Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
By that point, Aurora’s fortunes had changed. She’d been living with Melly and the woman had overwhelmed Aurora with the amount of baby things she’d bought. Six weeks before, Aurora had been terrified she wouldn’t be able to afford diapers and baby clothes. But that had all changed when Linc found her. Melly had put a nursery together in her home, giving Aurora her own wing with Leah. Aurora’s eyes filled at the wonderful memories and the gratitude that was always with her. She would never forget where she came from, nor would she ever take the life she had now for granted.
She drove the hour and a half to East Hampton and pulled into the driveaway of Dash’s house. Leaving all the gift bags in the car, she strode up the front walk.
No sooner had she rung the bell, than Dash flung open the door. “I’m a father!”
She laughed at his greeting. “Yes, you are. More importantly, how’s the new mom and baby?” she asked, stepping past him and walking inside.
“They’re both perfect,” he said in a soft voice she rarely heard from her rock star brother.
“Congratulations,” she murmured and pulled him into a hug.
He stepped back, a huge grin still on his face. She was so glad he’d gotten a second chance with Cassidy.
“Cass is in the nursery, rocking the baby. You can go on in,” he said.
“I came bearing gifts, so you can unload the car.” She patted him on the cheek, handed him her keys, and rushed to the nursery. She’d already seen the room. She’d been there as they worked on getting it ready.
She stepped into the doorway. The new mom sat in a gliding rocking chair, humming as she held her baby in her arms and patted him on the back.
Aurora tapped lightly to let Cassidy know she was there. “There’s nothing better in the world, is there?”
Cassidy glanced up and gave her a tired smile. “I didn’t know I had so much love in me.”
Nodding in total understanding, Aurora walked into the room decorated in soft, neutral pastels.
“Want to hold him?” Cassidy asked.
“You know I do. Let me wash up.” Aurora stepped into the attached bathroom, soaped up her hands, rinsed and dried off. Then she returned and gently scooped the tiny baby from his mom’s arms.
Aurora moved the blanket that bundled Freddie so she could get a better look at his tiny face. “Oh, he’s so sweet.” Leaning down, she kissed his forehead, inhaling his baby scent.
Cassidy rose to her feet, wincing as she moved.
Aurora remembered the pain well, too. “If you want to go shower, take a nap, hang with Dash, or just eat something, I can stay for a couple of hours. I don’t mind giving you a break.”
Cassidy sighed. “I’d love a shower. Dash was going to take over for me, but knowing you’re here…”
“I get it. There’s a steep learning curve and no manual.” She glanced at Freddie and smiled. “I’ll just sit in the chair and enjoy him.”
“You can put him in the bassinet in our bedroom if you get tired. Thank you,” Cassidy said. She walked to the door and turned. “I may be overwhelmed with all things baby, but I heard you have news—Nick Dare was the one who had you running away at the premiere?”
“I didn’t run…not exactly. I was in shock. I’m sure Chloe filled you in, right?” Aurora asked.
Cassidy nodded. “The major points.”
“Nick is Leah’s father?” Dash asked, joining them. “Do I need to kick some Dare ass?”
Aurora straightened her shoulders. “No!” Obviously, Chloe hadn’t told them everything. “I didn’t know his last name when we… It wasn’t his fault. I had no way of finding him once I realized I was pregnant.” She drew a deep breath. “And now you know everything.”
“Except whether or not he’s going to step up.” Dash reached for his son.
Aurora handed the infant over and smiled at her big, bad, rock star brother holding the tiny baby. Then she met his gaze and turned serious. “Nick and I are handling things. There’s no need for you to get involved.”
“If you need back up, you call me,” Dash ordered.
As much as Aurora wanted to argue with his tone, she knew it came from a good place—one of caring. “I can handle him. But thank you anyway.” She kissed his cheek. “Now give me back that baby so I can cuddle him. You go spend some time with your wife.”
Dash nodded. “Let me change him and he’s all yours.”
And that told her all she needed to know about how hands-on this daddy rock star would be.
* * *
The rest of the week hadn’t been as much fun as the baby visit had been. Aurora wondered if she’d survive long enough to host Leah’s party. Her daughter was so excited, it was hard for Aurora to get anything done. Every night, Leah bounced around as if she’d eaten a plateful of pure sugar and putting her to bed each night wasn’t easy.