Page 40 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

My grip tightens on the phone. “It’s not ‘some personal plans.’ It’s my daughter’s birthday. And I promised her I’d be there.”

Derrick scoffs. “Promised? You’re a rockstar, Cass. Promises don’t mean much in this business.”

“Forget it. I’ll handle it myself,” I snap, ending the call before Derrick can say another word, my jaw clenched. Promises might not mean much to Derrick, but they mean everything to Cassidy. And I’ll be damned if I’m going to let her down.

I grab my jacket and bolt for the door, ignoring the assistant calling my name. The hours slip through my fingers as I watch the clock tick closer and closer to the birthday party’s start time, each second tightening the knot in my stomach.

When the plane finally lands, I don’t even wait for the crew to announce we can disembark. I’m out of my seat, my heart pounding in my chest as if it can force the plane to taxi faster. Without a care for being recognized, I sprint through the terminal. My legs ache from the effort, but I barely feel it as I throw myself into the waiting cab.

The driver glances at me in the rearview mirror. “Where to?”

I give him the address, my voice sharp and urgent. “Step on it.”

The ride feels like an eternity. I check my watch every thirty seconds, willing the cab to go faster. By the time we pull up to the house, I can hear faint laughter and music drifting through the open windows. Relief and anxiety mix in my chest as I throw cash at the driver and jump out.

I take the front steps two at a time, pushing open the door just as I hear a chorus of voices singing, “Happy Birthday to you!”

I scramble toward the dining room, skidding to a stop just inside the doorway as Cassidy leans over her birthday cake. Her eyes are squeezed shut, her lips moving silently. She takes a deep breath, blows out the candles in one swoop, and opens her eyes.

Cassidy’s face lights up, her joy so radiant it steals my breath, and for a moment, the world stops.

“You made it!” she shrieks, launching herself out of her chair and into my arms.

“I promised, didn’t I?” I murmur, “and I always keep my promises.” Pulling her into a fierce hug, her laughter vibrating against my chest.

“I wouldn’t have missed this for anything,” I tell her softly, finally letting out the breath I’ve been holding all day. At this moment, her happiness is worth every frantic second of getting here.

Cassidy’s giggles ring in my ears as she pulls back, her excitement lighting up the room like the candles she just blew out. Everyone in the room is watching us, their faces a mix of curiosity and warmth, but all I see is my daughter’s beaming smile.

“Help me cut the cake?” She asks, pointing to the knife.

“Sure, but your mom might have to help me,” I tell her, ignoring the interested faces listening to our every word. I look up to seeKendrick, and my breath catches. She looks great tonight, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

“You made it,” she says softly, and I hear the relief in her voice. She takes pity on me, seeing the lost look on my face as I stare down at the cake. Kendrick picks up the knife and expertly cuts the first slice of chocolate birthday cake. She then hands the knife to me with an encouraging smile. Following her lead, I cut the cake into similar-sized pieces.

“Cass, this is Leah. She owns the Heart & Grinds coffee shop where I worked,” Kendrick says as an introduction. Kendrick then gives me an apologetic look as she leaves me with Leah to hand out the cake, making sure everyone gets a slice.

Leah glances over at me. “Well, if it isn’t the man of the hour,” she teases, her tone warm and full of approval. “You certainly cut it close, didn’t you?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Too close for comfort. There was a mix-up with scheduling and a last-minute flight—But I couldn’t let Cassidy down.”

Leah nods, her expression softening. “You didn’t. And that means a lot to her—and to Kendrick.” She pauses, studying me. “You’ve made their lives so much fuller, Cass. Thank you. I’m glad they have you in their lives now.”

Her words hit me square in the chest, and I swallow the lump in my throat. “They can count on me,” I tell her firmly. “This family thing? It’s everything I didn’t know I was missing.”

Leah’s smile widens, and she pats my arm. “Well, you’re doing something right. Keep it up.” She gives me a wink and moves off to chat with another guest.

As I turn back toward the crowd, I catch sight of Kendrick across the room, talking to one of the other moms. She looks beautiful, as always, her long blonde hair framing her face and her gray eyes sparkling with happiness as she gestures animatedly. Just watching her makes my chest tighten with something deep and unshakable.

Before I can join her, I’m intercepted by a small group of Cassidy’s friends and their mothers.

“Oh my gosh, Mr. Wild,” one of the girls gushes, her face turning pink. “I can’t believe Cassidy knows you. She’s so lucky!”

The moms aren’t far behind, offering polite smiles and too-eager compliments. “I can’t believe you and Kacey are acquaintances,” one of them says with a sly smile. “Why, it must be wonderful for her to have such a talented… friend.”

I give them my best polite smile, trying not to cringe at the attention.

Another mother steps closer and asks boldly, “Are you going to sing for us?”

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