Montana Sky

Chapter 4: Healing In My Tears

And with every fading fear
There is healing in my tears
Now I belong, now I belong, now I am strong
Breath of heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of heaven, lighten my darkness
– Chris Eaton: Breath of Heaven –

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Flames were burning brightly in the beautiful stone fireplace of the living room, warming her tired, slightly achy body comfortingly and Stefani smiled at the luxurious feeling, leaning her head back and relaxing, some tension literally draining from her. They had just enjoyed the most delicious dinner, glasses getting raised to toast her birthday; everyone had been very full afterwards so a small break before desserts had been in order, Mary starting to apply some finishing touches to the cake and Stefani was again immensely grateful and humbled to be so openly welcomed, reading the same emotions in the slightly misty eyes of Natali and Bobby as well.

She turned her head, sighing a little as her gaze fell on Bradley, on the other side of the room; he was talking with Mary's husband Thomas, Lea on his hip and his other hand holding a glass of sparkling water. Stefani had stayed away from any alcohol because of her concussion but everyone else apart from him had enjoyed some vintage red wine during dinner and she frowned slightly, wondering why Bradley hadn't. He was looking incredible, dressed in very well-fitting jeans and a white button-down shirt that brought his eyes into such a sharp focus and she had been very close to drooling at the sight, still was, aching to sink her hands into the dark gold hair that curled slightly in his neck. He glanced to her direction just then, as though having sensed her, gave a small smile and she swallowed, looked down, the familiar warm flutters again back in her belly.

"Hey." Sarah took a seat in the chair next to hers with her wine glass, smiled and stretched out her legs with a loud, contented sigh. "Jesus, this day off really hit the spot. How are you doing? Had a good first day here?"

"It was amazing," Stefani replied quietly, watching the other blonde, wondering what her story was; she and Bradley seemed to be very close friends, constantly teasing each other and laughing together. Earlier she had for a brief moment felt restless about it, before noticing that the fourth finger of Sarah's left hand was adorned with a beautiful, simple diamond ring; her curious eyes clearly didn't go unnoticed and she received a teasing wink, Sarah waving her ring hand at her, obviously reading her mind.

"I'm not engaged to Bradley, don't worry."

"Oh." Stefani could feel herself blushing, her face suddenly very hot for reasons that had nothing to do with sitting by the fire. "No, I didn't... um... I didn't mean to..."

"It's okay." Sarah laughed, saving her from her embarrassed babbling. "I can't wait for Tim to get back and meet you though; he's an amazing guitar player and a big fan of yours just like me. We saw you performing in Louisville last November; that's where his parents live and he's visiting them for a bit now. It was an absolutely amazing evening; your show was so good."

"Thank you. I look forward to meeting him then too." She smiled a little, sighing. "I just wish... I wish I had been able to complete the tour. More than anything."

"I know. But it wasn't your fault; you did a lot and sometimes we all need to stop and have a break. And if there are people who don't understand why you had to cancel, well, they don't deserve to call themselves your fans." Sarah reached to touch her arm briefly. "Your health is definitely the most important thing."

"Yeah." She blinked some moisture from her eyes, cleared her throat, glancing to the front door as three people entered, a man and a woman around the same age as Gloria and a younger man maybe in his late thirties; Bradley headed over to meet them, Lea babbling happily on his arms and Stefani watched the older couple smiling widely, leaning to press tender kisses onto her cheeks.