"Have you heard the new single by Cassie Lyndel?"

"Cassie Lyndel has another hit on her hands!"

"She is changing her tune and we love it!"

"Cassie Lyndel slayed a Reba McEntire classic!"

"Pop princess, Cassie Lyndel has started going to country & We. Love. It!"

Jackson and Cassie smirked as Tate continued to flip through some of the most recent headlines. Being back in California, they were quickly flanked by the media wanting to discuss her new album. It has been a few weeks since the show in Texas. This was their first time back in California and neither really seemed to miss it.

"Welcome home Cassie!"

Tate stood from his chair rounding his desk to embrace his young artist. Cassie stood up as well happy to embrace the man that has treated her like family. His arms patting her back before releasing her and shaking hands with Jackson. He came back around his desk to settle still smiling ear to ear over the headlines. He looked to the duo in front of him and realized how different they both appeared.

"We have much to discuss so let's get to it." He turns his attention to Cassie first. "The single has skyrocketed on the billboards and has claimed the number one spot."

Cassie bowed her head in a gratitude gesture before glancing at Jackson. The older man noticed and then turned to Jackson.

"You have been able to maintain your work load even being located out of state." Jackson gives Tate the same nod of his head Cassie did before glancing at her. Tate raised a brow knowing they have something they are wanting to say. "Alright, out with it."

"Tate, I want to relocate." Cassie says politely.

He goes quiet for a moment leaning back in his chair interlocking his hands on his stomach looking at her. He couldn't stop her even if he wanted to but in all honesty he thought for the last few weeks it would be better for her to be located out of Texas. He turned his eyes to his newest agent who had the same look on his face. "I'm presuming you are about to say the same?"

Jackson gave a firm nod of his head. He had been thinking about it for some time. Yes his job was here and yes he had family here... But California didn't have Natalia. He figured if he could prove he could work from anywhere that it wouldn't be such an issue with the label. In regards to his family, he spoke with his aunt and she was thrilled that he found someone that she practically told him to never return. He was ready for this commitment and he had no doubts where his future stood with Natalia.

Tate continued looking at the two before dropping his gaze to his hands with a small smile tugging at his lips. "I was actually wondering how long it would take for you two to inform me of this."

Jackson and Cassie look to him in surprise making him chuckle shaking his head. Cassie finally speaks asking the question 'what'.

"Cassie dear, I have seen you grow since your college years but I can honestly say you have never looked as happy as you have in the last few months and I have a feeling one.. or perhaps two people were the cause for that."

Cassie blushed biting her lip and dropping her gaze to her lap. This earned a low chuckle from Tate and a smirk from Jackson. Tate turned to him before continuing, "You're in the same boat boy."

Jackson's smirk dropped making Cassie snort at him. They looked like kids getting scolded by the principal. Tate was full of smiles and chuckles looking at the pair. Each having a hint of pink on their cheeks. Neither disagreeing knowing full in well he was right. They both have been happier since staying out at the ranch especially with the company.

Cassie did have a talk with Natalia the day after the show. It took some time to detangle herself from Keith after a few rounds in bed. Apparently Nat did come to the house but it was before she awoken and Keith told her to let Cass rest. Natalia gave her shit for sleeping in and not going on their morning ride but one look at Cass and Natalia understood. She made a disgusted face and a few shivers showing her discomfort at the knowledge of what perspired between her brother and her best friend. Since then, Nat calls before coming to the house worried of what she may see.

It's probably a good idea because the last few weeks has been nothing short of euphoric for Cassie and Keith. She could never remember being treated in a manner like she does now. Keith worships her in and out of the bedroom. She allows him to take the reigns succumbing to the dominance he naturally possesses... and she loves it. She had finished her album and now they are here to do a few shows and to record them on album. The process will take the next three weeks.

While Cass was thinking over her past few weeks, Jackson was doing the same. He reflected on the fact that Nat has made room for him in her home. she had moved her stuff to give him a few drawers in her dresser and also half the closet. He discovered it the night they come home from the show. The notion warmed him that she was showing that she wanted him there for the long haul. They have been quite compatible in more ways than one. He has found comfort in the way she trust him completely. She handles her ranch through out the day, and at night... she handles him. He grins remembering certain things he has come to find out she loves. The most important is her control in the bedroom. He has never had a woman take charge and honestly, he found it as an extreme turn on. She had went on birth control due to how active they had become.

"Okay you two, stop that now."

Both their heads snap up to find Tate with elbows on the table as he points at each of them.

"I can read you like a book and keep it PG in my office."

"Do you have any issues with my relocate?" Jackson asks to get off the previous topic.

"No, you have proven that you can manage no matter the circumstances and I haven't had any disgruntlements from any of your clients. I will continue to employ you as long as that doesn't change."

Jackson nods his head in understanding as Cassie sits up straighter in her chair beside him. " I have some changes I want to make as well."

"Let's hear it."

"I want to set my own schedule after this release. Concerts and shows will be within the country and I want time off after the tour."

"You've thought about this." Tate states knowingly. She nods her head in confirmation.

"I have a life I never thought I would have and I want time to enjoy it."

"Natalia has definitely put a spell on the pair of you."

Cass points to her left directly at Jackson, "Him more so than me."

He just shrugs because its the truth. Tate smiles widely at them both before agreeing with Cassie. If she can continue to produce music like this last single, he would work with her. They shook hands before exiting Tate's office. The office going quiet as they look at the singer in awe. It has been widely spread through the label about her visit. She has become Marx Records number one recording artist. The media flagged them down as they left with security surrounding them before getting in Jackson's car.

"We will head to your home first before we leave for the show. Tomorrow we start recording at 8:00 sharp."

"You're the boss." Cassie says smirking earning an eye roll from her agent. He shoves her playfully making her laugh. They have really become more like friends over the past few months. Natalia even mentioned they acted like siblings on more than one occasion.

They arrive at her home and find an unexpected guest. All the same, Cass squeals before running out of the car. The man steps up embracing her as he chuckles. Cass held onto the man who kept an eye on her for so long.

"I've missed you Clifford"

"It's good to see you Ms. Lyndel."

The older driver earned a stink eye making him chuckle at the little beauty who is definitely looking better than the last time he saw her. He helped take her bag from the car as she opened the door going back into the empty and cold house. Cass sighed looking around the house wondering how she ever felt complete now that she has found a place she calls home.

She went to her room and sat down on the bed for a minute. Clifford knocked before entering even thought the door was wide open. She gave the kind man a small smile as he took her bag to her closet before coming back out to stand by her door. Cass patted the bed beside her before scooting over for him. He slowly came over to sit down beside her. She rested her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you Clifford."

"Your welcome Cassie." They remain quiet for a moment before Clifford speaks again. "I understand I am finally entering retirement."

Cassie lifted her head to look at the man. "Ms. Thornton has informed me that you moving to Texas full time."

"That doesn't mean I couldn't keep you on Clifford."

"I know.. but in all honesty, I am ready for the time with my wife."

Cassie smiles at the man nodding before turning to place her head against his shoulder again. "Then I will thank you for everything over the years and inform you I will miss you."

The older man turned to kiss the top of her head. "I will miss you as well Cassie but you are in good hands."

She gave him a final hug and a present that she had prepared for him. Clifford was shocked at her generosity and tried to give it back but Cassie had none of it. He finally relented thanking her before leaving with the promise of being there if she ever needed him.

They made it to the show where the host was raving about Cassie. She performed her new single with the crowd singing along. The interview was polite and surprisingly not intrusive. Cassie thanked the host for being so courteous after the show ended with the promise of future interviews due to her respect for her. The host gave her thanks once again praising Cassie for her work before they left. They arrived back at her home where Jackson dropped her before making his own way home. Cassie took a hot bath before curling up in her bed just as the phone began to ring.

"How's princess?"

"She's good... How is sexy doing?"

"He's missing his cuddle buddy."

Cassie couldn't help but smile like a school girl even though he couldn't see her. He has been very open to his affections with her and she loves it. "I miss you to Keith."

"Saw the show, you did an incredible job."

"Thank you" she begins hearing yelling in the background and can tell that Nat is there too.

"Just give me a second, Hey- that's" She hears shuffling before more yelling followed by more ruffling before a different voice comes on.

"Hey Cass"

"Hey Nat" Cass can hear Keith yelling and banging on a door. "Did you steal his phone?"

"If he wouldn't have hogged the phone, I wouldn't have had too." Cassie laughs heartily in her bed listening to Keith holler something in the background. "Yea well, she was my friend first!"

"I miss you both"

"But you miss me more right?"

Cass shook her head but answered her, "Of course Nat"

She hears the sound of a lock and knows Nat has opened the door for Keith. "She misses me more."

"Princess?"

Cass once again erupts in laughter hearing his whiny voice. It's moments like this she realizes just how much she has come to love being a part of their world. Cass was happy all those years ago, she decided to continue annoying Natalia. It turn out to be the best decision she ever made.