Worth It (Damie)

Part 4

A/N: Lord this chapter took a lot out of me in the emotions department. Which is what also took me so long to post it, I needed it to be right. I really hope you love where I took it! Your support has blown me away, and I can't thank you enough for reading this story! Xo (Shout out to the friend who mentioned a single idea that sparked this entire chapter, she knows who she is!)

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Dakota's whole slam damn family shows up at Mel's house for family night. Everyone is here—Jesse, Alexander, Grace, Stella, Deacon, Jasper, Tippi, Kelley, and Don. Blake and his husband couldn't make it, Emily is out of town, and Dakota told me before we left the house Chase had to cancel last minute. So I have no third party buffer. Deep breath, Dornan.

We've all congregated in the living room after a feast that would put Christmas roast to shame. Mel went through way too much trouble for dinner, but it was heavenly. Dakota sits on my knee, drinking the glass of wine we are sharing, because mine disappeared amongst the dozens of others. I am enjoying the chatter around me of the boys discussing sports and the girls discussing hair. It looks like the quintessential family sitcom, which I can't even interject in because I'm too entertained watching.

"Jamie, you brought your guitar, right?" Don catches my attention, retrieving his acoustic from the stand in Mel's living room.

Jesse rolls off the back of the couch to grab his from its case by the front door. Dakota snorts when he trips over himself.

"I was highly encouraged to, yes sir." I chuckle.

Dakota told me they'd spend a better part of the evening picking at strings, and suggested I join the fun. Although I hadn't played for an audience of more than two in years, I would because I knew it'd make Dakota happy.

"Well then, let's jam." Don's face lights up as though it really is Christmas.

Alexander walks in. "Oh, are we jamming?"

Jamming I gather is the keyword, because it has silenced the overall noise.

"Baby, I need my guitar," I tell Dakota.

She smiles, handing me the wine as she stands. "B-R-B."

My gaze follows her path toward the entryway where I'd propped it up beside Jesse's, to keep it out from under the many sets of wandering feet.

"Do you sing, too?" Tippi asks.

Everyone turns the spotlight on me, and I feel the blush on my cheeks, but I smile. "A little."

"A little?" Dakota says, coming back with my guitar strapped around her. She looks beyond sexy doing so, and I make a mental note to beg her to play something for me, naked.

"You're full of shit, Dornan." She plops down beside me next to Jesse, who turns sideways and puts his feet on her lap. "He sings all the damn time."

"Meh." I shrug. "More to you and the girls than anyone."

There is a collective "aww" and I realize I've disclosed some intimate info.

"Since you're the guest," Don interrupts, "any requests?"

"Yeah, go easy on me."

They all laugh.

"Do you know any Dylan?" Jesse asks.

I meet his stare and nod before looking around the room to notice everyone grinning at me. Alexander and Jasper have also picked up their guitars and are waiting for my go-ahead.

"Knockin' on Heaven's Door," I say.

The guys look at each other, seeking approval.

Don winks. "On your count."