Just One Dare (The Kingston Family 5)

“Cassidy’s water broke! She went into labor and Dash rushed her to the hospital.” Her eyes were dancing with excitement.

“What is everyone going to do? How can they choose whether to stay or go to the hospital?” Aurora asked.

“Nobody’s leaving this theater,” Linc said, obviously having heard her question. “I promised Dash we’d stay for Sasha. And Cassidy produced the movie. We owe it to her to watch. Besides, she’ll be in labor for a while. We can go to the hospital afterwards.”

“The King has spoken,” Aurora said, laughing. Linc was the nominal head of the family and they all recognized it. Once Kenneth Kingston was gone—and from what Aurora understood, even before—everyone had deferred to Linc. And she did, too. She owed him, she loved him, and she appreciated his wisdom.

He shook his head at her and chuckled before turning back to Jordan.

“Are you okay?” Chloe asked Aurora quietly.

She nodded. “But I would like to talk.”

“You got it. I’m going to the hospital after the movie ends. I assume you need to get home for the babysitter?” Chloe asked. Unlike Aurora, Chloe and Beck had a live-in nanny, so if they needed to stay out later, they could.

“Yes. But I’ll go see Cass, Dash and the baby, tomorrow.”

Despite the upheaval of seeing Nick and the anticipation of the new baby, Aurora managed to enjoy the movie. She was so proud of her family members’ accomplishment, and told them. They departed immediately after the film, even Sasha, the star, rushing to the hospital. Family first, was the Kingston motto, and it had settled in Aurora’s heart the moment she’d learned she was a part of this wonderful group of people.

Still, Aurora couldn’t wait to get home, wanting nothing more than to see her little girl’s face and listen to her soft breaths as she slept. At least she’d bought herself some time to think before she had to deal with Nick. He’d call her when he was ready to talk and they could set a time to meet. And before then, she’d be able to get Chloe’s advice.

Once she walked into the house, she paid Samantha, then watched her get into her car safely and pull out of the driveway. Blowing out a breath, Aurora locked the door, set the alarm, and walked upstairs. She peeked into Leah’s room and saw her little girl’s body asleep in her bed. Without letting herself overthink or panic—yet—Aurora went to her own room to undress, wash up, and put on a comfortable t-shirt.

Needing to be close to her daughter, Aurora walked back to Leah’s room, then placed her phone on the nightstand and slid into the double bed beside her daughter. The scent of Leah’s familiar shampoo gave Aurora a sense of security she desperately needed tonight. Seeing Nick had brought forth a host of emotions she wasn’t sure how to handle—everything from remembering the wonder of their night together, to fearing what the disruption of having a father in Leah’s life would mean, to panic about custody issues and who knew what else. Aurora wrapped an arm around her daughter and eventually drifted to sleep.

A short time later—she wasn’t sure just how long—the jarring sound of her phone ringing roused her and she grabbed it before Leah awoke. Not that she had to worry. Her daughter could sleep through a hurricane.

She slid out of bed, answering as she walked into the hall. “Hello?”

“It’s a boy!” Chloe exclaimed. “Ask me his name.”

Aurora laughed. “What’s his name?”

“Freddie Kingston. They named him after Freddie Mercury.”

Rolling her eyes, Aurora smiled. “Of course our brother, the rock star, named his kid after his idol. How’s Cass?”

“Doing well. I think they’ll send her home late tomorrow. So if you can’t make it to the hospital, you can visit once they’re settled,” Chloe said.

“I’ll call in the morning and see what they’d prefer. Thanks for letting me know. And if you’re still there, send my love.” Aurora would text both Dash and Cassidy after she hung up. She’d spare them the phone call tonight, knowing how exhausted Cass had to be.

“Will do. Are you okay?” Chloe asked, obviously referring to her having seen Nick tonight.

Aurora sighed. “I am. Don’t worry. We’ll talk tomorrow,” she assured her sister, not wanting to worry her.

“Okay. Love you. Night.” Chloe disconnected the call.

Aurora pushed thoughts of Nick aside, texted the new parents and walked back into the room to catch some more sleep. Tomorrow would come soon enough and with it, Nick Dare.

* * *

Nick attended the after-party for the film, and was surprised to find none of the Kingstons there, until Harrison told him Cassidy Kingston had gone into labor. That explained why they’d all disappeared, Aurora included.

“Hey, man. What’s going on? You’ve seemed off all night,” Harrison said, ever the observant actor.