The two women chuckled as they glanced over to where Chris and Jase were helping themselves to the buffet. Ridley’s friend and neighbor, Katie Mason, was behind the buffet handing out drinks.
Kay looked down at the sparkling stone on the third finger of her left hand and said a silent prayer for all the blessings she’d received over the past few months. She had discovered the true meaning of friendship, fallen in love, and now she was releasing her first solo album.
She’d also become a part of the best family in the world. Jackson had offered to sing a duet with her on the album. It was getting a lot of buzz just because it had been years since anyone had heard him sing other than in the studio or privately. Then there were the rest of the Alexanders. They’d embraced her and Hope as if they’d always belonged.
Her new cousin, Laura, had organized this party for her and it had been perfect down to the last detail. Things were obviously a success as she looked around and saw guests contentedly sipping champagne and munching on various items from the sumptuous buffet. Early industry buzz was very positive about the album, and Kay had even gotten a few inquiries about writing songs for other artists.
She was on top of the world.
Glancing to her left, her gaze landed on her fiancé. Elliott stood with Matt near the doors, scrutinizing everyone who entered the party. Even though there hadn’t been any reason to fear lately, he took her security seriously. He took everything to do with her seriously, actually.
Including her introduction to the naughtier items in his sensual collection.
Maybe she’d never be into all the same things he was, but she’d surprised herself. She blushed. He probably hadn’t expected her to enjoy wielding his favorite brown leather flogger quite so much.
“There’s mommy! Let’s go say hi.” Sasha appeared, Hope in her arms. “I was introducing my goddaughter to the concept of bad fashion. Because there are some ladies here who need a little help. And a new mirror, because the ones they have are telling lies!”
Kay giggled. “Sasha. What are you teaching her?”
“Life lessons, girl. These are things she needs to know.” Sasha looked around at the people dancing in the center of the room and the tuxedo-clad waiters gliding through the crowd. “Can you believe this, Kay? Look at all this. This is all for you.”
“I feel like I shouldn’t get too excited, you know. Like all this good fortune will disappear if I’m too happy.” Kay wrapped her arms around herself and rubbed the goose bumps that had suddenly appeared on her skin.
Sasha bumped her arm. “You deserve all the good things in the world, Kay. You’ve worked hard and come through some hard times. This is your time to shine. I’m so proud of you.”
“I’m proud of you, too. For hanging in there.”
Jackson had agreed to listen to some new songs she’d written for Sasha, specifically to complement her friend’s distinctive, husky alto voice. Sasha had been making waves on her own lately, and Jackson had agreed to release her new single under his label. She was going to perform the new song tonight. Kay had no doubt that once she was given a chance, her friend would set the industry on fire.
Laura ran up to them then, her long red dress swirling around her legs. Her long hair was styled in long barrel curls like a pinup girl. “It’s almost time for you to go, Sasha.”
“Can you take Hope for me? I need to get ready to perform.” Sasha handed Hope over, gently disentangling the baby’s hands from her hair. She waved gaily before rushing off backstage.
Kay gently cradled her daughter in her arms, savoring t
he sweet scent of baby powder and what smelled like applesauce. Hope clung to her and contented herself by sticking two fingers in her mouth.
“Enough room for me in here?” Elliott sidled up behind her, running a hand quickly over the curve of her bottom. He lifted her hair off her neck and kissed the sensitive skin behind her ear.
She turned to him and gently placed the baby in his arms and he kissed Hope’s dewy forehead. The baby reached up and patted his cheek. “Da-da-da.”
Eli gazed down at her affectionately. “It never gets old hearing that.” He glanced over at Kay. “Holding her always makes me wish for more. Not that I’m saying we should have one right away. I’m sure you want to wait until after the wedding, and it would interfere with your tour schedule.” He sighed and snuggled Hope closer. “We’re too busy right now I suppose.”
“Not too busy for that.” She took his free hand and pressed it to her lower abdomen, smiling when his mouth fell open.
He worked his jaw but no sound came out. She solved the problem by kissing him soundly. When she pulled back, she was humbled to see a single tear on his cheek.
Eli pulled back and scrutinized her face. “I am going to be the best father out there. I know you had to do it all by yourself before, but you are never going to be alone again. This won’t mess with your tour. I can stop working for a while and come with you to take care of the kids. We can make it work. We can do anything together.”
Kaylee put a hand on his cheek, overwhelmed by his generosity and loving support. She wasn’t worried about whether the album would do well or whether she’d be able to go on tour.
She was surrounded by people who loved her, and that was all that mattered.
Life would go on. It always did. And she’d have her family by her side through it all.
“I have you, don’t I?”
“Always.” His arms tightened around her, his palm rubbing possessively over her belly.