Page 32 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

Cass’s face hardens, his jaw clenched in a way that tells me he’s holding back a storm. “Derrick,” he says in a dangerously calm voice, “they matter to me. I’m not trading in my personal life just to stay out of the tabloids.”

Derrick’s expression hardens. “You’re a fool if you think the industry will accept this. Careers have been ruined for less.”

Cass doesn’t flinch. “Then I’ll redefine my career. Release music differently. Scale back. Whatever it takes.”

Derrick scoffs, shaking his head. “You’ll regret this, Cass,” he spits out. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He turns on his heel, storming out of the house, the tension lingering long after the door slams behind him.

The silence that follows feels heavy, charged with the weight of Derrick’s words and the fear and doubts he’s stirred. Cass turns to me, his expression apologetic, but I can see the slight lines of worry etched into his face.

“Hey,” Cass murmurs, wrapping me in his arms. “Don’t let Derrick get to you. This is my life, and I’m not about to let him or anyone else decide how I live it.”

I nod, feeling the comfort of his embrace, but Derrick’s words linger like a dark cloud, casting shadows over my fragile hopes. The weight of Cass’s career—its demands, its scrutiny—feels heavier than ever.

I let myself lean into Cass, and for a moment, I let go of the doubts and fears. We stand there, wrapped in each other’s arms, and I realize how much I want this—to believe in a future where we can be a family, where love is enough to overcome whatever obstacles come our way.

Emily clears her throat softly, reminding us that we’re not alone. “Well, after Derrick’s little tantrum, I should probably get going,” she says grimly, then her face lightens. “It looks like you two have a lot to talk about.”

Cass chuckles, releasing me as we both turn to Emily. “Thanks for everything, Em,” he says, pulling her into a hug. “You know you’re always welcome here.”

Emily smiles. “I’ll hold you to that.” She glances at me with a hint of mischief. “And Kendrick, don’t let my brother overthinkthings. He has a good heart but can be a little stubborn and set in his ways.”

I laugh, feeling a genuine warmth as I hug her. “Thanks, Emily. I’ll do my best to keep him in line.” We both turn as Cassidy comes bounding down the stairs to say goodbye to her aunt.

With a final wave, Emily heads out, leaving us three standing together in the house.

Walking over to the table, I turn toward Cass with a sad little smile. “I thought you might want to see these.” I pick up the baby album, my voice wistful as I hand it to him. “Cassidy’s childhood… the moments you missed...”

Cassidy beams. “Mom kept all my pictures, even more than Grandma has of you!”

Cass opens the album with hesitant hands, as if afraid of what he might find. The first photo is of Cassidy as a newborn, her tiny fists clenched, her face scrunched in a cry. His fingers brush over the image, and his voice is thick when he speaks. “She was so small.”

I nod, swallowing back my own emotions. “She was perfect. From the moment I saw her, I knew she was my world.”

Cass flips to the next page, where Cassidy’s first birthday is captured. A chocolate-smeared face and a lopsided party hat make him chuckle. “This is…amazing. I missed so much.”

“You’re here now,” I say softly. “That’s what matters.”

Cassidy sits down beside him, pointing to a picture of herself at four, holding a tiny kitten. “That’s Mr. Whiskers! He ran away, but I loved him so much.”

Cass laughs, pulling her closer. “I bet you did.”

The album continues, with each page a snapshot of moments he missed—her first day of school and a summer trip to the mountains. I watch Cass struggle to keep his emotions in check. His jaw tightens, and his hands linger on each page as if trying to make up for lost time. He has to turn away a few times, blinking rapidly. Clearing his throat, he asks huskily, “What birthday is this one?”

Cassidy peers at the image. “Oh, that’s last year when I turned eleven. We’re almost through,” she assures him as she flips the page. “This is Christmas. See? Mom snapped a picture right as I tore the wrapping paper off my guitar.”

“I see that,” Cass says huskily. He leans over and hugs Cassidy. “Going forward. I promise–No more missed birthday parties,” he tells her softly.

Watching them, my heart swells. For the first time, I allow myself to believe that we can do this—that we can truly be a family, no matter what the world throws our way.

Sixteen

Cass

Life is good! Better than good. Being with Kendrick and Cassidy fills that empty, restless feeling that has hounded me for the last year. I feel less restless, almost content. And there’s a feeling of happiness and satisfaction in my life that just wasn’t there before.

I decide to enjoy what I have–and not take it for granted. The next couple of days blur together in a haze of laughter, quiet moments, and nights filled with passion. Kendrick slipping into my bed after Cassidy falls asleep is the highlight of every evening. But as much as I want to revel in this newfound joy, a looming performance at a rough venue intrudes on my peace.

The venue’s reputation for drugs and rowdy crowds has bothered me from the start. I voiced my concerns to Derrick,but he brushed them off as usual. Kendrick overheard the conversation, and I noticed her growing unease. I suspect she’s worried about Cassidy being exposed to things she’s not ready for—and I can’t say I blame her.

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