Page 58 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

A small crowd begins to gather nearby, drawn by their laid-back sound. Someone starts a bonfire a few yards away, its flames casting flickering shadows across the sand. The firelight mingles with the music, creating an atmosphere that feels almost magical.

The night is perfect until the flashlights appear. Two police officers walk toward us, their expressions stern.

“Uh-oh,” Nate mutters, his hands hovering over the bongos.

I glance at Cass, a knot of worry forming in my gut as I envision the headlines and the fit Derrick will throw. Cass sets down his guitar, stepping forward to meet them.

“Evening, officers,” he says, his tone polite.

One of them points to the bonfire. “You know bonfires aren’t allowed on the beach, right?”

“Yes, sir,” Cass replies, his voice steady. “Sorry, it wasn’t planned. We’ll put it out right away.”

The officer narrows his eyes. “You’re Cass Wild, aren’t you?”

Cass nods, a small smile playing on his lips.

The second officer steps forward, his demeanor less serious. “My daughter’s a huge fan. She’s been to your concerts. She loves your music.”

Cass chuckles, the tension easing. “Glad to hear that.”

The first officer exchanges a glance with his partner and then shrugs. “Listen, just keep it under control, alright? We don’t want any trouble.”

The second officer steps forward and asks, “Hey, could I get an autograph for my daughter?”

“You’ve got it,” Cass says, relief evident in his voice, as the officer hands him a pad and pen.

When they eventually walk away, the band erupts into laughter.

“That was close,” Sam says, shaking his head.

“Too close,” I mutter, but the grin tugging at my lips betrays my amusement.

The jam session resumes well into the night. It’s incredible how well I’ve come to know the band. Luke plays keyboard, and he’s always hungry. He and Sam are always cracking jokes. Neither of them seem to take anything too seriously. Vince, on the other hand, is more serious and quite grumpy until you get to know him. He plays guitar. Nate is their drummer. He’s different–quiet. He keeps more to himself, but I suspect he sees more than he lets on.

Tonight was a turning point–I feel like they’ve finally accepted that Cass and I are together. They may even suspect Cass’s relationship with Cassidy… but he hasn’t confirmed anything officially. But they aren’t stupid. They see his devotion to her, and it warms my heart.

I lean back on my arms, lifting my face to the dark sky, and let the music sweep over me.

After a while, the party begins to wind down with one final song, a slow, soulful melody that leaves everyone quiet and reflective. The fire crackles softly, its warmth chasing away the chill in the air.

Cass joins me on the blanket, his arm draping around my shoulders.

“Thank you,” he says, his voice low and sincere.

“For what?” I ask, leaning into him.

“For this. For reminding me why I fell in love with music in the first place.”

I smile, my heart full. “Anytime.”

As the fire dies and the crowd begins to disperse, I watch Cass laugh with his friends–his bandmates, their bond as strong as ever. Tonight, they reclaimed something precious—their love of creating music together just for the sheer pleasure of it all.

As Cass wraps his arms around me, the music still lingering in the air, I know this is a moment we will all carry with us long after the fire fades.

The next morning, at breakfast, Cass gives me a grateful smile. “Thanks again for last night. It was just like old times, except this time you were there–and that made it perfect.”

Giving him a warm smile, I lean over and kiss his shoulder just to show how much his words mean to me.

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