“Have a good sleep?” I asked.
She nodded. “I’m hungry. I want something to eat.”
I grinned. “Can you smell what I’m cooking?”
“Bacon?” she asked.
“Yes, and eggs. Do you like eggs?”
She kept nodding, and I caught her gaze, sharing a loving look with her. I’d do anything for this kid.
“Becca, where’s Daddy?”
I picked up a fork, lifting a slice of bacon onto a plate with a fried egg already waiting. Grabbing a knife, I made my way over to the table and sliced up the bacon before giving her the fork.
“He’s asleep, honey.”
“Can we wake him up?”
I laughed, shaking my head. “I wanted both of you to get lots of sleep. You need it after yesterday. I’m going to stay home with you instead of going to work today.”
A grin lit up her face, and she clapped her hands excitedly.
“I’ve got a man coming to fill the pool, too. When the weather is warmer, we can go swimming.”
“You’re filling the pool?” Elliot stood in the doorway, wearing just his T-shirt and underpants, scratching his head.
“Morning, Sleeping Beauty,” I said. “And yes, I was trying to decide whether to get rid of it and develop the garden, but with you two around I thought it’d be nice for the summer.”
“Can’t you just put the hose in it and turn it on?”
I laughed. “Maybe, if I want it to take till the end of summer to fill.”
I turned back to the benchtop, plating more bacon and eggs for Elliot and I, and returned to the table where he now sat.
Ruby had egg yolk all around her mouth and down her chin, and I shook my head as she grinned up at me. I guess it was a little too runny.
“I’ll get you a paper towel, and next time I’ll cook your eggs longer.”
I placed the food in front of Elliot and he shovelled the eggs in, barely stopping for breath. Grabbing the paper towels from the edge of the bench, I pulled one off and wiped Ruby’s mouth with it. “There you go. All clean again.”
“Are you hungry, Daddy?” Ruby asked, giggling at Elliot’s obvious appetite.
“Starving,” he mumbled, his mouth full of food.
“There’s plenty of food,” I said.
“I remember a time when you had no food in this place.”
I grinned. “Now I have you two to look after. Some of the time, anyway.”
While they ate, I picked up the phone, dialling Dad’s mobile.
“Rebecca,” he said warmly.
“Hey Dad. I was wondering if you wanted to come over for dinner tonight. Elliot’s parents are here for a little while, and I thought you could meet them.”
Dad had never been one to organise anything at the last minute; his life was so organised because of his work, but he had said he was letting go a little.
“That sounds wonderful, Rebecca. I’ll call Nicola to let her know and we’ll come over. What time?”
“Around five-thirty? Dinner around six. Nothing too fancy, just a good family meal.” My heart warmed to say the words.
“The first of many I hope. We’ll see you then. Love you, sweetheart.”
“Love you too.” As I put the phone down, I looked up to see Elliot smiling at me. “Your dad coming over?”
“I thought that your parents might like to have dinner here tonight after a day at the hospital and now seems as good a time as any to get everyone together.”
Elliot put down his knife and fork and stood, pushing his chair out and walking over to me. He nuzzled my cheek, planting a big, sloppy kiss on me, to Ruby’s delight. She giggled and clapped.
“That’s a fantastic idea. I’m sure Mum and Dad will really appreciate it. They’ve got a lot to sort out and this’ll be a great way for them to relax.”
I leaned against him. “I hope so. I’m going to call my mum next and see if she can make it.”
He reached for my hand, squeezing it tight. His lips drew into a line, as he grew serious. “I hope she can. It’ll be good to meet her too. Now, I’m in the shower and off next door. Ruby, we’ll go and get you a change of clothes, okay?”
There were odd things he’d left behind. Enough to form a small collection of clothing. All Ruby’s things were next door. We’d have to change that.
I watched him leave the room. A faint sniff came from the table, and I looked over to see Ruby, her lips downturned in a frown.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“I want to stay with you.”
Taking the handful of steps to the table, I squatted beside her. “You can stay with me today. Elliot’s going to the hospital, and you’ll be here with me. You just have to go and get changed into some fresh clothes. These ones are getting stinky.”
Her lips quivered as the frown disappeared.
“You can draw and maybe when you come back over Elliot can bring some of your toys.”
She liked that, as the small smile on her face grew bigger and bigger and she nodded.
“Do you want do that?”
“Yes.”
I reached for her, wrapping my arms tight around this amazing child who had been through so much. I was good for her. More than ever I could see that. She was pretty good for me too.
* * *
Mum had agreed to come over at four-thirty. I made her time earlier than Dad’s to give her a chance to be late. She usually was. Besides, she had Elliot and Ruby to meet for the first time, and a little time together before everyone else arrived would be nice.
I looked up at the clock. 5.02 pm. Mum was a little more than half an hour late. Maybe I shouldn’t read so much into that, but I couldn’t help it. She was good at not being where she was supposed to be at the right time.
Taking a deep breath, I dialled her number, closing my eyes as no one answered. What if she was on her way and I was worried over nothing? That could happen, right?
“She’s not there,” I muttered, my finger hovering over the button to disconnect the call.
“Hello?” she answered, muffled, subdued, the familiar tone that told me she’d just woken up.
“Mum, it’s Rebecca.”
“Sweetheart. It’s nice to hear your voice.”
“Are you coming?” I asked.
The silence spoke volumes. She wasn’t going anywhere. “I’m sorry, Rebecca. I really want to, but I’m so tired.” Now she slurred the words and I closed my eyes, tears building. Mum had let me down again.
“Okay.” That was all I could manage. There was no point in arguing and the last thing I wanted was for her to get in the car and drive in the state she was in. She was more likely to fall asleep.
“I’ll see you soon, love.”
I’d bet anything she’d be back in her chair in front of the television, snoring soon enough.
“Okay.”
As I hung up the phone, warm, strong arms enveloped me. Elliot nuzzled my neck. “So, are you really okay?”
“Mum’s not coming.”
“I’m sorry, babe,” he whispered, taking a deep breath into my hair. If anything, this whole thing had shown me just how supportive we were of each other. He’d get me through this, as I’d get him through his grandmother’s illness.
“I’ll be fine. I should be used to it by now.” I sighed, and he let go, turning me around to face him.
“Love you.” His smile was so warm, so loving. And all for me.
“I love you too.”
Little hands gripped my thigh, and I looked down to see Ruby grinning up at me. I ruffled her hair. “Hey, Ruby monster. Want to make a cake for dessert?”
She nodded.
“I’ll tell you what. You can help me crack the eggs.”
Her eyes widened, and she let go of my leg, jumping up and down, clapping excitedly. Seeing her like that almost made up for the disappointment of my mother letting me down again.
“Did you double check if your dad is coming?” Elliot asked.
&
nbsp; “I don’t even need to. If he says he’ll be here, he’ll be here. Nicola too. She wouldn’t stand me up.”
He rubbed my back, kissing me on the nose.
I held my hand out to Ruby, and she gripped my fingers, with that big smile on her face. My heart warmed as we shared a loving look. How quickly I’d fallen for her, just as hard as I’d fallen for her father.
“Come on, Becca,” she said, and I nodded, Elliot squeezing my other hand.
“Let’s get this cake done,” I said.
* * *
Lucas and Carmen arrived at five. Both of them looked exhausted, Carmen with purple smudges under her eyes, and the light that had been in Lucas’s eyes the night before had faded. It had been a long day for them.
Carmen hugged me as she came in the door. I think she needed the contact; she slouched as I put my arms around her.
“Thank you for inviting us for dinner, Rebecca.” She sounded as tired as she looked. At least she didn’t have to worry about making food. It was almost all done.
“You’re welcome. Dinner’s nearly done. My father and his girlfriend will be joining us too.”
Lucas smiled. “Good. It’ll be nice to meet him.”
I led them into the living room, showing them to the couch. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
“I’d kill for a coffee.” Carmen smiled.
“That sounds great,” Lucas said.
“I’ll sort that out. How do you take it?”
“We both have black, one sugar.” Carmen leaned back and closed her eyes for a moment. They’d both sleep well tonight.
I looked up at the tap on the door. “I’ll just get that. It’ll be Dad.”
I skipped to the door, turning and pulling at the handle.
Dad stood on the doorstep, Nicola beside him. She pushed past to hug me, and just stood there, smiling as she squeezed me tight.
“It’s good to see you, love,” he said.
Nicola released me enough that I could breathe, and spoke. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
I smiled at Nicola. “Glad you’re both here.”
“Is your mother coming?” I should have known he’d ask that.
“She … umm … she couldn’t make it.”
Dad’s face said it all—the slight flare of the nostrils, the warmth in his eyes disappearing. This was par for the course with Mum and he knew it, but it didn’t make him any less irritated over it.
“Come in,” I said, and he moved closer, kissing my cheek. “At least you two are here. My father and stepmother.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the colour drain from Nicola’s face, as if she hadn’t thought of that.
“Trouble,” Dad said, grinning at me, and taking my hand in his to squeeze.”
“Always. Now come in and meet Elliot’s parents.”
Dad made his way past Nicola and I, and she squeezed me again before we went back into the living room, arm in arm.
“Dad, this is Lucas and Carmen, Elliot’s mum and dad.”
He was used to dealing with people and he smiled with all the warmth he had. Not only were they my boyfriend’s parents, they were hurting with all that they had endured in the past twenty-four hours. Dad would help put them at ease.
“Hi, I’m Neil. This is Nicola.”
Carmen waved at Nicola as Lucas stood and shook Dad’s hand. Nicola squeezed my fingers before making her way to the couch.
“Do you two want a drink?” I asked.
“Sounds great,” Dad said. “A beer if you have one, and Nicola?”
“Just a juice if you’ve got some.” She smiled brightly, and I couldn’t help but grin back. I’d never seen her glow so much, appear so healthy. She was loved.
“Sure thing. Elliot is in the kitchen with his little helper. I’ll get them out to say hello.”
Elliot and Ruby stood by the bench, Ruby on a chair to see what he was doing. Elliot stirred gravy in a glass jug, and I smiled at the concentration on their faces as the gravy thickened.
“Your parents are here,” I said. I flicked the kettle on and plucked cups and glasses from the crockery cupboard.
“I’ll go and say hello. Gravy’s done, the chicken is ready to take out the oven, and the potatoes are cooked. Vegetables are all steamed.”
“Brilliant. Ruby, want to set the table with me? I’ll just get some drinks ready and then you can help.”
She nodded, jumping off the chair, her shoes slapping the lino with a loud smack. Instantly, her hand went up over her mouth as she giggled.
I grinned, rolling my eyes at her, which made her giggle even more. That sound was music to my ears. The more time we spent together, the livelier she was.
Grabbing a beer from the fridge, I poured it into a glass. Normally Elliot would just drink out of the bottle, but this was a special occasion. As I poured the juice, I realised this was the first time I’d seen Dad and Nicola out together as a couple. What was going on with them? Were they moving in together? I’d kept my distance to let them settle into whatever it was they had developing. But now I wanted to know.
The water had boiled and I put together the coffees, placing everything on a tray and smiling as I entered the living room. Ruby trailed behind me, and I steadied myself as she clung to my leg. There were a lot of people out there for her to take in.
Dad and Lucas were deep in conversation, and I could hear sporting references popping up. Nicola was talking with Carmen and Elliot, laughing and happy, shining brighter than I think I’d ever seen her. Dad had been good for her, that much was obvious.
This is my family.
Chapter Thirty
Logan couldn’t make himself look bigger and more menacing if he tried. It was like watching a father stalk the potential boyfriend of his teenage daughter. He wasn’t about to give Elliot an inch. In fact, he was acting more father-like than my actual father had.
All I could do was giggle. It did my heart good to see him act like this. It was well meaning, even if it wasn’t necessary. All I was waiting for now was for him to ask Elliot what his intentions were toward me. Not even my Dad had done that.
Logan held out a hand for Elliot to shake, as the two men sized each other up. Two peacocks strutting if ever I saw.
Behind Logan, Olivia had a smirk on her face, shaking her head and no doubt thinking the same thing I was. As I caught her eye, I bit down on my bottom lip, laughing and looking at the floor.
There was a slap as their hands met and finally a grin from Logan as he took in the strength of Elliot’s handshake, or something. I could ask him what the hell he was being like that for, I liked being protected and cared for. I guess being his wife’s best friend, he was just looking out for me.
“Elliot, it’s so good to meet you properly.”
Elliot nodded. “Last time we met I was a real dick.”
“A jealous man can get a bit crazy. I’m glad you’re here now; I was curious about meeting the man who tamed this wild one.” Logan nodded toward me.
“I don’t know about taming her. I doubt there’s anyone who can do that.” Elliot looked my way and winked. All I could do was grin like an idiot.
“And this is Ruby,” Elliot said. She popped her head around from behind him and Logan waved at her.
“Hi, Ruby,” Olivia said. “There are other kids here to play with and lots of toys.”
Ruby’s eyes lit up and she looked up at me, excitedly. “Can I play?”
“Of course you can, sweetheart,” I said, as she slid her hand into mine. “Come on, let’s go find those kids.”
“Maddy and Andrew are here with Carly, so there’s another little girl for her to play with. She’s younger, but the three of them already have plenty of fun—one more is just going to make it better.” Logan grinned at me as I led Ruby away, and out to the backyard where the other kids were playing.
Maddy and Andrew sat at the table on the deck, smiling at Ruby and I as we made our way out.
Ruby walked slight
ly behind me, almost disappearing behind my leg before we got outside. Jack, Thomas and Carly all took turns on the slide that had appeared since my last visit. There was squealing, yelling and so much laughter. Slowly, Ruby moved out to stand beside me.
I took a deep breath as Ruby let go of my hand and ran, not even looking back as she joined the others. I shook my head with a smile as she jumped right on in there, introducing herself and lining up to take a turn.
Pulling my phone out, I focused and snapped a photo. She might not be mine, but I was so proud of her.
So much like her father. So friendly and warm.
Something in the back of my head nagged at me. Maybe one day I could have one of my own with Elliot. Give Ruby a little brother or sister to play with. I’d gladly act in a motherly role for her if she needed me, but what about some half-siblings?
“She fits right in.” Maddy drew level with me, nodding toward the slide.
“I’m kinda surprised she just jumped in there. She can be quite shy.”
Maddy laughed. “Kids seem to just latch onto other kids. I think she’ll be fine. It’ll be nice for Carly to have another girl around. Chloe’s a bit too little to play with yet.” She turned and went back to the table where Andrew waited for her with a bottle of beer.
“Becca, look at me!” I looked back at Ruby, at the top of the slide and waving at me with her free hand.
“You be careful,” I called.
She laughed, and pushed herself off. It wasn’t a big slide, but she had enough time to yell a resounding ‘wheeeee’ as she slid.
Elliot wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, planting a kiss on my neck. “It’s like she’s always been here,” he said, laughing.
I wriggled free, turning to face him.
“Move in with me,” I said.
He smiled. “I thought we were taking it all slowly with Ruby and everything.”
“I don’t want to. I want you and Ruby to move in. I want us to be a family.” All these emotions overwhelmed me and my heart swelled as I looked at him. I was so in love and proud of the pair of them.
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