Just One Chance, page 18
Sasha had moved in with Xander, and Cassidy was staying in the house her brother was renting while she decided where she wanted to live.
Dash and Cassidy avoided each other, and when they were stuck in the same room, their behavior made it obvious something had happened between them. Sasha hadn’t gotten much information out of her friend. No more than Xander had from his brother.
According to Sasha, Cassidy thought Dash was a man-whore, and she wasn’t wrong. His brother enjoyed the rock-star lifestyle. Xander just wished he hadn’t hurt someone so close to Sasha. It made life hard. It was a miracle Cassidy’s brother, now an official part of the band, hadn’t found out.
Xander heard the sound of voices and headed out to greet his family. A couple of hours later, everyone was laughing and having a good time.
Sasha, Cassidy, and Aurora had their heads together to discuss the charity project they wanted to work on, and his mother was holding nine-month-old Leah. Sasha’s mother was talking to Beck’s parents, who had joined them this time, along with his brothers. His father had had colon cancer but was doing well and they’d accepted the invitation.
Xander walked over and pressed a kiss to his mom’s cheek. “I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve been over but we’re more settled now. I promise to see you more often.”
His mother, always put together and beautiful, smiled as she held Leah over her shoulder and patted the baby’s back. “I know. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you and Sasha are back together and happy. It makes my heart so full to know three of my children are settled.”
She knew he planned to ask Sasha to marry him soon and was keeping his secret. But she couldn’t wait and smiled wide when she looked at him. “The family rumor mill says you almost blew it with her.” His mom winked.
Xander rolled his eyes. No doubt Dash had told someone, who’d told someone else, and so on. “All’s well that ends well,” he said, patting his pocket.
“Quit it with that move or Sasha’s going to figure out you’ve got something going on,” Dash said as he joined them.
Their mother looked at him, concern on her face. “Sarah Jenkins called this morning. Apparently there are photographs of you with your arms around two women at a strip club on social media.”
Xander winced. The last person an adult man wanted to be lectured by about his sex life was his mother.
“An old friend was getting married. I posed for a picture with two women. They were fans,” Dash muttered.
“Two strippers. Not that I’m passing judgment,” his mother said, “but really? Must it all be so public?” she asked.
Xander glanced at his brother, who flushed beneath their mother’s gaze. “It was platonic, Mom. I swear. Scout’s honor.” He held up his fingers. Xander wouldn’t know if that was a Scout sign or not.
“You were never a Boy Scout, Dash.”
“He still isn’t,” Xander added helpfully, which earned him a jolt in the arm.
Their mother merely shook her head.
And now seemed like the perfect time for a distraction. Xander looked across the pool area to where one of the servers was standing and nodded her way.
A little while later, everyone around the pool had a glass of champagne in their hands, except Xander and Sasha, who he’d pulled over to him in an attempt to separate her from everyone.
“I don’t understand. What’s going on?” she asked, glancing at everyone, who’d grown silent. And who were watching the two of them standing by the pool.
Chloe, the designated photographer, had her phone camera in her hand. She inclined her head, letting him know she was ready.
“Xander?” Sasha asked again, because he hadn’t answered her.
Instead, he put his hand in his front jeans pocket, pulled out the ring, and enclosed it in his hand before dropping down to one knee.
“Xander?” Sasha asked, except she then gasped and put her hands over her mouth as she saw the four-carat ring in his hand.
The beautiful actress-turned-producer love of his life deserved nothing less. “There’s a quote by an author that is perfect for us. ‘A second chance doesn’t mean anything if you don’t learn from your first.’” The saying was attributed to Zig Ziglar, a veteran, salesman, motivational speaker, and more. “We suffered and we learned. And now I don’t want to spend another minute without you by my side.” He’d decided to keep it short and sweet. “I love you and need you. Sasha Keaton, will you marry me and become a Kingston?”
* * *
Sasha stared at the elegant ring that sparkled in the sunlight. Her family and Xander’s stood around them, waiting, along with the man she adored, for her answer.
“You must be pretty confident to do this in front of everyone.” Her smile grew wider as she met his gaze. “Yes, I will marry you. I love you, Xander. Then, now, and forever.”
Around them, the families clapped and cheered as Xander slipped the ring on her finger.
“It fits perfectly.” She blinked and happy tears dripped down her cheeks.
“I borrowed one of your rings and took it with me to the jeweler.” He rose to his feet, and she threw her arms around him, pressing her lips to his.
The kiss went on and on, their tongues slipping and sliding against each other’s until someone called out, “Get a room!”
Laughing, they broke apart, still staring into each other’s eyes and smiling.
Sasha couldn’t tear her stare from Xander and his scruffy beard and the happy grin on his handsome face. For all they’d been through, this had been worth waiting for.
She was so grateful they’d given each other just one more chance because now they had forever.
Epilogue
And another month later…
The waiting room of the hospital was full with the entire Kingston clan waiting for Jordan to give birth. Her parents, Tamara and Patrick, were beside Xander’s mom as they alternately talked and paced.
Xander sat beside Sasha, holding her hand. They’d been playing musical chairs with the rest of his siblings and significant others for the better part of three hours. Xander had talked to everyone, and he now just wanted some quiet time with Sasha.
“If it was us, would you want to know if the baby was a boy or a girl?” she asked.
He met her gaze, surprised by the question. They’d talked about everything and anything … except having children. “I don’t know. I haven’t given it any thought.” He paused, then asked, “Do you want kids?”
He held his breath. He’d always desired a family, but he hadn’t thought about kids since he and Sasha had gotten engaged. He’d been too busy enjoying her. But now that the subject was on the table, he did not want her to take the possibility away from them.
“Of course I do,” she said softly, squeezing his hand tight. “I want a little boy who looks like his daddy,” she murmured.
He grinned. “How about a girl with Mom’s blond hair and both of our blue eyes?”
She nodded, obviously happy with the idea. “But not quite yet, okay? I need time with you for a while. I want to build a solid foundation before we bring children into the mix.”
He nodded, in total agreement. “I also want you to have the time you need to establish our production company and fulfill your dream.” She’d spent too much time trying to succeed so her mother could validate her own existence.
“Xander, I wouldn’t put this career over us having a family any more than I would have chosen acting over us being together again. We’re a team. We’ll build a business, and when we’re ready, whenever that is, we’ll have kids.” She pushed herself up and kissed his lips before settling into the chair beside him again.
He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her against him, glancing up at the clock. Poor Linc. He must be losing his mind watching his wife in pain. The family had been here for three hours, but Linc and Jordan had been here for twenty hours now.
About forty minutes later, Linc stepped into the room, looking as exhausted as he was exhilarated. “It’s a boy!”
The room broke out in applause, whoops, and yells of congratulations. Everyone rose and shouted questions at him at once until Linc finally shushed everyone, raising his hands and indicating everyone should quiet down. No doubt Linc had to pull strings to get them all to be allowed to wait as it was.
“He’s healthy. Eight pounds, nine ounces and twenty inches long,” Linc said proudly.
“Oh, God, that’s a big baby,” Sasha muttered, causing Xander to chuckle and hug her in reassurance.
“What’s his name?” their mom asked.
“Jasper,” Linc said, still grinning.
“I love it!” Basically everyone said a version of the same thing and Xander chuckled.
“Can I see my daughter and grandson?” Tamara asked.
Xander stopped paying attention and glanced at Sasha. “Want to congratulate Linc and head home? There’s too many people here to get in to see them tonight.”
Sasha nodded. “We’ll make arrangements to visit when Jordan says it’s okay.”
Xander turned to see Dash hugging a wall near the back corner of the room. “Give me a minute?”
Her gaze landed on his brother and she nodded. “Of course.”
Xander headed over to Dash, who was shifting from foot to foot. “What’s going on?”
Dash shook his head. “Nothing.”
“Bullshit.” For a guy who was usually the life of the party and the loudest, happiest guy in the room, Dash was subdued. And it had nothing to do with the new addition to the family.
When Dash remained silent, Xander put a hand on his shoulder. “Do not make me beat it out of you in front of everyone. Talk to me. I’m here for you.”
Dash glanced up at him with glazed eyes, like he hadn’t slept in days. “Don’t judge me. And I don’t want to fucking hear it was bound to happen one day.”
Now Xander was worried. “Sounds like you’re doing enough of that to yourself.”
Dash inclined his head and spoke so low Xander had to lean close to hear. “Some woman claims I’m the father of her baby.”
Thanks for reading! Dash Kingston and Cassidy Forrester are up next in JUST ONE SPARK! Click HERE to read!
JUST ONE SPARK EXCERPT
A couple of months ago, Dash Kingston been living the dream. He’d had women at his beck and call. More money than he’d ever dreamed of earning doing something he loved. Bandmates who were his best friends, and success beyond his wildest dreams. He still had those things but also he had a huge weight sitting on his chest in the form of an outstanding paternity test, courtesy of one night with a woman he barely remembered, and whose name he hadn’t known at the time.
Word had spread over social media, television entertainment and celebrity news, and whatever magazines still showed up in grocery store check-out lines. Instead of talk about the band’s music and their new drummer, Axel Forrester, there was speculation about whether The Original Kings’ lead singer had impregnated a one night stand.
Talk about a wake up call.
Dash glanced around his patio where clusters of people gathered talking. The professionals stood on one side, the roadies and groupies, the women who wanted to fuck a rock star, laughed and partied on the other. His band members were scattered around, all having fun on a hot, late September day in East Hampton, with the alcohol at Dash’s expense.
Whose idea was a party when his entire world might be falling apart? He ran a hand through his hair and decided to head over to his brother, Xander’s house, about a mile down the road. Though he could walk, he took his baby, a Ferrari, Limited Edition V12 supercar. Not even the power of the engine or the yellow racing stripe he loved, helped his mood.
On the short ride, he thought about the many mistakes he’d made in life and decided he could do better. And though he knew if the kid was his, he’d step up, he prayed to God he’d dodge this bullet. Panic induced sweat broke out on his skin and he pumped up the air conditioner.
When he arrived at Xander’s, his other brother, Linc’s car sat in the driveway. So he’d have both brothers to hang out with. Dash let himself inside and heard their voices coming from the kitchen.
He walked into the huge room where Linc and Xander were sitting at the table. “Hey.”
They looked up when he entered. “How are you holding up?” Linc asked.
Dash strode to the refrigerator, opened the door and took out a can of Diet Coke. “Feeling like shit.” He popped the top and guzzled a long sip.
“How long until you have news?” Xander asked.
“My lawyer should call me any minute. Hour. Day. Fuck!” He raised a hand and caught himself, not wanting to hit anything in his brother’s kitchen. Or break his hand on the granite countertops.
Xander and Linc exchanged knowing looks.
“Come on. Sit.” Xander strode over, hooked an arm around Dash’s neck and pulled him towards the chairs by the table. Releasing him, which Dash appreciated because he was choking, Xander then braced both palms on his shoulders and pushed until Dash dropped into the chair.
“Look, I’d be as crazy as you are if it was happening to me but right now the best thing you can do is calm the fuck down,” Xander said.
“I know.” And he did but was it possible? Hell, no.
Linc shook his head. “I hope this goes without saying but once you survive this scare, things need to change.”
Dash did his best not to scowl or punch his brother for thinking now was a good time for life lectures.
“Linc, chill, yeah?” Xander gave Linc a pointed look.
“I’m just looking out for him,” Linc said, leaning back in his chair, always the composed brother.
“I know you are.” Dash got where Linc was coming from. He’d also noticed Linc had said when Dash survived this scare. Not if. Which meant his oldest sibling had faith Dash might get through this unscathed. Not be a father. Dash just hoped Linc was right.
Since their dead father hadn’t been a good parent, Linc had always felt the need to herd the rest of the siblings and make sure they were taken care of. Whether they needed his guidance or not. Dash didn’t blame him. Hell, he appreciated his oldest brother. He just wasn’t in the mood for a lecture.
He was damned lucky the woman in question was willing to do a noninvasive DNA test. A blood sample from mom, one from dad, and a fetal cell analysis, would provide a result that was ninety nine percent accurate. The fact that the chick was willing to do one told Dash she wasn’t a money hungry whore.
If he’d knocked her up, he wouldn’t marry her but she and the baby wouldn’t want for a damned thing, and Dash would get to know his kid. His stomach cramped at the notion of having a baby with a stranger.
“Are the guys at your place?” Xander asked.
The question shook Dash from his disturbing thoughts. “They were out by the pool when I left.”
Xander folded his arms across his chest. “Any chance I’ll have a houseful of people soon?” he asked, not sounding happy about it.
“You never know.” Dash couldn’t stop the grin lifting the corners of his mouth at Xander’s predictable rection.
Dash had made it his life’s mission to drive his more solitary brother crazy by showing up uninvited, all the time. Xander was uptight and could use a good shaking up. But despite it all, they were close.
Now that Xander lived with his fiancée, Dash had stopped using his key and rang the bell instead. Unless he knew he wouldn’t be interrupting them. Linc’s car in the driveaway had indicated he’d been safe to enter today. He had no desire to walk in on Xander and Sasha doing shit he didn’t need to see.
“Dash! I didn’t know you were here, too.” Sasha flowed into the kitchen because that’s what his brother’s fiancee did. She glided across a room like the actress she was. Good thing she was equally down to earth, too.
“Hello, beautiful.” He winked at her and caught Xander’s glare.
Dash had every reason to suck up to Sasha. He’d crossed a line with Cassidy, Sasha’s best friend and former personal assistant, despite both Xander and Sasha warning him against making a move. Things between them had escalated out of control after Sasha had been hurt by her stalker. Cassidy had needed a shoulder to cry on and Dash had been admittedly struck dumb from the first time he’d laid eyes on her.
He’d acted with his dick and all his other body parts that were drawn to the California girl. Their one night had blown his mind and even for a guy who’d had more than his share of women, that was a huge understatement.
He’d woken up as sober as when he’d slid into her the night before. No drunk excuses. Sunlight was streaming into the hotel room, illuminating her silky blonde hair, porcelain skin and delicate profile that would inspire songs in his future, and he’d freaked the fuck out. Instead of acting like a man, he’d dressed and disappeared before she woke up. Things had been awkward since.
“Knock knock, we’re coming in!” Dash recognized Jagger, his lead guitarist’s voice followed by footsteps, letting him know Mac, the bassist and Axel, the new drummer … who happened to be Cassidy’s brother, were with him. And fuck no, Axel did not know what had happened between Dash and his sister.
“In the kitchen,” Dash called out.
“Really?” Xander asked, eyebrow raised in annoyance.
Sasha squeezed his shoulder. “It’s fine.”
“It’s not. What’s wrong with your house?” he asked Dash. “I love you but half the time it feels like you guys live here.”
Dash lifted his shoulders. “Our road manager came by, called a few friends …”
“There’s a party at his place,” Mac said, as the guys filed into the kitchen dressed in bathing trunks and sneakers.
Sasha narrowed her gaze. “Where’s Cass?”
Cassidy used to be Sasha’s personal assistant until the band’s latest one quit. Xander, Sasha and Harrison Dare, a movie star friend of hers, were creating a production company. But there was time before they’d need Cassidy to work. Axel had convinced her to lend he band a hand. Again, because Axel had no idea that Dash had fucked his sister and walked out, making certain she understood what one-and-done meant. Because yeah, when Dash got feelings, he was that much of an asshole.
