“Hey, sexy,” she says walking toward me.
“Hey yourself.” I kiss her softly on the lips.
“I presume we are going to see Libby and Alex?”
“Yeah Michael called, we’re going to have dinner there, but I thought you would be hungry,” I say pulling out a chair for her to sit down.
“I could get used to this.”
“Don’t get too used to this. It won’t always be this peaceful in the house.”
“No, it won’t, but that’s what make moments like this so special.” I smile at her words, because I know what she means. “I love all our moments especially with Lucy, and can I say I’m missing her today.”
“Even after spending most of the day in bed,” I say with a smirk.
“If Lucy were here I would’ve been up.” She pouts. “But I think I needed the sleep.”
I step behind her whispering, “Just the sleep you needed?”
I feel the heat radiate from her flushed cheeks and watch her smile grow. I love Sophie Mathews and I want to shout it from the rooftops. Or better still from the top of Ben Lomond. That could be interesting, I’ve not been up Ben Lomond for a few years.
I take the seat opposite her and we sit in silence eating our lunch. With me glancing at her every now and then. Everything with Sophie feels right, whether it’s in bed or as a family with Lucy. She has found a way deep within my heart.
Right now, she is so happy and carefree. Gone are the worry lines of the last few weeks. She just looks like my Sophie.
These last few weeks have been hard on both of us, but I don’t think either of us would have gotten through them if it weren’t for the other. We’ve supported each other during difficult times and my love has grown more with each passing day. I never thought I had this much love within my heart.
After finishing eating we tidy up together.
“So what are our plans?” she asks wrapping her arms around my waist and putting them in the back pockets of my jeans.
“My plans for as long as you will have me, is to spend as much time with both you and Lucy. Loving you both and servicing all your needs.” The last part is said with a smirk. Her eyes sparkle. “My life plans changed the minute you entered into my life. I want to build a life for us as a family, create a home that is part of both of us. But most of all I want us to be happy and content with whatever comes our way.”
“I love the sound of all that, especially the last part,” she says with a huge smile. “Always and forever.”
“Always and forever.” We kiss. “Now come on, let’s go and see our family.”
AUGUST
IT’S EARLY, BUT I CAN’T sleep. Too nervous. I stand here on the decking with my coffee cup in hand looking over the Loch. It’s still and calming. Libby is right, it is calming at this time of the day. No boats, or anyone out on water skis, it’s just perfect. The sun rising is a beautiful sight here. Never thought much about it before. It has to be noted that the sun setting is just as beautiful.
Sophie and I have watched the sun setting every night since we moved in.
Well, today’s the day. I never thought I would be doing this again, but it feels right. Everything we’ve been through and we’re still together and still my love grows with each passing day. Sophie and Lucy are the most important things in my life. My love for them both is unconditional. They are my family.
I sometimes struggle to get my head around the fact she loves me. She has given up so much to be here with me. Her life and family back home in New York. Her business. Yes, she has Alex here, but I know she misses her mum when she’s not here visiting, and lately her parents have been here more than they’ve been home. They only left here a few days ago.
We moved into our new home only two short weeks ago. I still can’t get my head around how quickly Alex managed to get everything finalised. He obviously pulled the right strings. Everything in this house is new; we both picked out everything right down to the cutlery in the kitchen drawers. Every room has parts of both of us. No ghosts haunting this house. This is our new beginning, our fresh start. This house is perfect for us.
This house is home.
I had never really thought about staying here, on the Loch’s edge before. But now we are here and settling in; I wonder why both Libby and I had never done this before. I believe everything has happened for a reason. Both houses and Murphy and Joan’s cottage are far enough away from the hotel, but still close enough for Libby for work. We have breath-taking undisturbed views which Sophie takes full advantage of.
We have both taking time off work since moving in. I’m away from the office and well, Sophie has an office and studio in the house, for designing. She loves it, that was a surprise from both Alex and I for her. It means she has her own escape when she wants to work. But having said that, only yesterday she was sat down at the water’s edge doodling, when I got up.
Yeah, I think staying here is going to work out well for us all.
The last two weeks we have spent every day as a family. With the lovely weather, it’s been great to get outside and there really are some lovely walks here. Lucy has also started walking, which has been interesting. She wants to walk everywhere, but usually ends up on my shoulders after a while when she gets tired. Most days we go for a short stroll along the water’s edge with her. She gets excited when she sees the swans and ducks swimming toward us. We have fed them, but Lucy spends more time eating the bread than throwing it into the water.
It’s great being so close to Libby again. Both Alex and Sophie understand how close we are, even more so now that the twins are here. Ava and Ella are now four weeks old and have everyone wrapped around their fingers, but I don’t think any of us would have it any other way, especially Libby and Alex.
Libby and Alex have asked Sophie and I to be godparents to both girls, alongside Michael and Kirsty. The date has been set and Father O’Connor will baptise them next week.
When I see the twins, it’s hard to believe Lucy was ever that size. I still get upset because that was the time I missed out on with her. Seeing Libby with them is amazing; I always knew she would be a great mother. She might not think I noticed much when she was looking after Lucy, but I always noticed how she was with her. Libby has changed, like us all over the last few months, for the better. She still works way too hard. Even now, when she’s meant to be on leave she can still be found working from home. Libby has always been the stronger of the two of us, but she still had doubts and sometimes lacked confidence in herself. That’s all changed. After everything she’s been through lately, she is a much stronger person and in a great place.
Now seeing Sophie with not just Lucy, but the twins also, has made me think about us. I know we are a family at the moment, but it’s made me think about our future and I see more kids in our lives. I know Sophie is still scared at the thought of becoming pregnant again, but I hope that one day she will come round, because she is a natural mother.
I have always maintained I would never remarry. But my outlook on life has changed in recent months. I want Sophie and I to be permanent. I want her to know that I’m committed to us, one hundred percent. She is my happy-ever-after and I hope and pray I’m still hers.
I asked Richard’s permission before they left to go home. I think he was surprised, but gave me his blessing, saying he had never seen Sophie happier. Seeing Sophie happy every day is my priority.
Alex and Libby both know of my plans for today. They are going to have Lucy for the day. Well, I’m not sure Lucy will go to either of them, she loves Joan. Joan spoils her; she is forever baking cookies and cakes with her. Joan has taken my baby under her wing and spends as much time caring for her as she does helping Libby care for the twins.
Libby was shocked when I told her of my plans. She said, ‘she had hoped that one day I would see sense, but never really expected me to do this.’
I’m going to do the one thing I’ve been promising Sophie for months, I’m taking her out on a boat trip.
Just the two of us, with a few stops at some of the islands. Libby has said she would organise a picnic from either Joan or the hotel. Then when we do come back home, Alex is going to cook a BBQ.
A figure catches my eye. I turn and look toward Libby’s house and see my sister standing on her decking with I presume Ella in her arms. Ella is definitely the more vocal of the two girls. She sees me and starts walking toward me.
“I see someone is up early,” I say, putting down my cup. I take Ella from her arms and hold her close. Ella loves being held.
“Yeah, I brought her outside so as she wouldn’t disturb Ava or Alex. She’s been fed and changed and now just wants to cuddle,” Libby says with a yawn.
“Are you sure you are okay to take Lucy?”
“Of course we are. Both girls were sleeping since before eleven last night, and slept right through. If only I could have madam here sleeping as long as her sister, then I could have had another hour. It would make all the difference. And anyway, Lucy is going to help me today when we go out for a walk. I promised her we would all go and feed the ducks, then go for lunch at the hotel.” I frown at her words. This is her way of keeping Kieran and Karl on their toes. She just pops in every now and again. By all accounts they are doing a great job running the hotel. I know there have been a few teething problems with the pair, but as far as I’m concerned they have worked things out.
“I’m sure she will love whatever you do with her today,” I say looking at the very wide awake Ella. She is beautiful. Both girls have dark hair like Libby and their eyes are as dark as Alex’s.
“Why are you out here?” she asks.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“You have no reason to be nervous about today.” See, only Libby would know how I was feeling.
“What happens if she turns me down? I’m not sure I could take the rejection if she did.”
“That’s not going to happen.” She smiles. “She loves you, both of you. She will say yes. I could put money on it. You are both meant to be together.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right. Mum phoned last night; she and Dad wanted to come over tonight, but I told them I wasn’t sure what my plans were and would call her today. I wanted to run it past you first.”
“Of course they should come over. Alex having a BBQ, you try keeping Dad away.”
“As long as you’re sure? What about Richard and Sarah?” she asks me.
“If Sophie says yes, we will skype them. Richard will be waiting to hear from us,” I tell her.
“Enough of that. She will say yes. Here, let me take Ella.” She lifts her tiny daughter from my arms and cradles her in hers. “Now, little one, we should go back inside in case your sister wakes up. We need to let daddy sleep.” I smile watching her.
“You and I both know Ava will lie in her crib happy and content until you pick her up.” She nods with a smile. “Now why would Alex need his sleep? On second thought, don’t answer that. I don’t want to know.” I smirk.
“You have a dirty mind.” I raise my eyebrows in a silent question. “When I went to bed last night, he was still on a conference call with Michael. There’s a problem that he needs to deal with; I’m sure he will tell me all about it today.”
“Oh, I hope everything is okay.”
“I’m sure it will be. Right, little miss, time to go in. I’ll see you later on,” she says giving me a kiss. I watch her walk back over to her own house and walk inside.
I stand for another few minutes just watching the Loch and listening to the birds singing before I feel two arms wrap snuggly around me.
“Why are you not in bed with me?” she whispers.
“Because I couldn’t sleep and I didn’t want to wake you,” I reply turning to face her.
“What if I wanted you to wake me?” Her voice sends signals to all the right or wrong places, depending on how you look at it. It would be so easy to take her inside and have my wicked way with her. But I won’t. I want everything about today to be perfect and hopefully if she says yes, we will have plenty of time for that later on.
“Well, how about we settle for an early breakfast instead?”
“I want sex, but you’re trying to buy me off with food,” she teases me with a wicked infectious grin.
“Yeah, let’s have breakfast in peace and quiet for a change. Just the two of us while Lucy is sleeping.”
“Okay. But can I tell you something?”
“Of course, I will always listen to you,” I tell her.
“Well, Mr. Sexy I think you are up to something.”
I kiss her quickly. “So I’m sexy?”
She laughs and shakes her head. “Of course you are and you know it. Standing out here, shirtless, jeans low on your hips. Yeah, I say you have a whole lotta sexy going on. But as long as this sexy man is mine, I’m very happy.”
“I’m yours. Only yours. Come on, let’s cook and eat.”
“Now there’s an offer I can’t refuse,” she says giggling.
Our early morning breakfast is peaceful. We manage to cook and eat it uninterrupted. I’ve not told Sophie yet what we are doing today. I’ve managed to keep it a surprise. Lucy finally gets up just after eight a.m. and Sophie sees to her. Or rather Lucy doesn’t seem to want daddy this morning. She has mornings, and even some days, where she picks one of us and that’s who she goes to the whole day.
We spend some time with Lucy playing after she has had her breakfast.
“Okay, baby girl, it’s time for you to go to auntie Libby’s,” I say picking her up in my arms. Sophie stops playing and eyes me suspiciously.
“Why is Lucy going to Libby’s?”
“Because, my dear sweet girl, we have the day to ourselves.”
“And what exactly are we doing?”
“Something you’ve wanted to do for a while.” She jumps up and kisses me.
“Please tell me, we are going out on the Loch?”
“Yes, we are.”
“Thank you,” she squeals kissing me again. Lucy giggles. “Do I need to change?”
I look at the dress she is wearing and dirty thoughts flood my mind. “No, you are perfect the way you are. Now come on, things to do, places to see.”
We grab what we need for Lucy and head next door.
“’oan,” shouts Lucy as we enter. Joan appears from the kitchen.
“Well, little Miss Lucy, are you staying here to play?” Joan asks, as Lucy stands holding her arms up wanting Joan to pick her up, and she does. The twins aren’t the only ones who have everyone wrapped around their fingers.
I can hear the twins crying. It’s not often I hear them both crying at the one time, I wonder what’s wrong? Sophie and I go through into the living room and Lucy, well she goes with Joan into the kitchen. Most likely to get cookies or a cake.
Alex is pacing the floor with one and Libby is doing the same. And I do notice she looks a little stressed.
“What’s wrong with them?” I ask approaching Alex.
“They’ve both just woken up,” he tells me.
Libby sits down and starts feeding Ava. I remember the first time Libby fed the twins in front of me, I was a bit uncomfortable. But now I don’t even notice or think about it. Its natural. Sophie takes Ella from Alex and starts singing to her, walking out the patio doors onto the deck.
“I think someone is getting broody,” Libby says when Sophie is out of ear shot.
“I don’t think so. I’d love it if she were, but I think it will be a long time before she even thinks about it.”
“You never know. There is a picnic basket in the kitchen, Joan has done good. There’s even a bottle of champagne because I do think you will be needing it,” she says with a smile.
“Ethan, I know it’s no consolation, but I do know how you feel. My sister loves you, I have no doubts about what her answer will be,” Alex says, trying to reassure me.
“I hope so,” I say, just as Sophie comes back in with a quiet Ella.<
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“Hope so, what?” she asks.
“Alex was just saying he hopes it stays nice for us and I said I hope so.” That seems to appease her. “Now, are you both sure about having Lucy today and doing dinner tonight?”
“Of course we are,” says Alex. “Now go and enjoy your day.”
“Okay, thank you. We’ll just go and say goodbye to Lucy, although I’m sure she won’t even notice if we just left, now she has Joan.”
We go into the kitchen, where we find Lucy tucking into cookies and milk. I was right, she doesn’t even notice when we leave her, too interested in Joan. Joan has given me the picnic basket, I put the small box safely at the bottom and I carry it. We walk along the path at the shoreline hand in hand, in silence. I’m nervous; I don’t know what’s Sophie’s reason for being quiet.
“This is us,” I say as we arrive at the jetty. She looks between me and the boat and a slow smile grows.
“Are we going out on this?” I can hear the excitement in her voice. I am surprised Libby is allowing me out on my own with this. Stephen would usually captain this to take guests out on the Loch I’ve taken the speed boat out a few times over the years, but this is different.
“Yes, it’s all ours for the day. Just you and me.”
“This could be fun.”
“No distracting me, woman, when I’m sailing this here vessel.”
“Aye, aye captain,” she mocks me.
“You better believe I’m in charge today.” I take her hand and lead her onto the boat. “Now, don’t touch the picnic,” I tell her. “We will stop at one of the islands for lunch if it stays nice. If it doesn’t we’ll just eat on board.”
“Ethan, thank you for doing this.”
“I’ve told you, it’s my pleasure. Now let’s enjoy our day. We don’t have to rush back.”
We head away from the hotel and the busy tourist end of the Loch. On our way up the Loch, I tell her some history. Well, the parts I remember; I’m not as good as Libby or Stephen at this. But in all fairness, Sophie is more than happy to just take in the scenery. But I do talk about some of the wildlife in the hills. The hills play host to deer that roam freely amongst the oak and sycamore trees and also wildcats. I also tell her that birds of prey can be spotted circling high above the hills.
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