“What’s got you so lost in thought?” she asked.
He shook his head and grinned. Leave it to his mom to pick up on the fact that he hadn’t been watching the rain, he’d been in deep reflection.
He shoved his hands into his pants pockets. “Just thinking about life.”
She rolled her eyes. “Maybe you were. Or maybe you’re thinking about that beautiful blonde over there holding your niece. Isn’t my grandbaby adorable?”
Dash loved how his mother thought of Aurora’s daughter as her grandchild. She was such a warm, giving woman and Dash knew how lucky they all were to have her as their mom.
He turned his gaze in the direction his mother had tipped her head, and his heart caught in his throat. Cassidy sat on the sofa, Aurora’s infant, Leah, in her arms. She was talking to his sister, her eyes sparkling with happiness, her face lighting up every time she glanced at the baby.
He swallowed hard.
“Now, now. Don’t pass out on me,” his mom said, chuckling.
“No hyperventilating, believe it or not.” At one time he would have done just that, and he’d actually come close when Daisy Masterson had accused him of fathering her baby.
The thought of Cassidy and his kid? He wasn’t ready to be a father, not by any stretch of the imagination, but when the time was right? Yeah, he wanted a family someday. With her.
“I never thought I’d see that look on your face for any woman,” his mom mused. “It’s good, Dash. I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.”
She stepped closer, her shoulder touching his arm. “So … I know the anniversary of Billy’s death is this week, and I wanted to make sure you were okay?”
That was his mother, always supportive. She called every year at this time or cornered him alone to check on his mental state.
“I’m fine. Really. The band is doing a meet and greet at the Hamptons Rehab Center tomorrow. Doing outreach always helps center me.”
She nodded. “Good. I’m glad I don’t have to worry about you.”
He shrugged. “I can’t help but always feel guilty about what Dad did for me… On the other hand, I wouldn’t be where I am today if he hadn’t.” It was ironic, really. His father hadn’t approved of his son’s dreams of being a rock star, but with his actions, he’d freed Dash to become the man he was today.
“Honey, listen to me. Just know that what your father did helped Billy’s family as much as it did you. And now you’re doing what you can to pay it forward.” She squeezed his hand. “Stop torturing yourself over what you can’t change.”
“Yeah.” He cleared his throat.
“Does Cassidy know?” his mom asked.
He shook his head. “Not yet but I plan to fill her in.”
“Good. I’m sure opening up to her will help you feel better, too.”
He wasn’t so certain.
Before they could continue their conversation, Chloe and Beck arrived, walking into the family room hand in hand. His sister was beaming. Beck might have started out as Linc’s former friend and nemesis, but nobody could deny he was the perfect man for their sister.
“We’re here!” Chloe said, waving at everyone.
“Glad you finally showed up,” Linc said gruffly.
“Traffic was ridiculous.” Beck pulled Chloe farther into the room.
“We have news!” Chloe was practically bouncing up and down in her designer shoes.
His mother raised her eyebrows and started toward her daughter, but Linc beat them to it. “What’s going on?” he asked.
“We’re married!” She held up her hand, revealing a gleaming diamond wedding band alongside her sparkling princess-cut stone. Because that’s what Beck called his sister. Princess.
“Oh my God. You … I mean I didn’t get to see you get married.” His mother’s voice shook and Dash winced.
“I’m sorry, Mom. Beck was in Vegas for business, and I was with him. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing because we just wanted it to be official.” Chloe grasped their mother’s hand. “But we talked about having a second ceremony for family and friends followed by a huge party, if it makes you happy.”
Their mother’s expression softened. “Honestly, you sort of had a big wedding once, and I don’t want to force you into something huge that you don’t want.”
Chloe hugged her tight before stepping back. “What about a small reception for our families?” she asked.
His mother nodded, her eyes brightening. “That sounds wonderful. Do you at least have pictures?”
Chloe nodded, and she was surrounded by everyone wanting to see her glittering wedding band on her finger and the photos.
Dash figured he’d talk to his sister and her new husband later. He made his way over to Cassidy, who was still sitting with Aurora, but Cassidy had made the handoff to his sister so she could give the baby her bottle.
“Hi,” he said, sitting on the stone coffee table in front of them.
“Hi, yourself.” Aurora smiled. “So that was good news, yes?” She tipped her head toward the entry, where Chloe was surrounded by family.