“Kendrick, we have the music awards coming up. I want you to go with me.”

My eyes widen in surprise, and I glance up at him. “Cass, are you sure?”

“Completely sure,” he assures me with a sincere smile.

“But the press, the paparazzi–” I begin to protest.

Cass cuts me off. “I know. But I still want you with me. It’s an important night for me–for any singer, and I want you by my side.”

I search his face for any trace of hesitation, but all I see is unwavering certainty. My heart swells at his words, and I can’t help the soft smile tugging at my lips.

“If you’re sure, then I’d love to go,” I say, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my chest.

Cass’s grin widens, and he reaches across the table, his fingers finding mine in a firm but gentle grasp. “Then it’s settled. We’ll face the chaos together.”

The warmth of his touch grounds me, but my mind is already spinning with the implications of being seen at such a high-profile event. The music awards aren’t just about celebrating talent—they’re a spectacle, a public stage where every move and glance becomes fodder for headlines.

“You know that will spark speculations, Cass,” I murmur, voicing the concern lingering in the back of my mind. “About us.”

He doesn’t waver, his gaze locked on mine. “Let them ask.”

It’s such a simple statement, yet it carries a weight that makes my throat tighten. I squeeze his hand, letting the moment stretch between us. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

Cass’s smile turns boyish, full of that infectious energy that first drew me to him years ago. “You won’t regret it.”

I let out a soft laugh, unable to resist his enthusiasm. “You better be right about that.”

After breakfast, Cassidy bombards her dad with questions about the ceremony. Her energy is contagious, and I find myself smiling despite her lingering nerves.

“Will there be other famous people there?” Cassidy asks, her eyes wide as she trails after her father.

“Plenty,” Cass replies with a chuckle. “And they’ll all be asking me who my beautiful date is.”

Cassidy laughs, glancing at me with a mischievous grin. “That’s Mom, right?”

“Of course it is,” Cass says, his voice firm as he ruffles her hair. “No one else could even compare.”

His words fill me with bravery and confidence. I’m determined not to let him down.

The next afternoon, I find Cass in the living room, strumming his acoustic guitar. His fingers move effortlessly over the strings, coaxing out a soft, melodic tune that fills the room with a sense of calm.

I lean against the doorway, watching him for a moment. “Is that new?”

He glances up, a smile tugging at his lips. “Just a tune I’ve been playing around with.”

“It’s beautiful,” I say, moving to sit beside him on the couch. “Does it have lyrics?”

“Not yet,” he admits, setting the guitar down. “But it feels like it should.”

I nod, the melody lingering in the air between us. “It sounds hopeful–like another love song.”

Cass tilts his head, considering my words. “Yeah, maybe it is.” His gaze shifts to me, and there’s a softness there that makes my breath catch. “You’ve been inspiring me a lot lately.”

Heat rises to my cheeks, and I duck my head to hide my smile. “Stop.”

“I’m serious,” he says, his voice low and earnest. “You remind me why I started doing this in the first place. It wasn’t about the fame or the awards. It was about the music. The connection.”

I look up at him, my chest tight with emotion. “That’s why I planned last night,” I confess. “I thought you needed a reminder of that. Not just with the music but with the people who mean the most to you.”