Harley (West Coast Rock Star #1)(69)

 

"What?"

 

"It's a paternity test. I had it done the day you showed up."

 

Cade stood abruptly, the hard plastic chair falling on the floor behind her. "You've had it all this time? Why didn't you say anything?"

 

His gaze pleaded with her. "I was afraid."

 

Cade slammed her palms on the table, causing the cups to shake and clatter. "Of what? Finding out that I'm your daughter? Finding out the truth?"

 

"Yes," was Mac's quick reply. "I'd caused Irene enough grief. She'd never known about my relationship with your mother. It would have crushed her."

 

With her head reeling, Cade walked away from the small table and faced the sink, gripping its edge. Most of her life had her thinking of other possibilities. And now the truth was at hand.

 

She inhaled loudly and exhaled in a quick swoosh. "What does it say, Mac?" She heard the rustle of paper behind her.

 

"I've never looked at it before."

 

Swinging around to face the older man, she crossed her arms over her chest and shouted, "What does it say?"

 

Mac stared at her momentarily, and unfolded the paper. He focused on the results and then handed the paper to Cade. She didn't take it. She couldn't get herself to move. Aware of what she might possibly feel, Mac refolded the paper and laid it on top of the envelope. "It might be best if you read it on your own. You have my number when you're ready to talk." Mac stood and after another quick glance at Cade, he left the tiny kitchen.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

"Is there something you'd like to say, Jax?" the young reporter asked once again as she grinned from ear to ear.

 

Jax lifted his hand, intertwined with Cade's, and smiled. "Yes, you can let the world know that I am blissfully in love and I'm marrying this woman, Cadence Williams."  

 

The hoots and hollers in the room exploded. The photographer held up his camera to take more pictures when the band members congratulated Jax and Cade, but Zee got in his way and gave him a look of warning.

 

"No more photos," Bruno stated. "You can print the news if you wish but no photos. "

 

Ms. Potter opened her mouth to object but Tina stepped in and waved a signed contract in front of her. The reporter asked a couple more questions regarding the engagement, but was readily shown the door once it was over.

 

"There's someone I want you to see," Cade told Jax while Bruno began handing out champagne. "Come with me for a minute?" She led him out of the large bedroom used for the photo shoot and into the living room. "Mac?" she called out to the man standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.

 

"Mr. Mackinley," Jax stretched out his hand when they approached him. "Very good to see you again. Are you here to offer Cade her job back?"

 

Cade tapped on Jax's arm, catching his attention. "Mac's my father."

 

Not surprisingly, Jax was shocked to hear the news, but one look at Cade told him that he would hear the rest of the story later on.

 

"I heard congratulations are in order," Mac said, continuing to shake Jax's hand.

 

"Yes, thank you," Jax replied.

 

"Gram wanted to be here but she was too tired to travel. Maybe we can visit her before we leave? She'd be thrilled to see you and Harley."

 

Jax kissed her on the cheek. "I would love that. Now, how about we get some of that champagne, future Mrs. Clark?"

 

Right on cue, the rest of the crew joined them in the living room and continued to celebrate.

 

Harley sat on the sofa, absorbing every second of one of the happiest moments of her life. She felt more than lucky to be a part of a very large family.

 

 

 

 

 

Epilogue

 

 

 

 

 

The heavy rain pelted her bedroom windows, startling her awake. Harley thought that Mother Nature was the perfect wake up call. She loved the rain. In the past year or so, the rain had brought her luck. It was a sign of new beginnings, a symbol of something good to come.

 

She could use luck today of all days.

 

Harley wondered if most students were as anxious as she during their first day of school. Perhaps they were, however, she doubted they would have the same reasons. It was Harley's first day in a co-ed school. Or in any school, for that matter. She would be leaving her home and going to a class.

 

In a way, she was grateful she had another two years of private tutoring since her father's stardom had reached its highest level. Not only was he the rock star who was talented and brilliant, he was also the rock star who dated and married a bodyguard, Harley's bodyguard. Cade had stood by his side through it all. Their relationship had been slandered, paparazzi had hounded them everywhere, and she had received thousands of hate mails from Jax Clark's fandom. They had all wanted a piece of him, but the most important piece belonged to Cade. And Harley couldn't have been happier.