35. Epilogue

Epilogue

Kendrick

The crowd’s roar reverberates through the walls as Cassidy and I wait backstage. The energy in the arena is electric, a palpable hum that rises with every cheer, every chant of Cass’s name. Cassidy bounces on her toes beside me, her bright eyes and flushed cheeks radiating excitement.

“You nervous?” I whisper, leaning down so she can hear.

She grins up at me, her confidence glowing. “Maybe a little.”

Emily stands on my other side, clipboard in hand, her dark hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. She looks every bit the competent, no-nonsense manager she’s become. “They’re ready for you both,” she says with a nod toward the stage, then glances at me. “You’re sure about this?”

I nod, my heart pounding with equal parts exhilaration and nerves. “Absolutely.”

Emily smiles. “Good. Because Cass would probably drag you both out there himself if you weren’t.”

We share a laugh, and for a moment, the chaos of the arena fades. I glance at Emily, gratitude swelling in my chest. Since Cass insisted she step in as his new manager, she’s been nothing short of amazing. His schedule is balanced, his family prioritized, and his new tour bus—created for private family space—has made this whirlwind life surprisingly manageable.

“You’ve done so much for us,” I say, my voice thick with gratitude. “I don’t know how we’d have managed all this without you.”

Emily waves me off, though her eyes soften. “Don’t get mushy on me. This is what a top-notch manager does–for family.”

“How is Sam handling you being in the picture more?” I ask, arching a brow. “Besides calling you Boss Lady?”

Her shrug is casual, but I see the blush cover her face. “He’ll just have to deal with it. I like my new job.”

The crowd erupts again, the noise hitting a fever pitch, and Cassidy looks toward the stage, her excitement barely contained. Emily hands Cassidy her guitar, carefully tuned and polished, a reflection of the pride we both feel. “Ready to steal the show?”

Cassidy nods, her expression suddenly serious. “I’m ready.”

The lights on stage dim, and Cass’s silhouette is bathed in a single spotlight as he addresses the crowd. His voice, warm and commanding, rolls through the filled arena.

“Before we finish for the night, I want to share something special with all of you,” he says, his words slowing, his tone full of emotion. “Over the last year, my life has changed in ways I never thought possible. I’ve found something more important than fame, more important than the music... I’ve found love and a family.”

The crowd cheers, their enthusiasm shaking the rafters, and Cass waits patiently for the noise to settle.

“I’ve got a new song for you tonight,” he continues, his blue eyes scanning the sea of faces. “It’s slower than my usual stuff—a love ballad, actually. And it’s one I didn’t write alone. I had the best co-writers I could ever ask for: my daughter Cassidy and her mom, Kendrick Cash.”

The arena falls silent for a heartbeat, the air thick with anticipation, before the crowd explodes into applause. Cass turns, his eyes locking on us. Slowly and deliberately, he lifts his hand, inviting us into the spotlight.

My heart races as I take Cassidy’s hand, leading her out under the blinding lights. The roar of the crowd washes over me, but all I see is Cass standing center stage, his smile wide and unguarded, his love for us written all over his face.

Cassidy grips her guitar with steady hands, her posture calm and self-assured, and I marvel at her poise. She’s a natural.

Cass moves toward us, placing a kiss on Cassidy’s forehead before wrapping an arm around my waist. “I love you,” he murmurs, his voice low enough for only me to hear.

The song begins softly, Cass’s guitar strumming a tender rhythm that feels like a heartbeat. Cassidy joins in, strumming her instrument, the notes weaving effortlessly with his. Then he begins to sing, and when he reaches the chorus, he grins over at me. My voice blends with his clear and steady, the words pouring out of me like a confession. The lyrics tell a story of love lost, found, and rediscovered—our journey woven into every note.

When Cassidy’s clear, youthful voice joins in as well, the crowd responds with an audible wave of awe. Their cheers blend into the music, becoming part of the performance itself.

Cass watches us, his expression one of pure pride and joy. The music and song pour out of him, and when the final note fades, the arena erupts in a deafening roar.

Cass steps forward, his guitar slung over his shoulder. “I’ve got one more thing to say,” he announces, his voice carrying over the thunderous applause.

I glance at him, confused, as he turns toward me in front of the thousands of screaming fans. Then, to my absolute shock, Cass drops to one knee, the roar of the crowd fading into the background.

“Kendrick,” he says, his blue eyes locked on mine, his voice unwavering. “You’re my everything. You’re the woman who gave back my heart, my family, and a better life. Will you marry me?”

The crowd’s noise is deafening, but all I can hear is the pounding of my heart. Tears blur my vision as he stands, and I throw my arms around him. “Yes,” I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion. Then, louder and firmer, “Yes, Cass. A thousand times, yes.”

The arena explodes with cheers as Cass pulls me close, his lips finding mine in a kiss that feels like forever. Cassidy wraps her arms around us, her laughter a sweet melody that lifts the moment into perfection. And I know, without a doubt, that we’ve found our happy ending.

Our encore is a future bright with love and infinite possibilities, the final note of our story yet to be written.

The End.