by Kaci Rose
Now here she is in my arms, in my office, in my home. Our home. This is all I ever wanted. Tomorrow will be two months since the mixer. Two months since I met Ellie and my life changed forever. I need to do something for her. Show her how much she means to me.
I check the clock and shoot a text off to Mia, making sure she can get the kids from school, so I can let Ellie sleep. The way Ellie is sitting isn’t easy for me to work, but it’s worth it. With some careful maneuvering, I manage to get some work done and not wake her up.
I make quick work of the few emails I have left and then text Leo that I won't be in tomorrow and ask him to line up a few things for me.
I'm just finishing up when Ellie stirs. She sits up, looks at me and smiles.
"Hello, Sleeping Beauty."
"Mmm, you wore me out. What time is it?"
"I had Mia pick up the girls, but it’s time to go home," I say.
"You’re amazing, Owen Garrett, just amazing," she leans down to kiss me. We get lost in that kiss until Leo peeks his head in to say he's leaving.
We get up to do the same. We head home. To our home. Our family. To my favorite part of the day. Homework and dinner.
Chapter 17
Ellie
I woke up the next morning to see the sun pouring into the room. I feel Owen in bed behind me, and I smile turning over to look at him and am greeted by his warm smiling eyes. He looks so carefree and happy in this moment I don't want to move.
But I know I need to get going and get the kids to school. Almost as if he can read my mind, Owen speaks.
"Mia took the kids to school. Today is all about spoiling you," he says.
"No way," I try to brush him off. "I have everything I need. We don't have to get out of bed and I'd still be the happiest girl in the world." I wiggle against his hard erection.
His smile never wavers, "It was two months ago today you stormed your way into my life at that mixer and turned my life upside down in the best way possible. Even if I have to carry you over my shoulder, my plan today is to spoil you."
"Finneeee," I groan, drawing out the word as he pulls me out of bed and helps me get ready.
The first stop of the day is a clothing store. This time it's the new boutique all the wives at the galas have been talking about. I’m not impressed. The salespeople weren't rude, but they weren't nice either and there was nothing my style, so we ended up back at the boutique we went to last time.
The salesgirl, Cindy, remembered me, had my sizes on file, and was genius at matching up outfits.
"Please make sure to get another pair of those sexy jeans," Owen says.
"Just for you," I laugh.
Cindy grabs me another pair of jeans and a few tops to try on. I come out of the dressing room in the first outfit and watch Owen's gaze heat up. He doesn't even hide that he's checking me out.
He shifts to adjust himself and I know this outfit is a must-have. I walk over to Owen and sit on his lap and wrap my arms around his neck.
"So, I guess this one is a keeper?" I ask.
"Yes, this shopping trip is as much for me as it is for you. Last time I had to hide my emotions because I was still fighting them. This time I don't."
"What emotions do you not have to hide this time?" I ask, pressing my luck.
He leans over to whisper in my ear, "That as much as I love these clothes on you, I want nothing more than to strip them off you. I'm fighting barging into that dressing room and having my way with you."
"I can't wait to get you back to the car, maybe it will be me who has my way with you." With that, I stand up and head back into the dressing room.
I leave on the jeans and try on a few other shirts. I liked all but two of them, and it seemed Owen didn't like them either, so it was perfect. Cindy grabs a few cardigans to go with them to wear in cooler weather.
After dressing, I look around the store. Cindy suggests some boots to go with my outfits and my gaze falls on two different boots. One is an ankle style and the other knee length. Then I spot an off-white oatmeal, large cable knit sweater across the room. It's longer than most shirts but still too short to be a dress, for me anyway, and it looks like it's meant to be worn off the shoulder.
I ask Cindy, "How would you wear that?"
She thinks for a minute, "Well, if you get those tall brown boots you tried on, I'd wear those with a pair of black leggings. I think it would look super cute with your hair down and maybe a few curls in it with a scarf on colder days."
"I love it," I say, and she helps me put the outfit together and try it on.
"Damn Ellie, you look comfortable and sexy all at once. I don't know how you do it." Owen grins.
As we are getting ready to check out, a dress catches my eye. I walk over to get a better look. It’s a teal color, but in a 1950's style. The dress has a high neck and fitted top. There are different layers of lace with a full skirt but it's not a dressy dress, it's a very casual fit. The dress falls mid-calf with a ruffled lacy edge. I love it instantly.
I didn't hear Cindy come up behind me until she says, "I'd pair it with nude pumps."
Then she’s grabbing my size in the dress along with the shoes and pushing me into the dressing room. Looking in the mirror at myself in the dress, I simply stare. I love it. Taking a deep breath, I step out to show Owen.
His eyes go big. "Baby," he whispers not taking his eyes off me. I blush as his eyes rake down my body. "You look absolutely stunning in it."
He turns to Cindy and says, "She’ll wear that out of the store. I think I have the perfect place for her to wear it today."
I smile at him as Cindy walks off, and he looks me over from top to bottom.
"Okay, come on," Cindy says, pulling me into the dressing room. She hands me a bra and underwear with matching lace.
"Let's do the whole package," she says and winks at me. She opens the tissue paper and takes out the bra and underwear and has me get them on while she takes the tags off the dress and the shoes, so they are ready to wear. Then she helps me get dressed again.
I had straightened my hair this morning and other than wishing I had put some curls into it, I love the look. I step out of the dressing room and watch Owen take me in. After a minute he walks over to me and wraps his arms around my waist and whispers to me.
"I don't know how I'm going to keep my hands off you, but you look stunning baby," he says.
We walk out of the store and place my bags in the trunk of the car. Then Owen grabs my hand.
"One more stop on this street." He says pulling me back to the sidewalk as we walk down a few stores hand in hand.
On the way, we pass a lingerie shop and I think maybe I should stop in and pick up something to dazzle Owen, but before I can tell him I will be right back, he pulls me into a kid’s clothes boutique.
This isn’t just any kid's shop, this is one of the places the girls and I like to window shop but have only ever been able to buy a few things from the clearance rack. I look up at Owen and see him watching me.
"You said something the other day about the girls needing new clothes soon because of a growth spurt. Let’s go get them clothes in the next size up, so they’re ready to go," he says.
I lean up and kiss him. "I love you, Owen. Thank you for all of this."
"I love you too, baby, and I love those girls. Come on, let's spoil them."
He’s like a kid in a candy store. He walks up to the sale associate and I give her the girls sizes and Owen shows her a picture of Allie and Becca. When I see the photos on his lock screen and phone background, my eyes tear up.
I turn to look at some clothes to hide my watery eyes.
This man. Always finding new ways to surprise me.
I tell the clerk Allie is into horses and is reading the Misty Horse books and is obsessed. Knowing where Owen's mind is going, I turn to him.
"You, no," I say, looking in his eyes.
"You have no idea what I was thinking," he says with a small smile.
"Yes,
I do, no live horses, no, no, no, so help me God, no!" Owens pouts a little.
The salesclerk starts laughing and Owen sighs. "Fine, no live horses, but can I at least take her on a horseback ride?" He asks.
"Yes," I say and watch his face light up again "She would love to take a ride in the National Park and has been asking me for a while."
He has a huge smile on his face as he sends off a text, I'm guessing to Leo.
We pull all the items Allie would need and many she won’t, but Owen is having too much fun shopping to stop.
Then we move on to Becca and I tell the salesclerk she’s into all thing’s princess and girly. Owen chimes in that she loves Frozen and tea parties.
I find myself smiling at him even though he looks at me, almost like he wasn't sure it was okay. When he sees my reaction, he relaxes, and his eyes soften.
I have always been a big believer in actions speaking louder than words. He has said he wants to be the girl's dad, but with little things like remembering what they like, decorating their room, setting up activities they love, he just keeps proving over and over he wants the job. I know in my heart he’s already fitting perfectly into the role.
We get Becca set up with the same number of items and the sales clerks help carry out bags to the car.
We pass by the lingerie shop again and when we get to the car; I tell Owen I want to make a quick stop and will be right back.
"Want me to come with you?" He asks.
I smile at him, "No, I promise to be quick. Go plan your horse ride with Allie and there’s a place in Gatlinburg that does princess tea parties for Becca."
His eyes light up and I know that will keep him plenty distracted. Oh yeah, he's going to rock this dad thing.
He kisses my cheek, "Okay, hurry back."
He heads for the car and I duck into the store. The saleswoman greets me and asks how she can help, and I figure this will take less time with her help.
I smile at her, "Well, um, my boyfriend is spoiling me today because it's the anniversary of the day we met. I want to do something for him for... tonight," I stumble over my words.
But she just smiles and nods at me. "Did you have anything in mind?" She asks.
"A set of some kind? I'm not sure I haven't worn anything like this for him before," I say.
She nods and pulls me to the side of the store. I spot a pleated baby doll lingerie set with some see through lace to cover my breasts.
"Might as well keep with the lace theme today," I say. I get it in blue and as I go to the register to pay, I see a black silk cami set with shorts and lace trim top that would be sexy PJs, so I pick that up too.
At the register, I hesitate for a minute. I know another gift I can give Owen, and that is to use his card. He's been dropping hints and I think he just wants to see me use it to so he can feel like he's taking care of me, of us.
When I pay, I hand her Owen's card. It still makes me feel weird having him pay for things, but I know he will be happy to see me use the card.
"Can you wrap them up so there’s no peeking in the bag? He's in the car and I know he’ll snoop," I ask.
She laughs and wraps them up, and I head back to Owen. He sees me coming and gets out, opening the car door for me. He sees the bag and his face fills with raw desire.
"What's in the bag?" He asks, his voice all gravely.
I smile at and hold the bag away from him.
"A surprise for later if you’re good and don't peek." I open the trunk and push the bag to the back, making it hard for him to snoop.
We get into the car and he pulls me into his lap. His hard cock is pressing into my ass, but the look of tenderness and love on his face stills me. He kisses me ever so softly and tenderly.
"You don't have to do anything for me, today is all about you."
I smile, "Trust me, what's in the bag is just as much for me as it is for you."
He smiles, kissing me gently and I feel at home.
Before I know it, we are at the next stop. He takes me to get a manicure and pedicure and sits and talks with me the entire time.
We discuss the girls and taking a weekend down in Gatlinburg. I tell him about how the girls and I go down every year to take in the Christmas lights and he says he wants to do a weekend at Dollywood because they do Christmas lights too.
I tell him he better book a place now because they’ll rent fast, and he laughs.
"I can do better than that," he says, and I look at him, wondering what’s running through his head.
"I'm going to buy us a cabin down there so we can go whenever we want."
"Owen that's too much."
"Baby, it's practical, think about it. You’re doing your book on the National Park and you and the girls love the area. This way we can-do last-minute trips whenever we have time. We can let Mia use it, your parents, and my mom too."
I shake my head but he knows my soft spots by now. He pulls out his phone and starts typing a message off to someone. We talk about what we would like and need in a cabin when his phone goes off.
"What do you think of this place?" He asks showing me his phone. It's a beautiful house in Gatlinburg with mountain views. It has seven bedrooms, and it’s modern.
"It's beautiful and I love the views, but when I picture a place near the park, I'm thinking rustic, more like a log cabin feel.”
He smiles and goes back to his phone.
"What about this one?"
This house is a five bedroom on top of a hill area with massive three-hundred sixty-degree views. Inside though it's all wood, there’s no break from all the wood and it's all the same color. The walls, floor, ceiling, kitchen cabinets, and furniture all wood, and all the same color.
"I love the views, but that's way too much wood, and it's all the same color," I say, and he laughs.
The next one he shows me is more the cabin I had in mind. While it's four-thousand square feet, it has a homey feel, amazing views, and a wraparound front porch. Inside it has the log cabin feel with a massive stone fireplace as a centerpiece of the house.
The kitchen is done with dark woodsy green cabinets and while not something I'd pick myself, I like them. They match the dining room table and chairs, and the table is big enough to seat at least twelve people.
The bedrooms are a good size, but I'd probably redecorate them and switch out the beds that look like trees, especially the one for the girls.
Upstairs is a loft area that circles the fireplace and the stairs. It is set up for gathering and hanging out, but could be a good overflow sleeping area if we had pull-out couches.
There is a game room downstairs in the basement with another fireplace, a pool table, TV area and a dartboard on the wall.
Then I see the room I know the girls will love. It's smaller but has its own bathroom and the beds are built into the wall. Almost like their own little cabins. They would be able to lie in bed and see each other across a small walkway. Under each bed are several drawers for storage. I know they’d love it.
The property even has a hot tub out on the massive porch. As I'm looking at it, Owen says it comes fully furnished. I smile and show him the room I saw for the girls.
"The other rooms are good, though I'd probably want to decorate them differently."
He smiles. "I have a good decorator."
I can’t help but laugh. "Yes, Owen, I like the house, but don't buy it for us."
His face falls. "Why not?"
"Owen, it's too much."
He smiles "You keep saying that, but this will be our place to go and be near the mountains. A family house for weekends and Christmas and friends and family can use it."
I shake my head and look at him, "Make you a deal, talk to the girls when we get home and show it to them. If they like it, then I'll agree."
And just like that, his smile returns.
After my nails are done, we go to lunch at a bistro downtown where you can sit and eat on the sidewalk. We’re sitting down and Owen is holding my hand,
when I notice a people looking and taking pictures.
"We have an audience," I say as I look at the menu.
It's very easy to forget who Owen is and how he’s one of the most sought-after single men in the city.
"Ignore them, baby, it's just you and me," he says.
I force a smile, but our bubble has been popped. We have a nice lunch, but we are both careful keep to light topics.
When we get back to the car, Owen pulls me in and wraps his arms around me.
"I'm sorry our lunch got ruined," he says.
"Oh, it wasn't ruined this is just something I still have to get used to."
Then something crosses my mind.
"Owen, what if the girls had been with us? I can handle it, but I can't put the girls through that."
"Take a deep breath. I wouldn't even let the girls be put in that situation. I wouldn't have taken the girls there for one, and two, we would have left. I promise to protect the girls from this as much as possible."
I nod.
"One more stop, you up for it?"
I look at the time. He’s reading my mind again.
"Mia is picking the girls up and I thought on the way home we could grab dinner to bring home?"
"How about some burgers? The girls love this little burger place but it’s pricey so I would only get it for them once or twice a year."
He says sounds perfect. We end up at a Sephora store.
"Shelly said you don't own any makeup. And baby, you don't need it. Trust me. But I want you to have it in case you want it."
I'm starting to get nervous.
"I don't know the first thing about makeup," I say.
"It's okay, they have someone to help you match skin tones, and I already set up an appointment."
We get in and the girl is wonderful and nice. She asks what brands I use, and I say whatever was on sale, "I'm a single mom, makeup is a luxury I don't splurge on."
She smiles and then takes me over to one of the vanities and has me sit down Then she hands me a magazine.
"Look through here and let me know what styles you like. I'm going to grab some stuff so we can match your color," she says and walks off.
