by Rachel Burns
Joshua couldn’t believe that she’d done that for him. “It must have been very special. Thank you for showing me.”
“You’re welcome.”
The next morning, the movers arrived early with Eve’s things.
Joshua slipped into a pair of jogging pants to let them in. He saw that Eve’s and his clothes were still spread around the living room, so he picked them up, hoping that the movers wouldn’t notice.
They did, but they smiled to themselves, thinking that Mr. Anthony had taken care of business.
Eve stayed hidden in the bedroom until Joshua came in with several of her boxes. He helped Eve pick out a clean outfit, before he sent her off to shower.
Joshua gave the men a huge tip and thanked them for everything they’d done. He told them that he’d help Eve sort her books onto the bookshelves he had. He’d need to call his cousin so she could add more bookshelves. This was Eve’s home too. She needed to feel that way.
Once they were gone, Joshua went into the bathroom and removed his jogging pants. Just as he hoped, Eve was still in the shower.
With a grin on his face, he knocked on the shower door. “Is there room for one more?” he asked her.
“Yes, but only if you’re the one more.” Eve turned off the water and opened the door for him.
Joshua got in and picked up a bar of soap. His hands moved to Eve’s body with a will of their own. He soaped up her back and reached around and lathered the soap on around her perfect breasts.
He pressed his penis into her bottom. This was what home felt like. He knew it, and so did his penis. Both knew that Eve was their home, and they only placed they belonged.
“Bend forward a little,” Joshua demanded.
Eve was so turned on from her cleaning that she let her head drop down, and she spread her legs wide open for him.
“Good God woman, are you trying to kill me?”
“I’d never do that,” she teased him and wrapped her hands around her ankles.
Joshua rammed into her, making her legs tremble. He pounded his body into hers, knowing that they’d be one of those couples that would love the other until their dying day.
He slapped her backside several times, turning it red.
Eve whimpered with longing for more. She never thought of herself as the kind to like rough sex, but he was showing her a new side of herself, one she’d have scoffed at a few months ago and would never had believed existed. But with him, everything felt so right. She got to be who she really was with him. She was little Eve with pigtails in her hair. And most importantly, she was loved.
He held her in place by her hips. Her hands reached back and took hold of his wrists.
“I love you, Eve.”
“I love you too, Daddy.”
“That’s right. I’m your daddy. I’m that man who takes care of you and keeps you safe.”
Hearing her call him daddy made him feel complete. She was the thing that had been missing in his life.
He came inside of her, filling her body.
Eve’s hands were holding onto his wrists for dear life as she came. Shudder after shudder went through her body.
“This feels so right,” she told him.
“That’s because this is so right.”
Chapter 19
Joshua brushed through Eve’s hair while she ate her breakfast. He divided her hair in half and pushed one half over her shoulder.
“I’m so glad you’re letting your hair grow out. I like it better longer. It’s so much easier to braid.”
Eve looked back at him. “It is? You never had a problem with it.”
“Keep your head still, darling. Daddy can’t braid your hair when you move around.” he scolded her, gently.
Eve turned her head back. “Sorry, Daddy.” She loved being here with him, so he could take care of her.
“That’s okay, darling.” Joshua quickly braided half and tied it with a ribbon, so it matched her dress. He liked her to have pretty things and look nice. He wanted people to see that he was taking good care of his little girl.
Joshua braided the other half and tied it with a matching ribbon too. “Okay, darling, I’m finished. I want you to wash your face and brush your teeth, so we can go to the doctor.”
Eve lifted up her hand and let it glide along her tightly braided hair. Her wedding ring sparkled as it caught the light.
Joshua smiled, as he looked at her hand. He loved that she was his now.
Eve stood and walked in the direction of the bathroom, but then she stopped and looked at him. “Daddy, Dr. Kennedy said we might be able to see if the baby is a girl or a boy today. Do you want to know?”
“I don’t know, do I?” he asked, looking at his wife, knowing that she’d drive him nuts he if he didn’t share her opinion.
“It would be nice to know,” Eve said.
“I agree.”
Eve smiled at him before she spun around to go brush her teeth. Her hair flew as she moved.
Joshua was so proud of her. His Eve was a model for maternity wear in the meantime. She earned more than he did, and she wasn’t working herself to death doing it. Everything had turned out perfectly.
His friends had come to visit them and to apologize to Eve. They guaranteed her that it had been their fault. Eve believed them and liked them after getting to know them.
Their wives liked her too. Everyone told her that they were happy that they’d gotten together.
In the end, things had worked out. The road had been a rough one, but it pulled them together all the more. They were blissfully happy now. Eve knew that she could count on Joshua. He’d love her and provide what she need, be it a spanking or a night of pleasure in bed.
Eve and Joshua held the door to Dr. Kennedy’s office open for the Adam’s as they pushed their screaming son out of the office.
“Is he okay?” Eve asked.
“He just got a shot. He’ll be fine in a moment.”
“He’s so big already. Soon he’ll be swinging a bat and playing catch.” Joshua was dreaming about doing that with his son already. For some reason he was certain that the baby would be a boy.
“I can hardly wait to do that,” Alexander agreed with him.
“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony. Come right in.”
“I heard that congratulations are in order.” Joshua held his hand out to Dr. Kennedy. “Your son was born last night.”
Sebastian shook his hand. “Yes, that’s right. Robin and Christopher are sleeping. She took one look at him and told me that I can work full-time because she’ll be staying with him. I figured she’d say that.” He was grinning from ear to ear with pride.
“We’re so happy for you.” Eve had tears in her eyes.
“Let’s check on your baby. Did you want to know the baby’s gender?” he asked.
“Eve decided that we want to know.” Joshua smiled at Eve, who was wiping tears away from her eyes. She felt so moved by the moment.
Dr. Kennedy sat down while Eve lay down and freed her tummy. He squeezed gel onto her tummy and pressed the ultrasound paddle into the gel. He turned up the volume and let the parents listen to their baby’s heartbeat.
“What is that noise?” Joshua asked.
Dr. Kennedy was still looking at the baby on the screen. “That’s your daughter’s heartbeat.”
“Daughter,” they both repeated.
“Yes, it’s plain to see. She seems to be perfectly fine.”
“A daughter,” Joshua said again trying to fathom this change in plan. “That means a father daughter dance on her wedding day. I need to practice the Waltz. If she looks like you, then lots of guys will be interested in her. I need to protect her.” He bent down to Eve’s tummy. “Daddy will protect you. I promise I will.”
Eve laid her hand on the back of Joshua’s head. “I love you. Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Part 4 – Samantha And Adam
Chapter 1
Timothy Johnson sat in Dr. K
ennedy’s office and waited to start his yearly check-up. He didn’t have any ailments, but he required all of his employees to get checked over once a year, so he needed to set a good example.
He’d be grateful when he could leave again. It would also be nice to hear that he was as healthy as he felt.
The door opened, and a nurse came in. “The doctor will be with you shortly.”
She went to a cabinet and pulled out a file. When she left, she closed the door, but it didn’t close the whole way.
He wasn’t sure if it was meant to stay open or closed.
“Mr. Clark, I have the results of your test here.” Dr. Kennedy was talking to a patient in the next room.
Timothy Johnson stood up to close the door; assuming that whatever the doctor had to say it would be private.
“I’m afraid it’s bad news. Your sperm count is too low. You’ll never be able to father a child.”
Timothy saw the man lean forward and cover his face with his hands as he walked to the door.
“I don’t know why this is hitting me so hard. I’m not even in a relationship. I guess I always thought that children would be a natural outcome in my life. I figured they’d be there for me when I’m older.”
“But you were here with your girlfriend?” the good doctor asked.
“When her doctor told her that she wasn’t the problem, she dumped me. I assumed that I’d get these results. I’m going to end up as an old maid – well an old man maid. What woman would marry a man who can’t give her children?”
Mr. Johnson closed the door and sat down. He understood the bear of the man that he’d seen before in the waiting room. Like him he’d wanted children too.
Instead of falling in love and having children of his own, Mr. Johnson had the people living in this apartment building. They were his family.
He’d be lost without his two best friends Mr. Romano and Mr. Schmidt, and the inhabitants of the house all meant something to him.
Mr. Johnson was certain that every last person in the house was happy. That is everyone except the nice lady living in 5A.
The last time he saw her, it was in the lobby on Saturday. It was her x-husband’s weekend with their son Jonah. He’s shown up two hours too late, and he was late paying his alimony and child support.
Mr. Johnson told her not to worry about the rent, telling her that she could pay it whenever it was convenient for her.
Still, she’d been embarrassed. It was clear that she didn’t want to live off of others. He feared that she’d move away so she wouldn’t have to accept charity.
Mr. Johnson also figured that Mr. Clark would never be late picking up one of his kids.
They’d be perfect for each other, but there was no way to get them together.
Sebastian Kennedy looked over at his friend and his doorman. “I’m glad to announce that you’re as healthy as a horse.”
“That’s what I come here to hear.” Timothy buttoned up his shirt. “I’m getting the feeling that something is bothering you, Doc?” he asked. The good doctor had been a little downcast throughout the entire examination.
“I’m sorry. I guess, I’m having a bad day.”
“Is everything okay with Robin and little Christopher?” Mr. Johnson inquired about the doctor’s wife and son.
“They’re fine. Did I already tell you that Christopher can talk? He said Mama quite plainly several times already. I got it on my camera.”
“I heard him say it to Robin personally. He’s at an adorable age.” Mr. Johnson smiled along with him. He felt as proud as he would if Christopher were his own grandchild.
“I agree. Robin wants to have another one right away, so she won’t be out of work so long. She works two mornings every week. That’s enough to keep her foot in the door.”
“I agree, but the question was how are you doing?”
“I’m doing great. I doubt that Robin and I will have a problem having another child. I’m just a little upset that I wasn’t able to help a patient. He’d love to have children, and he can’t. His girlfriend left him because of it. I didn’t like her anyway, but he’s worried he won’t find a woman who will have him now.”
“What he needs is a woman who already has a child.”
“You’re right. That would be best. The woman would know to appreciate him, the kid would have a dad, and my patient would have the family that he longs for.”
“Mrs. Beaumont in 5A waited two hours with Jonah for his dad to pick him up on Saturday.”
Sebastian quickly understood what Mr. Johnson was getting at. “I can’t do that,” he protested.
“How do you think you got together with your wife? We gave you a good push in her direction. I just need a little help. You give me his name, and I’ll do a background check. If it turns out that he’s the right sort of person for the building, then I’ll do the rest of the work, and your patient will be helped.”
“I can’t do something unethical like that.”
“I already know that his name is Clark. I only need a first name.”
Sebastian’s jaw dropped. “When you guys want something, it’s full steam ahead. I didn’t stand a chance, did I?” Sebastian had a twinkle in his eye.
Mr. Johnson smiled. “Did you want to fight us? Could you imagine a life without Robin and Christopher?”
Sebastian shook his head no. He didn’t want to think about a world where he and Robin weren't together.
“Yes, we stick our noses in where they don’t belong, but we always mean well. We also know best, because we make educated choices about our occupants.”
“You couldn’t have done a background check on me during that flood.”
“Dr. Kennedy, you underestimate us.” He answered with a grin. “I took pictures of your credentials and checked on them immediately. There was no way that I’d have left you alone with Mrs. Kennedy unless I was certain that she was in good hands. You had visited the Adams beforehand, and that spoke for you as well. I’d have taken her to our apartment with me before I’d have left her with a stranger. We liked what we saw when we checked you out. I’d do the same for Mrs. Beaumont.”
“Adam. That was Adam Clark.”
Mr. Johnson leaned back in his chair, thinking that the name sounded familiar.
“The Adam Clark,” Sebastian clarified, speaking slowly. “You aren’t going to get someone like him to move in here. He has a big penthouse to himself. He wouldn’t want to move into an apartment here.”
“I’m sure your right. That’s a shame. I liked the idea.”
Mr. Johnson couldn’t get the idea out of his head. He was simply one of those people who honestly lived to help others.
He saw need in people’s eyes and took care of things. Mr. Clark had a need, and Mr. Johnson had the perfect solution.
“We have more room up here than we need,” he declared to the others.
“I need this much room to cook.” Mr. Schmidt gave him an odd look. What was he getting at now?
“This apartment could be cut into two,” Mr. Johnson told his roommates.
“Historically, no it can’t. It’s always been a one penthouse apartment.” Mr. Romano knew everything about the history of the building.
“Still, we don’t need this much room.” Mr. Johnson wasn’t about to give up.
“You’re right about that. We don’t use half of the rooms that we have.” Mr. Romano agreed with him.
“I was thinking that we could swap with someone,” he told the others.
“Who needs this much room?”
“A person like Adam Clark would need a lot of walls to hang up his paintings. This apartment would give him that opportunity. The lighting is fantastic. He’d have space for Mrs. Beaumont and Jonah too.” The story spilt out of him, along with the plan.
The others agreed that it was worth a try. This time it was Mr. Romano who had the necessary connections. He called in a favor, and the famous painter agreed to paint a portrait for them.
Chapter
2
“And who is this lady?” Mr. Johnson asked Christopher, pointing at Mrs. Kennedy.
“Mama.” Christopher jumped to his feet with excitement. His little fat face was glowing with joy and he clapped his hands.
“That’s right, little man. I hoped you three have a nice time in the park.”
“We always do,” Sebastian told him. “The building is located perfectly.” He had his hands on the stroller, but he was keeping a close eye on Robin too. He loved the responsibility of having a family.
“I couldn’t agree more. Before I forget, I want to tell you that the building is having a contest. The owner of the building has arranged for a famous artist to paint a family portrait. Each family is in the drawing to win. I wish you the best of luck.”
Sebastian immediately knew what was going on. “Who might that famous artist be?” he asked. He stopped dead in his tracks and looked at Mr. Johnson.
“Adam Clark personally.”
“How did you get him to agree to do something like that?”
“Not me, the owner. I believe he’s acquainted with Mr. Clark’s aunt, the one who raised him.”
Sebastian leaned closer to Mr. Johnson. “There are no lengths that you won’t go to to get things your way. One of these days, I’m going to figure out how you’re doing everything.” He grinned and smiled at Robin who was already dreaming about winning.
Joshua and Eve Anthony also went to the park that afternoon with their baby daughter, Cassie. Eve thought that the contest was a very lovely idea.
When Joshua heard that the owner was behind this, he too leaned close to Mr. Johnson for a private word. “Who haven’t you paired up yet?” he asked.
“The single mother in 5A,” he answered in a whisper.
“Her? That’s a fantastic idea. I hope she wins.”
“Oh, she will,” Mr. Johnson assured him with a wink.
“You play dirty, but I like your style.”