by Sandi Lynn
“How did it go?” Oliver asked her.
“Sophie is an extremely intelligent child. She possesses an incredible artistic ability that most people could never have in their lifetime. I do believe your daughter has an extremely high I.Q. level, but she’ll need to undergo some extensive testing in order for us to be sure. She told me a lot about her mother, who passed away recently. She also talked a lot about you, Delilah.”
“Oh?”
“Are the two of you seeing each other?” she asked as she looked at Oliver.
“Yes, we are. Is that a problem?”
“No. Sophie sees Delilah as the motherly type, which is good, don’t get me wrong. But the attachment is so strong that if something should happen between the two of you, the effect on Sophie could be detrimental. Especially with her just losing her mother. Were you the only nanny Sophie has had since she came to live here?” she asked me.
“No.” I looked at Oliver.
“There were about six others prior to Delilah. With Sophie’s behavioral problems, they quit after a couple of weeks.”
“I see.” She wrote on her notepad. “Sophie told me that you sing, play the piano and the guitar.”
“Yes. I do.”
“That’s how we met Delilah in the first place. We were at the diner she worked at having lunch and Sophie went into a meltdown after she had knocked over my cup of coffee. Delilah sat down next to her and started singing to her and, instantly, they connected. I had seen something in my daughter with Delilah that I hadn’t seen before.”
“Makes sense.” She nodded her head. “Sophie connected with you because of your artistic ability. She considers you on the same level as her. Unfortunately for children of Sophie’s status, they gravitate towards people who are equally as smart as them. Does Sophie have issues with other children?”
“Yes. I took her to a play group last week and at first she was fine, but as she was trying to play with the other children, she became agitated and shut down, yelling at them to go away and leave her alone.”
“The problem with gifted children is that they often feel misunderstood and then they feel rejected, which in turn causes behavioral problems. She told me that you understood her need for reading and art and took her to the library and museum.”
“Yes. I felt that in Sophie’s situation, she needed to express herself, or cope, in an artistic way. For me, it’s my music and I saw Sophie’s artistic abilities in her drawings.”
She gave me a smile. “You’re very intelligent. No wonder Sophie connected with you so quickly.”
“Thank you. But in reality, I’m not that smart.”
“I think you are.” Oliver winked.
“Okay. So here are my suggestions to both of you. Bring Sophie into my office and we’ll test her and see how smart she really is. I pretty much already know her level, but we need a number for our records. Even though Sophie has the mind of an adult, she is a child and needs to be treated as such. Strict discipline is the key when appropriate. She also needs to understand that not every child is like her and that it’s okay. This is the time where you need to push social interaction. She needs to learn that she fits into this world. She needs to develop a sense of belonging and, with the right guidance, which I do believe you both can give her, she’ll gain that. I assume that she’ll be starting kindergarten in the fall?” she asked with a twisted face.
“Yes. She’ll be attending a private school.”
“Okay. My suggestion to you would be to enroll her into a school for gifted children. If you throw her in a regular school, even a private one, she’ll become bored and you’ll have other issues with her. Her brain is like a sponge and it’s absorbing all kinds of knowledge at an enormous rate. She needs to be in a program where she won’t be bored and with others who understand her needs. It’s very important. She won’t be able to thrive in a classroom with ordinary children.”
“We will certainly look into that,” Oliver spoke.
“One last thing. I believe I have already gained Sophie’s trust and I would like to see her once a month for a couple of hours to monitor her progress and behavior, if that’s okay with you?”
“That sounds good. We can do that.”
“Good.” She smiled as she got up from her seat. “Parenting a gifted child isn’t easy. You’ll have ups and downs, but if you handle each situation correctly, she’ll thrive into an amazing adult. Who knows? She may even change the world.”
Oliver and I got up and shook her hand. “Thank you, Elizabeth.”
“You’re welcome. Also, gifted children are wonderful manipulators and I can guarantee that Sophie will, if she hasn’t already, try to manipulate you. Don’t let it happen.”
Chapter 36
Oliver
I sighed as we walked Elizabeth to the door. I turned and looked at Delilah as I shook my head.
“What’s wrong?”
“My head is spinning from all that information.”
She laughed as she wrapped her arms around me. “She’ll be fine. Who knows? Maybe by the time she’s sixteen, she’ll be a doctor.”
“This doesn’t bother you?”
“Why would it? Sophie is a normal child who has an exceptional brain. As long as we do the right things by her, she’ll do great.”
“I knew there was a reason I loved you other than the fact that you’re a goddess in bed.” He kissed my lips.
“I’m going to take that as a compliment, Mr. Wyatt.”
“As you should, Miss Graham.” I looked at my watch. “I need to get back to the office for a while. Why don’t you tell Clara to take the rest of the day off and we’ll take Sophie and Tanner out to dinner tonight. I think he would love to get out of this house.”
“Sounds good. They’ll love it.”
I gave Delilah one last kiss and headed to the office. As I sat at my desk trying to concentrate on getting some work done, Liam walked in.
“Here are the contracts for the apartment building over on West 75th Street.”
I could still tell something was off with him. “Sit down,” I commanded.
“Okay. What’s up?” He leaned back in his chair.
“What’s going on with you?”
“What do you mean?”
“You can’t fool me, little brother. I know something’s bothering you.”
He sighed as he laced his fingers behind his head. “I don’t know, to be honest. I guess I’m feeling a little lonely.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What do you mean?”
“Do I have to spell it out, Oliver? I want to meet the right girl.”
“You date woman all the time. They practically fall at your feet.”
“True. But none of them are the right girl and I know damn well you know what I mean.”
I scratched the back of my head as I leaned back in my chair. “I do know what you mean and you will meet her eventually.”
“I look at you and Delilah and I will admit that I’m jealous. She’s an amazing woman and she’s perfect for you. I want what you have. These relationships I get into are meaningless. I have yet to find that special woman who makes my heart skip a beat when she looks at me.”
I took in a deep breath. I could feel my brother’s pain and I didn’t like it. “I know, and trust me, you’ll find her when you least expect it. I’m a prime example of that.”
“Yeah. It’s weird how things work out sometimes.”
“Listen, you’re a great guy and a successful businessman. She’s out there somewhere. Just be patient and one day, she’ll pop into your life and you won’t know what hit you. Until then, just keep having that meaningless sex.” I gave him a wink.
“Thanks, bro.”
“I’m taking Delilah, Tanner, and Sophie out to dinner tonight. Why don’t you join us?”
“Nah. I have plans with Adam tonight. There’s a bar calling our names.”
I rolled my eyes. “Okay. If you change your mind, let me know.”
“Than
ks, Oliver. I’ll talk to you later.” He walked out of the office.
I felt sorry for him. He wasn’t like me. He didn’t put up a wall and he had no issues like I once did. He deserved to be happy and seeing him down and out like that killed me.
****
Delilah
Oliver took us out for a nice dinner and then after, we went to Central Park. It was a beautiful summer night and the park was alive with people and music. Oliver pushed Tanner in his wheelchair and I held on to Sophie’s hand as we enjoyed the scenery and took in the different music that played all around. When we arrived back home, I helped Tanner into bed and Oliver took care of Sophie.
“Thanks for everything, sis,” Tanner spoke as I helped him into bed.
“You’re welcome. I’m just really sorry that you’re going through this.”
“I’m okay. I wouldn’t have come this far without you.”
I leaned over and kissed his forehead. “You’re a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
“Thanks to you.”
“Good night, Tanner. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Good night, sis. I love you.”
“I love you too.” I blew him a kiss before leaving his room.
I walked upstairs and gave Sophie a kiss goodnight. When I walked into our bedroom, Oliver was undressing. A feeling of excitement overtook me as he slid off his shirt. His muscled biceps, well-defined six-pack, and strong, muscular back sent my panties into a soak fest. It didn’t matter how many times I saw him without his shirt on, the same feeling revved throughout my body.
“I called The Anderson School today over on the Upper West Side and talked to them about enrolling Sophie in the fall.”
“What did they say?” I asked as I took off my sundress and went into the bathroom to wash my face.
“They said that all applications had to be turned in last fall for this coming fall.”
“Shit. Are you serious?”
“Don’t worry, it was nothing that a little donation to the school couldn’t fix.” He walked up behind me and grabbed his toothbrush.
“A little donation? You mean you bought your daughter’s way into the school.”
“It depends on how you look at it. Sophie will be going there next week for testing. As long as she passes, she’s in.”
“So how much of a donation did you give?” I asked as I dried my face with a towel.
“A million dollars.”
“A million dollars?!” I exclaimed. “Oliver.”
He rinsed his mouth and I handed him the towel. “What? There’s no price too great when it comes to the well-being of my daughter or my girlfriend.”
“Is that so?” I ran my finger down center of his chest.
“It’s very so.” His lips seductively touched mine and his hands roamed up and down my sides. “Have I told you how fucking beautiful you are?”
“Yes. But feel free to say it again.” I gasped as his tongue slid down the front of my throat and his hands unclasped my bra.
“You’re so fucking beautiful.” He pulled down my panties and lifted me up on the sink.
My hand traveled to the front of him, stroking his hard cock through the fabric of his underwear. He moaned and leaned down, taking in each of my breasts, licking and kissing until his lips wrapped around my nipple, sending me into a frenzy. His hand cupped me below before he dipped his fingers inside, feeling his way around and hitting all the right spots. I arched my back as he pulled his fingers out and brought me to the very edge, burying his head between my legs. His tongue circled my clit before engulfing my entire wet area with his magical mouth. The buildup was happening as I placed my feet on his shoulders and threw my head back, tightening my legs as the climax rushed through my body.
“Mhmm. That’s what I like, baby.” He stood up and smashed his mouth against mine for a passionate kiss before thrusting himself inside me. Sexual moans escaped both our lips as he moved in and out of me at a rapid pace, slipping his hands underneath me until my ass was held firmly by his grip. Another orgasm was coming as I swelled around his cock.
“You feel so good, Delilah. I never want to stop fucking you,” he panted as he thrust in and out.
“I never want you to stop.” My fingers dug into his flesh as he pounded into me with two last strokes sending my body into madness as we both released at the same time and him saying my name slowly as he poured every last drop of his pleasure inside of me.
I wrapped my arms around his neck as our lips passionately kissed and he held my face in his hands.
“I’m never letting you go,” he whispered as he stared into my eyes.
“I’m never leaving.” My finger ran down his cheek.
Chapter 37
Oliver
One Month Later
Everything was falling into place. Tanner was on his way to a full recovery with his leg and his physical therapy was going well. Sophie had tested almost perfect and was going to be attending first grade in the fall. She was going to be six years old and they said that because of her test scores, she should start in the first grade. Delilah’s birthday was coming up and I had a plan to make it one she’d never forget.
It was a Saturday and I had arranged for Jenny to spend the day with Delilah. They needed a girls’ day out. I booked them an all-day spa appointment, complete with massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and body wraps. Plus, it was a way to get her out of the house so I could spend some time with Sophie alone. I brought her outside on the patio with me so we could have a little talk.
“What do you want to talk about, Daddy?” she asked as she dug into the bowl of ice cream I gave her.
“You know much I love Delilah, right?”
“Yes. I love her too.”
“I know you do. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her and I want to ask her to marry me. How would you feel about that?”
Her eyes widened. “If you got married, then she would be my mommy.”
“That’s right, princess.” I smiled. “I love her very much and I want us to be a family.”
She set down her spoon and wrapped her little arms around my neck, giving me a big squeeze. “I want you to marry Delilah, Daddy.”
“There’s nothing I want more in this world, baby. Finish up your ice cream because I need your help picking out a very special ring for her, but you can’t tell her. This is our very own little secret.”
“I won’t tell her. I promise.”
“Good girl.” I hugged her.
We went to Tiffany’s and looked at all the engagement rings they had. There was one in particular that caught my eye. It was a two-carat, princess cut with beaded diamonds encased along the band. I picked it up and knew instantly how beautiful this would look sitting on her long, slender finger.
“That’s one of our finest diamonds priced at $40,500.00,” Frederick spoke.
“Sophie, what do you think about this one?” I held it up to her.
“It’s so beautiful and sparkly. I think Delilah will love it.” She smiled brightly.
“Me too. I’ll take it, Frederick. Remember, Sophie, not a word of this to Delilah. We don’t want to spoil the surprise.”
“No worries. I won’t tell her.”
I kissed her head, paid for the ring, and then headed to the bookstore to buy Sophie some books. When we arrived back home, Delilah was in the kitchen making some tea.
“There you two are. Where were you?” she asked as I walked over and gave her a kiss.
Sophie held up her bag. “We went to the bookstore and bought some books.”
“Awesome, Soph.”
“I’m going up to my room to read them.”
“How was your spa day?” I gripped her hips.
“It was amazing. Thank you again for doing that for us.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed her lips against mine.
“You’re welcome. I hope you didn’t make any plans for your birthday.”
; She gave me a strange look. “No. Not yet.”
“Good, because I’m taking you to dinner in Fiji.”
She laughed. “Okay, when do we leave?” she asked jokingly.
“We leave in three days,” I spoke with seriousness.
Her smile left her lips as she stared at me. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Yes. I’m taking you to Fiji for your birthday.”
“Oh my God, Oliver. But what about Tanner and Sophie?”
“They’re coming and so are Clara, Liam, and also Jenny and Stephen will be accompanying us.”
She placed her hands over her mouth in shock. “Jenny knows about this?”
I smiled. “Yes, she knows. Everyone knows and they’re excited to go. I hope you are too.”
“Excited isn’t the word, Oliver.” She jumped up and wrapped her legs around my waist, kissing me a thousand times over. Nothing made me happier than to see the happiness and excitement that radiated throughout her.
****
Delilah
Oliver rented a private plane to fly all of us to Fiji. He didn’t give me much notice and I had to spend the whole day before shopping for the appropriate vacation clothes. After a very long flight and then a short helicopter ride, we arrived at the Likuliku Lagoon Resort. I’d never seen anything more beautiful or spectacular in my life. Oliver rented all of us our own beachfront bures. Clara and Sophie had their own. Stephen and Jenny had theirs, while Liam and Tanner shared one. I was in awe of this place and the beauty it held. We all resided in our rooms for a while so everyone could get some rest after the long flight. Instead of resting, Oliver and I made love, ate chocolate-dipped strawberries, and sipped champagne. After having an extraordinary dinner, everyone was still jet lagged, so we called it a night. Even Oliver and I found ourselves completely drained, so we climbed into the king-sized luxurious bed and wrapped our bodies around each other as we drifted off into dreamland.
I awoke to the feeling of tiny kisses along my torso. I opened my eyes and smiled.
“Good morning.”
“Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
“Thank you and what a wonderful way to wake up.”