Page 31 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

“They’ve arrived!” I state loudly as I walk toward the door. Cass meets me, and we reach out at the same time. Our hands brush, and a sizzle of electricity travels up my arm. Cass smiles down at me, and I see the pleased look in his eyes. Letting him open the door, I follow him onto the porch just as Emily’s car pulls up.

“Mom! Dad! I’m back!” Cassidy shouts, bounding out of the car with flushed cheeks and a wide grin.

She throws her arms around me in a quick hug before she heads over to Cass, who wraps her up in his arms, lifting her off the ground.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he says, setting her back down. “Did you have a good time?”

It was amazing!“ Cassidy gushes. “Grandma and Grandpa took me to the fair, and we ate funnel cakes and cotton candy. And Grandma showed me all these funny pictures of you as a kid!”

Cass chuckles, ruffling her hair. “I bet I looked ridiculous.”

As Cassidy chatters, Emily steps out of the car with a warm smile. “She was a delight. My parents didn’t let her out of their sight. I don’t think they realized how much they wanted a grandchild until she came along.”

The sentiment tugs at my heart. I glance at Cassidy, glowing with the love she’s received, and feel a pang of gratitude—and guilt. For years, it was just the two of us. Now, she’s surrounded by family who adore her and a father who’s determined to make up for lost time.

We head inside, Cass carrying Cassidy’s overnight bag and guitar.

Cassidy launches into another story as she puts away her guitar. Cass glances over at me, and we share a smile. I catch Emily’s eye as she watches us, and there’s something curious there, a knowing look as if she senses the subtle change between Cass and me. Her smile deepens, and she steps forward, giving Cass a nudge on the shoulder.

“So, big brother,” she teases, “I think it’s safe to say things are feeling… like old times around here?” Her gaze shifts between the two of us, the question unspoken but there all the same.

Cass raises an eyebrow, but his eyes hold a twinkle. “Things are good, Em. Real good.” He slides an arm around my waist, a simple gesture that would’ve felt bold a week ago but now feels natural and easy.

Emily’s gaze glows, and she looks at me, her voice quiet but encouraging. “You two deserve this, you know. It’s good to see you both happy. It’s been a long time coming.”

Cass gives her a grateful nod, and I feel a rush of warmth at her words. Having Emily’s support means more than I could’ve imagined. She has a way of understanding and seeing past the surface, and I realize she’s been rooting for us to get back together in her not-so-subtle way.

“Thank you, Emily,” I say sincerely, “It means a lot coming from you.”

“Anytime,” she replies with an easy smile. “I think I’ve found myself a favorite niece, anyway,” she adds, winking at Cassidy, who gives a huge grin after hearing her aunt’s words as she walks back into the room.

As Emily gathers her things, getting ready to head home, a familiar face appears in the doorway. Derrick, dressed impeccably as always, steps inside, a smooth but calculated smile on his face. The air shifts immediately, and I feel Cass tense slightly beside me. His response mirrors mine.

“Derrick,” Cass says, keeping his tone friendly but cool. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Derrick steps forward, his gaze sweeping over the room before landing on Cass. “I wanted to check in. There are a few things we need to discuss...” He casts a critical glance in my direction, his smile tightening, and I feel a flicker of unease.

I turn toward our daughter. “Cassidy, why don’t you take your overnight case upstairs and unpack,” I suggest softly.

After she leaves, Cass nods, his jaw set. “Go ahead, Derrick. What’s on your mind?”

Derrick’s smile is smooth but calculated. “We need to talk.” His gaze flicks to me, and his smile tightens. “Privately.”

Cass’s jaw sets, and he places a steadying hand on my back. “Whatever you have to say, you can say it here.”

Derrick smooths his suit jacket, his tone measured. “Cass, we both know the image I’ve built for you as an unattached musician. That’s what your fans connect with. A family man with a kid doesn’t fit with the brand.”

Cass crosses his arms, his expression hardening. “You’re wrong, Derrick. My fans connect with my music, not some manufactured version of me.”

Derrick’s gaze sharpens. “Do you really think it’s that simple? People are already talking about those New York photos. If someone digs deeper, they’ll find out exactly who she is—and who Cassidy is.” His gaze sharpens as it falls on me.

I feel my stomach twist, and my gaze shifts to the floor. Derrick’s words are laced with warning, and I wonder how long it’ll be before the media frenzy begins. Suddenly, the peaceful life we’ve built here feels fragile, like it could shatter with one careless whisper.

Cass steps forward, his voice low and fierce. “I’m not changing my life to fit your narrative. Kendrick and Cassidy are part of my life now, and that’s not up for negotiation.”

Derrick’s gaze turns icy, and he steps closer, dropping his voice to a cold whisper. “You’re not seeing the big picture here. Do you know how quickly a bad reputation can tank a career? The fans, the endorsements? Hell, even the stadium tours–they’ll all go up in smoke.”

He turns his harsh gaze on me, and I feel the intensity of his judgment, the thinly veiled hatred. “Do you have any idea what you and your child will cost him?” he asks, his voice dripping with condescension. “This little reunion is only temporary.”

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