"You have to promise to stay small til I get back"

Cass kisses the top of Rose's head still rocking back and forth talking gently to the little baby. It was mid day and she couldn't focus on packing. She came over to find her fast asleep while Jackson was packing his things in the adjacent room. She sighed looking at the window feeling her eyes swell up yet again. 

It had been two months since Rose has been born. Tate had stated that she would need to come back to have a meeting about her new record. Yes, she had already created another new album. She found so much inspiration living out here that she never felt blocked as she continued to write songs one after another. She had created 18 songs in a little over 3 months. Her inspiration included the scenery, other music, but most of all her family.

Jackson and Nat had finally got the night routine down with lil Rose. Jackson has joked about wanting another one already. In truth, she wasn't sure if he was joking. Nat had once again balanced not only the ranch but her new role as a mom. Cass was in complete awe of her and how she handled everything thrown at her. In some way, she had always been a caregiver, specifically to Cass. 

Julio and Naomi had come over to visit multiple times to see the new member of the family. Julio had helped with certain things while Nat was recovering but was happy to hand it back over when Nat was ready. Cass had found out that Naomi couldn't have children sadly and had offered to help with Rose whenever.

Keith had been nothing short of perfect to Cass. Yes, he is temperamental and sometimes moody BUT he would never take it out on her. They had the discussion of marriage and children one evening while Keith was holding Rose. Nat and Jackson had went for a walk after dinner leaving Rose in their care. Keith had told her that it is something he truly wants in the future but does not wish to rush Cass in anyway. She wasn't scared at the idea of a family and marriage with Keith. She made that perfectly clear later that night. 

"Cassie, what are-" Her eyes snap to the door to find Jackson looking at her confused before he sighs finding her with teary eyes. "Talk to me Cassie."

Her bottom lip wobbled as she cradled Rose close to her chest. This has also been a new thing for her. Jackson and her talk like siblings now. He would give her advise and listen to her worries. She trusted his advise when it came to her career but right now, she wished she hadn't agreed to do one more tour. 

"I don't want to leave Jackson.." her voice coming out low as her eyes remained glued on Rose who was already looking up at her. 

Jackson sighs stepping into the nursery stopping in front of her looking down at his beautiful little girl. To say Cassie has grown attached would be an understatement. She sometimes shows up here before him or Natalia are out of bed. He has considered revoking her key but figured that would lead to a huge argument with his wife. He has come to the conclusion when it's him vs Cass... She typically wins out. 

He kneels down placing his hand on her knee making those baby blues look to him. "Cass, we won't be gone too long and if you want this to be the end, then it will be."

She nods her head while continuing to rock. "Why are you not more upset?"

Jackson's lips twitch slightly at her whiny voice. In truth, he didn't want to leave neither. His daughter was still so young and he didn't want to miss a thing but he would rather be gone now then in the future when she remembered him leaving. It didn't make it any less hard. Nat had practically become the air he breaths. She was everything to him next to Rose. He still couldn't believe how lucky he was to have her and he cherished her daily. Keith had finally started treating him like a brother and not an outsider. 

"Trust me Cassie, this isn't easy for me either BUT I can do this because I know I'm doing it for her."

Cass took a deep inhale releasing it slowly. Jackson reached out for Rose and Cass pouted as the cute baby was taken from her arms. Her emotions seemed to be heightened lately due to her heading back to California. It had been a year since she was touring and singing outside of this town. The locals have become use to her singing at Julio's and Naomi's bar while also doing interviews and songs virtually. 

Jackson stood up with his beautiful daughter securely in his arms as her bright blue eyes shined into his own. Her dark hair growing more and more everyday. A perfect combination of the pair of them. He really did want to have more kids with Natalia. He loved the way she looked while she was pregnant. Natalia had told him she would be happy to have more but just to wait a bit. He obliged knowing this was a learning curve for both of them. 

"Princess?"

Cassie stood up turning to the door where Jackson was walking out with Rose and Keith was standing. She walked over to him and instantly wrapped her arms around his waist digging her head into his chest breathing in the familiar scent. 

"I don't want to leave Keith.."

He kissed the top of her head holding her firmly to his body. He knew this was going to be hard for her. However, he also knew she needed to do this. "I know... but it won't be for too long and you'll be back."

She didn't say anything but slouched her shoulders in response. Keith released a deep chuckle making his chest vibrate and Cassie to unintentionally smile. She continued hiding her face in his chest not allowing him to see the effect his simple laugh has on her. It's ridiculous how quickly her mood changes around him. He patted her back and turned them redirecting them out of the old guest room. 

They walked down stairs where Cass soon found her best friend and god daughter standing by the door with an amused smile on their lips. She left Keith's hold jogging to her making Nat giggle at her. Keith rolled his eyes knowing he will never be able to beat his sister when it comes to his woman. They were thick as thieves. He couldn't be upset about it. Talia was there for his princess long before he knew her. 

Nat leaned back looking down at the pouty blonde still holding her and her baby girl. She knew Cass had been doubting whether or not to release this new album but Nat wasn't going to let her quit now. Same goes for Jax. He had told her he was thinking about going into another field not wanting a job that could take him away from her or their daughter. It melted her heart but knew that his dream for a very long time was running his own agency. She would stand by both of their decisions in the end but gave her opinion and was glad they both listened. 

"Cass, you will be fine" Nat says stressing the word fine. 

Cass straightens her spine nodding believing Nat. Jackson and Keith both watching on amused as Cass believes Nat even knowing they both have told her the same thing. "This is your home now and we will be here when you get back."

"I love you sis" Cass says hugging her and Rose one more time. Nat rubbing her back smiling gently. 

"Love you too pain the ass."

Cass giggled releasing her and turning to Keith holding her hand out for him to take. He stepped to her taking her hand as she pulled him outside. She glanced back at Nat to find Jackson going to her embracing them both. She smiled at the sight before closing the door and jumping on Keith. He chuckled used to this by now. His hands on her butt while her legs wrapped around him. Her lips came down to his in a sweet sensual kiss that lit Keith's blood on fire. He absolutely loved this girl. 

The door opened and Cass squeaked making him grip her tighter so she wouldn't fall. Jackson and Nat laughed as they walked by them towards Jackson's car. Cassie glanced at them before Keith gently gripped her chin before her lips connected back to his. Everything else simply forgotten as she continued to devour his lips. A few minutes later a throat clearing pulls them apart. Jackson is already in the car and Nat was standing at the steps to her porch trying to not look at the intimate moment. 

Keith gently let her down as their eyes never left each other. Cass leaning up once more for a kiss before whispering her love to him. He kissed her again cupping her face telling her to be safe and that he loved her. She walked away from him and kissed Nat's cheek along with Rose's head before getting into the car. Jackson gave her a moment to buckle in but her eyes continued looking out to the three members who remained. 

"Ready Cassie?" Jackson said looking to his wife and daughter. He sees Cassie nodding her head as he starts the car. 

The car begins to leave and Cassie has to close her eyes to stop from getting upset again. She decided this would be the last album for her. She was ready for the future Keith and her had planned. 

"Hey Cassie, Keith gave me this to give to you."

Cassie opened her eyes to find Jackson holding out a small black box to her. She took it confused while opening it. A loud laugh escaping at what laid inside. She took it out looking at it closely. A small piece of paper laying inside. She opened it and giggled yet again. 

A ring worthy of my princess

She smiled putting the ring on her ring finger. Jackson smirked but didn't say anything. She sighed laying her head back feeling the strength to do this. 

One last time...