by Kaci Rose
Chapter 14
Ellie
I wake up, and the sun is bright in the room. I stretch slightly and the muscles between my legs are deliciously sore in the best way. I smile and reach for Owen, but he's not there.
I frown and sit up looking around the room. I don't see him, so I go to the closet and find a t-shirt of his to pull over my tank top and shorts I slept in. I head to the girl’s room, but they aren't there either, so I follow their laughter downstairs.
What I find makes my heart skip a beat. Owen is in the kitchen cooking pancakes and trying to flip them in the air. The girls are sitting at the kitchen island on the bar stools laughing when he misses.
He sees me and comes give me a chaste kiss not caring that the girls are groaning and saying "Ewwwwww". It makes me blush, and he winks at me. He's told me how much he loves my blush.
He goes back to the pancakes and says "Mia is at the cottage. She wanted to sleep in some more. Since I'm used to being up early, I took the morning breakfast prep."
I nod and make my coffee, and then we sit down to breakfast. The pancakes are good, the conversation flows easily and Owen just... fits. So, I decide it's time to ask the big question.
"Girls I have a serious question for you and it's okay if you say no or if you want to pull me aside later today to talk about it, okay?" Their smiles fade and their faces go serious, which I hate but I know it has to be done.
They nod their heads, so I continue, "How do you feel about moving in here with Owen?"
Their faces light up and they bounce in their seats. "Yes!" They scream, making Owen and I laugh.
"We love it here!" Becca says.
"Do we have to switch schools?" Allie asks a little hesitantly.
"No, you can finish the school year at your current school, but we might look at a closer school next year, okay?" I say.
"Does this mean Owen will be our daddy?" Becca asks with hope on her face.
I'm sure my face goes pale because this is the last question, I thought I'd have to answer, but Owen is right there and has my back.
"It means I'm your friend and if you need anything you can ask me, or talk to me about anything," Owen says.
Becca looks at him with such a serious face that I know what comes out of her mouth next is going to be heartbreaking.
"You don't want to be our daddy?" She asks in a small voice.
Before I can even come up with an answer, Owen in out of his chair and kneeling down between both girls’ chairs. He takes their hands in his.
"I would love nothing more than to be your daddy, but to do that your mom has to marry me first and I’m working on that, I promise."
They smile and nod at him and he leans in and hugs them both, then turns to smile at me and winks. My heart swells. This man wanting to take on two kids that aren't his and he’s doing an amazing job at it.
After breakfast, I call my mom about having Owen over to dinner, and she insists on tonight. I check with Owen and he agrees. We chat for a bit planning out the menu and then go check on Mia.
She smiles at me, but she says she is unsure of what to do with herself.
"Why don't we go talk to Owen and nail down the details of you being the Nanny, yeah? I think it will make you feel better." I take her hand.
We head into the main house and the girls are playing in their room, so we go right to Owen's office. He smiles and pulls me into his lap while Mia sits in a chair in front of his desk.
Mia shakes her head. "I love seeing you happy like this Ellie, you deserve it. Owen, you don't happen to have a single brother, do you? Older, younger, I'm not picky."
Owen laughs, "No, sadly I'm a single child."
He pulls some papers from his desk. "I have your contract, Mia. Your monthly pay includes the cottage and all utilities with it. Electric, water, cable, and internet. On top of that, you’ll be paid three-thousand dollars a month. But I have a few stipulations."
"Oh, good, because I knew it was too good to be true," she says with a completely straight face.
Owen smirks, "The biggest one is no guests over that aren't approved by security first. This is for our protection. The security team can approve almost anyone within a few hours. If you need time off just ask, we have back up like either of our Mom's. That's pretty much it."
Mia's eyes tear up. "I have been watching those girls for the last two years for free. I love them to death, and spending time with them is like spending time with my friends. This job is a dream come true. I won't be able to thank you enough."
I stand up and hug her hard because she has even made me tear up.
Owen clears his throat. "I have a moving company at both your apartments now packing everything up. I’ll inform your landlord tomorrow and handle breaking both your leases. Now Mia, take the day off. We’ll take the girls to the pool and you’re welcome to join us. Later we have dinner at Ellie's parents. You have run of the house and if you need anything let Clive or Ryan know."
Mia nods, "I’ll join you at the pool later," she hugs me again then heads out.
"Baby, I have something for you too." Owen says, "Last time we had this talk it didn't go so well, but I'm hoping this one does."
He takes a deep breath and looks hesitant. I walk back over to him and sit back in his lap to reassure him things will be okay. I run my hand through his hair and feel some of the tension ease.
"What is it, Owen?" I ask softly.
"Well, since you are officially moved in as of tomorrow, I want to give you this." He hands me a credit card with my name on it.
"Now please hear me out. Your allowance will stay the same but use this for any household expenses, anything you and the girls need or want. What to redecorate a room? Put it on the card. Girls need new clothes. Put it on the card. Stop to buy food? Put it on the card or let Ryan know what you like, and he’ll keep it stocked."
"Owen..." I try to stop him, but he keeps talking.
"You moving in here means everything to me, Ellie. But it also means you’re letting me take care of you and my girls. I want to make sure you have anything you need. I don't care what it is. If your car breaks down or a medical bill comes up, put it on the card. Let me take care of you. It will give me a peace of mind that you have the card if you ever need it, okay?"
I'm floored and I get why he feels the need to take care of us. I understand it and it will take time to get used to. I don't know what to do, so I just nod and kiss him. The tension leaves his body like he I was going to go off on him. He holds me close and I reassure him we are okay.
"You are an amazing man, Owen, and I don't know how I got so lucky, but I thank God I did."
"I'm the lucky one, baby." He kisses me, and then we grab the girls and have lunch by the pool. We enjoy the afternoon swimming before getting ready to go to my parents’ house.
When we get into Owen's car with his driver, I'm shocked. He's had proper booster seats installed for the girls. I shake my head and smile.
"You really were pulling out all the stops, weren't you?" I ask him.
"Yes, I was," he says chuckling.
We get to my parents’ house and the girls run in without even knocking on the door, which makes Owen smile. He takes my hand, and we walk in behind them.
My mom is already setting the girls up with a new puzzle she bought them. I introduce Owen to my dad, who he hasn't met yet. My dad is friendly but still a little cold, he's watching Owen, studying him.
My mom welcomes him with a hug and turns to me and says, "Man, he's even hotter in jeans and t-shirt." She then winks at me and walks off toward the kitchen.
My jaw drops and I can see pink coat Owen's cheeks but he looks so damn adorable, that I agree, there is something about this man in jeans. Damn.
My dad asks Owen if he would like a beer and they head back to the den to watch whatever sports game is on.
I go into the kitchen with my mom and pour some wine for her and me while I help with dinner. She asks about Mia and I tell her abo
ut the landlord and how Owen hired her to help me with the kids so she wouldn't be trapped working with the landlord's brother.
My mom’s eyes tear up, so I keep telling her about the girl’s room. Taking my phone out, I show her some pictures. I also relate the conversation at breakfast this morning. I tell her everything except about the fantastic sex because that’s a line I won't cross with my mom. I omit the fact that we’re moving in with Owen. That can wait for dinner.
My mom asks me to take a plate of appetizers and two more beers to the boys in the den. I gladly agree, wanting to see Owen even if just for a minute. I get ready to come around the corner and enter the den when I hear Owen talking, and something in his voice makes me stop and listen.
My dad has just asked him his thoughts on the girls.
"Those girls are amazing. They have so much energy and always have a smile and a hug for you if you need it. They’re a little Frozen obsessed, but when their eyes light up over something," I hear raw emotion in Owen's voice, "There is nothing better. They’ve stolen my heart just like their mom has, and I couldn't love them anymore if they were my own blood."
My eyes tear up, and my dad says what I was thinking from the start.
"Good, because those three are a packaged deal, you know."
"I know sir," Owen says. Always the gentleman.
"And how exactly do you feel about my daughter?" My dad asks, for a second, I think about ending the conversation and walking in there, but Owen doesn't even hesitate, and I want to hear what he says.
When Owen talks, I can hear the smile in his voice. "Sir, she owns me. She came into my life at a point where I was scared to dream of this life she has given me. A family and a home. I was putting up walls, and she broke them down without even trying. She’s amazing and driven, loving and funny, and watching her as a mom to those girls is," He pauses for a moment, "I'm sorry sir, but for a lack of a better term, it's the sexiest thing in the world. I would give her the world if she would let me, and I'd marry her tomorrow if she’d have me. But I'm wearing her down bit by bit."
My dad laughs softly before his next question. "And how old are you exactly?"
"Thirty-six," Owen answers straight.
My dad is silent for a moment, but I know he's doing his head nodding thing and looking past Owen while he thinks.
"Don't you think you’re a bit old for her?"
"I'm not going to give you the age is just a number spiel. I get it. I'm eleven years older than her, but I don't feel it when I'm with her. She’s my equal on so many levels. Other than a few questionable tastes in music, we mix well. The best answer I can give you is unfortunately due to her circumstances she has had to grow up and mature beyond her years. Ellie may be twenty-five, but her soul is easily thirty-two and a perfect match for mine."
My dad is quiet for a moment before he speaks, and I know he is choosing his words carefully.
"After the kid’s dad left, she didn't date for a while. Then she had a string of bad dates, I've heard some of the stories. One night at dinner she just looked up at us and said she was never getting married again because who needed a stupid piece of paper. I know her view has changed but don't rush her. She needs to go slow, once bitten, twice shy and all that."
"I understand," Owen says.
My dad changes gears. "So, tell me about your company."
At this point, I walk back up the hall and make some noise on the way into the den. I set the beer and appetizer on the coffee table.
"Mom sent me with refills and food," I sing-song.
Dad laughs, "I bet it was more to make sure I haven't killed your young man here."
"Yeah, I figured as much," I say and then lean down and kiss Dad on the cheek.
I then walk over to Owen and give him a chaste kiss on the mouth.
"Play nice, you two," I say and then walk out of the den. I turn back at the door and see Owen watching me walk away. I give him a wink and his face lights up in a smile and I hear my dad chuckle.
"You got it bad, son," Dad says as I walk away.
Later we all sit down to dinner and the girls talk nonstop about the puzzle they just did and their room at Owen's house. I figure this is a good moment to come clean about the move.
"Mom, Dad. The girls and I are moving in with Owen," I say straight to the point.
My mom beams, but my dad's eyes narrow on Owen. Owen's grinning widely when he looks at me. He knows if I'm telling my parents, then it's going to happen.
"I about died of shock when she agreed, but I couldn't be happier. I get to take care of my girls and see them every day." Owen squeezes my hand.
I expect my dad to lecture us on moving too fast, or about the girls and how it isn't good for them. Heck, I expect the whole you shouldn't live together before you’re married speech.
What I don't expect is what actually comes out of his mouth. "Well, I'm glad."
I'm so shocked it takes me a minute to speak. "What?" I ask him.
He smiles at me, "I never liked that apartment or the landlord. Plus, the security that Owen provides and someone to look after you and help with the girls is never a bad thing," Dad says.
Looking around the table, my heart feels fuller than it has in a long time. Everyone I care about, aside from Mia, is at this table. This life right here is the one I want.
∞∞∞
Owen
Around midnight, I'm woken up by Becca. I’m closest to the door, but Ellie is sitting up too.
"I feel sick," Becca says.
I reach up and feel her forehead and turn to Ellie, a little panicked. "She's burning up."
Before Ellie can even get a word in, Becca pukes all over me and the bed. I waste no time, pick her up and take her to the bathroom where she continues to vomit in the toilet.
I hold her hair and rub her back. "It's okay Becca Boo, I'm right here," I whisper as Ellie walks in.
"I got this, Owen," she says.
"Baby, go change the sheets on the bed. There are clean ones in the hall closet. Use the gray set."
She nods and heads back out. After another minute Becca seems to be done puking and I help her to the sink to wash out her mouth. I take off my shirt, which took the brunt of the mess. I grab a towel to help her clean up, thankfully very little got on her clothes. I sit her down on the toilet lid.
"Stay here. I'm going to change real quick; I won't be but a minute," I say to Becca and she nods.
Rushing to the closet, I change my clothes faster than I ever have in my life. I don't even know if they match, nor do I care.
Getting back to Becca, she starts puking again as I walk in. I rush to her and hold her hair back. Now I'm starting to panic. She's really warm and I know if you throw up too much you can get dehydrated. My mom always told me that when I was sick.
How do you tell if someone is dehydrated? At what temperature do the doctors tell you to bring them to the ER? Hell, she needs to go to the ER, right?
By the time Ellie walks back in, I've worked myself into a full-on panic.
"We need to take her to the ER. Call her doctor to meet us there, or I’ll call mine," I say as I stand up.
Ellie walks over to me and with a simple touch of her hand to my chest calms me.
"Owen, calm down, it's just a stomach bug. They get this once a year, probably from school. Listen, go get her some new clothes and let her get changed and brush her teeth. I’ll be right back."
"You okay if I leave for a minute?” I ask Becca. She nods, now sitting on the floor with her arms crossed over the toilet and her head resting on her arms.
I remember a few nights praying to the porcelain gods like that, the night of my twenty-first birthday for one. I hate her being sick, but hope I'm around for the day she turns twenty-one.
Careful not to wake up Allie, I grab Becca’s clothes and toothbrush and bring them back to our room. After setting them on the bathroom counter, I step out while she gets changed.
When she opens the door, I help her get sett
led on Ellie's side of the bed.
Ellie brings Becca a big cooking pot, looking at me while she speaks. "For her to throw up in if she needs it."
Then she hands Becca a piece of sandwich bread and a bottle of Gatorade and Becca chews slowly.
"She’ll stay with us tonight, they always sleep with me when they’re sick. The bread will help soak up the medicine I'm about to give her," Ellie says as she digs through her bag and comes out with a bottle of liquid Tylenol.
Becca takes the medicine and eats about half a slice of bread. She takes a few sips of the Gatorade and seems to be holding it down. Then she lays down on our oversized king bed that will fit us all.
When I’m in the bathroom cleaning up, Ellie comes in behind me and closes the door. I look up and before I know it, she’s kissing me, a kiss with such intensity it makes me weak in the knees and has me gasping for breath when she pulls away.
"What was that for?" I ask.
"Because you’re amazing. I love how much you care for the girls and your dad instincts kicked in when she needed you. No hesitation, you were there. I know I'm a little biased here, but you were so caring.”
My heart swells with the compliment. I want nothing more than to be a great dad to those girls and give them everything I never had. To hear Ellie say I'm doing amazing is more than I could hope for.
"You sure she’s okay?" I ask. I'm still worried. I hate seeing any of my girls not smiling, but Becca being sick with nothing I can do is the worst.
"Yes, the Tylenol will help with the fever and the Gatorade will keep her hydrated. She’ll sleep with us tonight and should be fine in a day or two."
I must still look worried because she rubs my chest and kisses me again. Lightly this time, but enough to calm my nerves.
"You did good tonight, daddy." She teases. I rest my forehead on hers and let her warmth soak in.
"There’s only one thing more that I want than being their dad," I say, but my voice is raspy and filled with emotion.
"What’s that?" She whispers.
"To be your husband," I give her a chaste kiss.
