Rockstar Bay Academy: A Stepbrother Romance

Chapter 1: The Wedding

January in Australia is too hot for a wedding. With the piles of sunscreen I slathered on, I'm melting out of my turquoise coloured bridesmaid's dress. And I'm burning despite the SPF 50+ I'd applied earlier. Cursed with strawberry blonde hair, fair skin, and freckles, I'm no match for the summer sun.

Still, at least I'm not wearing a tuxedo like my soon-to-be stepbrothers.

Ethan and Asher Cassidy are clearly perspiring in the heat, yet both boys still look more handsome than they have any right to. Ethan with his light brown hair, light blue eyes, and lop-sided smile has never had any trouble making my stomach flip and my heart squeeze. And Asher, with his black hair cut shorter and neater than I've ever seen it, his high cheekbones, dark eyes and sneer, might be the devil, but even I can admit that evil has never looked so good.

As if sensing my gaze, Asher looks away from the nuptials in progress to scowl at me. Deciding not to provoke the beast by making a face back at him, I clutch the two bouquets in my hand a little tighter before turning back to finish watching my mother marry the man of her dreams.

"Will you, Caitlin Maree Kelly, take Jesse James Cassidy to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the officiant asks.

Mum nods. "I will."

All morning, I've fought to keep the tears at bay, but the catch in my mother's voice as she says those words, weighted so heavily with significance, makes it impossible to hold them back any longer.

"And will you, Jesse James Cassidy, take Caitlin Maree Kelly to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the officiant continues.

Jesse's voice is filled with love as he answers, "I will."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jesse, you may kiss your bride," the officiant declares. The sound of applause and cheers fills the air as Jesse sweeps Mum off her feet, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

I swipe at my eyes as the tears come harder and faster now, whooping and cheering along with everyone except Asher, whose pathetic golf clap is more mocking than anything else.

"It gives me great joy to present you with, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Cassidy!" the officiant announces proudly.

Mum looks every bit the radiant bride as she turns to me, her arms outstretched. I quickly put my hands up to stop her from embracing me. "I'll hug you after I clean my face," I sniffle, passing back her bridal bouquet. "I don't want to stain your gorgeous dress."

She giggles, sounding happier and more light-hearted than I've heard her in years. "I can't believe it, Lilah, I'm actually married."

"And to a rock star at that."

"Retired rock star."

"He's rock 'n' roll royalty, so it's still a fairy tale."

Mum squeezes my hand, smiling at me, her emotions swimming in her eyes. "Thank you. You are the best daughter and maid-of-honour anyone could ask for."

"I am, and you owe me for this," I agree.

"I know."

We share a look of understanding. Today I gain a stepdad and two stepbrothers. One of those stepbrothers, Ethan Cassidy, broke my heart, and the other, Asher, hates me with a passion I return tenfold.

Jesse ends the moment between my mother and me by picking me up and hugging me before I can protest. "Lilah, you look nearly as stunning as your mother today," Jesse says, smiling down at me.

"Congratulations, Jesse. Or should I say, Stepdad?" I beam up at him.

Asher snorts loudly, but Jesse's smile makes the endearment worth it. No matter how complicated or painful my life is about to become because of our newly blended family, the title Stepdad is one I'm happy to hand him.