Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 100441 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100441 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Maggie’s eyes soften. “I understand, and I’m just thankful you’re giving me enough trust with this.”
“It’s hard thinking of leaving Kaylee. We might have to have some practice weekends for a while first, but Lyric has made me rethink how I see the world. That maybe there’s more to life than sacrificing everything for a tiny human I created.”
“A cute tiny human,” Maggie says.
“The adorablest.”
“I don’t think that’s a word.”
“Don’t care. Anyway, I realize Lyric’s right. I can’t always protect Kaylee from all the bullshit, and I can’t put my life on hold trying to do it either. It’s possible to have a career and protect her, but I know she’ll still be exposed. There’s not much we can do about that except teach her how to handle it. It will be manageable if we have the right people on board, and there’s only one person I’d trust to make sure that happens.”
Maggie smiles at me. “You must really love Lyric. For you to even contemplate all this for him when you’ve been the most uptight parent I’ve ever known.”
My mouth drops open, but nothing comes out. Apparently, I can’t even say the words to other people even if they’re right there waiting to explode from my mouth. “I should probably tell him first before saying anything.”
Her eyebrows arch. “He’s moving in, but you haven’t told him you love him yet?”
“It’s been implied.”
“How special for him,” she says. “Just tell him. Go out there, march up to him, and say, ‘I love you, you big, gorgeous idiot’ and kiss him. There. Done.”
I cock my head. “You think my boyfriend is gorgeous?”
“So much so I have no idea what he sees in you.”
I burst out laughing. “Thanks for always being you.”
She stands and pulls me into a hug. “I can’t thank you enough for giving me the chance to make it up to her.”
“Aww, Mags.” I hold her close.
Lyric’s voice comes from behind us. “Should I be worried?”
Maggie moves out of my arms. “Yeah, right. The only time you’d have to be worried is if Ryder and I were both in emotionally horrible places at the same time.”
“Recipe for disaster,” I joke.
“Hey, not that much of a disaster.” She nods in Kaylee’s direction as our daughter comes running in from outside.
I pick her up as she runs into my arms, and I find crumbs around her mouth. “You got into the cookies already?”
She licks her lips. “Uh-huh.”
Definitely not a disaster.
Totally worth it.
Chapter Thirty
Lyric
The pen in my hand hovers over the spot where I need to sign. I’m excited and ready to change my life, but I also want to make sure I don’t rush it and forget what this feels like.
I’m surrounded by my family old and new, Harley and his partner, Harley’s assistant, and even Cameron.
“He’s hesitating,” Cameron whispers. “My offer’s still on the table,” he calls out.
“Not hesitating. Just taking it all in.”
“Suck it, old man,” Harley mutters.
Cameron smiles.
Maybe Harley’s venture will fail. Maybe it will take off. Right now, it doesn’t matter. What matters is taking this new opportunity and running with it. With Ryder by my side.
I slide the pen across the page, signing my future away.
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life.
When I straighten up, Ryder’s right there, kissing me and making my dreams complete. After Ryder releases me, everyone else shakes my hand and offers me their own congratulations.
“We need a photo,” Harley says and turns to his assistant. “Jamie, get a snap of this so we can use it as promo when we announce the label.”
We take a photo of Harley and me shaking hands and smiling. I probably look like an absolute goofball. My first official public photo is going to haunt me for years.
Cameron approaches us. “I’m heading out, boys. Best of luck to you both. And remember, either of you can call me for advice whenever you need it. I have high hopes for this.” He shakes our hands.
“If you weren’t so obsessed with money, you could get in on this,” Harley says.
Cameron scoffs. “It’s not me who’s obsessed with money. That would be wife number four.”
“Divorce her!” Harley says. “Get into business with us.”
Cameron laughs. “You’d think I’d learn after the first three. I’d be more broke divorced.”
“Prenups, man.” Harley claps Cameron on the back. “We told you that with the second one.”
“I know, I know.” Cameron sighs. “But if your man over there asked you to marry him, would you ask for a prenup?”
Harley stares at his bodyguard boyfriend, who’s talking with Maggie right now, and then hangs his head. “No.”
“Exactly. I’m a romantic at heart.”
“I’d sign a prenup,” I say. “But, you know, that’s me wanting to protect Ryder.”
Ryder’s voice comes from behind me. “Wait, we’re getting married?” He wraps his arm around me and pulls me close. “Were you planning on telling me? I thought that was a long, long, long, long, long way off.”