The waiting car had blacked-out windows, and there was a second security guy waiting in the backseat when we got in.

“We get two guys?” The shock wasn’t hidden from my voice.

The second guy was just as built as Sergio but had long blond hair tied back in a low ponytail at his neck and scars on his face that gave him a rougher appearance.

“You guys must be pretty special,” Blondie said as we buckled up. “The crowd’s going nuts, and you haven’t even arrived yet.”

Sergio climbed into the front seat and swung around to face us as the driver pulled from the curb.

“Ms. Jones and her team are waiting in a private room next to the event room. Once we arrive, we’ll gather there and go in together.”

“Roger that,” said Blondie.

Asher’s hand found mine. We drove in relative silence the rest of the way. The two security guys conversed some, but otherwise, we watched the LA traffic out the window.

It took fifteen minutes to arrive at the large convention center a few blocks away, but that was LA for you. The security guys followed us out of the car, flanking us on either side and informing Charlotte’s crew we were in motion on location. As promised, more security met us out front and brought us to the private room.

Charlotte launched to her feet when we walked through the doors. She noted our clasped hands and winked, smile beaming. “They’re going to love you as much as I do.” She kissed our cheeks and sized us up. “I’m going to introduce you, then step back and let you guys have the spotlight for a bit. Are you ready?”

Asher blew out a breath. “As I’ll ever be.”

The crowd one room over was full enough the buzz of chatter bled through the walls. Charlotte was ushered out by a few men in black, and a short time later, there was a cheering uproar as she entered the room next door.

Someone spoke over a loud microphone, and the crowd quieted to a gentle rumble as the announcer introduced Charlotte Jones, the author of Secret Lives and creator of Ender and Elliot Bridgestone.

Charlotte spoke next. We couldn’t make out what she was saying, but we knew our time was coming. I leaned close to Asher and whispered, “She’s like our mom, you know. She created us. She birthed Ender and Elliot.”

He chuckled and bumped my shoulder. “You’re such a dork. Shut up.”

“Do you think she’d be mad if I called her Mom?”

“Yes, considering she isn’t old enough to have twenty-one-year-old twins.”

“Yes, she is. She’s in her forties.”

Asher made a face.

I sighed and leaned my head on his shoulder. “Fine. I won’t. I’ll stay parentless forever.”

He kissed the top of my head and whispered, “You have me.”