We had a dilemma then in terms of our family name. The changes we made meant Bodhi became a Lancaster and Easton became an O’Donoghue. But Reeve is still Easton’s other daddy, and we promised we would never take that from him. Bodhi and Easton are brothers, in every way that counts, and we didn’t want them having different last names. Also, Dillon’s US citizenship was proclaimed around the same time, and his birth certificate now confirms Felicia Lancaster and Simon Lancaster as his bio parents. Technically, in the eyes of the law, Dillon is a Lancaster. Which means I’m still a Lancaster too.
For me, the solution was simple: Lancaster-O’Donoghue. But I knew it wouldn’t be as easy for Dillon because of what Simon Lancaster had done to him. However, my husband surprised me when he readily agreed. For him, the decision was simple too. He loves our sons enough to put aside his own feelings to do what we both felt was right. Plus, the Lancaster name is a way to remember Reeve and Felicia, and none of us want to forget them.
So, now we are all Lancaster-O’Donoghues, and it feels right. The press and the haters had a field day when that news broke, but they can all kiss my ass.
“Uh-oh.” Ash looks over her shoulder, and I turn around.
Dillon is jabbing his finger in Deke Rawlings’ face, looking like he’s seconds away from punching him in the nose. Deke is the head of security for Studio 27, and he was in charge of security for tonight’s premiere. Ultimately, it’s his fault those women slipped through the net and were able to harass me on a night that was already going to be difficult enough. I’m not surprised Dillon is tearing strips off him. I’m only surprised my dad isn’t joining in.
My parents are around here somewhere, along with all our Irish family. Conor even graced us with his presence, and he brought a date too. He’s the only remaining single member of Collateral Damage now that Ro tied the knot.
Ronan shocked the whole family when he returned from a weekend in Las Vegas married to Shania Webster—an up-and-coming name on the country music scene. Apparently, it was love at first sight. The guys had bets on how long it would be before they broke up, but it’s been seven months, and they seem more in love than ever.
I’m happy for Ronan.
He deserves love in his life after the ordeal he’s been through with his ex, Clodagh, over access to his daughter Emer. Things are good between him and Dillon again, but they’re not quite as close as they once were, which makes me a little sad.
“I think you should get over there,” Audrey says, pulling me out of my inner monologue. “Dillon looks like he’s about to commit murder.”
My husband has fistfuls of Deke’s jacket now, and he’s shoving him up against the wall. I spot several security guards getting ready to move in, so I walk toward them to defuse the situation.
As the temporary caretaker of the Lancaster shares in Studio 27, I need to ensure amicable relations continue. From the way Reeve’s will was constructed, the forty percent stake in Studio 27 will now pass to Bodhi when he turns eighteen. It’s why it made sense to have the company produce our movie. If it’s as profitable as the analysts expect it to be, it will significantly enhance the value of Bodhi’s investment.
So, it’s a win-win all around.
“Dillon.” I place my hand on my husband’s arm. “This isn’t the time or the place.” I fully intend to request an investigation into how this happened, but I don’t want anything to put a stain on tonight.
“Learn to own up and accept responsibility,” Dillon growls, glaring at the man as he releases him. “And if you ever put my wife in that kind of position again, I will punch first and ask questions later.”
“I’ll find out how it happened and ensure it doesn’t happen again.” Deke smooths a hand down the front of his tuxedo jacket as he turns to me. “I apologize for any upset, Vivien.”
“We’ll discuss it next week,” I curtly reply.
I don’t have a controlling interest in the studio, and I’m not on the board of management, but I will be strongly advising James—the current head of Studio 27—to let the incompetent Rawlings go. James listens to me, and I was thrilled when he agreed to let me adopt a special child ambassador role. It’s something I’m working on pitching in a more official capacity within the industry.
Having seen what Reeve went through, and becoming more familiar with the stresses and pressures placed on child and teen actors, I want to help to create a better working environment for kids who act. I also want to ensure that when the Studio 27 shares pass to Bodhi he is inheriting a production company that is not only profitable but one that sets and maintains high standards extolling family values and a nurturing environment where child actors thrive without unnecessary responsibility, stress, or peer pressure.
Safeguarding children within the movie industry is something I am very passionate about, and I’ve spoken to Dillon about creating a company in Reeve’s name. Some kind of governance or regulatory body with a set of guidelines every studio would have to adhere to. It’s only an idea right now, but it’s something I’m invested in exploring and developing at some point.
Rawlings walks off, feeling the daggers Dillon is embedding in his back, no doubt.
“I can’t stand that prick,” Dillon seethes.
“I think everyone in the room can see that, and I think the feeling is mutual.” My lips twitch. Dillon has been breathing down Rawlings’ neck for the past week, wanting to know all the security measures in place. Deke isn’t the kind of man who appreciates being put on the spot or being challenged, so they’ve been butting heads nonstop. “Come dance with me.” I take his hand, leading him out onto the dance floor as the song changes, and a slow number begins to play.
I wrap my arms around my husband’s neck as he pulls me in close, placing his palms on my hips.
“Are the kids okay?”
I nod. “I just spoke to Charlotte. They are all sound asleep. The boys are in East’s room.”
Dillon chuckles as we move in sync to each other and the soft, sultry beat. “I don’t know why we bothered giving them separate bedrooms when they always sleep together.”
“It was important they each had their own space, but I love they’re so close. It warms my heart to see them together.” When we moved into our new home in the Hollywood Hills, we had adjoining rooms built for the boys, but we put twin beds in both rooms because they love rooming together. Now, they alternate between the rooms, making them happy, and that’s the main thing.
“Yeah. Me too.” Dillon smiles. “Sometimes, when I look at them, I imagine that’s what it would’ve been like if Reeve and I had grown up together.” There are only six months between Bodhi and Easton, and they look so alike they could easily pass for twins.
A veil of sadness shrouds his face, and I feel it deep in my heart too. “I think the same way on occasion.” I cup his face. “Are you okay?” This is the first opportunity I’ve had to speak to my husband alone since we left the theater. Everyone has wanted a piece of us, and it’s been exhausting. I’m just about ready to call it a night and go home to my kids.