She stared off. “She’s my baby, Luke.”
I smiled. “Understood. You are welcome to call, video chat…whatever you need. Visit. Bring Will.”
“You’ll let Will in?”
I nodded, chuckling. “Of course. He’s always welcome in our home. Besides Charli’s mental state, which has nothing to do with him, he’s done well raising our kids.”
“She does need a change in therapy, and she has smiled more this week than she has in a long time. I think we should give it a try. Let’s go chat with Will. Depending on his feelings, you can talk to Charlotte afterward.”
“Sounds good.”
We both stood and headed inside. Will sat at the dining room table, looking at his phone. Elaina walked up behind him and rested her hand on his shoulder.
“Can we have a chat about something?”
He looked over his shoulder at me, then her. “I guess.”
Elaina directed me to a chair before sitting next to Will. “Luke has extended an offer for Charlotte to stay with him and Michelle for a while.”
“What?” He set his phone on the table, then waved his hand. “No…not happening.”
“Why not?” she asked.
“My daughter has issues. He’s the king of issues.”
I cast my gaze down, away from both of them.
“Will, that’s not fair,” she said.
“Why do you want her now? What’s the sudden interest?”
“I feel like I can help my daughter,” I said.
“Living with you would be just like a party.”
“You know nothing about my life, Will.”
“I only know what you’ve said, and it sounds perfect. Too perfect, if you ask me.”
“My life consists of gym time, working in our bookstore, then home. ’Chelle and I don’t go out to party. We hang out, shop, talk, take in the occasional film. I think our craziest adventure was getting stuck on the London Eye in a rainstorm for an hour.”
“Will, listen to me,” Elaina said, grabbing his shoulder. “He has a doctor he can line up. The same one who has helped him. He also offered to get her into the university, which is close enough she could bike to, on top of working in the store. Honestly, we’re out of options. I think this would be good for her. This may be what helps.”
He rubbed his hand over his face. “I don’t know. We’ve tried so many things.”
“His girlfriend is a nurse. They have an extra room for her.”
“I’d invite Nick, too, but he’s a business owner and can’t just up and leave.” I shut my eyes for a moment, realizing what I had said.
“You did,” Will muttered.
“Under different circumstances. But I do want Nick to visit, and I will visit here, too.” I leaned forward, elbows on the table. “Look, I know I’ve made a multitude of mistakes in my life, but I look forward to getting to know my kids better, not to mention ready and willing to take on anything they need. I feel Charli’s need because I’ve been there and understand the thoughts poisoning her view of herself. My doctor can help. I know Michelle and I can provide a stable and loving environment for her. Fucking hell, I want to see her succeed, not become a statistic.”
“Have you said anything to her yet?” he asked Elaina.
“No,” she replied. “He just came to me about it.”
Will sat quiet for a long time. “How about a trial period? She goes there for a few months. Then, based on her mental health, we all decide what she should do. Go to school there or come back here.”
Elaina smiled. “I think that’s a great solution. Nothing permanent, just expanding her options.” She turned to me. “What do you think?”
“That works. You guys can fly out and stay in my flat any time.”
“Where would you go?” Will asked.
I smiled. “I think my relationship situation will change when I get home. Being here opened my eyes.”
“Are you going to ask Michelle to marry you?” Elaina asked.
I shrugged. “You’ll have to wait to find out.”
When the stairs creaked, we all turned to them.
Charli stopped. Self-consciousness took over, making her tug at her sleeves and tip her head down, away from any possible stares. I looked at Elaina, who nodded.
“Hey, Charli,” I said, standing. “Can we chat?” She nodded. “Let’s go out on the porch.”
In bare feet, she shuffled out and sat on the top step.
“Is it okay if I sit next to you?” I asked.
“Yeah.”
“If anything makes you feel uncomfortable, just tell me.”
“Okay.”
“I had a nice chat with your mum and dad. I want to extend an offer to you.”
“Yeah?” She looked up at me, a sparkle in her eyes.
“Michelle and I would love to have you come stay with us for a bit. Longer than just a visit.” She looked stunned. “We have plenty of room.”
“Like, leave here and live with you?”
“Yeah. It would only be temporary, depending on how you like it.”
She chewed her lip, pondering. “Can I read the books in your store?”
“How about this… Would you like to help out there? Then you can read every single one as many times as you’d like.” Her beautiful grin made my eyes well. I cleared my throat. “Also, there’s a university not too far from our place. Within biking distance. If you decide you would like to stay for an extended period of time, I will help you get in.”
“Would I leave with you tomorrow?”
“Yes, unless you want to wait. The decision is all yours.”
“I don’t want to wait. I’d like to leave tonight.”
I chuckled. “Sadly, my flight is booked for tomorrow.”
“Flying scares me. I can’t sit at the window.”
“It’ll be fine. I’ll hold your hand, if you want me to.” She nodded. “One last thing…”
“What’s that?”
“I have a doctor, a therapist, and I’d like you to talk with him. He comes to my flat every couple months to check in with me. He’s brilliant, and I think you would thrive under his care. Is that something you can agree to?”
“Okay, yeah. I hate my current doctor, but Mom says I have to go.”
“Also, I have a few rules.”
“Okay.”
“You must respect both Michelle and me. She’ll behave much like a mother to you. Also, you cannot run off on your own. If you want to explore the city, it’ll be with one of us. Lastly, if you experience a heightened feeling with your issues, you need to talk to me right away. I don’t care what time it is. If you wake at three AM and feel like harming yourself, you wake me up. Then we can do what we have to do to help.”
“Okay. I agree,” she said, nodding.
“Charli, I love you and want to be here for you.”
“What about Nick?”
“When he can take time off at Edge, I figured he can come out and visit.”
“Would Mom get to visit, too?”
“Of course.”
Once again, she smiled. Seeing the happiness fill her made my heart flutter.
“I’m going to go find my passport and pack.” She stood and ran inside.
I laughed and followed behind.
She stopped at the bottom of the stairs, looking over at Elaina and Will. “I’m going to London!” She disappeared up to the second floor.
“To say she’s excited would be an understatement,” I said, pulling my phone from my pocket.
Elaina swiped tears from her cheeks. “I haven’t seen her this happy in a long time. Thank you.”
“I promise, I’ll take good care of her.”
“We know you will.”
“Thanks. I’m going to video call ’Chelle.” I pulled up her contact and called.
“Hey, babe.”
“Hey, doll. Elaina and Will are here. We have some great news to share.”
“Is it about Charli?”
; “Yeah. She’ll be flying out with me tomorrow. I just need to book her ticket.”
“Oh, this just brilliant!” she yelled, clapping her hands. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Will and I are nervous about this,” Elaina said. “But I know she’ll be in good hands. I haven’t seen her so happy in years.”
“I’m so thrilled you are allowing this. Thank you. Trusting us with your precious baby means so much to me. With this decision, I’m sure you’ve made Luke’s trip a wonderful success.”
“I can’t even begin to tell you how happy this makes me,” I added, looking at Elaina. “All right, doll. You’re probably heading off to bed.”
“I was, but I am so glad you called. First thing in the morning, I’ll run out to buy furniture and start fixing up the room.”
“Perfect.”
“Love you. And thank you, Elaina and Will, for allowing this.”
“You’re welcome,” they said in unison.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, babe,” ’Chelle said.
“Bye.” I shoved the phone back into my pocket. “I’m going to buy her ticket, talk to Mum for a few, then head off to bed. Long day of travel ahead.”
Feeling ecstatic, I practically jogged up the stairs, ignoring the nagging ache in my ribs.
Chapter 71
With the sun just peeking over the horizon, I woke after a restless sleep. I thought about the best way to make Charli feel comfortable in our home and lives. I felt the change would bring so many good things to all of us.
I needed to get a ring for Michelle, hoping I wouldn’t screw up the proposal. My life felt good, better than ever, and it was finally time to step up to the plate. After a quick call to another business owner, I had a case of the nerves.
Still in my pajama pants, I wandered downstairs. After making a pot of coffee, I headed out to the porch with a mug, hoping not to disturb anyone.
When the door creaked open, I looked over my shoulder. “Morning, love.”
Charli came walking out, mug in hand. “Hey, Da…” She stumbled over her words.
I patted the step next to me. “Have a seat. Got your splash of coffee with creamer?”
“Yup.” She took a sip and smiled. “I need to say something.”
“I’m all ears.”
“I’m a little confused.”
“About?”
“What to call you.”
“You can call me whatever you want. You can call me dad or Luke. Your brother has been calling me pops, which makes me feel a little like a geezer.”
She laughed. “I call Will dad because, until you came into my life, he was my dad.”
“He’s still your dad. He’ll always be your dad.”
“Thank you.” I looked over my shoulder as Will walked outside. “I appreciate that.”
“You’re welcome.” He walked between us and sat on the step below us.
“To answer your question…” He stared up at Charli. “Luke is your father, but he has proven over the course of this week that he, too, is your dad. Being one is so much more than just making the baby. So, in my opinion, Dad is fitting for him, as well.”
Bloody hell, my heart fluttered. I didn’t know what to say. I gazed at Charli, who smiled.
“Then Dad it is,” she said. “I feel lucky to have two dads and two moms.”
“You are.” Will smiled.
“Charli, I need your help with something,” I said. “When we get to London, there’s a shop across from our store. I phoned the owner last night. He agreed to meet me at the ungodly hour.”
“What do you need help with?”
“I want you to help me pick out an engagement ring for ’Chelle.”
Her eyes widened. “Me? You want my help?”
“Yes. I need a woman’s opinion, and I think you’re the perfect choice.”
“I’d love to!”
“Thank you, love.”
“I’m going to go shower and get ready.” She leaned in and kissed me on the cheek, then headed off inside. Her response surprised me.
Will stood and sat next to me. “I gotta say, you have brought a new light to my daughter. It thrills me to see her so happy. This last hospital stay was brutal on all of us.” He paused, trying to collect his emotions. “She… Fuck…” His voice caught.
I grasped his shoulder. “Hey, it’s cool. I get you.”
He held up his hand. “I love these kids so much. I see them as my own. I was so scared we were going to lose her this last time. And Nick… He sobbed when the ambulance came to take her to the hospital. He’s the one who found her covered in blood.”
“Christ…”
“She cut her legs so badly, they had to suture some of the areas closed.” He turned his gaze to me. “She’s my little girl. My princess. I can only ask that you and Michelle take good care of her and call if there are any issues.”
“I promise you.” I rested my hand over my heart. “We will do whatever it takes to make sure she is happy and safe.”
“Thanks.”
“You entrusting me with her means a lot. You’re right. She’s your little girl. I only want to fill in where she needs me.”
He held out his hand and I clasped it, Will pulling me in for a bro hug. When he pulled away, we both smiled. It felt great to have made amends with him.
Seeing Nick standing in my store two weeks ago, anger clearly written all over his face, I never thought there would be anything in New York but hostility toward me.
Lying in bed, Gunther stared at the ceiling.
Cora snuggled between his arm and body, resting her head on his chest. She looked up and touched his lips. “Can’t wait until the kids move out. Then we can make as much noise as we want.”
He breathed out a smile, but his face fell flat soon after. “Yeah.”
She furrowed her brows and braced herself on her elbow, rubbing the stubble on his chin. “You okay?” she asked before leaning in and pressing her lips against his.
“Yeah…”
“You’ve been quiet this week.”
“Lot to think about. Not to mention another granddaughter we have to spoil.”
“We sure do. Kate asked if we could come by this weekend and help out around the house.”
“That lad is not good enough for one of my princesses. Not sure why I even allowed him to marry her.”
“Stop,” she said with a giggle. “No one is good enough for your princesses.”
“Fucking right, bird.” He gave her a small smile. “Last night, Nick told Evie that Luke and Charli are leaving today.”
“Does this worry you? I’m sure Elaina and Will wouldn’t allow her to go if she were in any danger.”
“I have to admit, he does seem better. More relaxed. When I roughed him up, I fully expected him to throw a punch or yell…something. Act out like he used to. He just took what I dished out.”
“I still wish you hadn’t done that in front of Evie and the boys.”
“I’m sorry. I snapped. I was so angry about the way he just popped up like he did.”
Cora got out of bed, naked, and walked across the room. “What do you want for breakfast?”
He stared at her as she grabbed her robe. “Peach pie.”
She turned and stared back at him with a lifted brow as she pulled the silky material over her shoulders. “You had plenty of that already this morning.”
“Nope. Never enough.” He leapt from the bed and grabbed her, pressing her into the wall. “I can never get enough of you.” He dipped his head and brushed his lips across hers, then wiggled his hips. “See? Already up and revving.” He pulled her toward the bed. “Come on. Ten more minutes. I’ll make you come again and again and again.”
She laughed and smacked his chest. “Stop! You are insatiable.”
“Well, yeah! Look at you. So fit,” he murmured, spinning Cora around, her robe billowing around her body. “I could look at you all day long.”
“Is that it? I’m just a good body
to look at?”
“Fuck no. You make some ridiculously excellent pancakes, too.” He smacked her on the ass, making her yelp. “Now, go make me some pancakes, bird.”
“You are a bad boy.”
“That I am, my love.” He leaned down and gave her a kiss, lingering, making her moan. Pulling away, he smiled. “After breakfast, I’m going to head out to say goodbye to Luke and Charli at the airport.”
“Do you want me to go with you?”
“You can.”
She shrugged. “I think I will. I haven’t had much time to see him. Just dinner the other night.”
“Our children and grandchildren are much more important than he is.”
“They are.” She walked to her dresser and pulled out sweats, slipping the bottoms on. Gunther followed, grabbing boxers and pajama pants. “Do you hold a grudge?”
“Yeah,” he said, pulling on his clothes. “I’m never going to get that close to him again. I can’t trust him. Who knows? He may run off again. I can’t handle that kind of drama. I love our life as it is. He can stay at a distance.”
As she grabbed a top and pulled it over her head, she said, “I don’t blame you for feeling that way. Keep one thing in mind, though. He forgave you for what you did to him.”
“I still love him like family, but at an arm’s length.”
“That’s probably the best thing for you right now.”
“Agreed. Now, I want my pancakes, bird,” he demanded, smacking her ass again. Cora yelped and ran out of the room.
Everyone came to the airport to say goodbye, except Jeb. Si and Grey stayed with him so my mum could see us off, too.
My heart warmed with all the love surrounding us. My life was full, except for being daft about not committing fully to Michelle yet. I was glad to have Charli to help me pick out a ring because I was clueless.
I stood in front of my mother, who had tears trickling down her cheeks. “You take care of yourself,” she said, wrapping her arms around me. “And my granddaughter.”
“I will, Mum. I promise, Charli is in good hands.”
“I know she is.” She stepped back and smiled.
“I’ll fly you out when you’re ready.” I slipped my hand into my pocket and pulled out the watch. “Jeb gave me this.”
She gasped and held out her hands, cupping the watch. “That’s his family heirloom.”
Full Circle (Shattered Lives, Book Five) Page 49