Page 89 of Rising Star

We were about to enter the Oregon state line, where I had a series of concerts scheduled down the West Coast.

With my woman back by my side, I felt invincible, my level of glee reaching new highs.

Riley and Devon had decided to join us for the tour on their bus. My girls were with Devon to catch up on news about the crew and bake cupcakes, while my friend and I were here, talking business and going over the itinerary of the next few shows and interview and promo requests.

Madison had been back for almost two weeks now, and whenever I had days off, we took the time to be with the girls and showed them everything would be all right. And that we loved each other. And they had nothing to worry about, things wouldn’t change for them. Only get better.

Stud Burgess, Carter and Dahlia’s ex-bandmate, had agreed to join me onstage for two songs tonight. He now lived outside of Portland with his wife Belinda and their children. Since he retired from the music industry a few years ago, he’d been doing woodwork and had started his own business. The guy was one of the most talented musicians I had ever met in my life. He could play any instrument without hesitation and with perfection. Or I should say he was talented with anything his fingers touched. Riley, being his ex-manager, persuaded him to make a comeback. For one night only. And he agreed. We met through video chat earlier, and I had just finished putting together what we discussed.

At the end of the afternoon, we parked the buses in a rest area, ready to pile ourselves into the SUVs Riley ordered for tonight when Mikaella and Justine came running in, dressed in matching silver skirts and white shirts and halting near Riley, who spun them around and kissed their cheeks.

We were having a pre-show dinner in a fancy restaurant with our friends before Stud and I took the stage together. Since Doris was still touring with us, she would babysit my girls tonight, so grown-ups could enjoy a night together.

“You girls look like royalty,” he said with a bow.

“Royalality? What is it?” Justine asked.

“It means we are princesses,” Mikaella added, joy shining in her eyes. My little girl was back. All of her. Gone were the tantrums and bad words. She was glowing and appeared to have forfeited the grudge she had been holding against me for the last two years. We video chatted with her therapist, who confirmed she was doing a lot better too. I shed tears that day. And kissed Madison senseless that night. Mikaella’s victory was all ours. Madison’s primarily. And it was only thanks to her that my family could get the breath of fresh air it was starving for. The path to move forward, one that would leave the past behind. For good.

“Daddy,” my daughters screamed when they saw me, running into my arms as I squatted before them.

“You girls look stunning. And your hair, wow. It looks fantastic.” They had some sort of complicated braid on one side of their heads.

“Devon picked our outfits,” Mikaella said, twirling on herself.

“And Maddie did our hair,” Justine added.

“Girls, I’ll go to my bus to get ready. I’ll see you later, okay?” Riley said.

“Bye, Uncle Riley,” they both hollered.

Frantic energy permeated the air.

Armed with her crutches, the ones she now cursed at only every few days, Madison walked in, sporting the rose-gold sequin strapless dress I got delivered for her this morning. Tonight was a big night for all of us. Our first as a couple. And as a family. And also, the first of my concerts that Madison would stay on from start to finish.

“Wow,” I said, unable to fight the glee painting my face.

She discarded her crutches and walked toward me. I froze there, speechless. Even if she complained physical therapy hurt like hell, I could only be in awe of her dedication and strength. And this night was the perfect example.

“You look beautiful, Ms. Prescott.”

“And so do you, Mr. Stevens.”

“One day, you’ll be a Stevens too.”

“Is that a threat?” she asked with one arched brow.

“No, it’s a promise.”

Madison’s thumbs glided on her phone screen, and music played from the portable speaker we kept on the kitchen counter. The girls started dancing around, giggling and singing, and we watched them.

“Dance with me?” Madison asked when the song switched to a ballad.

“Are you sure it’s safe?”

“One song. Hold me tight so I don’t put too much weight on my leg.” She locked her eyes with mine. “I trust you.”

“Then it would be my pleasure,” I said, bringing her arms around my neck, my thumb grazing the soft skin of her cheek. “I love you. Thank you for not quitting on me that day at the nanny agency. I don’t know what I did to deserve your love, but you’re the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. I can’t believe I’m the lucky man who wakes up by your side every morning. And the father to the girls you love as yours. Tonight, I’ll show you all over again how gone I am for you.”