Page 41 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

“Sorry, not tonight,” I say smoothly. “Because today isn’t about me. It’s about Cassidy. She’s the birthday girl,” I reply, glancingover to where Cassidy is now laughing with her friends. “I’m just here as her biggest fan.”

The mothers exchange looks, clearly charmed, but I’m already stepping away, making my way to Kendrick’s side.

As I approach, she turns to me, her smile softening into something warmer and more personal. “You made quite the dramatic entrance,” she teases.

“Couldn’t help it,” I reply, leaning in to give her a brief hug, aware we’re under scrutiny. “There was a mix-up,” I tell her tightly.

Giving me a knowing look, she says drily, “Let me guess–Derrick wasn’t concerned about getting you home on time,” Kendrick says, her knowing tone softening the jab.

I shake my head, seeing the disgust on my face; Kendrick says, “I doubt he’ll ever change. But Cassidy is over the moon. Thank you for keeping your promise.”

“I’d move mountains for her,” I say honestly, my gaze drifting back to our daughter. “And for you.”

She squeezes my arm, her smile turning soft, and I can tell she’s about to respond when Cassidy’s voice rings out.

“Mom! You guys need to come see my presents!”

Kendrick laughs, shaking her head. “We better go over there before she bursts.”

We spend the rest of the party mingling, laughing, and, most importantly, celebrating Cassidy. She’s radiant, her excitement infectious as she shows off her gifts and shares the moment with her friends.

Once the party is over and the guests have all left, Cassidy comes up to me. “Thanks, Dad. You’re the best,” Cassidy says, clutching her birthday card like it’s the most precious thing in the world. “I can’t wait to find out my surprise!” Her smile grows wide. “You made my birthday party perfect.”

I kneel down, looking her in the eye. “There’s no place I’d rather be, sweetheart. I want to be there for all your birthdays.”

Her hug is fierce, and in that moment, surrounded by the warmth of my daughter and Kendrick, I know I’ve finally found what matters most.

The next morning, Kendrick and I sit Cassidy down after breakfast, exchanging a reassuring glance before starting. Cassidy looks between us, her curiosity clear, her eyes bright and expectant.

“Cassidy,” Kendrick begins, her voice steady, “we wanted to talk to you about something that’s changed between your father and me.”

She’s quiet, her head tilting a little as she waits, and I can practically see the questions spinning behind her eyes.

I clear my throat, picking up where Kendrick left off. “So, Cassidy, what your mom’s trying to say is—She and I… well, here’s the thing… we still care a lot about each other. And uh, I guess you could call us a couple. Boyfriend and girlfriend.” I reach over and take Kendrick’s hand in mine. “We’re in a relationship now.”

There’s a second of silence where Cassidy’s face is blank, processing. And then, suddenly, her entire expression lights up. “Does this mean you’re getting married?” she exclaims, her excitement bubbling over.

Kendrick and I exchange a startled look, both of us caught between amusement and a little nervousness. I can’t help but laugh. “Whoa there, Cassidy. We’re not there yet. Right now, we’re just… um… taking things slow.”

Cassidy’s eyes narrow slightly as if she’s considering this new information from every angle. “But you’ll kiss and stuff, right? You’ll sleep in the same bedroom?” she asks pointedly, her tone so matter-of-fact that it nearly undoes me. “Like my friend Jenny’s mom and her boyfriend?”

“Yes,” I say, not even hesitating. I look over at Kendrick, who nods slightly, her expression unreadable.

“So we’re moving in with you for more than the summer?” she adds, her voice just over a whisper, her eyes never leaving mine.

“Yes,” I say, my throat tightening.

With that, she leaps out of her chair, throwing her arms around both of us, squeezing tightly. “Was this my birthday surprise?” she asks with a smile.

“No. I have that planned for tomorrow,” I tell her in a voice gruff with emotion as I return her hug. My eyes catch Kendrick’s, and we exchange relieved smiles over her head.

As we pull apart, Cassidy is all smiles, already chattering excitedly. “We’ll be together for Christmas! Ooh, and you’ll have date nights, like Jenny’s mom. Can I help plan your dates?”

Kendrick laughs, glancing over at me as my hand lightly brushes over her thigh under the table. “We’ll see, sweetheart. One step at a time.”

When we all get up from the table, I pull Kendrick into my arms. “I’m glad that’s over, though it was almost a little too easy,” I whisper in her ear. “But now we don’t have to tiptoe around this anymore. We’ll be sharing a bed, and I’ll get to hold you in my arms every night just like I’ve wanted to for so long.”

Kendrick gives a soft laugh. “I’ll have to thank Jenny’s mom when I see her.”

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