“She...” Matt closed his eyes. “I got papers today. She relinquished her parental rights. I'm sorry, son.”
Kyra's mouth filled with an acidic taste. Hearing those words from the man she loved, and spoken to the teenage kid who stole her heart, shredded her to pieces.
Andrew blanched, and his eyes darkened. “She's not my mother any more?”
“She'll always be your mother, but she did sign away all parental rights. Oh hell, what am I saying? I guess you're right. She's officially … I can't even say it.” Matt squeezed Kyra's hand. “If you have any questions-”
“Dad, I know she doesn't care. I've known it for a while. Fuck her then!” Andrew shot to his feet.
Matt and Kyra exchanged a look. 'Should I tell him about the record deal?' she mouthed.
He nodded, his eyes full of pained emotion.
“Your mom was also signed to my record label, Andrew.” Kyra had to clear her throat before getting the words out.
He blinked several times before he sat back down. “She got what she always wanted, I guess. You know, it kinda bugs me, but in a way, I'm relieved. Is that messed up?”
Kyra's heart ached for him. Andrew was trying to be strong, but she could tell this broke his heart, too.
“I'm sure you're going to have a little confusion, even if you say no right now, but at any time, if something bothers you, then you come talk to me about it right away. We'll be fully honest,” Matt promised.
Andrew bobbed his head in a slow nod. “Okay.” Then he faced Kyra. “If she's signed to your label, does that mean you're gonna have to tour with her and stuff?”
“The suggestions might come up, but I'll decline anything at all times. They can't force me. I don't want anything to do with working with her.” Kyra watched for his reaction. What was his reasoning for asking this?
“How do you feel, Andrew?” Matt asked.
“I don't know, to be honest. Maybe it hasn't sunk in. Maybe I expected it, so I won't react at all. I stopped being angry a long time ago, other than when she showed up at my party.” He shrugged. “Can I go now? I've got some assignments I should get done before everything happens this weekend.” Andrew climbed to his feet, as did Matt and Kyra. “I really am glad you're home. Thanks for being awesome.” Without another word, Andrew headed to his room, leaving Kyra and Matt a little dumbfounded.
“That went better than I expected, but I'm still not sure,” Matt muttered.
“He's probably still processing. We did exactly what we needed to. Give him time,” Kyra said, then kissed him lightly. “I guess I'd better get ready. Save some energy for those in between hours.”
“Say stuff like that, and I just might have to kidnap you. I'll call Blaine and tell her your flight got delayed,” he growled playfully, inching closer for another kiss. “Thank you, Kyra, for everything.”
*****
Before Matt went to Randy's, he stopped by Andrew's room. “Hey, bud.”
“I don't want to talk about it any more tonight, Dad,” Andrew groaned, looking up from his desk.
“Okay, I can respect that. Can we talk about Kyra?”
“What about her?”
Matt entered the room and pulled the ring box from his pocket. “Taryn helped me pick this out.” He held it out to him.
Andrew's eyes lit up. “Are you freakin' serious? You're finally coming to your senses and proposing?”
Matt chuckled. “Well, I guess at least you aren't mad at me for taking Taryn to pick the ring and not you.”
“I love Kyra, love that you want to marry her, but I don't know a thing about rings.” Andrew shrugged, picking up the box. He opened it and studied the ring. “Nice. So when are you asking?”
“That's the loaded question. I want this to be perfect. Should I wait until after the tour? Before? And I swear, you better not spill the beans. I haven't told anyone other than you and Taryn, so don't tell Blaine or Randy until I do, okay?”
Andrew agreed and handed the box back. “I won't. I'm seriously happy for you, Dad.”
“I thought I'd tell you this today, in case you get upset again.”
“I won't do that to Kyra. It's not her fault Mom's a b-” Andrew stopped short. “-that Mom doesn't want us. I know Kyra loves us just as much as she loves her music. It's okay, Dad. You don't have to worry so much about me.”
“Yeah I do, Andrew. It's part of my job description,” Matt teased in an attempt to lighten the mood. He stuffed the ring box back in his pocket. “Do you want to go to David's tonight while I go to Randy's bachelor party?”
“I kinda want to be alone,” Andrew admitted.
“Okay, but if we're keeping up with the honesty thing, I don't want you to be alone. I can call Randy and stay-”
“No! You're the best man. You have to go! I swear Dad, I won't do anything crazy, but if it makes you feel better, then I'll go to David's. Just as long as you don't tell anyone else about this yet. Not Kyra's family, not Randy or Blaine...”
“Deal. I'd better text Kyra and make sure she knows this is what you want right now, that way she doesn't bring it up, not knowing.” Matt pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to her.
“Thanks. I appreciate it. How soon do you have to go again?”
“Within the hour. I'm going to shower and get ready.” Matt checked his watch. Time to get ready, plaster on a smile, and pretend like nothing was wrong at home.
Chapter Two
“Blaine? Come on, open the door.” Kyra knocked on the locked door the next morning.
“What's going on?” Matt approached her, placing a hand on Kyra's shoulder. She stole his breath, looking gorgeous in her ivory dress and her hair pinned up with curls falling in random places, but her eyes were full of worry.
“I don't know,” Kyra whispered. “Blaine's having some kind of moment. I figured I'd come check up on her, but she won't answer, and she won't open the door.”
“Let me try,” he replied, surprising her.
Kyra's eyes widened, but she stepped back.
Matt knocked on the door. “Blaine, it's me.” Maybe she had doubts because this would be her second marriage. He knew a thing or two about that, or at least, about moving on from the past. Wedding day jitters. She wouldn't run from the altar from Randy. She just needed a pep talk. Maybe if Blaine talked to someone who'd been in a similar position, she'd feel better.
He placed his ear by the door. “I can hear you crying in there. Want to talk about it?”
“Who's out there with you?” A round of hiccups and sniffles followed her words.
Matt looked around. Kyra had taken off. “No one now.”
The door flew open. Blaine yanked his arm and pulled him inside. Her face was red and puffy. She locked the door, then sank to the ground against it.
“What's wrong?” Matt followed suit, crouching on the floor beside her.
“You can't tell a nervous breakdown when you see one?” She covered her face.
“Of course I can, but the question is why? Did you and Randy have a fight?”
“No.” Blaine sobbed, dabbing at her eyes. “I'm just an insane mess.”
“So tell me about it. You know I'm a good listener.” He kept his voice calm and waited for her to open up.
Her deep blue eyes were full of confusion when they met his. “I'm not having doubts about Randy, I'm just having doubts that I'm not going to be the best for him.”
“Let me guess. Because you went through this marriage thing once, and even though you're in love with Randy, you're afraid of going down this road again.”
“Yeah. How'd you guess?”
“I might know a thing or two about that.” Matt pulled the ring box out of his pocket. “Let me show you something. I've been holding on to this for weeks.”
“Oh. My. God. Is that what I think it is?” Blaine's jaw dropped as she practically yanked the box from his hands, opening it. “Ooooh, Matt!”
“Quiet!” He laughed. “People are going to wonder what th
e hell we're doing in here, then there'll really be some explaining to do.”
“When are you asking?” She lowered her voice to a whisper, admiring the ring from afar, then up close.
“That's the loaded question. I don't know when the right time will be. She's got the tour coming, and her career is going up. Even though I know she loves me and I can't deny she's the one, I'm afraid to take that next step.”
“Because of Kendra and how your first marriage went.” Blaine closed the box and handed it to him.
“You got it.” Matt stuffed the box back in his pants.
“What are you going to do, keep it in your pocket for the right moment?”
“I have so far.” He shot her a sheepish grin.
“Well, here goes my news. No one else knows other than Randy what I'm about to tell you. I'm … I'm pregnant.”
“Ahh, so that explains the tears. Aren't you two happy about the news, though?” This was good news, right?
Blaine covered her face again. “I'm thirty-five, pregnant with my first baby, and Randy is about to go on tour with your girlfriend. The timing … it's crazy. Randy says he's happy, but what happens later? What happens when I'm eight months along, whiny, crying, and he's on tour? What if I get clingy and-?”
Okay, so she does have a right to worry- at least in some aspects. This was huge. Life changing. Matt slid an arm around her shoulders. “What if you make my cousin a happy man? What if he gets all his dreams- the girl, the baby, the music? What if you compromise?”
“I want him to have all of his dreams come true. He's finally getting his music career off the ground, and then this.” Blaine trailed a hand down to her stomach.
“How far along are you?”
“I don't know. I took the test two days ago. My appointment isn't until next week.” She wiped away her never ending tears.
“It'll work out, Blaine. You're just overemotional and have the jitters. That's my diagnoses. Let me advise you with a prescription. Calm down, think positive, then get out there and marry the man who loves you with all of his heart. Your marriage won't be anything like what you experienced before. Know how I know? You and Randy love each other. You've already admitted you don't know what possessed you to marry what's-his-face, anyway.”
She sniffled. “You're right. I'm just being my typical crazy self. I didn't want to talk to anyone about this, but I'm glad since I did, it was you. You're always easy to talk to, and I know you understand. Umm, please don't say anything yet. We haven't made an official announcement or anything.”
“I won't,” he promised, “and same goes. No one but Andrew and Taryn know about the ring.”
“I know I'm not always good at shutting up, but I'll keep your secret.” Blaine finally flashed a smile.
Matt climbed to his feet, brushed off his tux, then held a hand out to Blaine. “You'd better.”
“Everything okay in there?” Kyra knocked, her voice full of hesitance.
“Sure is! I promise I'm not running off with your boyfriend! This isn't going to be one of those stories,” Blaine called back, unlocking the door.
Matt's jaw dropped, then he held back a laugh, wondering how Kyra would respond.
Kyra popped her head in. “Only you would say something like that.” She raised a brow. “Careful, I'm singing your first dance song. I might ... Oops, did I sing the wrong words?”
Blaine gasped in horror. “Noooo!” she wailed, clinging to Kyra. “Don't do it!”
Matt doubled over in laughter. “I almost want to dare you to do it, Kyra.”
“Oh my God, seriously? Don't encourage her!” Blaine narrowed her eyes at him.
He held up his hands. “As usual, I'm staying out of this one.” Matt brushed past Kyra, dropping a kiss on her cheek. “I'm going to check on the best man.”
“Matt...” Blaine called.
He turned toward her again.
“Thank you. I'm serious. I feel a lot better. Kyra, keep this guy. That's no joke.”
“Now that I know you're not planning to run away with him, I think I will.” Kyra winked, sliding her arms around Matt, leaning to whisper in his ear. “She's suffering from Crazy Bride Syndrome, isn't she?”
Matt stifled a laugh. Apparently there was no stone unturned in terms of jokes with this group of friends, and he found himself smack dab in the middle of one.
“I heard that, Miss Sanders. I will give my husband-to-be some pointers on pranking you on your tour,” Blaine threatened as she spruced up her makeup.
“I have more prank experience. Now come on, you have to make your grand entrance soon. You can cry on your man instead of mine,” Kyra teased as Matt took off to see Randy.
*****
Blaine Grant made a beautiful bride. With an outside wedding, the sunlight shone off her dress, providing an illusion that she walked on a cloud of mist covered stars. With a jeweled corset top and a billowing ivory white tulle, Blaine dazzled. Standing beneath the decorated arch at the altar, the couple gazed at each other in utter adoration. After Kyra helped fix her makeup from her mini nervous breakdown stint, Blaine had calmed down and prepared for the walk towards Randy. Kyra loved seeing Matt pair with Avery down the aisle as best man and matron of honor.
It was nice to come home every once in a while and become a normal person- the one who didn't have crazed fans screaming her name, cameras flashing, or a long list of things to do. She cherished her career, loved that it was back on track after such a long hiatus, but nothing beat coming home and spending time with family and friends, especially now that things had fallen into place in all aspects.
Kyra's gaze landed on Andrew. He hadn't said much to either her or Matt about Kendra, and no one wanted to push him. As the bride and groom exchanged vows, Matt's eyes met hers, and his face lit up. He mouthed an 'I love you', and she blew a kiss his way.
To her left, Kyra's best friend, Taryn McAllister, held hands with her boyfriend, Chris Roland. Her heart warmed at seeing Taryn happy. Those two couldn't be more perfect for each other. Taryn brought out a side of Chris no one had seen before, and Kyra would forever appreciate how much Chris did for Taryn, because he wanted her to see that she could enjoy her life despite some limitations.
Good things were coming this summer.
Blaine and Randy exchanged rings, and when they kissed after being pronounced husband and wife, everyone jumped to their feet in applause and cheers. Holding hands, the happily married couple darted back down the aisle on their way to the limo which would take them to the reception ten minutes away.
Absolutely perfect. Today was a day dreams came true.
Matt approached and drew her close. “Congratulations on a job well done. We've all survived the Grant weddings,” he mused as he kissed her cheek. “Blaine was a toughie.”
“She was fine up until the last few weeks, from what I heard. She did call me a few times wanting advice,” Kyra admitted as they strolled toward the car. Andrew trailed behind them, talking to Daisy. “I'm glad she talked to you today. Something seemed off with her at the bachelorette party, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Whatever you two talked about seemed to work.”
Matt shrugged. “I think she needed to hear from someone who's been in her position. You know, married previously and had things go bad,” he added quickly. “When I wasn't sure about the two of us, Blaine was the one who talked sense into me. She knew something was going on between us before I allowed myself to.”
Off in the distance on the other side of the road, Marty stood across from his girlfriend, Angie, and it appeared as if they were having a heated discussion. Angie was in tears, and Marty's expression was stricken and pained.
“Trouble in paradise?” Kyra nodded in their direction. She couldn't help but wonder about Marty. The bass guitarist for Baby Stetson, he was quiet most times. The last few months, something changed, and Marty became edgy and paranoid. She didn't know all of the details, but it had to do with his brother or someone in his family, Kyra recalled. The detai
ls beyond that were unknown to her. Hopefully, he would get his act together while out on tour, since she was taking Baby Stetson with her as the opening act.
“I think she's having a hard time with Marty going on tour, plus the issues with his paranoia of seeing his brother all the time are causing tension,” Matt answered as he led Kyra to his car.
Just as she thought. “Is there still no news on that situation?”
“I'm not sure. I haven't heard any new updates, but he's definitely bothered by something.” Matt held the door open for her. Kyra stopped before settling in the car to look at him. His brown eyes sparkled with love. She was so lucky. Who would have thought they'd be where they were after their first initial meeting? Kyra had pegged him for a grumpy guy, never knowing the reasons he'd acted like he had until they'd gotten to know each other.
And fallen in love.
“Do I have something in my teeth or something?”
“Huh?” Damn, she sounded like a dope.
“You're staring at me all strange,” Matt pointed out.
“Just admiring the view ... and thinking.” Kyra offered up a smile, kissed him, then climbed in the car. Andrew and Daisy were already settled in the back, holding hands and talking quietly.
Matt climbed in the car, started the engine, and drove towards their destination.
“Andrew,” Kyra said softly, shifting slightly so she could see his face when she asked her question. “How would you like to play guitar with me today when I sing Blaine and Randy's song they're going to dance to?” She and Matt had planned this a while ago, knowing that Andrew would love it, but would he still be as enthused after what Kendra had done? Last time, he'd lashed out at Kyra after being devastated by his mother's blatant disrespect for everyone at his birthday party.
His eyes widened. “Are you serious?” Excitement tinged his voice.
“Very much so.” Kyra exchanged a smile with Matt. “Are you in?”
“Heck yeah I'm in!” Andrew grinned. “This is awesome. Thanks!”
Once Matt pulled into the parking lot of In Loving Harmony, a venue made for weddings and other events in the vicinity, Kyra climbed out of the car, smoothed out her dress, and told everyone she'd meet them inside. She had to do a sound check as soon as possible before Blaine and Randy arrived.
Skyrocket (Love and Music in Texas Book 6) Page 2