Chapter 15: Evan

The last thing I had wanted to do was encourage her, but I couldn’t help but feel more for her after she’d trusted me enough to take that step. Marriage was a big deal, and even though we were using it to save our livelihood, it still meant something to me. I had married Blythe’s mother, my wife, Beth years ago, but she’d been taken from me too soon. I had sworn I’d never remarry, but this situation left me no choice.

As I lay there beside her, her soft breath sounding more like a purr, I couldn’t help but think of Blythe and what she’d think. I hoped she’d like her, but I couldn’t imagine my sweet little girl not liking anyone. She had always had a big heart and never met a stranger.

I knew Harbor would like her too, and they’d hit it off. Both were funny, smart, and amazing, but I felt more like I was bringing her home a sister or something. It was all a bit strange. I wondered what Lucinda would think of her and if she’d think I was a dirty old man for being with someone so young.

As much as I hated our private time to end, I needed to wake her up so we could leave. The honeymoon was over I supposed, and now when we returned we’d have to be much more careful with Blythe around.

I would put her in the room across the hall from mine since Blythe’s was at the other end of the hall. I’d put her down there hoping to keep her as far away from the stairs as possible.

I kissed her forehead, and she stirred. “It’s time to wake up, baby. We need to get home.”

She lay there a moment then shook her head. “Home. That’s a strange thought. Will you take me to the apartment and help me break the news to Courtney?”

“I can go along if you want, but I think you should come with me to meet Blythe first.” She smiled at that and then leaned up to kiss my mouth. She was getting so comfortable with me that I wondered if she’d be able to handle this. It wasn’t going to be forever, but over the next few months, we’d be getting nice and acquainted.

I still had things I wanted her to try, and with any luck, we’d find the privacy needed to do them. I had a few tricks up my sleeve and in my toy box at home. For one, she still needed to learn to edge her release. If I could get her to do that, things would be even more intense.

“Can we grab a bite on the way out? You worked me up an appetite.” She reached over to the bedside table to find her glasses and used the cotton sheet to clean them before putting them on.

“Of course, we’ll stop as often as you like.”

Turns out once she got her tummy full she fell back asleep for the rest of the trip, which was fine with me. I wasn’t sure she’d make it the whole way without needing a release, but maybe the long nap was her hormones leveling off. It couldn’t last forever.

Finally, we pulled up at my house, and I nudged her awake. I had called to warn Lucinda that I wouldn’t be alone and that I preferred to ease Blythe into the situation. I didn’t feel the need to explain myself to Lucinda about what happened. I’d introduce her, and that would be that. Aside from Blythe, my personal life wasn’t her concern, and if she had an issue, she could always find other employment. I’d hate to see that happen and I couldn’t see Lucinda really quit a job over something that didn’t affect her.

“Are we home?” She slipped a finger behind her glasses and rubbed her eye.

I leaned over and gave her a kiss and broke it just in time for Blythe to open the front door. Lucinda pulled her back and picked her up, which I was glad to see. I didn’t want her thinking it was okay to run out of the house like that. She had no way to see that it was me.

Harbor’s mouth opened as if she was awed by my daughter and then she put a hand on her chest. “That’s Blythe?” She reached for her door handle, and I nodded.

“Let me introduce you,” I said as she opened her door. She looked at me and nodded as I got out of the car and took her hand. Lucinda’s eyes widened, and she put Blythe down.

As my daughter ran into my arms, Harbor and Lucinda exchanged a smile. I spun her around and then shrugged her over to one hip. “This is my friend, Harbor Moore. She’s going to be staying with us.” I could see Lucinda’s eyes on the ring I bought Harbor and then she offered up her hand.

“Good to meet you. I’m Lucinda.” The woman turned and went back inside as Harbor returned the sentiment.

“You can stay in my room,” said Blythe. “I’ve got lots of stuffed animals, and we can put them in a pile, and I will sleep on them. They are so fluffy and soft like Daddy’s hair.” She patted my head, and Harbor giggled.

“Thank you, but I think your daddy wants me to stay in the guest room.” I led the way in, and she followed behind still focused on Blythe who hadn’t given up yet.

She met my eyes and poked out her lip. “I could still sleep in the fluffy pile of animals, Daddy. My bed isn’t as soft.”

Harbor chuckled, but I shook my head. “No, you’re not sleeping in a pile of animals when you have you own big girl bed.”

“It’s a princess bed, Daddy. But I don’t want to be a princess anymore. I want to be a zookeeper.”

Lucinda came out with a pitcher of lemonade and placed it on the table in front of the living room sofa. “She’s been on that kick since you left. She tried to get me to let her make her a fluffy bed. I told her you’d not approve.”

“Do you like animals?” Harbor asked. Blythe nodded and smiled. “What’s your favorite?”

“I like bunnies and kitties, but Daddy won’t buy me one, not until I’m older.” She gave me a sad glance and then turned her attention back to Harbor.

She was grinning ear to ear. “I like bunnies and kitties too, but I think kittens are my favorite of the two.”

“You want to go see my room?” She grabbed Harbor’s hand and dragged her to her feet. Harbor gave me a glance as if seeking my approval.

“Run along, the two of you. I’m going to unpack the car and then make some phone calls. Lucinda, I’d like to talk to you in the kitchen please.” The woman’s eyes widened, and she nodded before hurrying away.

The two were gone in a flash, and I released a deep breath thinking how there was only sixteen years difference between them before joining Lucinda in the kitchen.

“Thank you for taking such great care of her. I hope it doesn’t put you off that Harbor will be staying with us. The truth is, we were married this morning after secretly dating. But I love her very much. I’d like to ease Blythe into it, so I’ll tell her when the time is right.” I wasn’t planning on ever telling her what was going on, but I didn’t want Lucinda trying to either.

“Your business is your business, sir. I don’t see how it could hurt to tell her, but I’m sure you have your reasons, and I’ll respect that.” I had a feeling she’d see it my way. I gave her a nod and then went out to unload the car.

I figured it was best to ease people into the idea because soon enough Nora Strong would play her hand and I’d have to admit the marriage to everyone. The plan was to make it like we’d been dating in private for a while, but only now made it official because we couldn’t stand to continue living apart. The only person who could bullshit would be Tana. But I hadn’t heard from her since I’d pissed her off.

After I finished unpacking and made a few phone calls, I went down the hall to check on my two girls. Music filled the room, and Blythe had Harbor by the arm, and they were dancing with her big teddy bear. Blythe was giggling so hard I thought she might wet herself, and Harbor grinned singing along.

She helped me a bit at bath time and was a bit embarrassed when she had to tell Blythe she couldn’t join her in the tub. She promised her she’d take her on a trip to the pool, and then tucked her into her big princess bed after Harbor had brushed her hair and I’d promised I’d buy her a zoo themed quilt with monkeys and elephants.

The two had hit if off better than I imagined they would, and I asked Lucinda to stick around so I could take her to her house to get her things and talk to her roommate. We were really doing this. So far so good and everything seemed to be working out. It was almost too good to be true.

A little voice inside my head reminded me that it wasn’t.