Page 251 of Second Sets Omnibus

Kieran sighs, sitting on my other side, tossing an arm over my shoulder. The tips of his fingers brush up and down my upper arm, eliciting goosebumps over every inch of my flesh.

“She was a good lady,” Kieran says solemnly, staring at her name etched into the granite with his brows furrowed. “She tried her hardest.”

“Yeah,” I murmur, leaning my head on his shoulder. “She tried the best she could.” And that’s all that matters to me. She was there. Sometimes. Whenever she could be, at least. I had a roof over my head, food in my belly, and determination in my veins. If there’s anything my mom did for me, it was to prepare me to work hard.

Life isn’t roses and rainbows with pretty sparkles. It’s muted grays, blacks, and whites with struggles.

“Here, Little Star. These are for you,” Callum murmurs, falling to his knees to complete our little circle.

I smile, reaching for the pretty white roses bundled together. Inhaling deeply, I catch their scent and hum.

“Thank you,” I whisper into the petals, squeezing my eyes shut.

“I’ve prepared some words,” Rad says, clearing his throat. I peek an eye open when his tongue pokes out as he searches through his suit pockets. “Ah-ha,” he murmurs, pulling out a white piece of paper with scribbles. “Pretty Gir… River,” he says, choking back tears as he takes my hand. “Stella was the most magnificent woman, besides you, of course.”

“And me, Daddy?” Lyric asks with a tiny voice.

“Of course! You, too, Little Pretty Girl. You’re the most important girls in my life!” he proclaims with a grin, staring between us. “And I wouldn’t give you up for anything.”

“Even unicorn ice cream?” Lyric whispers, leaning in. “Cuz I love unicorn ice cream.”

“I love it, too,” he says, grinning from ear to ear. “But I’d give up everything to be by your side, Little Pretty Girl. And your mommy’s, too.”

Be still my beating heart.

“I really only knew Stella as a kid,” Kieran says, squeezing my shoulder. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have had you. Those days and nights on the hill, strumming my guitar with you at my side. They meant the world to me. Stella worked hard. She was nice as hell, giving the shirt off her back. That one time when she fell and hurt herself in the bathroom, I was so shaken up thinking that she was dead. My heart hurt for her and you,” he murmurs, kissing my cheek. “It’s a shame that she had to leave this world.”

“That shit was scary,” Rad murmurs, shaking his head. “I think my heart fell out of my chest when we found you crying at your front door. Stella was so hurt, and I knew I had to call my mom to get her some help.”

“You talked to her lately?” I ask, squeezing his hand.

“Nah. Haven’t talked in a while. She disapproves of the rock star lifestyle. It is what it is. I don’t need a negative Nancy in my life, anyway. Besides, I already have a family.”

“You do,” I whisper, leaning forward to kiss his lips again. “We’re a family,” I murmur. He grins against my lips until I’m ripped away by Kieran, who pulls me back into him.

“She knew I snuck into your room every night,” Callum murmurs with a hint of a grin, pulling at his lips. “Caught me one night,” he chuckles.

“She did?” I ask, raising a brow.

“Yeah,” he breathes. “I had to go to the bathroom, and she was out in the hall with her arms crossed. She asked me if I was one of the boys making you happy?”

“What did you say?” I ask, staring into the depths of his gray eyes.

“I said… Yes, but the feeling was mutual. You made me so damn happy. So, she nodded and walked away from me toward the living room.”

“She was always really nice to me,” Asher mumbles, scratching across his chest. “I don’t think I was over there as much as you guys, but she always smiled at me when I was by.” He swallows hard, looking deep into my eyes. “I’m so sorry you lost her like you did. Especially after being away with us at the Castle house.”

“Castle house? I wanna go to a castle!” Lyric pipes up, reminding us of what happened at that damn house.

Her.

Kieran chuckles. “Maybe we can vacation to an actual castle sometime soon. Okay?”

“Yes, Daddy! I want swords and armor! I want to sleep in a castle like a princess.” She grins when he chuckles, ruffling her hair.

“Of course, Little Blue. Anything for you.”

“Thanks, guys. For coming here with us and for bringing flowers. It means a lot you’re here now,” I whisper as more tears well in my eyes.