Chapter 24 - I Love You

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The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the kitchen. Georgie sat at the table, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee, the familiar scent grounding her. These moments had become precious—quiet mornings where everything felt calm, where it was just her and Morgan, slowly finding their rhythm again.

Morgan stepped into the kitchen, his hair still tousled from sleep. He offered her a soft smile as he poured himself a cup. "Morning," he said, his voice low and gentle.

"Morning," Georgie replied, her heart swelling at the sight of him. It had taken time, but they were getting there—back to a place of comfort, back to each other.

Morgan sat across from her, his eyes searching hers. "You doing okay today?"

Georgie nodded, feeling the familiar weight of anxiety but also a sense of peace she hadn't felt in months. "Yeah, I think so. It's still a lot, but... I feel better. Lighter."

The success of Demons had been overwhelming in the best way. The song had skyrocketed to number one on every chart, and the messages from fans continued to pour in. Georgie had never expected her story to resonate so deeply with so many people, and while it was humbling, it was also a reminder of how far she had come.

Morgan took a sip of his coffee, his gaze never leaving her. "I'm proud of you, Georgie. For everything. You've been through hell, and you've come out the other side stronger than ever."

Georgie felt a lump form in her throat at his words. She hadn't realized how much she needed to hear that. "I couldn't have done it without you," she said softly. "You've been so patient with me... more than I deserved."

Morgan reached across the table, his hand closing over hers. "You deserve all the patience in the world. We've been through a lot, but we're still here. And that's what matters."

His words settled deep within her, bringing a warmth she hadn't felt in a long time. They had come so far from where they'd been—separated by both distance and her struggles—but now, sitting here with him, she felt closer to him than she had in months.

Later that afternoon, as the day stretched into golden hues, Georgie found herself reflecting on the whirlwind that had followed Demons' release. The song had taken on a life of its own, and everywhere she turned, it seemed like people were talking about it—on the radio, on social media, even in stores. Fans were connecting with her words, sharing their own stories of struggle and survival, and for the first time in months, Georgie felt like she had done something that truly mattered.

But with the success of Demons, there was also a new chapter unfolding—one she had been both excited and terrified to step into. Her album, which had been finished for months, was finally ready to see the light of day. It was her story, her truth, captured in every song. She had poured her heart into it before everything fell apart, and now, with Demons paving the way, it felt like the right time to release it.

Georgie sat down at her laptop, the words for her announcement swirling in her mind. She hesitated for a moment, her fingers hovering over the keys. This was a big step—another layer of vulnerability she wasn't sure she was ready for. But then she remembered the countless messages from fans, the support that had carried her through the darkest days. This wasn't just about her anymore. It was about them, too.

Taking a deep breath, she began typing.

Georgie's Post:

It's been a journey. These past few months have been some of the hardest of my life, but through it all, music has been my constant. I'm so proud to announce that my new album will be released this December. This album is my story—one that I hope resonates with all of you. It's about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Thank you for your love and support. I can't wait for you to hear what we've created.

Album release date: December 2025.

As soon as she hit "post," Georgie felt a surge of emotion. The album had been a labor of love, and now, the world would finally hear it. She leaned back in her chair, a mixture of excitement and nerves coursing through her.

Within minutes, the reactions started pouring in.

@DayOneFan:
An album!!! I've been waiting for this day forever! Can't wait to hear it!

@CountrySoul:
"Demons" saved my life, and now we get a whole album? Georgie, you are a blessing.

@Fan4Life:
December can't come soon enough! Thank you for sharing your story, Georgie. We love you!

The flood of comments filled her screen, and as Georgie scrolled through them, she felt a sense of pride that had been missing for so long. This was what she was meant to do—share her story, connect with people, and help them through their own struggles.

Morgan walked into the room, noticing the look on her face. "You made the announcement, didn't you?"

Georgie nodded, her hands still trembling slightly from the adrenaline. "Yeah. It's out there now."

He walked over and sat beside her, his presence warm and steady. "How do you feel?"

"Nervous. But good," she admitted. "It's a lot to put out there, but I think I'm ready for it."

Morgan wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "You've been ready, Georgie. You've worked so hard on this, and now it's time. The world needs to hear it."

Georgie rested her head against his shoulder, the tension slowly easing from her body. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Morgan. You've been my rock through all of this."

"You don't have to know," he said, his voice low and soothing. "I'm not going anywhere."

That night, after Jackson had been put to bed, the house fell into a comfortable silence. Georgie and Morgan sat together on the couch, the soft glow of the fireplace casting a warm light over the room. It felt peaceful, like a moment suspended in time—just the two of them, without the weight of the world pressing down.

Morgan shifted slightly, his hand brushing against hers, and for a moment, Georgie felt her heart skip. It had been so long since they had shared an intimate moment like this—since she had felt this kind of closeness.

She turned toward him, her eyes searching his. "Morgan..."

He met her gaze, his expression softening as he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah?"

"I just..." Georgie hesitated, the words catching in her throat. She hadn't said it in so long, not since before everything had fallen apart, but now, in this quiet moment, it felt right. "I love you," she whispered.

Morgan's breath hitched, his eyes widening in surprise. For a second, he looked like he wasn't sure he had heard her correctly. But then, as the words settled in, his expression softened, and a tear slipped down his cheek.

"I love you too, Georgie," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Georgie reached up, brushing the tear from his face as she leaned in, pressing her lips gently to his. It wasn't just a kiss—it was a promise. A promise that no matter what they had been through, no matter what struggles lay ahead, they were in this together.

When they pulled away, Morgan rested his forehead against hers, his hands cradling her face. "I've been waiting for you to say that," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I know," Georgie said softly. "I'm sorry it took so long."

"You don't have to be sorry," he said, his thumb gently tracing her cheek. "You needed time. And I'll always wait for you."

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, the warmth of their connection filling the space between them. It was a quiet, intimate moment—one they hadn't shared in so long—but it felt like the beginning of something new. Something stronger.

As the night deepened and the fire slowly flickered out, Georgie closed her eyes, feeling more at peace than she had in months. Her album was coming out, her relationship with Morgan was stronger than ever, and for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

There was still a long road ahead—challenges with her career, balancing motherhood, and continuing her journey of healing—but with Morgan by her side, she knew they could face anything together.

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