Page 93 of The Anaconda Downstairs

He fixed the camera with a steely gaze, his voice dropping to a near-growl. “Our campaign is about love, acceptance, and health at every size. Anyone who has a problem with that might want to examine their own prejudices.”

Everett grinned, fully enjoying his brother's meanest defensive lineman persona for this asshat. He nodded and added to the smackdown this guy deserved. “And while they're doing that, they can learn how to stay in their own lane.”

The reporter seemed taken aback by Declan's intensity and Everett's blatant joy in it. I didn’t hold back a snort-laugh. It wasn't often that Declan spoke to the press, but when he did, he made it count.

When we finally made it through the camera gauntlet of the red carpet and made our way into the venue, I let out a breath.

Everett pulled me close, pressing a kiss to my temple.”You were amazing out there. Red carpets are intense, man.”

“Just wait until the after parties.” I smiled up at him, for the first time actually looking forward to those parties because he'd be by my side. Yeah, I was going to show off my hot fiancé and ring with a rock the size of the moon. But more than anything, it was going to be fun to share this insider bit of my world with him.

The Grampys theater was a sea of glitter and glamour, the air electric with anticipation. We found our seats, and I sat between Everett and Kelsey, my hand clasped tightly in Ev's as we waited for the ceremony to begin. There were a lot of people around us who were whispering and pointing at us. But not for one second did I worry they were making fun of me. It was so clear that they were star struck by getting to be near us. Of course they'd feel that way about Kelsey, but there were people taking notice of me too. So far, this was my favorite music awards show ever.

But the night was far from over. The lights dimmed and the host took the stage. “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the sixty-seventh annual Grandfather of Music Awards.”

Kelsey was up for several Grampy awards tonight, and I had a feeling this was going to be a night to remember. She wasusually the picture of calm confidence, but she was fidgeting with her water glass. Declan took her hand and gave her knuckles a kiss.

“You okay?” I whispered.

She flashed me a quick smile. “Just excited. And maybe a little nervous.”

I squeezed her arm reassuringly. “You've got this.”

The host, a popular late-night comedian, took the stage. After a monologue that had the audience in stitches, the awards beganin earnest.It didn't take long for Kelsey's name to be called. “And the Grampy for Best Pop Vocal Performance goes to... Kelsey Best.”

The theater erupted in applause as Kelsey made her way to the stage, her blue gown shimmering under the spotlights. Her acceptance speech was brief but heartfelt, thanking her team, her fans, and, of course, Declan.

As she returned to her seat, flushed with victory, I gave her a strong hug. I was so damn proud of her, and this was only the beginning.

Over the next hour, Kelsey's name was called twice more—for Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. Each time, she accepted with grace and humility, her joy infectious. But we all knew the big one was yet to come. Album of the Year.

As the nominees were announced, I found myself holding my breath. Beside me, Everett's hand tightened around mine. Kelsey sat perfectly still, her eyes fixed on the stage.

“And the Grampy for Album of the Year goes to...”

The pause seemed to stretch for an eternity.

“Kelsey Best forStrength.”

The roar of the crowd was deafening. Declan swept Kelsey into a kiss before she could even stand. She made her way to the stage, and I was going to have to touch up my makeup because these tears of joy couldn’t be held back. This was the culmination of so much hard work, so many late nights and early mornings, so much pure growth from the inside out.

Kelsey took the award, her hands shaking slightly as she approached the microphone. For a moment, she just stood there, taking it all in. Then she spoke, her voice clear and strong.

“Wow. Just... wow.” She laughed, and the audience laughed with her. “This album was a journey of self-discovery for me. It was about learning to find the strength in myself, but since the release, I've also learned to find strength in the people aroundme. Declan, I love you, and you've helped me learn how to love myself so much more.”

She paused, taking a deep breath. “And that journey isn't over. Which is why I'm thrilled to announce that my new album,Real, will drop next month.”

The crowd erupted again, and I saw several people reaching for their phones, no doubt spreading the news on social media.

“Realis a celebration of authenticity, of being true to yourself no matter what the world tells you. And to bring that celebration to you, my amazing fans, we'll be embarking on a full-on stadium tour this summer.”

The cheers were almost overwhelming now. Kelsey beamed, holding her award high. “Thank you all so much. Remember, you are beautiful, you are worthy, and you are enough. Just as you are.”

As Kelsey made her way back to her seat, I quickly pulled out my phone. Social media was exploding.

“Ev, look at this,” I whispered, showing him the screen. I'd set up for the team to drop the album cover forRealon all of her socials when she made the announcement. And it was even more stunning than I could say. Kelsey, radiant in a simple white dress, in front of a white background, was holding Lady Bananaconda Hisstledown, and they were both looking right into the camera. The contrast was striking, beautiful, and so very daring.

The comments were flooding in:

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