys and she is worried about how I feel now that we are married. I pass along that I’m fine but make a note to talk to Lilly about it. I want to support her and I understand she is playing it up for her crowd. I want to assure her I’m ok with it. Besides, she never goes overboard with the dancing. She keeps it tasteful yet sexy all at the same time.

Neil just finished his song and says “ We have several special songs tonight. The first is dedicated to a good friend. You will know who you are by the song.” The Lug and Neil start singing Queen’ Another One Bites The Dust.’ Our section loses it and is cracking up. When they are done Lug says “ Tank that’s for you brother. You might be wondering why we did that. Sorry fellas but Tank the lucky son of a bitch that he is, married our Songbird this afternoon in a small ceremony.” I hear groans from over half the guys in the audience. That’s right fuckers she is mine. “ But never fear, we still have Songbird in all her sexy glory for you guys. And she has something special for everyone.” Neil says.

Lilly stands in the middle of the stage looking hot as fuck in her skin tight outfit. It looks like Anna painted it on her. I’m going to have fun peeling it off her later tonight. She is singing Lauren Alaina's' Road Less Traveled’. Strutting up and down the stage. I guess the guys forgot she is married and are doing wolf whistles anyway. When she is done Lilly says “ Thank you for coming out tonight. Ladies, I know my guys are some serious eye candy. But I figure you might want a little extra instead of watching me shake my ass every week. So all the ladies that come out to see us week after week this is for you. Oh one more thing. Thanks to my wonderful husband for being so understanding.” Lug and Neil step back and the only light is on Lilly. Then the music starts. Lilly is singing The Weather Girls ‘ It’s Raining Men.’ This is where she has several extras. When she gets to the first chorus and the lights hit I see why. She has two guys from fire, police ,paramedics and armed forces in uniform on stage with her. The ladies are going nuts. Screaming wolf whistling and I’m including Trina, Anna and Silvey in that group. They are losing their minds. You would think they were at a strip show or something.

After that Neil and Lug do a few more songs. Lilly is up next and this song I couldn’t be more proud of her doing. She is Charlie Puth ‘ One Call Away’. You are probably wondering why. When she hits the first chorus the lights shine on four paramedics, both two men and two women in uniform. The next is three firemen, one woman and two men. Police are next two men and two women and last are four vets in full uniform. Yep, my girl is doing a tribute to the everyday heroes. Lilly steps in front of all of them in the middle “ Ladies and gentlemen. I wanted to show how grateful I am to all that put their lives on the line to keep us safe.. That song is for them because it is true. They are just a phone call away. And we don’t think about them until we need them. I would also like to have a moment of silence if you will indulge me for all of those who didn’t make it back home.”

I expected a little groaning from the crowd but to my surprise not one single person did. We all bowed our heads in honor of the fallen. After that Lilly said “ Thank you for respecting my wishes. I also want to thank the ones who are behind the scenes. The husbands, wives, mother, fathers and children who support these fine people.” pointing to the people on stage. “ I have the Captains of each unit here as well as the director of the V. A. that these soldiers came from here. Could you come up please.” Goof is escorting Bradford on stage followed by the Chief of the fire department, Captain of the paramedics and director or the V. A. on stage. Goof stays beside Lilly. I didn’t know about this part. “ I can’t do much but I hope this will help.” Lilly goes to Bradford first and Goof hands her an envelope “ I came into some money recently and I thought there are people that could use it better than me. So I want you to have it. I want you to have it. The band and I have one request. Half goes to your department, half to a fund to help families of your fallen.” Lilly hands all the heads of the first responders an envelope. Bradford opens his first and I swear I see tears in his eyes. The rest follow. Bradford grabs Lilly in a bear hug. Then shakes hands with all the guys. He turns to the audience and says “ I want to thank Songbird and the band for this very generous check. Ten thousand dollars will go a long way. And I will fulfill your request.”

The rest of the departments follow suit. Lilly steps up to the director of the V.A.and hands him a check “ This won’t take away or make up for what these men and women have lost but I hope this will help fund programs to help them in the future.” My girl just handed out forty thousand dollars out of the goodness of her heart. I remember her being overwhelmed when we checked her bank account and saw over a million dollars in it. She said there was no way she needed that much money. I told her I would support her in what she decided to use the money for. I guess she found something close to her heart. And I couldn’t be prouder although we are going to have to answer some questions from my brothers.

When the stage clears just one light shines on Lilly. “ Before we take a break there is one more song I want to do. You see before tonight I haven’t really found a reason to sing it. Tank,this is for you.” I don’t know about this song as they didn’t tell me ahead of time but it is beautiful. It is about being bound to someone heart, body and soul. I will have to ask her the name later. Some of the ladies must know it because they are tearing up and Anna is telling me what a lucky man I am. As if I didn’t know that already. I can’t wait to have her to myself.