Page 27 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

Much later, my body is still recovering as I stand at the kitchen counter, trying to distract myself with brewing coffee. It’s not working. My nerves are still frayed.

Cass walks in, casual but watchful, a glass of juice in hand. “Hey, are you alright?” he asks quietly.

“I’m fine,” I reply quickly, though the blush creeping up my neck betrays me.

He hesitates. “About earlier—“

“It’s fine,” I interrupt, waving it off with forced nonchalance. “I’m just anxious about meeting your parents.”

His gaze softens, and he takes a step closer, his presence steadying. “They’re going to love you and Cassidy. Trust me.”

A few hours later, the sound of a car pulling up the gravel drive has us all turning toward the door. Cassidy practically flies out the front door, her excitement contagious, and I’m trailing close behind. Emily stands on the porch, giving me a quick, encouraging smile before following us out.

As the car doors open, Cass’s mom, a petite woman with a warm face and sparkling blue eyes, steps out. She’s followed by Cass’s dad, a tall, solidly built man with an air of quiet strength.His stance reminds me of Cass. They both look around, eagerly looking for their grandchild. As their gaze lands on Cassidy, their faces light up with emotion.

Cass steps forward, a huge grin on his face. “Mom, Dad, this is Cassidy,” he says, pride coloring his voice as he gestures to our daughter, standing slightly behind him, looking up at them with wide eyes.

Cass’s mom’s face softens instantly, her eyes misting. She steps forward and bends, meeting Cassidy at eye level. “Cassidy,” she says, her voice gentle. “I’m your grandma. And oh, have I waited a long time to meet you.”

Cassidy’s eyes brighten, and she rushes into Linda’s arms. The sight tightens my throat, a wave of bittersweet emotion crashing over me.

Cass’s dad steps quietly forward next. “And I’m your grandpa,” he says, his voice a low rumble filled with affection. “I’ve got a feeling you and I are going to get along just fine, young lady.”

Cassidy beams, her happiness infectious. My nerves ease as Linda turns to me and takes my hands. “You must be Kendrick. Welcome to our family,” she says, her sincerity softening the walls around my heart.

Cass’s father gives me a kind smile, resting his hand lightly on my shoulder. “Kendrick. We’re just glad to finally meet you. You and our granddaughter.”

Hearing the sincerity in their words, I blink back unexpected tears. “Thank you,” I manage, my voice barely more than a whisper.

After the introductions, we make our way to the living room. Cass’s parents start asking Cassidy questions, eager to know all about her. She enthusiastically answers each one. I watch as Cass’s parents listen intently, nodding with genuine interest. At one point, Cassidy shows them a short melody she’s written, humming a few lines, and Cass’s dad nods in approval, clearly impressed.

“You’ve got your father’s gift, Cassidy,” he says proudly, and I see her light up at the sincere compliment.

Cass’s mom looks over at Cass with a warm smile. “You must be proud. She’s very talented.”

“I am,” Cass says, his voice soft but filled with emotion. “She amazes me every single day.”

Cass’s mom, who insists I call her Linda, glances at me. “You seem to have done a fine job raising her.”

Nodding, I murmur, “Thank you.”

Emily watches from her place in the corner with a small smile. I catch her eye, and she gives me an encouraging nod as if to say, ‘See? I told you there was nothing to worry about.’

After lunch, we head down to the beach, walking together along the shoreline. The sun is warm on our backs. Cassidy and her grandfather are knee-deep in the water, laughing as the waves push them around, while Linda stands on the shore, watching them with a soft smile. I smile, too, at seeing my daughter so happy and carefree. Emily is mostly quiet as she watches all of us from nearby, occasionally offering a witty remark.

As we make our way back to the house, Linda falls in step beside me. “You know, Kendrick,” she says, her tone thoughtful, “Cass has always had a lot of people around him, but he always seemed… alone.”

I look over at her, surprised by the openness in her voice. She smiles, her gaze loving as she looks at her son. “Seeing him with you and Cassidy... it feels like he may have found what he’s been searching for all these years. And it has nothing to do with his career or fame. “

Her words stay with me as we reach the house and settle in for the evening. I can see it, too—the way Cass seems more grounded, more at ease than before. And as much as I want to protect myself, to guard my heart, I can’t help but feel a flicker of hope.

The next evening, after dinner, Cass’s parents prepare to leave. Linda approaches me. “Kendrick,” Linda begins hesitantly, “George and I… we were hoping you might allow us to take Cassidy for a few days.”

My eyes widen in surprise at the unexpected request. “Um… I guess that would be okay. Have you already mentioned it to Cassidy?”

“No, dear,” George says with a kind smile. “We wanted to make sure it was alright with you first.”

“I see,” I state and clear my voice. “Of course, it’s okay if Cassidy wants to go. You’re her grandparents.” I look up to see Cass giving me a smile as he walks in.

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