Page 214 of Fame & Rhythm

He was exactly what I needed.

And I liked it.

A lot.

Three days later, the maternity results are in, and we’re heading to the lawyer’s office to hear them together.

Aston hasn’t left my side since that night. Not once. He knows how big this is for me. How much hangs in the balance of whatever we’re about to hear.

If Loretta really is my birth mother… that changes everything. And if she is, then I have to decide whether I want this woman in my life.

That’s not something I can face alone.

We pull up outside the lawyer’s office, and the moment the car stops, my stomach twists. I’m already sweating, nerves crawling under my skin.

Aston notices immediately. He wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side and pressing a kiss to my head. “It’ll be okay, baby,” he murmurs. “No matter what happens.”

I nod, even though I’m not sure I believe that.

If she isn’t my mother… then nothing really changes.

But if she is…

My life won’t be the same again.

Mum stays close to me as we walk inside.

Loretta is already there, sitting in the waiting area. She stands the second she sees me, her face lighting up as she walks over. “Afternoon, Annie,” she says brightly. “How are you feeling?”

“Nervous,” I admit.

“Well, don’t be. By the end of this, we’ll know for sure.” She smiles wider. “Even though I already know you’re mine.”

Mum doesn’t even look at her.

I glance at Loretta again, taking in her outfit. A blue skirt, white blouse, and matching jacket.

She’s made an effort.

She almost looks… normal.

Almost.

We sit along the wall, waiting.

I take a seat between Mum and Aston, while Dad sits beside Loretta. Ella drifts off to a nearby table, picking up a magazine. A second later, she grins and turns it toward me.

It’s Aston and me.

Outside the restaurant.

The headline reads…

Staked’s Power Couple:

Can Fame & Rhythm Keep Them in Sync?

Below is a photo of me running out in tears.