“Excited. Gorgeous.” He lit up at the subject of his wife. “I hope this movie is the one that earns her an Oscar.”
“You’re so cute.” She grinned. “Thanks for meeting me.” She didn’t have to walk the red carpet, but her brothers knew of her insecurities, and took good care of her.
She entered the room, doing her best not to let her jaw drop or show her overwhelming awe at seeing so many famous and beautiful people surrounding her. This was the pre-screening and they’d be ushered into the theater area soon.
“I see Dash and Cassidy,” Aurora said to Xander. “Go find your wife.” She patted his arm and sent him on his way. “Dash, Cassidy!” she called, catching their attention before they could get lost in the crowd.
They turned and she walked over, joining them. Cassidy was nine months pregnant, due any day now, and glowing despite her large belly.
“Who’s watching the princess?” Cassidy asked.
Aurora slid her hair over one shoulder. “I have a babysitter who lives in the neighborhood. If Leah doesn’t wear her out and she’s willing to come back next time I need her, I consider it a win.” She was still reeling from watching her daughter’s antics as she got ready.
Dash laughed. “Maybe she’ll play guitar for her all night?”
“Funny,” she muttered, at his reference to the guitar he’d bought Leah last year for Christmas. Aurora had given him hell.
Especially after Leah started waking her up at five every morning when she played. Badly. The child did not take after her talented uncle when it came to music—at least, not yet. She was young and there was time but until she was older, Aurora had no intention of spending money on lessons. She needed Leah to have a burning desire to learn before that point. Right now, she was just a little girl who tended to jump from one thing to another.
She decided to change the subject. “I cannot wait to see the film!”
Cassidy’s cheeks turned red, no doubt because it was her first solo turn at producing. “I’m so nervous,” she said. “I’m not sure if the twisting in my stomach is the baby or anxiety!” She rubbed her lower back and Aurora glanced at her with concern.
“Babe, you’ve got this. They’re already talking Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. I’m so proud of you.” Dash hugged her to his side.
Watching them, Aurora felt a twinge of envy at the wonderful relationships her siblings had found. Though she was beyond happy for each of them, Aurora couldn’t seem to get past the struggle her life had been before Linc had found her. And now, her focus had to be on Leah. Any man interested in her would find out she and Leah were a package deal. Leah would always come first with her. And she was determined to shower her girl with all the love and security Aurora had never had growing up.
“Don’t remind me,” Cassidy said of the potential awards, still holding on to her belly in a way that did not make Aurora comfortable.
“Are you feeling okay?” Aurora asked.
“I am.” Cassidy blew out a breath and seemed to shake off whatever she’d been feeling. “I’m just tired. We made the rounds when we arrived.”
“That’s why we found a place to hide out in for a little while,” Dash added, glancing around the corner where they stood.
Aurora nodded. “I remember how tough it was at the end of my pregnancy. You should get off your feet and rest.”
“She’s right,” Dash said, his growing concern also obvious by the tight expression on his face.
Cassidy sighed. “Soon.” She looked around the room and her gaze settled on an area near the bar. “Looks like Harrison’s family is as close as yours.”
Aurora had met Harrison Dare when Sasha, Xander and Cassidy were just starting to put their production company together. Dash and Xander had houses in East Hampton and Aurora, who’d been staying with Melly, had come to visit often. With Sasha and Cassidy’s help, she’d managed to set up a nonprofit organization very close to her heart—one that helped girls and boys who aged out of foster care start their new lives on the right foot.
Harrison, who she recognized in the group, was a true movie star. He was irresistible, with his thick black hair, and sexy smile that was just short of perfect, courtesy of one side tooth that overlapped another, but which only added to his appeal. Right now, he was surrounded by men she didn’t know. One had his back to her, and the others were obviously related, given their similar features.
“The Dirty Dares.” Aurora grinned at the name Harrison had used to describe his family. It was also on their Dirty Dare vodka brand.
“Yes. Their vodka is world famous and extremely good. I wish I could have a drink before I have to sit through an hour and a half of waiting for everyone to watch the first movie I produced,” Cassidy said with a cute whine.