*~*EPILOGUE*~*

40th Bon Jovi Anniversary Tour

The little girl skipped around her mother, singing the same tune for the millionth time and twirling in her new dress. Her dark curls bounced as she walked, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. Her mother smiled at her, her heart full with joy at seeing her happy.

Xandria turned her gaze to the large band posters outside the Nashville arena. She smiled at thoughts of her last visit here. It had been years ago, but she still remembered the thrill she felt watching her boys perform on stage.

As she approached the entrance of the arena, she caught sight of a familiar figure with a bright blonde mop of curls walking towards her. It was David. Her David.

Her heart skipped a beat as she stared at him, marveling at how much he had aged. The years had been kind to him, but it was clear that he still had the same passion and drive that made him famous.

"Mommy! It's Daddy!" Janay exclaimed, her voice full of awe. David turned at the sound of the little girl's voice. She slipped from her mother's grasp and took off in a run before throwing herself into her Daddy's arms. "Daddy!"

"My princess!"

Xandria watched the two of them, her heart swelling with love. She could see the resemblance in their faces, the way they moved and spoke. The child had even inherited the love of music and begged her Daddy to play during every visit.

With brown curly hair and blue eyes, Janay was a breathing little beauty. Spoiled by nurses in the NICU when she was born, she was always the center of attention.

That spoiled baby was a miracle given to Xandria by David.

As it had been explained to her, David had sperm extracted prior to his vasectomy and preserved for the future if the opportunity arose. While Lexi had zero desire for children, Xandria wanted them. Desperately.

The papers were signed and IVF treatments began. By the time they vacationed in the French Alps, three tests came back positive and she presented the final one to David. The insemination had been successful.

Since David wanted to be an active part of the child's life, he helped Xandria purchase a modest three bedroom two bath, split-level home in Red Bank. It was ten minutes from the beach, which Xandria loved and, once the child was old enough, the schools in the area had great reputations.

The backyard was big enough for a swing set with plenty of extra space for expansions in the future. Lexi lent her talent with the interior furnishings and showed her support by helping where she could. This meant a full in-home photo studio for Xandria when she would eventually return to full-time photography.

At 36 weeks, Janay Elara was born by C-Section and admitted into the NICU with respiratory distress. She was a fighter from the start, and after four weeks in the hospital, she was finally able to go home on her proper due date. Every day either David would come over and help with Janay and Xandria's transition into parenthood.

Whether it was changing diapers, cleaning the house or laundry, he was there for her. Solid as a rock.

As Janay grew older, she proved to be a bright, curious child. She loved music, just like her Daddy, and met her half-siblings. They adored her and took her under their wing, Gabby was especially attentive and Lexi always made sure Janay had fingerpaints and all the arts and craft stuff she could wish for.

These days she was a vibrant and happy child, currently giggling as David covered her face in kisses. He popped Janay on his hip and gave Xandria a warm smile, his eyes filled with affection.

"Hey, beautiful," he said, wrapping his free arm around her and showing his hand free of any wedding band. "She's growing up so fast. How are you?"

Xandria leaned into him, feeling the comfort of his body against hers. "I'm good," she replied, her voice soft and loving. "Sorry we're a bit late. Nashville traffic is some of the worst today."

David chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. "It's okay, we have plenty of time before the show starts. Besides, I wanted to get some time with my birthday princess before chaos ensues."

"She's been babbling about it all week. All her little friends at daycare...they all had to know. This is going to be an amazing show. It was sweet of you to fly us down."

"Of course! I wouldn't miss a chance to see her happy. Or you." He took her hand in his, his fingers intertwining with hers. "You look beautiful tonight, as always."

Xandria blushed as her heart filled with warmth. "What can I say? I had to look good for my man tonight! I'm grateful you stuck around, ya know? She wouldn't be here without you," she said softly, her voice full of emotion.

David leaned in and kissed her, his lips brushing against her cheek. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he whispered, his voice thick with feeling. "It was the least I could do for my girls. Here...," he reached into his back pocket, "these are for you two." He held out two AAA VIP GUEST passes, one with a smaller lanyard for children.

"Oh me, Daddy! Me!" Janay demanded and batted her lashes at David.

"God, they learn so young," he muttered and looped the pass around her neck with a glow stick on a separate lanyard. "Don't take 'em off," he instructed her, bussing her cheek with a kiss.

Xandria pushed the stroller up to Janay, who was bouncing with excitement. Her dark brown hair framed her sweet face, and her blue eyes sparkled with anticipation. She was growing up so quickly, and she couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions.

"Hop in, honey. It's a long walk backstage," she said and the little girl pouted, settling into the stroller.

"Was that thing really necessary? She's 3. She can walk," David chuckled.

"Yeah...she's 3. She gets tired and whiny," Xandria replied with a roll of her eyes. She and David walked together through the darkened arena lobby and gave Janay a peak of the stage. She locked hands with her man and smiled over at him.

"What?" David asked with a bemused grin. Xandria shrugged and batted her eyelashes. "See? I told you that's where she got it from. What is it with you two doing that lash thing?"

"Because you're a sucker for it," she replied and gave him an impish smile. "Oh...you said to remind you about money for Janay's new clothes?"

"Oh, yeah. Hold on." David pulled out his wallet and handed her a fold of crisp hundred dollar bills. "Just let me know if you need more." He'd been more than generous with his financial support, ensuring Janay and Xandria never wanted for anything.

"She finally settled on a toddler formula that didn't upset her stomach. Doctor Mike was happy about that," Xandria said, always ensuring he was kept in the loop and tucking the money into her purse.

"What about you? Have you settled into the house yet?" David asked, his tone concerned. "It's been three years."

"One or two boxes are in the den...just haven't found the motivation to open them."

"Your mom's things?"

"Yeah," she said with a nod. "I wanted to set up a special area just for the items and photo albums. Been thinking about renting and furnishing a new studio in town."

David put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a comforting squeeze. "I'm more than happy to help you with the studio. I know how much you love your work. Hell, I'll be your first client."

Xandria smiled up at him, grateful for his understanding. "Might make a few canvas prints I took of you. I'll be the evil whore who uses your handsome face."

"Use me, baby," David groaned loudly and they both cracked up. "For real and seriously, I don't mind being eye candy for you. With these devilish good looks...." He let his words trail off and winked. Xandria couldn't help but giggle at his antics.

As they approached the backstage area, Xandria could feel her heart beating faster. He squeezed her hand as they continued to walk through the crowded hallway, the noise of chatter and the buzz of excitement growing louder with each step.

David pushed open the door of the band's hospitality suite and there was a chorus of "Happy Birthday!" All the guys have noise makers and hats, alongside a large food spread from Catering and a 3-tier birthday cake with pink and white decorations.

Janay jumped from the stroller and ran up to each guy, giving them hugs and cheek kisses. Xandria watched with a mix of pride and amusement, her heart full to the brim with love. David took a moment to look around at the chaos before pulling her aside.

"Are you sure you're okay with this? I don't want you to feel pressured or uncomfortable."

Xandria gave him a soft smile, stretched up, and kissed him deeply. Their breaths mingled, a gentle exchange of intimacy, as she pressed her lips tenderly against his. It was a kiss filled with longing, with the silent promise of everything they shared and everything they hoped for.

The world around them faded into insignificance. She could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath her touch, a rhythmic melody that echoed the love they held for each other.

She pulled away slowly, her eyes locked with his. "I wouldn't have it any other way," she whispered, voice soft and filled with emotion. Her fingers traced the contours of his face, memorizing every curve and every line as if committing them to memory. "I'm just...grateful to have you in my life. Both of you."

David reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You're my everything...." He leaned in and kissed her again, a soft brush of his lips against her cheek. "Don't ever forget that."

"Mmm never," she moaned quietly. "You're still the best."

He looked down into her eyes, his fingers tracing the curve of her cheek. "You're stuck with me, remember?" he whispered, his eyes shining with affection. "What would you say about getting a babysitter for after the show?"

"Who'd you pay to agree to babysit?"

"Let's just say Tico owes me one and he doesn't drink anymore."

Xandria raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "And how exactly did he owe you one?"

David's lips quirked into a smile. "That's a story for another day."

"More like a story for tonight...."

David pulled her closer, his lips brushing against hers as he breathed in deeply. "We can talk about that later," he said, his voice low and husky. "Right now, we have a birthday party to attend."

Xandria nodded with a big cheesy smile, her heart full to bursting. "I wouldn't have it any other way," she replied, her voice thick with emotion. "I love you, David."

David pulled her in for another embrace, his arms strong and warm around her. "I love you too, babygirl. Always."

**~~**