15. Fifteen

Fifteen

Kendrick

The last few days with Cass have felt blissfully surreal, like stepping back in time. Just the two of us, as if no years—or hurt—has passed. I smile. It was like we had an unspoken agreement just to enjoy each other and not think about the future.

Cassidy is due back today, and while we’ve missed her, it feels bittersweet to know our romantic interlude will be over. I’m not even sure how Cass and I should act around her. We haven’t discussed anything, as we didn’t want to burst the fragile bubble that has surrounded us since we allowed our desires full rein.

I can’t contain the huge grin that spreads over my face as I think about the last few days and nights and how satisfying they have been. Over the years, I mostly didn’t date. But I missed being in a relationship, and not just the sex. I missed the intimacy of being with a man… and not any man–Cass. I missed being with Cass, the only man I’ve ever loved.

Glancing at the clock, I realize Cassidy and Emily should be arriving anytime now. My phone buzzes, and it’s a text from Cassidy, ‘We’re here!’ followed by a smiling emoji.

“They’ve arrived!” I state loudly as I walk toward the door. Cass meets me, and we reach out at the same time. Our hands brush, and a sizzle of electricity travels up my arm. Cass smiles down at me, and I see the pleased look in his eyes. Letting him open the door, I follow him onto the porch just as Emily’s car pulls up.

“Mom! Dad! I’m back!” Cassidy shouts, bounding out of the car with flushed cheeks and a wide grin.

She throws her arms around me in a quick hug before she heads over to Cass, who wraps her up in his arms, lifting her off the ground.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he says, setting her back down. “Did you have a good time?”

It was amazing!“ Cassidy gushes. “Grandma and Grandpa took me to the fair, and we ate funnel cakes and cotton candy. And Grandma showed me all these funny pictures of you as a kid!”

Cass chuckles, ruffling her hair. “I bet I looked ridiculous.”

As Cassidy chatters, Emily steps out of the car with a warm smile. “She was a delight. My parents didn’t let her out of their sight. I don’t think they realized how much they wanted a grandchild until she came along.”

The sentiment tugs at my heart. I glance at Cassidy, glowing with the love she’s received, and feel a pang of gratitude—and guilt. For years, it was just the two of us. Now, she’s surrounded by family who adore her and a father who’s determined to make up for lost time.

We head inside, Cass carrying Cassidy’s overnight bag and guitar.

Cassidy launches into another story as she puts away her guitar. Cass glances over at me, and we share a smile. I catch Emily’s eye as she watches us, and there’s something curious there, a knowing look as if she senses the subtle change between Cass and me. Her smile deepens, and she steps forward, giving Cass a nudge on the shoulder.

“So, big brother,” she teases, “I think it’s safe to say things are feeling… like old times around here?” Her gaze shifts between the two of us, the question unspoken but there all the same.

Cass raises an eyebrow, but his eyes hold a twinkle. “Things are good, Em. Real good.” He slides an arm around my waist, a simple gesture that would’ve felt bold a week ago but now feels natural and easy.

Emily’s gaze glows, and she looks at me, her voice quiet but encouraging. “You two deserve this, you know. It’s good to see you both happy. It’s been a long time coming.”

Cass gives her a grateful nod, and I feel a rush of warmth at her words. Having Emily’s support means more than I could’ve imagined. She has a way of understanding and seeing past the surface, and I realize she’s been rooting for us to get back together in her not-so-subtle way.

“Thank you, Emily,” I say sincerely, “It means a lot coming from you.”

“Anytime,” she replies with an easy smile. “I think I’ve found myself a favorite niece, anyway,” she adds, winking at Cassidy, who gives a huge grin after hearing her aunt’s words as she walks back into the room.

As Emily gathers her things, getting ready to head home, a familiar face appears in the doorway. Derrick, dressed impeccably as always, steps inside, a smooth but calculated smile on his face. The air shifts immediately, and I feel Cass tense slightly beside me. His response mirrors mine.

“Derrick,” Cass says, keeping his tone friendly but cool. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Derrick steps forward, his gaze sweeping over the room before landing on Cass. “I wanted to check in. There are a few things we need to discuss...” He casts a critical glance in my direction, his smile tightening, and I feel a flicker of unease.

I turn toward our daughter. “Cassidy, why don’t you take your overnight case upstairs and unpack,” I suggest softly.

After she leaves, Cass nods, his jaw set. “Go ahead, Derrick. What’s on your mind?”

Derrick’s smile is smooth but calculated. “We need to talk.” His gaze flicks to me, and his smile tightens. “Privately.”

Cass’s jaw sets, and he places a steadying hand on my back. “Whatever you have to say, you can say it here.”

Derrick smooths his suit jacket, his tone measured. “Cass, we both know the image I’ve built for you as an unattached musician. That’s what your fans connect with. A family man with a kid doesn’t fit with the brand.”

Cass crosses his arms, his expression hardening. “You’re wrong, Derrick. My fans connect with my music, not some manufactured version of me.”

Derrick’s gaze sharpens. “Do you really think it’s that simple? People are already talking about those New York photos. If someone digs deeper, they’ll find out exactly who she is—and who Cassidy is.” His gaze sharpens as it falls on me.

I feel my stomach twist, and my gaze shifts to the floor. Derrick’s words are laced with warning, and I wonder how long it’ll be before the media frenzy begins. Suddenly, the peaceful life we’ve built here feels fragile, like it could shatter with one careless whisper.

Cass steps forward, his voice low and fierce. “I’m not changing my life to fit your narrative. Kendrick and Cassidy are part of my life now, and that’s not up for negotiation.”

Derrick’s gaze turns icy, and he steps closer, dropping his voice to a cold whisper. “You’re not seeing the big picture here. Do you know how quickly a bad reputation can tank a career? The fans, the endorsements? Hell, even the stadium tours–they’ll all go up in smoke.”

He turns his harsh gaze on me, and I feel the intensity of his judgment, the thinly veiled hatred. “Do you have any idea what you and your child will cost him?” he asks, his voice dripping with condescension. “This little reunion is only temporary.”

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 overthink things. 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.