Rehearsal at the Grand Palais

The morning after their arrival in Paris, Grace woke up with a flutter in her chest. Paris felt different when you were actually there. The streets were alive, the city a beautiful blend of history and modernity, but her heart was racing because of the day ahead. The band was gearing up for their first rehearsal at the Grand Palais, one of the most prestigious concert venues in the world. And Grace was nervous. This wasn't just another gig for Jax. This was the gig—the one that would change everything.

After breakfast, Jax had kissed her on the cheek, a soft, tender gesture that made Grace's stomach do flips. "You ready for today?" he'd asked, his voice warm and teasing, but there was something else in his eyes—something deeper.

Grace smiled, nodding. "I think so. Just... a little nervous."

"You'll be fine, don't worry. Just follow my lead, and enjoy the ride," Jax had said, pulling her into a tight hug before he left for the venue.

Grace had to admit, there was something about the way he said those words that made her feel like everything was going to be okay.

Jax had to leave earlier than Grace because she still needed to do her makeup and get ready. So, Jax decided to head out ahead of her, while Grace was later driven there in a private car.

When Grace arrived at the Grand Palais, the size of the building took her breath away. It stood in front of her like a giant, all glass and steel, majestic and imposing. She could feel the history in the air, the weight of its legacy. And as she stepped inside, the vastness of it all hit her. The walls echoed with the buzz of preparation—technicians running cables, the crew moving equipment, and the sounds of band members tuning their instruments.

As soon as Grace entered, Jax spotted her from across the room. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he made his way toward her, the crowd parting as if he was magnetic. There was no denying it—Jax was in his element.

He pulled her into his arms as soon as they were within reach, lifting her off the ground for a quick moment, spinning her around. She let out a surprised laugh, the kind of laugh that felt like it belonged in the middle of a romantic comedy.

"I missed you already," Jax teased, placing a soft kiss on her forehead as he set her down gently.

Grace grinned, still feeling the rush from his playful lift. "I was only gone for five minutes," she joked, but her heart was fluttering.

"I know, but it felt like five hours," he said, wrapping his arms around her in a more serious embrace this time. He kissed her cheek softly, lingering just a moment longer than necessary. "I'm glad you're here with me today."

She could feel the sincerity in his words, and it made her heart skip a beat. "I wouldn't be anywhere else," she whispered back.

The rest of the band was gathered at the front of the stage, tuning their instruments, and Grace followed Jax as he led her to the front row of the massive hall. She could feel the excitement in the air as everyone geared up for the rehearsal, but Jax's attention was solely on her.

As they reached the stage, Jax gave her a mischievous grin, his hand brushing against hers before he pulled her close again. "You okay? Not too overwhelmed, are you?"

Grace shook her head, her eyes wide as she took in the enormity of the place. "I'm good. It's just... everything is so big and... intense."

Jax chuckled, his thumb brushing over her knuckles, soothing her. "Yeah, it can be a lot to take in, but don't worry. You're gonna love it." Then, with a playful smirk, he added, "Besides, I've got a plan to make sure you feel at home here. Get ready."

Before she could respond, he lifted her up effortlessly again, this time twirling her around before setting her back down, just as the band began to play. Grace let out a laugh, feeling light as air in his arms. He was always so full of energy, so carefree with her, and it was impossible not to get swept up in it.

"I swear, if I don't get dizzy by the end of this," Grace joked, trying to steady herself.

Jax grinned, his fingers still brushing the back of her neck. "I can make you dizzy if you want," he whispered, leaning in close enough that his lips almost brushed her ear. The shiver that ran down her spine was instant.

But he pulled back just as quickly, taking her hand gently. "Come on, let's get you settled in. We've got some serious rock 'n roll magic to create."

As the band continued to rehearse, Grace stood on the edge of the stage, completely captivated by the energy of the place. Jax was in his element—his movements so fluid, so natural, commanding the stage in a way that made everything feel larger than life. She could see the connection between him and the band, the way they fed off each other's energy. It was a symphony of chaos, but it was beautiful.

She felt a rush of admiration for him, watching how he interacted with his bandmates and how they all seemed to play off his lead. And when he turned to look at her, his eyes softening as if he was seeing her for the first time all over again, she felt her heart flutter.

Jax made his way to her, his smile almost as bright as the lights surrounding them. "You're watching too intently, Grace," he teased as he leaned down, brushing a kiss against her cheek, his lips lingering for a moment longer than usual.

"I can't help it," Grace admitted, looking up at him with a smile that matched his. "You're amazing."

Jax's expression softened. "No, we're amazing. But thanks." He kissed her forehead gently, his fingers running through her hair. "I couldn't do this without you, Grace."

His words made her heart swell, and for a brief moment, everything around them faded away. The music, the bustling crew, the fans waiting outside—it all vanished, and it was just her and him, standing there in the middle of this magical world they were building together.

As the rehearsal continued, Jax kept stealing glances at her, sending her small smiles and playful winks whenever their eyes met. And when the band took a break, he pulled her toward the side of the stage, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Do you know how much I love you?" he whispered, his lips brushing her ear, sending a tingling sensation down her spine.

Grace's breath caught in her throat, the sincerity of his words hitting her like a wave. "I love you too, Jax," she whispered back, turning to face him.

He smiled, a slow, tender smile that made her heart skip a beat. And before she could say anything else, he kissed her softly, tenderly—his lips gentle against hers as if the whole world had stopped for just that moment.

"I'm glad you're here, Grace," he murmured against her lips, pulling her closer.

And as the music continued to echo around them, Grace knew, for the first time in a long while, that everything was right where it was supposed to be.