Musically in Love

Epilogue

Tyler's POV

I sat at the back of the auditorium, watching McKinley play in his school's concert band. The band sounded amazing - of course they did. I didn't have any doubts that my bias may have had an opinion on the matter, considering my favorite player was in the band. How could I not love anything that McKinley did?

I was nervous though, despite my excitement. This was the day I've been looking forward to for months. Granted, I hadn't exactly expected it to be at McKinley's final spring concert of his undergraduate career, but I think it would work just as well - if not better - here. McKinley liked attention, so I'm sure this would make him just as excited as I am right now.

I felt a little guilty that McKinley's family was here, but I wasn't sitting with them. I told them a little lie, saying that I wouldn't be able to make it today. I had to tell that to McKinley, too, which I know he was disappointed about. I just hoped this would make up for it. The lie was necessary in order to pull off the surprise.

Once the concert band finished their songs - one of which featured a solo from my very talented boyfriend - I clapped and cheered along with the rest of the audience. I just needed to wait for the jazz band - which McKinley was also a part of - before I could make my move.

It was during their last song that I quietly got up from my seat. I had planned this out in advance, so the lighting and sound crew knew exactly what to do when I approached them. One girl handed me a microphone just in time for the band to finish.

The audience cheered again. I would have too, had I not suddenly become extremely nervous. What if he says no? What if something goes wrong?

The band director started thanking the audience for coming and supporting his bands. I listened, waiting for the cue I knew he was going to give me.

"Now, there's one more thing scheduled for tonight's concert," he said. "It's not on your programs, but I hope you don't mind the little addition. Tyler?"

I flipped on my microphone just as the lights above me turned on, letting everyone in the audience see me. I didn't see them, staring only at McKinley, who was standing by his chair, his mouth hanging open in shock as he stared up at me.

"Hi, everyone," I said hesitantly. I cleared my throat and kept going, hoping my voice wasn't shaking as much. "Wonderful concert, by the way. You were all fantastic." I took a couple steps down towards the stage before stopping again. "I had a question for one of your band students, Mr. Stanton."

"Of course," he replied while I continued down the steps. "Which student? I'm sure any of them would be able to answer whatever question you might have." I could tell he was holding back a smile. When I brought the idea to him a few weeks ago, he immediately got me in contact with the people I needed in order to pull this off. I was incredibly grateful for this man. I wouldn't have been able to do this without him.

"I was hoping McKinley could answer it," I said.

At this point, I was right up in front of the stage. Most of the students on stage had moved out of the way, probably realizing what was going on. McKinley, however, was still standing in the same spot by his chair. His hands were now covering his mouth. I honestly couldn't be sure if he was breathing.

I climbed up the three steps so I was standing on the stage. "Hi, McKinley. Great concert. I loved your solo. Just like I love you." I moved some of the chairs and stands out of the way so that there was a clear opening between us. "I would also love to spend every day of the rest of my life with you, if you'd be okay with that. McKinley..." I pulled the ring box out of my pocket and knelt down. "Will you marry me?"

He didn't react, not until Ben stepped up behind him to give him a nudge in my direction. Then he took a step towards me, but realized his saxophone was still attached to his neck strap. So he quickly unhooked it, laid the instrument on a chair, and practically knocked me over to give me a hug.

I heard the audience laugh and cheer for us, but I wasn't paying them any attention. All I could focus on was the feel of McKinley in my arms and the sound of him repeating the word 'yes' over and over again by my ear while planting kisses to my cheek.

Finally, his lips landed on mine. I held him closer to me, kissing him back. I had to restrain myself, though. I couldn't let myself forget that we were on stage and the center of attention for an audience full of people.

I broke the kiss after only a second and stood up, bringing McKinley to his feet too. We stood there for another second as I placed the ring on his finger before I pulled him off the stage.

His family was immediately on us, giving us hugs and officially welcoming me into their family. I had asked Molly and Mark for their blessing to marry McKinley months ago - over the Christmas holiday which I was lucky enough to spend with them. Even back then it was probably too early to be thinking of marriage - we had only been together for six months at that point - but I knew that this is what I wanted. I managed to wait until now - mostly because I wanted to propose before McKinley graduated and because I finally saved up enough money to buy him a ring.

Next week would be our ten-month anniversary. Maybe even that's still early, but we both knew in our hearts that it was right next step. He's been my rock through some of the toughest moments in my life this past year. From dealing with my abusive dad (who is stuck in jail for the next six years) to learning a whole new language just to talk to me, he's been there for me. Sure, he had a habit of running when I first met him, but I honestly believe that I'm now the one he runs to when something bothers him. I was his rock too, and I was glad that I was.

McKinley wrapped his arm around my waist, holding me tight as his friends came up and congratulated us. He couldn't stop smiling, and I'm sure I was doing the same. It was too perfect of a day not to.  

When we finally made our way out of the auditorium and into the parking lot to head to dinner, McKinley looked up at me. "You know what this means, right?" he asked, a little smirk on his face.

I couldn't help but smile at him, even if I had no idea what he was going for. "What?"

"You get to be stuck with me forever now."

I leaned over to give him a quick kiss. "I couldn't imagine anyone else I'd rather spend my life with."

A/N: So this is officially the end! Thank you guys so much for reading!