Chapter Text
As Brian slowly opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of Lily sneezing and groaning while nursing their twins. He could see the exhaustion etched on her face as she struggled with her stuffy nose and cramps.
"Are you alright, honey?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.
"My nose won't stop bothering me, and now I'm getting cramps. My period still hasn't returned since I gave birth in April," Lily sighed wearily.
"Perhaps you're coming down with something?" Brian suggested.
"I don't think so. Other than my nose and cramps, I feel fine," Lily replied, her voice trailing off uncertainly.
"We can make an appointment with a doctor when we get back home. It could just be stress, but the cramps have me worried," Brian reassured her.
"That's what I was thinking too. Maybe my body is trying to regulate itself and bring back my period," Lily contemplated aloud.
"That could definitely be it. Don't worry, sweetheart. We'll figure it out together," Brian said lovingly.
"I've also noticed that my breasts are more tender today. Could that mean anything?" Lily asked, watching Claudia and Paul nurse from her.
"Really? Are they hurting?" Brian inquired with concern.
"No, they just feel heavier than usual," Lily explained.
"I'll mention it to the doctor. It could be a change in your milk supply," Brian suggested.
"That's possible," Lily agreed.
"We should probably get these little ones burped and changed before we head out. It's a big day for the band," Brian reminded her.
"Right. How are you feeling? Nervous?" Lily asked with a smile.
"Nervous is an understatement, but mostly, I'm just excited," Brian grinned back at her.
"I'm so proud of you and can't wait to perform with the band. The twins are excited, too," Lily beamed with pride.
"I can't wait to hear your amazing voice on stage in front of a live audience. You've improved so much since our first rehearsal at home," Brian praised her.
"That just adds to the excitement," Lily replied, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"It's going to be an incredible day," Brian said confidently.
"Then let's not waste any more time. I'll call room service for breakfast while you take a shower. Daisy and Karen should be up soon if we need anything else," Lily yawned as she headed towards the bathroom.
"Leave it to me, honey. I'll handle everything," Brian assured her as he picked up the phone to order breakfast.
As he waited for their food to arrive, Brian's nerves started to get the best of him. He couldn't believe that he would be performing on stage with his wife. It was all thanks to Lily, who had volunteered to be by his side after he threatened not to be there.
"Brian, breakfast is here!" Lily called out, emerging from the bathroom in a pink satin robe and slippers.
"Perfect timing, sweetheart. We'll have the twins play with Daisy and Karen while we eat," Brian suggested.
"That sounds like a great idea," Lily agreed as she began dressing the babies.
After a satisfying breakfast together, the group packed up and headed off to the festival grounds.
"How do I look?" Brian asked, dressed in a sky-blue button-down with a brown suede vest, with a dash of rich browns and blacks woven into the fabric. His brown leather shoes gleamed under the sunlight.
"You look incredibly handsome. That outfit suits you perfectly," Lily said, her eyes sparkling as she took in his appearance.
"You look stunning as always, my dear," Brian replied, watching her twirl around in a sleeveless, ankle-length dress adorned with large, vibrant flowers in shades of orange, pink, and yellow. The love beads around her neck, along with her white tennis shoes, added an extra touch of whimsy to the ensemble.
"I'm only wearing this until showtime. Then I'll put on the dress we agreed on before we left," Lily explained.
"Sounds like a plan," Brian grinned, his heart swelling with pride at their coordinated outfits.
"You two are going to steal the show today," Daisy exclaimed, admiring their fashion choices.
"Yes, no one will ever say The Beach Boys are squares again," Karen added with a laugh.
"That's the plan," Brian chuckled.
"Are you ready to grace the stage today as Mrs. Wilson?" Karen teased Lily.
"I'm nervous, but I have Brian by my side, so it can't be too bad," Lily giggled nervously.
"It's going to be amazing, sweetie. Don't worry," Brian reassured her.
"Alright then, let's go have some fun!" Lily declared with a grin, leading them towards the festival entrance.
As they arrived at the festival grounds, Lou Adler greeted them and presented each member of the band and their families with beautiful flower blossoms from Hawaii.
"Welcome to the Monterey Pop Festival, everyone. These flowers are from Hawaii," Lou smiled warmly at them.
"They're absolutely gorgeous," Lily gasped in awe as she accepted a flower from him.
"This one smells amazing," Daisy exclaimed, inhaling the sweet scent of her flower.
The distant sound of lively music filled the air as stagehands hurried to set up the stage for the afternoon shows. Lou, one of the festival's prominent figureheads, addressed the band with a reassuring smile. The sound of laughter and chatter in the crowd filled the air, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Brian's genuine smile reflected his gratitude as he thanked Lou for the opportunity to perform at the festival.
Lou chuckled, "It wouldn't be a festival without you guys in it."
Lily's cheeks blushed at Lou's praise, "Thank you, Lou."
With a knowing look, Lou added, "You guys are going to do amazing. I have a good feeling about it."
Lily's grin widened at his words, "Thank you."
Lou gestured towards the stage, "Go have fun. We'll let you know when it's time."
Brian nodded in appreciation, "Thanks, Lou."
Just then, a reporter named Jann Wenner approached them and asked if he could interview the band for his new magazine called 'Rolling Stone.' Introducing him to the group, Lou explained that Jann was hoping to talk to all the bands performing at the festival and start with an interview and photo session with The Beach Boys.
"Sure. We can do that," Brian agreed before turning to Lily. "I've got to go with the guys, Lil. Would it be okay if you were with the babies?"
Lily nodded understandingly and smiled up at him. "I'll be fine, baby. Good luck. I'll see you in a bit."
"You got it, sweetheart. See you," Brian winked at her before heading off with the rest of the band. As they settled down on quilts and chairs laid out by their wives on the ground, Daisy commented on Brian's calm demeanor despite their nerves.
"I think he's hiding it well," Karen said knowingly.
Daisy nodded in agreement, "Probably. Brian will be okay."
"Even Lily seems nervous," Karen added, noticing her flinching as if in pain while playing with their children, Claudia, Paul, and Lisa.
"Do you think she's sick?" Daisy asked with concern.
"I'm not sure. I'm sure Lily says more if she's really feeling bad," Daisy said as she directed her attention back to Lily.
"Lily, would you like me to get some food or drinks for you before the festival starts?" Daisy asked.
"I'm okay, but thanks for asking. I'm not hungry, but I'll eat if it gets me to settle my stomach," Lily smiled.
"If you don't feel like eating, you should try sipping some water or ginger ale. They got a nice lemonade stand with fresh lemons that look good," Karen said.
"You sure? I'm not really hungry," Lily asked.
"Positive. Come on, and I'll help you out," Karen said.
"Well, alright," Lily said as she stood up, wincing in pain.
"I'll watch your kids. You go get something to drink," Jen told her.
"Alright, thanks," Lily said as she and Karen headed to the lemonade stand.
"How's the pain, Lily?" Karen asked her.
"My cramps are killing me. I'm worried, Karen," Lily sighed.
"Is your period due, honey?" Karen asked.
"I haven't had one since before the twins were born," Lily replied.
"Well, you've been through a lot. Maybe it's stress?" Karen asked.
"Maybe, but this came out nowhere. I was feeling fine until my stomach began hurting," Lily said.
"Well, if it's still bothering you, we'll need to get you seen," Karen said.
"Okay. Thank you," Lily said.
"Here's your lemonade, girls. Enjoy," the vendor smiled.
"Thank you," Lily said.
"Lil, why don't you relax a little? Let's get back to the babies, and I'll sit with you," Karen suggested.
"Sounds good," Lily said.
They walked over to the blanket, and Lily lay down holding her stomach, wearing her oversized sunglasses.
"Is the lemonade working?" Daisy asked.
"It's refreshing, at least. I'm just in a lot of pain," Lily said.
"Where? In your stomach?" Karen asked.
"Yeah. Feels like menstrual cramps, but that's impossible," Lily groaned.
"Have you ever had problems before?" Daisy asked. Lily looked exhausted as she explained the strange occurrences of the morning to her friends. The babies had been nursing constantly and seemed hungrier than usual. Lily had spent a sleepless night tending to their needs, only to be met with crippling cramps in the morning. Karen suggested it could be gas or an upset stomach, but Lily wasn't sure by this point.
Reluctantly, she agreed to use the restroom, and her friends helped her get there. When she came out, Karen could see the pain on Lily's face. She asked if Lily felt any better, and Lily responded with tears in her eyes, saying it felt like her insides were being torn apart.
Karen quickly went to find Brian, while Daisy and Jen stayed with Lily and the babies. When Karen returned, she broke the news that they needed to see a doctor. But Lily refused, not wanting to interfere with Brian's performance at the festival.
As they made their way back to the group, Lily's pain continued to worsen. She tried to focus on the band playing Canned Heat, but the sun beating down on her only added to her discomfort. The once enjoyable music now sounded like a dull throb in her ears.
Karen insisted she eat something, knowing how pale and weak Lily looked. Despite her protests, she finally gave in when Karen brought her a turkey sandwich and potato salad. But even as she tried to eat, her stomach growled and churned with pain.
The afternoon passed in a blur for Lily as she struggled through the pain and discomfort, trying not to ruin the festival experience for everyone else. But deep down, she knew something was seriously wrong and hoped it would pass soon.
As stagehands scrambled to set up the stage for the afternoon shows, Karen's warm smile lit up her face as she handed Lily her sandwich, her eyes sparkling with kindness. The band had just finished their lackluster set, and the audience showed it, unimpressed and unresponsive. Lily took a bite of her sandwich, trying to push away the feeling of disappointment in her stomach.
"Is the food okay?" Karen asked, noticing Lily's less-than-enthusiastic response.
"It's alright," Lily shrugged, attempting to eat despite the knot forming in her stomach.
"Try some water. It might help settle your stomach," Karen suggested kindly.
Lily took a sip of the refreshing water and felt a moment of relief wash over her. "Thanks, that does feel better," she said gratefully.
"No problem," Karen smiled warmly before turning her attention to the stagehands who were getting ready for the next act - Janis Joplin and the Holding Company.
"Hey, Lily. We're going to grab something to eat. Can you watch our kids while we're gone?" Carol asked in a rush.
"Of course," Lily replied without hesitation.
"Thank you so much," Carol said with genuine appreciation before hurrying off with her husband.
As the children played nearby, Lily struggled to finish her sandwich amidst the chaos. Daisy glanced over at Lily with a knowing look before pointing out, "Janis Joplin is about to start."
Lily smiled in anticipation, taking in the vibrant atmosphere around her. Suddenly, she was startled by someone approaching her from behind.
"Why hello, Mrs. Wilson," Brian Jones greeted her with surprise and a wide grin on his face.
"Oh, Brian! You scared me," Lily laughed nervously.
"My apologies, I didn't mean to startle you," Brian said sincerely.
"Oh no, it's fine. Really," Lily reassured him with a smile.
"It's good to see you here. And it looks like you brought your family with you," Brian noted, gesturing towards the sleeping babies nestled between everyone's sets.
"Yes, they're taking a nap over there. I'm just enjoying the music," Lily replied contentedly.
"I see. How have you been? It's been quite some time since we last saw each other," Brian inquired.
"Well, life has been busy. I had a gallery opening, had twins, and my husband released his album 'Smile .'But all in all, things are pretty good," Lily smiled, wincing slightly as a sharp pain shot through her stomach.
"You don't look so well," Brian observed with concern.
"My stomach is acting up. Just nerves, I think. My husband and I will be performing later on," Lily explained with a sigh.
"Ah, good luck with that. I didn't know you were a singer, too. When The Beach Boys were last in England, I had the chance to speak with Carl, and I told him this: I wanted to apologize for my behavior the last time we saw each other," Brian said sincerely.
"Oh please, don't worry about it. I haven't thought about it since then," Lily reassured him with a kind smile.
"That's good to hear. By the way, I brought my girlfriend Nico along. You two know each other, right?" Brian suddenly remembered and motioned toward the blonde, ethereal-looking German girl standing next to him.
"We've met before. You had such lovely things to say about my gallery opening last year. It was a pleasure to meet Lou Reed and Andy Warhol as well," Lily said as she shook Nico's hand.
"And we meant every word of it. We adore your art, Mrs. Wilson. It's simply amazing," Nico gushed with sincerity.
"Thank you so much. That means a lot coming from both of you. Hopefully, you'll enjoy my singing just as much," Lily laughed self-deprecatingly.
"I'm sure it will be fantastic," Brian grinned confidently.
"Thanks, guys. It was great seeing you both again. I'm sure we'll run into each other again, Brian," Lily said warmly.
"I look forward to it," Brian replied with a smile.
"The pleasure was truly mine," Nico added sincerely.
After a final exchange of pleasantries, the three parted ways, and Lily settled back in to enjoy Janis Joplin's performance. She watched in awe as Janis poured her heart and soul into every song, eliciting a standing ovation from the crowd after each one. But suddenly, Lily's stomach growled loudly, and she doubled over in pain. Her face flushed with heat, and sweat trickled down her forehead.
"Daisy, something's wrong. I don't feel well," Lily cried out in distress.
"Lily, are you alright?" Daisy asked with concern etched on her face.
"I think I need to throw up," Lily moaned, clutching her stomach tightly.
"Don't worry about the kids. I'll take care of her," Daisy said quickly to Jennifer, who offered to watch the children while their parents were away.
"Thank you so much," Jennifer replied gratefully before turning back to play with the children.
Daisy helped Lily towards the nearest bathroom as Lily groaned in agony. "You're going to be okay," Daisy assured her soothingly.
"Thanks," Lily panted as she stumbled along with Daisy's help.
Finally reaching the bathroom, Lily rushed to a nearby trashcan and began vomiting violently, her body shaking with each heave.
"Let it all out," Daisy comforted her friend, gently rubbing her back and holding her hair away from her face.
After several moments of intense nausea, Lily finally stopped retching and took a deep, shaky breath. "Do you feel any better?" Daisy asked with concern.
"Just light-headed and nauseous," Lily groaned weakly.
"I'll get you some water. Just sit here for a moment," Daisy said, hurrying to the nearest sink and returning with a cup of cool water.
"Thank you," Lily breathed as she sipped the water slowly, trying to calm her churning stomach and pounding head.
"You'll be alright. We can stay in here until you feel better," Daisy offered kindly.
"Thanks, I appreciate it," Lily replied gratefully, leaning against the wall for support as she waited for the nausea to pass.
As much as she wanted to enjoy Janis Joplin's powerful performance, Lily's body had other plans. She closed her eyes and focused on breathing deeply, hoping that the pain would subside soon.
As the band finished their interview with Jann, Brian caught up to Daisy, who was tending to Lily, looking pale and ill. The air around them was filled with the scent of sweat and beer, mixed with anticipation for the next act. Janis triumphantly finished her set with much fanfare, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
"Is everything alright?" Brian asked, concerned as he reached Lily's side.
"I'm okay," Lily winced, trying to brush off her discomfort.
"You don't look well at all," Brian said softly, gently stroking her cheek.
"My stomach just hurts a little. It's nothing to worry about," Lily assured him weakly.
"Sweetheart, you have to take care of yourself. We're performing tonight," Brian reminded her, concern etched on his features.
"I thought I could tough it out until we got done," Lily sighed, feeling embarrassed by her current state.
"You have to prioritize your health. I'm going to get you some water and food from catering," Brian said firmly before walking off to fulfill his promise.
Meanwhile, backstage, the stagehands were busy setting up for the next act, Country Joe and the Fish. Carol approached Lily in search of Dennis, who seemed to be missing from the group.
"Have you seen Dennis anywhere?" she asked worriedly.
"He's not here?" Lily asked, concerned now as well.
"We haven't seen him since before Janis' performance. He's supposed to be here, but maybe he got caught up talking with another musician," Carol shrugged nonchalantly.
"If you want, I can go look for him," Karen offered from nearby.
"That would be great. Thank you, Karen," Carol smiled before Karen headed off into the bustling crowd in search of Dennis.
Back on stage, the band played their opening song, filling the air with their music. Karen eventually found Dennis in a tent with some hippie girls, taking the phrase "summer of love" to a whole new level.
"Dennis, your wife is looking for you," Karen said, shaking her head disapprovingly as one of the girls hastily buttoned up his pants.
"Oh shit, Karen!" Dennis exclaimed, seeming unfazed by the situation.
"You better get out of here before she finds you next. Trust me, you don't want to see Carol's wrath," Karen warned him, pulling him out by the ear.
"Relax, will you? I'm just having a little fun. There are beautiful women all around us. You can't blame me for enjoying myself. And besides, you're a lesbian anyway," Dennis joked crudely.
"I may be queer, but I would never cheat on Daisy like this. What the hell is wrong with you?" Karen scolded him.
"I'm just having some adult fun. If you knew half of what goes on between me and Carol, you'd understand," Dennis shrugged nonchalantly as they made their way back to where the rest of the band was waiting.
"What are you talking about?" Karen pressed, still bewildered by his behavior.
"I'm starting to think marriage isn't my thing," Dennis confided in her with a cocky grin.
"Just don't do anything stupid while your wife and kids are here," Karen warned him before shaking her head and walking away in disgust.
Karen's sharp tone cut through the thick, humid air, her eyes narrowed with disapproval as she addressed Dennis. The distant sound of music floated through the festival grounds, adding a lively backdrop to their conversation.
"I work for Brian," Karen continued, her voice steely. "And unfortunately, what you do technically is my business."
Dennis huffed and walked away, his wife close behind him. Karen turned to Lily, concern etched on her face.
"Is everything alright?" she asked.
Brian interjected before Lily could respond.
"I took care of her," he said with a reassuring smile.
Lily nodded, but her stomach still churned with nerves. She explained that she was waiting to calm down before trying to eat something.
"How was Country Joe?" Karen asked, changing the subject.
"Great," Lily replied, grateful for the diversion.
Carol, Dennis's wife, had been worried about Denny's whereabouts. Karen frowned and whispered to Daisy and Jen, "He was with those hippie chicks over in one of the tents."
Jen gasped in shock while Lily shook her head in disappointment. "The nerve of him," Jen muttered.
"It was bad," Karen confirmed. "I'm just glad I found him before Carol did. She would have been furious."
They were interrupted by the sound of an organ getting wheeled by stagehands onto the stage. Al Kooper was about to start his set.
"Whoa, this is trippy," Jen commented as they settled down to watch.
"Isn't it?" Karen agreed with a smile.
Lily laughed along with them, amazed at how much crazier the festival seemed to get with each passing moment. Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz from The Monkees approached Brian and started chatting with him and the rest of the band while Al played on.
"Hey man," Peter greeted Brian.
"Hey man," Brian replied with a smile.
"Nice to see you again," Peter said.
"You too," Brian responded warmly.
Micky noticed Lily nursing the twins and asked if they were her children. When Brian confirmed, Micky explained that their friend Davy Jones was a big fan of Lily's artwork.
"That's great," Brian exclaimed, proud of his talented wife. "Lily will be happy to hear that."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Peter and Micky left to enjoy the rest of the festival.
"What did they want?" Lily asked curiously.
"They just wanted to say hi and let us know that Davy Jones is a big fan of your art," Brian replied with a grin.
"Davy Jones? The cute Monkee likes my art?" Lily exclaimed in disbelief.
Brian nodded with a chuckle. "That's what they said. It's pretty cool."
Lily couldn't stop smiling, feeling both flattered and starstruck. She thanked Brian for bringing her food, and he pointed out the delicious red potatoes on her plate. As she ate, the babies nursed contently in her arms.
"Thanks for reminding me to eat," Lily said as she finished the last bite.
"Of course, love. You're doing an amazing job taking care of Claudia and Paul," Brian said, placing a hand on each twin's head.
Lily blushed at his praise and laughed at herself for being easily flustered by him. As she burped the twins, she couldn't help but worry about how they would handle being in such a loud and unfamiliar environment. Brian reassured her that she was a good mother, easing her worries for the moment. Meanwhile, the crew hustled to set up for the next band – Butterfield Blues Band, one of Carl's favorites.
Brian's grin was contagious as he looked at Lily.
"Carl will be thrilled to see this band," he said.
"I bet," Lily replied, her smile reflecting his excitement.
"You know what the best part of all of this is?" Brian asked with a twinkle in his eye.
"What?" Lily asked, curious.
"You," Brian said sincerely, causing Lily to laugh and shake her head.
"I mean it," Brian smirked, his eyes sparkling mischievously.
"Alright, alright," Lily chuckled, rolling her eyes playfully.
The Butterfield Blues band took the stage to thunderous applause from the crowd, but none louder than Carl's. He stood next to Annie, his face lit up with pure joy.
"This is incredible. I'm so glad we came," Carl exclaimed.
"It's amazing, isn't it?" Lily asked, taking in the colorful scene around them.
"Sure is," Carl agreed, applauding after every song with enthusiasm.
"How are you all holding up in this heat?" Lily asked, noticing that even the twins seemed to be enjoying themselves.
"Everyone's just living in the moment and enjoying themselves. After the band finishes playing, I'm going to do a little shopping and take a walk around the festival grounds with Annie. Would you like to join us?" Carl offered kindly.
"I'd love to. I'm not too familiar with or interested in the next two bands anyway. Plus, some shade would be nice," Lily replied gratefully, adjusting the twins in her arms.
"Some relief from the sun would do us all good," Carl said with a smile, gesturing towards the bright blue sky above them.
"I'm sure the twins will appreciate it, too," Lily said, glancing down at their rosy cheeks.
"Let me know if you'd like to come along," Carl said warmly.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I feel like a roasted hot dog out here," Lily joked.
"I'll make sure to bring a little umbrella next time," Carl grinned.
"That would definitely help," Lily laughed, feeling grateful for his thoughtfulness.
After the Butterfield Blues band finished their set, Lily and the others walked around the festival with Carl and Annie. They made their way to the Circle of Harmony booth first, where Donna was running things with a big smile on her face, adorned with a crown of colorful flowers.
"Hey, everyone!" Donna greeted them warmly.
"How's business going, Donna? We've missed seeing you," Lily said with genuine happiness.
"It's been amazing so far. We've sold lots of incense, and everyone has been so kind and relaxed. I even did a workshop earlier about growing herbs and gave a brief history of Circle of Harmony and what we stand for," Donna shared excitedly.
"That sounds incredible," Lily said in awe.
"Thanks," Donna beamed.
"We just wanted to stop by and say hello. I'll swing by before the band leaves and stock up on some more incense," Lily promised.
"I saw Mia earlier. Her booth is three down from mine. She's doing really well too. Thanks for coming by!" Donna said gratefully.
"We'll catch up with you later then," Lily smiled, waving goodbye as they continued on their walk.
"Mia's booth is just over here," Carl said, guiding them toward it.
"Thank you," Lily said graciously as the twins fussed in her arms.
"Aww, the babies are getting restless. Can I hold them for you, Lily?" Annie offered kindly.
"Oh yes, please. Thank you," Lily said with relief, passing Claudia into her arms.
"Hello there, sweetheart," Annie cooed at the baby, who giggled in response.
"She loves you already," Lily grinned at Annie's gentle touch and loving gaze towards her daughter.
"Well, I love her too. Don't I, little one?" Annie smiled, lightly bouncing her in her arms.
Lily took a moment to look around Mia's booth, noticing the array of candles, crystals, and clothing and jewelry for sale.
"Lily! How's it going? You brought the babies with you, too!" Mia exclaimed as she spotted them.
"Hi, Mia. It's been great. And yes, we've been exploring for a bit. The twins needed some fresh air. They're doing well, thank you," Lily replied happily.
"I have to come to see the twins again later. I had no idea you were going to be here until Lou Adler mentioned my headshop and invited me down," Mia shared with a grin.
"It was a pleasant surprise for us, too," Lily said.
"So, who do we have here?" Mia asked curiously.
"Oh, sorry. My brother-in-law Carl, Brian's middle brother, and his wife Annie," Lily introduced them with pride.
"Nice to meet you both. I saw your Grammy award acceptance speech on TV for "God Only Knows." One of the best love songs ever written, in my opinion," Mia complimented Carl with admiration.
"Thank you. That means a lot to us. It's definitely one of our favorites, too," Carl said warmly.
"How are the babies enjoying Monterey Pop so far?" Mia asked Lily with a smile.
"It's definitely a new experience for them," Lily laughed lightly.
"I'm sure they'll sleep soundly tonight after all this excitement," Mia chuckled as she admired the twins in Annie's arms.
Lily struggled to push through the discomfort in her stomach as she and Carl walked through the festival grounds. She felt weak and nauseous, but she didn't want to worry anyone.
"Probably just a stomach bug," she reassured herself.
"Sick? Are you sure it's not another baby kicking around in there?" Mia joked, nudging Lily with her elbow.
Lily couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"I highly doubt it. I just gave birth two months ago," Lily replied wearily.
"Are you sure? Go get that blood test done to make sure," Mia persisted.
"You know I hate doctors and needles," Lily rolled her eyes.
"I'll be thinking of you. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help," Mia offered sincerely.
"Thanks, we will," Lily replied as Mia waved goodbye and headed off in a different direction.
As Lily rejoined the rest of their group, Daisy immediately asked how everything went. "Good. We met up with Mia," Lily reported.
"Cool," Jen exclaimed with a smile.
"I think the babies might need changing soon. They smell a bit ripe," Annie interjected, causing everyone to laugh and nod in agreement.
"Yeah, let's take care of that now before it gets worse," Lily agreed, taking the babies from her and heading over to the portable changing table they had brought along for convenience.
After a few minutes of diaper changes and wipes battles, Lily and Carol were able to clean up the twins' messy situations successfully.
"It's not pretty when they have blowouts," Lily quipped as they packed away the supplies and returned to join the others.
As they waited for the next band to come on stage, Lynda asked who was playing next. "Electric Flag. Their sound is similar to this band's, but they've got some great stuff," Carl informed them.
"Speaking of great stuff, we ran into Mia again. She's a really cool person," Jen chimed in, holding Lisa in her arms.
"I've known her for years. She's very spiritual and has always been interested in things like crystals," Lily explained.
"Oh, is she a friend of yours?" Carol asked curiously.
"Yes, we met three years ago when I first moved to LA. Her shop became my sanctuary in those early days of feeling lost and alone," Lily shared with a fond smile.
"That's really neat," Carol said sincerely.
The sun was setting, casting a warm golden light over the music festival grounds. The air was full of lively chatter of friends and the anticipation of the upcoming performances.
"Seems like a lifetime ago. Now, things are the way they are," Lily reminisced.
"Time has a funny way of doing that, doesn't it?" Carol mused.
"Yeah, it's crazy," Lily agreed as the Electric Flag took the stage, their instruments gleaming in the fading light.
"Oh man, here they come. It's the Flag," Carl exclaimed, clapping enthusiastically.
"Would Paul Butterfield let Carl join any of his bands? We might never see him again after this set," Lily joked with a smile.
"Carl playing the blues would be interesting, I give you that," Jen nodded as Lisa began to cry.
"Oh, she needs a bottle. Let me make her one," Jen offered.
"There's a couple in the bag, and the catering tent has hot water," Lily informed her.
"Thank you," Jen smiled gratefully before heading off to prepare the bottle.
"How are you feeling?" Brian asked Lily. Concern etched on his face.
"My stomach feels a little better. I don't know if I'm coming down with something or what," Lily frowned.
"Just keep drinking water and trying to relax. I'm sure it will go away soon," Brian reassured her.
"I hope you're right," Lily said as she watched the band; her babies dozed off to sleep in their strollers nearby.
Jen returned with the bottle shortly after, expertly feeding Lisa while chatting with the others.
"Did you have any trouble?" Lily asked Jen.
"No, not really," Jen replied casually.
"That's good. The baby seemed hungry," Lily smiled lovingly at her daughter.
"Yeah, I know. Lisa woke up crying, and I could hear her," Jen explained.
"The twins must have been so loud. I'm glad they're asleep now," Lynda said with a grin.
"Me too," Lily smiled, rocking the strollers gently.
The crowd erupted into cheers as the Electric Flag finished their set, as David Crosby applauded
"Man, I wish I could play the bass like that," Carl sighed wistfully.
"You're a great guitarist," Annie reassured him with a smile.
"Yeah, you're not so bad yourself," Jen teased good-naturedly, causing Carl to shake his head and chuckle.
"They're pretty good. I'm sure they'll go far," Suzanne commented.
"This music isn't my cup of tea, but it's pretty cool," Daisy said with a smile.
"So, we have a two-hour break, and Moby Grape will be playing next to start the evening shows," Lily informed the group, glancing down at the schedule in her hand.
"What's our schedule for tonight?" Daisy asked curiously.
"Moby Grape is first, then Booker T & the MG's, Otis Redding, The Byrds, Laura Nyro, Jefferson Airplane, and then it's our turn," Lily replied excitedly.
"That's quite the lineup," Brian remarked as they all looked over at the stage where Moby Grape was setting up their equipment.
"I'll be interested in hearing Otis Redding," Daisy said with anticipation.
"Otis Redding is incredible. He has the voice of an angel," Brian said with admiration.
"How can anyone not groove out to 'Green Onions' by Booker T?" Annie chimed in with a laugh.
"He's a very talented musician," Brian agreed.
"I love The Byrds. I haven't seen them in ages," Daisy exclaimed, her excitement evident.
"It'll be nice to see them again," Karen agreed with a smile.
"I hear Laura has terrible stage fright. Worse than Brian's even," Jen revealed with a frown.
"That's sad," Carol sighed sympathetically.
"Yeah, she's an amazing songwriter, though," Karen added.
"You'll have to introduce her to us when you see her, Lily," Jen said eagerly.
"You got it," Lily promised with a grin as Mike and Brian got pulled into a lively conversation with David Crosby and some other musicians nearby.
"Ladies, we'll catch up with you. We want to talk with these guys for a little while," Mike informed them.
"We understand," Suzanne nodded understandingly.
"Have fun, and we'll meet up in an hour or so," Brian said before they all dispersed to enjoy the festival.
Daisy's inquisitive voice echoed through the space, breaking the silence that had settled over their group. She gazed around, her eyes searching for their missing friends.
"They went to talk to David Crosby," Jen replied with a smile. "You remember how much of a Beach Boys fan he is?"
"Ah, yes, I do. Well, I hope the guys remember to come back," Daisy said, snickering, as her gaze drifted towards the bustling crowd.
"It's the Same here. Let's take a walk and see more of this place. The day has been lovely, but I'll be even happier once the sun starts to set," Jen suggested, glancing up at the clear blue sky.
"There's so much love here already, and it's only the second day. Imagine how magical it will be on the last night," Lily mused, taking in all the people milling about. She couldn't help but feel a pang of regret that she couldn't capture their vibrant energy on paper.
"I can't wait," Carol chimed in.
"Me neither. Let's dance!" Jen exclaimed with an excited grin.
"I could go for a dance or two as well," Karen agreed eagerly.
"Count me in, too," Lily nodded as the band Moby Grape began to play on stage.
"Oh, this sounds good. I might have to buy one of Moby Grape's records," Carol remarked as she swayed to the music.
"They have such a unique sound," Jen added with a smile.
"They're not too bad to look at either," Suzanne teased with a laugh.
"I don't know if I'd go that far, but they're definitely easy on the eyes," Lily chuckled as she cradled her twins in her arms.
"Aww, that's adorable," Jen cooed, admiring the scene before her.
"What?" Lily asked with confusion written all over her face.
"You nursing your babies. It's just so special," Jen explained with a warm smile.
"It is, isn't it?" Carol agreed, her gaze softening as she looked at Lily.
"I do it like clockwork now. It's just become a natural part of my routine," Lily shrugged modestly.
"You're an amazing mom, Lily. I'm sure your kids are so happy to have you," Carol gushed.
"Thank you. I try my best to keep my babies happy," Lily said with a grateful smile.
"She truly is an amazing mother. I'm lucky to have her," Brian spoke up, wrapping his arm around Lily's shoulders.
"Heck, we're all lucky to have her!" Annie exclaimed, causing the group to laugh.
"Aww, you guys are too much," Lily blushed, feeling incredibly loved in that moment.
"Alright, lovebirds, save some for later. The sun's starting to set, and it is the summer of love after all," Brian teased with a wink.
"Oh boy," Jen shook her head with a laugh.
"How about we go do some shopping?" Lily suggested, looking at her friends with excitement in her eyes.
"That sounds like a great idea! I want to check out Mia's booth again," Karen said eagerly.
"Carol, would you mind keeping an eye on the babies while we're gone? We won't be long," Jen asked politely.
"Of course not. Have fun, girls!" Carol waved as they left the babies in her care.
"Thanks, Carol. See you soon!" Lily called back as they made their way through the crowd towards the vendors' tents.
"I'm going to grab some dinner with the guys before our performance. We'll only be at the catering tent. Does anyone want anything?" Dennis offered kindly.
"Can you please get me a burger, fries, and a Coke?" Carol asked.
"Okay, see you in a bit," Dennis said before heading off to get some food.
"Oh, and one more thing," Carol added, stopping her husband in his tracks.
"What is it?" Dennis asked with a sense of dread in his voice.
"You might want to wipe that lipstick off your face if you don't want me to find out what you've been up to," Carol said sternly, narrowing her eyes at him.
"It's not what you think, I swear!" Dennis protested, quickly wiping his face clean as he rushed off to get her food.
"That was quite the entertaining show," Annie chuckled.
"I guess that's one way to put it," Lynda agreed with a smirk.
"Dennis is definitely going to be in the doghouse when we get home. I know all too well what he was up to," Carol sighed, her voice disappointed.
"I'm sorry, Carol," Daisy frowned sympathetically.
Carol's voice was barely audible above the soulful melodies of Booker T & The MG's as they kicked off their set. The other girls returned from shopping, joining in on the excitement.
"I love the MG's," Lily beamed.
"Me too," Karen nodded in agreement.
"Otis Redding is going to perform with them? Wow, this is going to be incredible," Jen exclaimed.
"I can't wait," Karen echoed.
"Same here," Lily joined in.
"What have you all been up to?" Karen asked curiously.
Daisy revealed with a sly grin, "Lily may or may not have a slight crush on the MG's bassist."
"It's not a crush. Just happen to find the guy cute," Lily insisted, blushing at her friends' teasing.
"Cute, huh? How cute?" Karen probed playfully.
"He's...alright. But Brian, he's a much better bassist and quite handsome himself," Lily laughed, trying to deflect the attention away from her.
"That's true. Brian is an exceptional musician and easy on the eyes," Annie chimed in with a smile.
"Thank you," Brian chuckled, grateful for the compliment from Annie.
"You're welcome," she replied sweetly.
"Dennis should be back soon. He went to grab some food for me," Carol mentioned casually.
"Oh, sounds like fun," Lily remarked as Otis Redding took the stage, generating even more excitement among the group.
"I'm so excited to see him live. He's truly talented," Jen gushed over Otis's dynamic performance.
"I'm fortunate enough to have seen him once before, but I didn't get the full experience then," Brian added as Otis captivated the audience with his fiery set.
"This is amazing," Daisy cheered.
With Otis wrapping up his set, it was now time for The Byrds to take the stage. However, before they could start their set, Dennis returned with the food.
"Sorry for being late. I got a little distracted," Dennis apologized, handing the food to Carol and his son.
"It's alright. It looks like you were having fun. But unfortunately, you might have missed Otis performing. He was fantastic," Carol said with a hint of disappointment in her voice.
"Oh man, really?" Dennis frowned.
"Don't worry, The Byrds are starting now," Annie reassured him.
"Good," Dennis nodded eagerly.
As the jangling rock music of The Byrds filled the air, Brian couldn't help but smile.
"You like The Byrds, Brian?" Mike asked, noticing Brian's enjoyment.
"They're not my favorite band, but they have a great sound," Brian replied honestly.
"I agree," Mike nodded in agreement as The Byrds' majestic performance ended with a wave of applause and cheers from the crowd.
"That was an unforgettable experience," Dennis exclaimed, still caught up in the excitement of it all.
"Hey everyone, look who decided to join us. Mia closed up shop early just so she could come to see us perform," Lily announced, embracing Mia in a hug.
"I couldn't miss your concert. I know how significant it is for you to be singing onstage again," Mia replied warmly.
"Thank you so much for coming. We still have two more acts before we go on. Maybe you can come backstage with me while I get ready?" Lily suggested politely.
"I'd love that," Mia accepted with a smile.
Brian leaned in closer to Lily and whispered playfully in her ear, "Have fun getting dressed up."
Lily shook her head with a laugh as they made their way to the dressing room together. Cheers and laughter echoed through the venue as everyone continued to enjoy the musical performances by the talented artists onstage.
Lily and Mia walked hand in hand towards the dressing room, their laughter and chatter filling the air. As they entered, Lily sat next to Mia in a chair and settled down with her nursing twins in her arms. The sound of soft coos and gentle suckling filled the room as she burped and changed the babies' diapers with practiced ease. After washing her hands, Lily pulled out her heels, makeup kit, and a stunning dress she had splurged on for the festival.
Mia's eyes widened in awe as she took in the beautiful dress.
"Wow, that is so pretty," she complimented.
"Thank you," Lily beamed with pride. "It was quite expensive, but I couldn't resist it."
"It was worth it. You look amazing," Mia smiled.
"Thanks, hon," Lily replied as she began combing her hair.
"I wish I could do my makeup as well as you," Mia sighed wistfully.
"Don't say that. You're naturally beautiful, Mia. I only wear this because Brian insisted on me being there tonight for his performance," Lily smirked.
"Why?" Mia's curiosity peaked.
"Because he dislikes being onstage so much," Lily explained with a fond smile.
"You must really love him to support him like this," Mia said with admiration.
"That or I'm just crazy," Lily chuckled as she put on her heels and twirled playfully in her dress.
"You look stunning," Mia grinned.
"Thanks. But honestly, I feel a bit silly all dressed up like this," Lily confessed, shaking her head.
"But it's for Brian, right?" Mia nudged her gently.
"Exactly. I've dragged Brian to do things with me before, so we're even now," Lily laughed.
"Good for you both," Mia nodded approvingly.
"The others must be getting ready, too. Let's go catch the rest of the Jefferson Airplane set," Lily suggested excitedly.
"I'd love that," Mia replied with a smile.
Leaving the dressing room, they made their way to the stage and joined in with the crowd as they swayed and grooved to Grace Slick's mesmerizing voice.
"She's an incredible singer," Mia remarked.
"I couldn't agree more," Lily nodded, wholly lost in the music.
As the show came to an end, the crowd erupted into wild cheers and applause.
"Wow, what a performance," Mia exclaimed.
"It was truly amazing. I loved every minute of it," Lily grinned from ear to ear as she and Mia made their way backstage to the dressing room.
"Hey there, beautiful," Brian greeted his wife with a loving kiss as he looked at her proudly.
"Thank you," Lily blushed, feeling a surge of happiness.
"You look absolutely gorgeous," Brian complimented her sincerely.
"So, what's our plan?" Jen asked eagerly.
"The stage crew is setting everything up now. Lily will put the babies in their stroller, and then we're on," Brian explained with a smile towards his wife.
"Cool," Lily nodded with determination.
"Are you ready for this?" Brian asked her softly.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Lily replied confidently. The excitement in the crowd for the final act, The Beach Boys, was tangible. Anticipation filled the air as murmurs and whispers circulated throughout the venue. Backstage, the band members focused on rehearsing their parts while stagehands carefully brought various instruments and equipment onto the stage.
"You're going to kill it up there, baby. We all are," Brian said with conviction as he wrapped an arm around Lily's shoulders.
"That's reassuring," Lily chuckled nervously, but she felt comforted by his words.
She leaned down to give her babies a quick kiss on their foreheads before placing them in their strollers.
"It's almost showtime," Carl announced as he went through his voice exercises.
"Let's make this a good one," Dennis grinned, twirling his drumsticks expertly in his hands.
"You bet your ass we will," Mike chimed in with a smirk.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our final act for the night on the Monterey Pop Festival stage. All the way from Hawthorne, California, please give a warm welcome to The Beach Boys!" the announcer's voice boomed over the speakers, signaling the start of their performance.
The crowd roared with excitement as the band and other musicians made their way to the stage. Lily could feel the energy of the audience pulsing through her as she took her place at the microphone next to Brian's Hofner bass and microphone. The stage was alive with colorful lights and banners, creating a vibrant backdrop for their performance.
"Hey there, all you beautiful people of Monterey," Carl's voice boomed over the cheering crowd as he tuned his guitar.
The cheers grew louder as he continued, "I'm staring down the barrel of the draft, and yeah, it's a heavy trip. Do you know what's heavier? The weight of injustice and division in our world."
The audience erupted in support, shouting and clapping for Carl and his message.
Carl continued speaking passionately into the microphone, "So, I am not just here as a musician, but also as a voice for change. Speaking out against war and injustice is worth risking my freedom."
Carl looked directly at those in uniform who may be listening and challenged them, "To those in uniform listening, I dare you to arrest me for speaking my truth."
The crowd roared even louder, showing their solidarity with Carl's words.
He smiled confidently before continuing, "I have all these beautiful people here cheering me on, believing in the power of love and unity to change the world. So, let's make some noise!"
The audience responded with thunderous applause and cheers.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Carl shouted over the noise.
"We have a few special guests joining us tonight. These incredibly talented individuals are like pure gold when they sing and play". He introduced each member of the band, including Lily.
As they launched into their first song, "Heroes and Villains," Lily felt herself relax into her role on stage. The music flowed through her as she sang alongside the rest of the band. The crowd was fully engaged, dancing, clapping, and singing along, which gave Lily a sense of reassurance.
Brian played his bass with Carol, and they both felt the rhythm deeply. As the song drew to an end, Lily lowered her head in gratitude for the audience's response, and they erupted in applause.
"You're doing great, baby," Brian whispered to her with a proud smile.
"Thanks," Lily replied with a beaming grin.
"Now, we want to dedicate our next song to all the lovely ladies in the crowd tonight!" Mike announced into his microphone as Carl strummed the opening chords of "California Girls."
The crowd went wild, screaming and singing along as the band delivered a lively performance. Some women in the audience even took off their shirts, causing an uproar among the crowd. The band didn't miss a beat and continued playing through the excitement.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Mike shouted over the noise.
"This one goes out to all of you who love to cruise and pick up girls!" Mike winked at one of the topless women before launching into "I Get Around."
Lily was fully immersed in the music now, thoroughly enjoying herself alongside Brian and the others. They were all feeling the groove and playing flawlessly together. The audience was feeling it as they sang along, clapped, danced, and cheered throughout their performance.
As they seamlessly transitioned into the next song, "Wouldn't It Be Nice," Lily took center stage for a solo. Her voice soared over the music as she poured her heart into the lyrics. The crowd couldn't get enough and joined in enthusiastically.
Lily's heart was whole as she stood on stage with this incredibly talented group of musicians. The lights shimmered around them, casting a soft glow and making everything feel magical.
"Thank you, thank you," Carl said, his voice infused with excitement.
"Now, this next song is a special one - it's called 'Surf's Up' and my brother Brian wrote it."
The audience erupted into applause as Brian took his place at the piano, and the band began the intro. Lily closed her eyes and let the melody wash over her, feeling every note deep in her soul. As she started singing, the music and her vocals entranced the audience, drawing them into the magic of the moment. Dennis's drums created a steady beat, while Jim Gordon's drumming added a hypnotic groove to the song. Carol and Don were fully immersed in their instruments, clearly having a blast. When the song ended, the audience erupted into cheers and applause.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Brian beamed as he returned to his bass, and Jim counted off for "Sloop John B," with Al taking the lead. Lily couldn't believe how well everything seemed to be going. She glanced over at her children, who were getting looked after by some of the other wives, and saw that they were smiling and happy. Knowing that her family was here with her for this incredible experience filled her with relief and joy.
"Thank you all so very much," Carl said to the audience, his smile bright as ever.
"We've had an amazing time tonight. And now we're going to play a little song that won us a Grammy this year: 'God Only Knows,'" he announced as Don, Bruce, and Brian began playing the iconic organ parts of the song.
Lily joined in with backing vocals, sharing a sweet look with Brian before turning her focus back to the music. The crowd was swaying and singing along, completely swept up in the emotion of the song. When it ended, they erupted into applause, whistles, and cheers.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Carl exclaimed, clearly moved by the audience's response.
"How many of you are feeling some good vibrations out there?" Mike called out to the crowd, earning an enthusiastic response.
With a grin, he counted off as the band launched into their hit song of the same name. Brian was focused entirely on his bass, but his voice rang out strong and confident. Lily couldn't help but feel proud of him and all that he had accomplished. The whole band had a renewed energy, filling the stage with their passion and talent.
As Mike took over on theremin for a solo, extending it slightly longer than usual just for fun, Lily couldn't resist swaying along with the rest of the audience, completely entranced by the music.
"That was just fantastic," Brian said with a wide smile as he set down his bass and moved to the organ for their next song. "I wrote this one as a reminder to take care of ourselves - it's called 'Vega-tables.'"
With that, he began playing the piano while Lily waved fresh vegetables in time with the music. It was a bit silly but also undeniably fun. The crowd swayed along with the upbeat tune and cheered as it came to an end.
"That was amazing! And now we have a special guest joining us to sing 'Help Me Rhonda' - give it up for Al Jardine!" Mike announced to thunderous applause from the audience.
Brian grinned at Al as they counted into the familiar tune, and Lily couldn't help but feel her heart swell with love for these incredible musicians she was lucky enough to call her family and friends. Al played with such energy and enthusiasm, bringing new life to the classic hit. When the song came to an end, the audience erupted into screams and cheers, clearly loving every moment of the show.
As the band took their places on stage, Brian's words echoed through the venue. The excited audience erupted into cheers and applause as the band donned their red plastic fire hats in anticipation of the next song from the 'Smile' album. A mischievous grin spread across Mike's face as he joked about being responsible for burning down the barn.
Amidst whispers of readiness and nods of agreement, the band launched into the energetic and chaotic "Fire or Mrs. O'Leary's Cow." The liquid lights from Jefferson Airplane's performance earlier added a psychedelic feel to the already wild song. A drum solo between Jim Gordon and Dennis Wilson brought the crowd to their feet in thunderous applause.
Without pause, they seamlessly transitioned into "Do You Like Worms," Lily's favorite and most vocally challenging song. She watched with admiration as each member poured their heart and soul into their performance, feeding off the energy of the enthusiastic audience.
However, it was during "Barbara Ann" that Lily truly felt like she was a part of something special. The entire audience sang and danced along, lost in a moment of pure joy and happiness.
As the concert drew to a close, Brian took a moment to thank everyone involved in the Monterey Pop Festival, including his beautiful wife and her twins. Lily blushed at his words as the crowd cheered.
"This last song of the night is for all those wanting peace and love. 'Our Prayer,' Carl said as the audience quieted.
As the Beach Boys gathered around a single microphone, their voices blended in perfect harmony, bringing tears to Lily's eyes. It was a decisive moment, shared by both band members, attendees, and fans alike.
When the final note faded away, the crowd rose to their feet in a standing ovation, showing their appreciation for the emotional connection forged between them and the band. Amidst shouts of gratitude and love, Lily could feel her heart swell with pride.
As they left the stage to resounding applause and cheers, the band marveled at what they had just accomplished. For Lily, it was overwhelming to see the response. As Brian planted a kiss on her cheek, she knew that all of them—the Beach Boys and herself included—had made this unforgettable moment possible. As they waved at the thousands of cheering people, Lily couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy and contentment.
Excitement and anticipation filled the air as Mike urged his friends to join him in celebrating with the rest of the musicians. Lily and Brian emerged from the building, greeted by a sea of fans, photographers, and journalists. The sound of screaming and flashing cameras surrounded them.
"Look, it's them!" a fan cried out, causing even more screams to erupt.
Smiling widely, Lily waved at the adoring crowd before her.
"Hi, everybody!" she called out.
"We love you, Lily!" a female fan shouted enthusiastically.
Lily chuckled in disbelief.
"Oh, my goodness," she exclaimed, a little embarrassed.
A journalist quickly approached her, eager to ask about her experience performing with The Beach Boys.
"It was amazing," Lily gushed. "I don't know if I'll do it often, but I did it for my husband, and it turned out great."
, The questions continued from all directions, with journalists asking about everything from her performance to her personal life.
"We've been trying really hard," Brian joked when asked about another baby while everyone laughed along.
As they made their way through the crowd toward the afterparty, Lily was asked more questions about her plans and her involvement in music. She smiled and graciously answered each one. Finally, they reached the party, where Mia and the other wives immediately greeted Lily.
"You did amazing up there, sister," Jen praised as they hugged.
"Thank you," Lily replied with a grateful smile. "I was shaking so much, but then suddenly...I just went with it."
"How do you feel now?" Annie asked curiously.
"Tired but energized," Lily admitted with a laugh. "The show was such a rush, and the energy from the audience was incredible. I've never experienced anything like it before."
Her attention was then pulled towards a reporter shoving a microphone in her face once again.
"Well, I don't have much experience, but it was definitely fun," Lily replied when asked about her performance.
"Can we expect to see more from you and Brian in the near future?" the reporter pressed.
"A lot of love and probably some more babies," Lily joked, causing laughter from those around her.
"Speaking of music, Lily, are you planning to record again soon?" the reporter questioned.
"Well, thanks to my husband, he'll give me no choice but to make one with him," Lily answered playfully.
"How did Brian feel about your performance tonight?" the reporter probed further.
"I don't think I saw him howling," Lily quipped before excusing herself to go hold her babies.
"You were a wonderful addition to the band tonight. Good luck to you both," the reporter concluded before moving on.
"Thank you," Lily nodded with a smile before disappearing into the party.
Laughter echoed throughout the room as Lily and Brian sat together, surrounded by musicians and loved ones. The sound of gentle strumming guitar strings and melodic piano chords drifted through the air as they chatted and sipped on drinks.
"You're doing interviews and not me?" Brian teased, playfully poking his wife's arm.
"Is Daddy sad? Mommy is getting all the attention?" Lily joined in, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Mommy's doing amazing, and her babies are doing amazing," Brian cooed at their son and daughter, planting soft kisses on their heads.
"Daddy's so handsome and smart. He's a genius, but he's especially our genius," Lily exclaimed with adoration, showering her children with affection.
"Dad is going to flip out when he reads about this in the papers," Brian joked, causing Lily to smirk.
"Serves him right for being rotten," she responded with a playful wink.
"I love you, wife," Brian laughed, pulling Lily in for a kiss.
"Love you too, husband," Lily giggled, returning the kiss.
"Hey there, you've got a whole room full of musicians foaming at the mouth to talk to you," Jen interjected with a smile, leading them away from their conversation.
Meanwhile, Lily found herself sitting among the wives of other band members, chatting and enjoying the festivities with her children by her side. She took turns between talking with them and watching Brian soak up all the attention from the other guests. It made her happy to see everyone having a good time.
"Hi there, sweetheart. Can I talk to you for a minute?" John Philips approached her kindly.
Lily smiled warmly and nodded. "Of course."
"You did a great job up there. That was some powerful stuff," John praised her.
"Thank you. It means a lot coming from you. I was a bit nervous, but I think I finally found my groove by the third song," Lily admitted.
"I don't believe that for a second. You were fantastic from the beginning. But I love that you have confidence in yourself," John chuckled.
"I made a promise to Brian, and I delivered," Lily said with pride, taking a sip of water.
"That's beautiful," John commented.
Lily smiled gratefully. "Thank you."
"Have you ever thought about going on tour?" John asked, causing Lily to pause in surprise.
"Um, not really. Brian isn't too fond of being away from home either," Lily answered honestly.
"Well, you were more than good enough up there. Keep it in mind for the future," John urged her.
Lily nodded with a smile. "I'll definitely pass it along to Brian."
"Speaking of which, he's a lucky guy," John stated with a knowing look.
"I am a fortunate woman," Lily agreed with a soft smile.
As John excused himself to mingle with other guests, Brian approached his wife with a concerned expression on his face.
"Can we talk, honey?" he whispered, leaning in for a kiss before sitting next to her.
"Yeah, what's up?" Lily replied with curiosity.
"That was nice of John to compliment you like that, but just so you know, he was definitely trying to flirt with you," Brian informed her in a low voice.
"He has Michelle, though," Lily pointed out quietly.
"I know, but still... I'll handle him," Brian assured her possessively.
Lily shook her head gently.
"No need to do anything. John didn't say anything out of line."
"Well, I'm not going to hurt him or anything. Maybe tell him he's wasting his time," Brian suggested with a slight smirk.
Lily rolled her eyes playfully.
"Just make love to me when we get back to our room."
"Sounds like a plan, baby," Brian whispered, planting a kiss on her cheek.
"I think it's time for us to head back to the hotel," Carl announced with a smile, making his way over to them.
"I'm exhausted, but I know we all did our best," Brian said, receiving a pat on the back from his brother Dennis.
"You did amazing up there, big brother," Dennis praised him sincerely.
"Thank you, everyone," Brian expressed his gratitude to the group with a warm smile and a nod of his head.
"You were all magnificent," Carl praised, beaming with pride.
"I must admit, I had my doubts, but we pulled it off flawlessly," Mike admitted, relief evident in his tone.
"Same here. I was scared out of my wits," Al confessed with a nervous chuckle.
"But in the end, we did our best, and that's what matters," Jim reassured him with a pat on the back.
"Now, let's get some rest. Anyone up for some golf tomorrow?" Bruce suggested, eager to unwind after their successful performance.
"I'm in," Carl eagerly agreed.
"Me too," Mike chimed in.
"Count me in as well," Al added.
"I'm down for some golf," Jim nodded in agreement.
Brian considered joining them but ultimately decided he wanted to spend time with his wife and their twin babies instead. He had enjoyed performing with the group, but family always came first.
"Good night," Lily and Brian bid farewell as they made their way to their suite with their sleeping twins in tow. The soft lights of the hotel hallway illuminated their tired yet content expressions.
As soon as they entered their spacious suite, Lily quickly got to work giving the twins a warm bath, changing their clothes and diapers, and nursing them before tucking them into their bassinets for the night.
"Now that the babies are asleep, what do you want to do?" Brian asked his wife with a mischievous grin.
Lily met his gaze with a playful glint in her eye.
"Get naked and have hot sex," she replied without hesitation.
"With pleasure," Brian grinned back, excitement coursing through him at the thought of being alone with his beautiful wife for some intimate time together.
They stripped out of their clothes and made love tenderly, savoring each moment and reveling in their passion. Brian couldn't help but feel amazed and grateful for Lily's love and devotion. After a blissful round of lovemaking, they lay together in each other's arms, spent yet content.
"Love you, Lily," Brian whispered lovingly, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"I love you too, Bri," Lily murmured sleepily, nuzzling closer to her husband before drifting off into a peaceful slumber until the babies needed her again.
"Goodnight," Brian yawned as he joined his wife in the land of dreams, feeling blessed to have her by his side.