Chapter 30
The sounds from the fans and music filled the hall as she followed William towards the stage. She was excited to finally be here and couldn't wait to see the look on Richie's face.
"The guys have a box that's wrapped like a present they want you to get in. They're going to get him to open that first before they wheel a cake out for him."
"Cool."
"Jon also wanted me to tell you there's a party after the show for Richie. A local radio station is hosting it."
"Okay." Dominique spotted the cake and the 'gift'. "How much longer?"
"When this song is over. Go on, get in the box."
Standing in the box, Dominique's heart began to race. She'd been waiting for this moment for four years. She listened to Jon tell the crowd that they had a couple surprises for Richie and then she heard the paper being torn away. The next thing she saw was Richie's surprised face and she stepped into his arms.
Holding her tight, he asked, "When did you get here?"
"I've been in town since noon!"
"Hey, Rich....why don't you bring your gift down here for everyone to see?" coaxed Jon and the crowd expressed their agreement.
With his arm around Dominique, Richie led her down to the front of the stage where Jon stood."
"So you guys don't think we're giving Richie a girl for the night...this is his girlfriend of five months. She's finally able to join us on tour," explained Jon. "Richie wasn't expecting her for a few more days....our last night in Quebec."
Richie hugged Dominique to her. "The BEST surprise of all!"
"We're not done, Rich," said Alec as a cake was wheeled out from the side stage.
The crew member with the cake stopped in front of the couple and Jon said to the audience, "Sing with us!" and the entire stadium sang 'Happy Birthday' to Richie. As the song ended, Richie blew out his candles, then hugged Dominique.
"My wish has already come true," whispered Richie into Dominique's ear.
Jon looked at Dominique and she nodded her head. Then he said, "Richie has one more surprise and this is all Dominique's."
Dominique whispered to Richie, "Look towards your guitar area."
Richie looked up to see Gary, his guitar tech, headed towards him carrying a double-neck guitar. Richie's eyes grew wide as he let go of Dominique to take the guitar from Gary.
Dominique smiled as Richie looked back at her. "Gary told me you wanted it and that you'd even ordered it."
"But....is it ready to be played?"
"I asked them to put a rush on it....it should be ready. Why don't you try it out?"
Richie strapped it on and began to play as everyone listened.
"It's PERFECT, Dominique!" praised Richie as he took the guitar off and took her in his arms. He closed the distance covering her lips with his own and kissing her deeply. It got catcalls from the guys and 'Ohhhs' and 'Ahhhs' from the audience.
Breaking the kiss, he whispered, "I love you."
"I love you too."
"Where are you going to watch the rest of the show from?"
"I'll be with Gary...in your guitar area."
"I'll see you after the show," he said giving her another kiss before watching her leave the stage with his guitar tech.
