Playing For Keeps by Mia Ford (35)

“I know the owner. It will be fine and if it is, I’ll find something for her. I’d be willing to take care of both of them if need be,” I frowned at my words, knowing how fast this was going. “I’m sorry. I like her a lot.”

“I know. I think the feelings between you came into the airport before you did.” We made our way down the path to where Isabelle was spreading out a blanket and telling Kendra to hold on as she asked for her sand toys. She set the beach bag down and dug inside, handing her daughter the bucket and shovel as Kendra ran to a spot in the rocks where the water swirled in.

“She has been playing there since she could walk. Always that spot, at least until the tide comes back up.” Isabelle told me, watching Kendra dig into the damp sand.

“Why did you move to Seattle?” I asked her as Isabelle smiled at me.

“I was looking for jobs in my field and the one with you stood out. I did the math and figured it wasn’t that far away and just went with it. I think that I was meant to live there. It was somewhere new where there weren’t so many memories.” She shrugged. “I think it was a good choice, especially if you can visit home with us sometimes.”

“I’d like that.” We smiled at each other and she slipped her sweater off and went to play with Kendra as I looked up and down the beach. It was speckled with families enjoying the weather and I smiled as I glanced back at the girls. We took Kendra down to the water and watched her as she ran into the waves, laughing and screaming with excitement. I couldn’t help but feel like it was my first time at the ocean as I watched her run down the wet sand as Isabelle opened her mouth to speak. “She’s okay. We’re both watching her.”

“Can you have a kid in your life?” Isabelle asked me, glancing from Kendra to me. We walked towards her as I reached for her hand, brushing it with mine.

“If you would have asked me that a few years ago, I would have told you no. I like Kendra though and I would enjoy being a part of her life. I want to be a part of your lives.” I glanced at her as Kendra paused and reached down for something.

“I would,” she said as she started to walk towards Kendra. It seemed like slow motion as a wave came over the beach, over Kendra as Isabelle screamed. I looked forward and started to run as she went out with the water, tumbling with the current. I jumped into the water and swam to Kendra, grabbing her and moving out of the current as I held her in my arms. Melanie and Frank rushed forward as I swam to the shore with Kendra and Isabelle walked right into the water to take her from me. Kendra was breathing raggedly and Isabelle placed her on the beach and checked her breathing. She watched as her daughter coughed up water, turning her head as she blinked. “You saved her.” Isabelle said as she looked at me for a moment. “Thank you so much.” Frank carried her to the blanket once Kendra was alert, laying her down as Isabelle sat behind her to hold her daughter.

Kendra stayed there for about an hour before she asked to play again. Isabelle sighed and stood up, walking with her back to the bucket as Melanie let a tear slide down her cheek. “Thank you, Mason. I don’t know what we’d have done if that ended differently.”

“I would do anything to save her. She is important to all of you and me,” Mason said as I glanced over. I was ready to start sobbing, but I held it together for Kendra. She didn’t seem to be scared anymore though I’d see if she asked to go the water again.

We had lunch in another hour, eating quietly around the blanket as Kendra sipped some juice. She wanted to go back to the water and Isabelle stood to go with her, her legs shaking. I watched them, feeling like they needed some time alone as I took a deep breath.

We left the beach in the late afternoon with a weight over our shoulders. Kendra was the only one chatting in the back, seemingly not scared by what happened to her. I thought that it was one of the scariest moments of my life and Kendra was new to my life. How would I feel if it was Isabelle in danger or one of our children in the future? I felt someone take my hand and looked over at Isabelle as she stared at me in the dim light. “Are you okay?”

“That was so real,” I told her, squeezing her.

“I know. If you weren’t there, I don’t know what would have happened.” Isabelle spoke softly as we listened to Kendra ask if we were going to grill for dinner.

“Is that what you want to do?” Melanie asked from the front as Isabelle waited.

“I want one of those hot dogs with cheese and some chicken,” Kendra replied as we all let out sighs of relief.

“We’ll stop at the store, Ken.” Frank assured her as I smiled for the first time in hours. Something awful happened but everything was going to be fine. Frank stopped by the store and Melanie and Isabelle went in to shop as I looked at Kendra, sound asleep in the back. She fell asleep ten minutes after asking for dinner, probably exhausted for the day. “You did a good thing back there, son. You didn’t even think about it before you were in that water. Her own father never did that and I doubt that he ever would. He was wrong for Belle but you’re right for her, for both of them.”

CHAPTER 17

Isabelle

We piled the cart with all of Kendra’s favorite foods as we went down every aisle. Mom was quiet as we walked and I just grabbed stuff automatically. “That was the scariest moment of my life, apart from when you were in that car accident in college. Remember that?”

I nodded. A car had run a red light and sent me spinning into a pole, leaving some slight pain. It wasn’t serious but it could have been and Kendra would have been left without a mother. The accident affected all of us. “I remember it like it was yesterday. I was so scared.”

“I was watching you talk to Mason just a few feet away from Kendra. She’s been in the water so many times before but that wave came and just took her. I was frozen and your father was frozen. I don’t know if you were, but I heard you scream. Then Mason just jumped right in like it was nothing and brought her to us.” Mom looked at me. “I want you to give him a real chance. Mason is a good man, and he saved your daughter.”

“I am going to give him a chance, Mom. I am. I think I’m falling for him,” I told her as she stopped and stared at me. “It’s been a month since we met but he means more to me than even… Jackson did.” I looked around, relieved to be alone in the aisle.

“I never thought I would hear you say that, Belle. You were so scared about everything once you found out about the baby. Don’t worry about your job or anything enough to let him go. Everything will work out just the way it is meant to.” I frowned at her as she stared at me. “Don’t get scared, Isabelle.”

“I am going to try not to, Mom. It is so new and intense and… I get overwhelmed.” I shrugged as we started walking again.

“You do know that I married your father in six months, don’t you? Sometimes it just happens that way.” I laughed as we went to get the meat and check out, loading up the back of the car as we chatted together. We took our seats in the SUV and Dad drove to their house, parking back in the driveway as we got out. I carried Kendra in and tucked her into bed while we unpacked the food and got ready for a feast. Mom marinated the chicken in the fridge while I worked on some salads and cut up Kendra’s favorite fruits. Dad and Mason warmed up the grill outside in the backyard as I smiled at them through the window.

Kendra walked out rubbing her eyes, and I looked over at her. “Hi, baby girl. We are making so much food right now that we’ll be eating it all weekend.” I picked her up and hugged her tightly as Mom looked on.

“Should I be scared of the water, Mommy? That wave tried to take me today.” Her voice was soft, and I froze.

“No. Sometimes things happen at places you love, like the beach. We were lucky that Mason went in to get you but you have been there so many times in the past. We’ll go there so many more times.” I hugged her tighter and smiled.

“Is Mason your boyfriend, Mommy?” Kendra asked as I stared at Mom. “Chase at school has a girlfriend.”

“I don’t know yet, Kendra. I like him a lot and we’re working towards that. Do you like him?” I asked as she pulled back and looked at me with sincere eyes.

“I do. He’s fun, Mommy. He knows how to swim so good and I would like him at the beach with me again.” Kendra looked serious as she spoke and I laughed.

“That sounds like a plan,” I told her as she looked to the window.

“I am going to go tell him that he needs to be at the beach with me when we go,” Kendra stated as she slid down my body and walked towards the screen door. I looked at Mom and we both laughed.

“Okay, then.” I said and returned to the kitchen as I watched through the window. Kendra tapped Mason on his leg and he looked down at her with a smile on his face. He knelt in front of her and she spoke as he listened intently. Mason nodded at her and she gave him a hug as I pressed my hand to my mouth. “Oh, my God. Look at that.”

“My heart is melted,” Mom said as the men looked at each other and Kendra went to play in the yard. We brought out the meat and Dad placed it on the grill as Mom set a cold beer down beside him. I glanced around to see that it was beautiful outside and asked Mom if we should bring the food outside. She kissed my dad and told me that we’d do it buffet style inside and bring the plates out to the table. I nodded and leaned over the deck to watch Kendra play in the garden, feeling a sense of hope for the future.

We sat down to eat in forty-five minutes and talked about what to do the following day. Mason suggested that he take us out to lunch and Mom and Dad started arguing that it should be them doing that for him. I just watched as they went back and forth while Kendra butted in to tell them that she wanted to go for fish and chips at her favorite place.

I laughed as Mason assured her that he wanted to try them as well and I took another bite of chicken. I’d never been with a man that was good with Kendra. There were some along the way that wanted to date me but I wasn’t ready, I fought this thing with Mason until I couldn’t any longer, making me feel weak at moments.

I tucked Kendra in after she fell asleep on the couch again and went back out to see Mason standing out back. I smiled at Mom and walked out to join him, feeling him pull me against him. “So, Kendra asked if you were my boyfriend earlier.”

“Did she? What did you tell her?” Mason asked as I laughed.

“I said that we are working towards it. That was right before she went out to tell you that she always wants you at the beach with her. Are you sure that you can handle the lightning speed at which this is happening?” I looked at him as he gazed at me with a smile.

“I think so.” Mason leaned in to kiss me as I giggled, knowing that we were out of sight of my parents. Mom told him that he was welcome to stay here tonight and offered up the guest room as she gave me a knowing smile. “Should I stay?”

“You have that option. I will go in there with you until I need to sneak to my room to wake up with Kendra. Welcome to dating a woman with a child.” I laughed weakly as I felt doubt fill my brain. Was this right for him? Was it right for me?

“The time that we do have together will be great,” Mason assured me as he stole a kiss. It heated up, and I groaned softly as I felt need washing through me.

“It won’t be nearly enough,” I murmured as I kissed him again. We made our way inside and sat with my parents, sipping beers and watching a movie.

“Are you staying here?” Mom asked him as Mason smiled. “It’s fine. We’re all adults here.”

“Oh my God. I won’t spend the night in the guest room with him. Kendra is here,” I told her as she giggled.

“She won’t notice until the morning.” Dad told me as I rested my face in my hand. “I can get you something to sleep in, Mason. Your clothes are at the hotel?”

“They are. I’ll have to get them tomorrow before we fly out,” he said as I looked at him. “Maybe we can all go to breakfast and drop by in the morning.”

“That sounds great,” Mom agreed, frowning as he told her that it was his treat. She stretched and gave my dad a long look as she announced that it was getting late. They told us good night and headed to their bedroom as I shook my head.

“It’s not late and they aren’t tired,” I muttered as Mason chuckled. He slipped his arm around me, pulling me closer as he kissed my head.

“They obviously want you happy,” he told me softly as I gazed at him. “Are you?”

“Happy and scared,” I admitted as he nodded and kissed me.

“I know. We’re just going to take this slow and see where it goes.” Mason stared into my eyes for a long moment as I got lost in the depth of his gaze.

We fell asleep cuddled together on the couch and I woke up a few hours later to infomercials playing on the TV. I looked around and saw that I was lying on Mason’s chest with his arms wrapped around me, taking a moment to enjoy the view. This man, this gorgeous man… he wanted me. I smiled and breathed him in as I felt love filling my heart and fear filling my mind. I looked around to find a clock, seeing that it was three in the morning. I considered my options and just rested against him and closed my eyes for just a little longer.

Mason woke me up a bit later and told me that I should go and join Kendra. It was getting late or early, depending on how I was looking at it. I stretched and kissed him for a moment before pushing myself up. I offered to wash his clothes if he wanted to change into the stuff in the guest bedroom and Mason assured me that he would be fine. He could change at the hotel. I nodded and walked to my old room, changing into leggings and an over-sized shirt to sleep in before I crawled under the covers with Kendra. We stayed there for about three hours before she woke me up, telling me that she wanted some juice.

CHAPTER 18

Mason

I walked into the guest room and dropped to the bed slowly, missing Isabelle’s warmth. I liked sleeping with her in my arms even if it was on a couch.

I knew that we were going home in a few hours and wondered how to make that happen there. I could stay at her house and they could come to mine. I had a guest room that could work for Kendra, but what if she didn’t want to sleep over there?

I was getting ahead of myself. I didn’t even know if Isabelle wanted that from me though she seemed happy with me. I kicked off my shorts and dropped them to the floor, sliding under the light quilt to try to get comfortable.

I must have fallen asleep because when I opened my eyes again, the sun was shining through the window. I looked around, grabbing my phone to see that it was past nine. I listened for noise in the house and laughter carried up the stairs as I stretched.

I stood and pulled on my shorts before hitting the bathroom to freshen up. When I walked downstairs, Melanie and Isabelle were drinking coffee and Kendra was drinking orange juice. “Morning,” I greeted them as Isabelle gave me a beautiful smile.

“Good morning, Mason. Want some coffee?” Melanie asked as I nodded and looked around for Frank. “He went for a walk. Always does in the morning. I think we’ll have time for a nice breakfast before you go.” I saw the way she looked at Kendra before pouring me some coffee and asking if I took cream or sugar.

“Black is great,” I assured her, lifting the cup to smell cinnamon. That’s where it started. I smiled as I thought about the way we met and the look on Isabelle’s face. I sipped the coffee and let it slide down my throat, knowing that cinnamon coffee would always remind me of this time in my life.

Frank came home, and we got ready to leave. Kendra drove with Frank and Melanie and I took Isabelle in the mustang. It was good for them to have time with her and Isabelle told me that we could take their seat for the ride to the airport unless they wanted to come along to say goodbye. We’d arranged a place to meet for breakfast and the two of us went to the hotel to pack and check me out as she looked around the room. Isabelle smiled as she looked at me, blushing as I packed some pants into the luggage. “I wish I could have spent some more time here,” she told me as I nodded.

“We’ll travel. We’ll have times like this again.” I assured her as Isabelle looked at me.

“Kendra.” I shook my head.

“She isn’t an inconvenience, Isabelle. She’s a great kid that I look forward to spending time with. We can travel together and find some time for us when she’s asleep. Parents have been doing that for years, haven’t they?” I smiled, and she stared at me with wide eyes.

“I love that you care for her like this. If you hadn’t been at that beach, she might have been swept out to sea. I might not have been able to save her.” Tears filled Isabelle’s eyes, and I pulled her close.

“You’re her mom. You would have done anything you needed to in another situation. I just happened to be the one yesterday.” I pulled her close as she sucked in her breath and hugged me back. “You are a great mom.”

Isabelle composed herself, walking into the bathroom to make sure that I had everything I needed. I suspected that she was taking a moment and allowed it as I checked around the room. We left, and I turned in the key, signing the last of the papers as Isabelle joined me in walking to the car.

We kissed as I opened her door, lingering for a moment before she pulled away and slid inside. I drove to the small cafe on the water, seeing everyone else sitting at a large table outside. I grinned as we joined them, looking around at Isabelle’s family that welcomed me so easily. We ordered coffee and something for Kendra to drink, looking over the menu to decide what we wanted to eat.

The breakfast was leisurely as we talked about my family and the upcoming holidays. Melanie asked if I was going to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family and I nodded. Melanie said that the girls normally came to visit as much as they could and I smiled. “Maybe you can find some time, if it works with your plans.”

“I’ll work something out. It’s just a short flight.”

We went to a nearby beach just to get our ocean fix and Kendra wandered along the sand, allowing a few feet between her and the water. Granted, we weren’t here to swim, but she seemed a little scared as she stared at the waves. Isabelle watched her, and I saw her eyes filling with tears again. I reached out for her hand and squeezed it before walking over to Kendra.

“Hey, there. How are you doing?” I asked her as she looked at me with big blue eyes. “Scared?”

“What if another wave takes me out there?” She asked as she looked back at the water.

“Have you taken swimming lessons?” I asked her as she shook her head.

“I’ve been in a pool but I usually stay in the shallow end,” she admitted as I glanced over at Isabelle.

“How about some lessons when we get back? There are some great indoor pools and the teachers will make it fun to learn.” Kendra looked at me and narrowed her eyes.

“Will there be other kids there that don’t know how to swim?” I smiled and nodded.

“I’ll bet you make some friends there and you’ll be comfortable in the water. It helps in places like this, but I’ll keep you safe.” I met her eyes and smiled.

“I’d like that.” We walked a bit closer to the water and the other three joined us as Kendra asked Isabelle about swimming lessons. She agreed and promised Kendra that she’d look into is as soon as we were back and gave me a long look.

Once the goodbyes were said, and we were on the plane, Isabelle watched as Kendra relaxed in the same seat with her books and games. I could see that she was tired and Isabelle smiled as she followed my gaze. “I didn’t even think of lessons. She has been in a pool several times but it didn’t occur to me that she didn’t truly swim. I guess I thought it was because she was little. I don’t know. Maybe I should have been that mom that did it when she was a baby.”

“Slow down. That isn’t necessary. We’ll figure this out and she’ll be confident in no time. It won’t always help her but a little confidence goes a long way.” I looked into her face as she relaxed and looked at Kendra again, who was falling asleep. Isabelle looked back at me and then Kendra before she kissed me softly. I wanted to ask how it was going to be when we got back to Seattle but I lost myself in her lips instead.

We landed just after the sun set and all three of us watched it from the plane. Kendra packed her bag as we descended and Isabelle looked around to make sure that she had everything.

We left, and I grinned when I saw the car waiting for us. I’d called for it, asking for a seat for Kendra and Isabelle looked at me. “What did you do?”

“I thought that we could go home together.” We walked to the town car and got Kendra buckled up before heading to their apartment. I knew that we worked the following day and prepared myself to go home alone. I sat beside Isabelle and watched her as she looked at the scenery with a thoughtful smile.

When the car pulled up to the complex, Isabelle looked at me. “Want to come in?”

“Yeah?” I asked as I looked at Kendra. She nodded and reached her hand out to take mine.

“I’ll drive us to work tomorrow, if that’s okay.”

“Perfect.” We left the car and got our bags, taking them into the apartment. I managed to find something in the suitcase that would work for tomorrow and Isabelle took care of it for me as Kendra ate a quick dinner of grille cheese. After that, she took a quick bath and Isabelle tucked her into bed. It had been a long weekend, and we were all tired. We checked on her one more time before Isabelle led me to her room where we undressed for sleep and crawled into bed.

CHAPTER 19

Isabelle

I closed my eyes after we made love, feeling safe in his arms. I was worried about Kendra finding me this way for the first time in her life but we both listened for her. I closed her door as well as mine for some privacy and we were quiet. It wasn’t the same as the hotel but we were together and that was what mattered.

Kendra cared for him as well. I smiled and rested against his chest as I tried to ignore the fact that it was after midnight. We had to get up early, and I felt him slide his hand up my bare back. “We are going to be so tired tomorrow.”

“I think I’ll go in with a smile on my face,” Mason told me as I laughed. I snuggled closer to him and closed my eyes wearily as I pushed aside the worry of Kendra finding us and suddenly resenting Mason for taking me away from her.

The alarm seemed to go off five minutes after we fell asleep and I asked Mason if he wanted to shower first. He looked at me suggestively and I shook my head as I promised to make some coffee. He sighed, and I pulled on a robe as I walked to the kitchen, checking Kendra’s door to hear that she was quiet in there. She was probably still sleeping. I continued to make the coffee and smiled as I heard the water in the bathroom.

The last six years that I spent alone were worth it but I was enjoying this thing with Mason. He made me feel beautiful and safe and I stared through the window of my small apartment as the coffee started brewing.

I glanced at the clock and noted that I should get Kendra up. I stretched and tightened my robe, feeling the ache between my legs as I walked to her bedroom. I opened the door and walked in, leaning down to kiss her soft hair. “Hey, baby girl. It’s time to get ready for school.”

Kendra opened her eyes and blinked at me as she stretched. “I’m tired but I want to go to school and tell my friends all about the weekend.” She looked behind me and then back at me. “Is Mason here?”

“Yes. He’s getting ready for work. I am going to take a shower so I need you to get yourself ready. Okay?” I asked as she nodded. “Do you want some juice? I’ll make toast after my shower.”

Kendra nodded, and I went to pour her some orange juice, telling her not to spill it as I left her room. Mason was standing in the bathroom, messing with his hair as I watched for a long moment. Mason glanced at me, asking if Kendra was up as I nodded. “I am going to take a shower and make her some toast after. She eats fast.”

“Take a shower and I’ll make her toast when I am dressed. Enjoy the peace.” Mason told me as I raised an eyebrow at him. He stepped into my room to get dressed and I looked at the door. “Shower, Isabelle.”

I walked into the bathroom and turned on the hot water before reluctantly closing the door. I wanted Mason in here with me but that would have to wait for another time. I stripped and stepped under the water, wetting my hair as I closed my eyes. I washed my hair and body, enjoying the soap and warmth of the water before conditioning my hair. I rinsed everything and wrapped a towel around my hair before drying off. I listened for a moment as the house fell silent, hearing Mason and Kendra in the kitchen. I glanced at the window and saw that it was bright outside, drying my hair quickly before I brushed it out. I put some product in it to help control it and then did just a little makeup before pulling on a burgundy wrap dress and black heels.

I walked into the kitchen, seeing Kendra dressed and eating as she talked about school with Mason. He laughed, and I smiled as I paused in the hallway. I had always wanted this for Kendra and it fell into my lap. I never wanted to try this with any other man before and now I had someone that I was in love with.

Wait. Was I in love with him?

We left the house once everyone was ready and Kendra got into the back of the car and buckled in. I handed Mason my keys and slid into the passenger seat as I smiled. He got into the drivers side and I sipped my coffee as he asked where we were going. We both directed him to school, and I hopped out to give Kendra a hug and kiss. “Have a great day.”

“Can we make dinner for Mason?” She asked as I smiled.

“Sure.”

I walked into the door to make sure she got settled and then headed back to the car as Mason watched me. “Are you good from here?” I asked as I looked at him.

“Yeah. I’ve got it.” Mason started the engine and pulled out to the road, turning right towards the freeway. “How old is this car?”

“It was my Granma’s car. I got it once she couldn’t drive and I love it. I hate the idea of losing her.” I pouted as he chuckled, pretending to glare at him. “Don’t.”

“I am not saying a word.” Mason merged onto the freeway and I sat back, taking in the sights from the passenger seat. We parked in the garage and I looked around nervously for a moment. “It’s going to be fine.”

Driving to work together became a habit on the nights that Mason spent with me. Sometimes it was my car and others his, but we had a nice routine. I think Kendra preferred the mornings when he took her to school but he didn’t spend every night with me.

I wanted him to do that, though.

The office was tough for me. Arriving together started some gossip, but Mason had a way of acting like he didn’t care. He kept on doing what he always did and I focused on my job. I saw how Hannah went to his office to talk to him a few times after giving me searching glances and just kept reading. I looked over the rules and dating my boss wasn’t the best idea but I put my faith in Mason that he would take care of me if something happened here. It was scary knowing that I was taking a chance being with Mason but I couldn’t help myself.

Kendra wanted to spend a lot of time with him as well. He took us out to dinner often and we started Kendra in swimming lessons at the nearby indoor pool. I brought my tablet along sometimes to work while she swam, but I watched her more than I read. Kendra was gaining confidence, and I smiled as she progressed in her lessons.

The day that I met Mason’s uncle was one of the worst ones of my life. He came in for lunch and introduced himself to me before heading in to talk to Mason. He was a nice man, and I frowned as he closed the door. I knew that Mason was going to tell him about us but it still took two weeks.

I hoped that he was okay with it. Mason had a great job here and a future and I couldn’t be the reason that he lost it all. I bit my lip and tried to look at my computer as I felt someone stop by the desk. I glanced up to see Hannah, and she smiled at me. “His uncle is awesome. I think that you’ll love him.”

“Will he be okay with this?” I asked softly as I shifted in my chair.

“I was worried about the two of you in the beginning. I knew that you had a daughter and wasn’t sure if there was room for that in Mason’s life. I saw him go through the break up and he wasn’t good at first. I could see that you were hurt as well and the attraction between you two could have been a train wreck.” She smiled and I let out the breath that I was holding. “It isn’t. You guys are good together and so far, this is working.” Hannah looked at the closed door and frowned. “I am almost certain that he will think the same. He loves Mason like a son.”

“I hope so,” I said softly as we both stared at the door. Some people seemed jealous and petty over this relationship between Mason and I but Hannah was supportive. I had gotten to know her well, and we were getting to be friends.

Time dragged for me as I watched the door, wondering what the hell was going on in there.

CHAPTER 20

Mason

I watched as Ken sat down in the seat across the desk, making himself comfortable. “So, why did you call me here? I suspect that it was more than just lunch.”

“Yes. It is,” I said as I looked towards the window. I thought back to the years that Ken had supported me in pursuing a career in publishing. He’d seen my sacrifices over the years and I smiled. “I am dating someone, Uncle Ken,”

The surprise registered on his face as he grinned. Ken knew better than most how I felt after my brother’s betrayal. “That’s great, Mason. When do I get to meet her? Is she meeting us for lunch?”

“That can be arranged easily. You’ve already met her today,” I told him as he frowned thoughtfully. He gave me a sharp look and then looked at my door.

“The new assistant?” His voice was soft as he raised an eyebrow at me. “Mason, we have rules here for a reason.”

“Rules that I’ve never considered breaking. Hell, Ken, I’ve fired assistants for breaking them. I know the rules just fine,” I told him as he gazed back at me. “We fought this, thought not for long. I met her by accident before I knew that she worked here and something just… sparked.” I trailed off as I remembered the first time I saw Isabelle’s eyes. Even now, it sparks electricity through me.

“I can tell by that face. I’ve never seen it over a woman, including your ex. Isabelle, was it?” He asked gently as I nodded. “Is it a problem that you work together so far? It hasn’t been that long… a few months?” Surprise registered on his face as I nodded again.

“I met her the first day before we were here together. I was already interested.” I reminded him as Ken ran a hand through his hair. “We are an excellent team. She’s fast and thorough and we’ve already gotten a few projects done together.”

“She’s a pretty girl, Mason. I’ll give you that.” Ken told me as he leaned back. “Tell me about her.”

“She has a six-year-old daughter. She’s alone and had her parents help. I met them last weekend,” I told him as Ken shook his head.

“Jesus, Mason.”

“It worked out for me to go to the same area to see Colby. I never made it to his place and spent the weekend with her family.” Ken dropped his face into his hands. “I sound crazy. I know that but this feels right. I’ll bring her to lunch and you can meet her.”

“Does the staff know?” He asked, and I paused before I told him that I thought so. I didn’t talk to many people then to greet them and say good night. This place was a job to me and not a place to make friends. I had plenty of those to hang out with after work though it had been a while.

“We don’t display it. I have heard talk though.” I admitted as he let out a sigh.

“It’s already known that you’re my nephew. I don’t want people to think that you get to live life differently due to that fact.” His voice was stern, and I looked at him for a moment.

“I have worked here since college, Ken. I have worked hard and not gotten involved with anyone here. In fact, I’ve made an example of people sacrificing their work for it.” I saw him nod and give me a long look. “This is bigger than this place. I can’t explain it.”

“It was like that with your aunt. You don’t have to.” Ken shook his head. “The kid? Is that going to be a problem?”

“She’s great. We are not forcing anything on her and she’s taking quite well to me.” I grinned. “I have a way with the ladies.”

“Okay. We need lunch.” Ken looked at me. “Bring her along.”

I sent Isabelle a text that she was welcome to join us for lunch. She sent back a worried face, and I assured her that everything was fine. We stood and prepared to leave as Ken asked about some new authors that we’d signed on. I explained who I thought was going to be a best seller compared to the others, something that we were well-known for. We left the office together, and I watched as Hannah greeted Ken with a smile, looking past her to see the nervous smile on Isabelle’s face.

“It’s good to see you, Hannah. Are you keeping everyone in line here?” Ken joked with her as he walked towards the desk.

“You know it.” Ken smiled at Isabelle. “How does Italian sound?”

“Great,” she squeaked as she grabbed her purse. The three of us left, and I felt their curious eyes as we got on the elevator and stood beside Isabelle.

“Mason told me about you two,” Ken said as she blushed and I reached for her hand.

“I’m-”

“I assured him that this was professional and that we are both here to better the company during work hours.” I assured her, squeezing her gently.

“Oh. Okay.” Isabelle looked at me with large eyes and Ken watched us for a moment. We headed out to the street and walked the two blocks to the restaurant as Ken asked Isabelle about herself. She told him that she was originally from San Diego and graduated from college there before accepting this wonderful job. Ken beamed and opened the worn, wooden door for us we he pressed her about her daughter. “Kendra. She’s great.” Isabelle smiled warmly as I watched her closely, stopping at the hostess booth.

We were seated and ordered water before Ken handed us both menus. “My treat. My nephew tells me that you’re doing a great job.”

Isabelle looked at me, seated beside her. There was a curiosity in her gaze and I nodded. “I told him that you’re the best assistant I’ve ever had. She’s already read through and edited three books in the short time that she’s been here. Her notes were spot on.”

“Great. That’s what we need. So many self-published authors are looking to switch things up and I want them to come to us. I think we have an excellent promotional staff and fresh ideas.” Ken spoke so enthusiastically about the company that he took people off guard sometimes. “Are you a writer?”

“I majored in English lit. The best part about college was writing the papers for me.” Isabelle admitted as she shrugged. “I suppose that I’ve dabbled here and there. Reading some of these authors is both inspiring and intimidating, all in one breath.”

“There are a lot of them but I think they all have something unique to offer. Every story is just a little different. Should you ever choose to pursue it, you’ll have the best support you could.”

We ordered and Ken chatted with Isabelle, slowly making her feel comfortable as she laughed and talked through the meal. We stretched it out a bit longer than the standard lunch but that was how it went with Ken. He excused the time since much of the talk was about publishing and the company, signing the check as he glanced at his watch. “I guess you two should head back. Will you be at dinner on Sunday?” Ken asked me as I nodded, taking a final sip of the cold water. “I’d like to see you there, Isabelle. You can meet the family.”

I saw the panic in her eyes as we started back to the building as Ken took a phone call from his wife. I loved Aunt Kathy, and they had always inspired me as a couple. “Dinner with your family?” She asked in a hiss as I chuckled.

“I’ll bet that you thought it would be a train wreck with your family. Didn’t you?” She gave me a guilty look. “My family will love you as much as Ken did and who couldn’t like Kendra?”

“We were going to take this slow with her. I’m not sure if meeting your family is exactly that,” Isabelle spoke carefully as she looked forward.

“We are, in my opinion. We spend a lot of time together and I spend the night sometimes. Kendra loves that. You know it as well as I do. My family is just a family having dinner and she’ll enjoy herself.” I had to reassure Isabelle that everything was going fine from time-to-time and she took a deep breath. “Baby, it’s okay.”

“It is. I’m sorry.” All of this caught her off guard sometimes and I needed to calm her racing thoughts. “It would be good for Kendra to meet more people. Are there any kids in your family?”

“Ken has three, one of whom is just slightly older than Kendra. I think they’ll get along great.” I smiled as she tilted her head and grinned.

“Fine. You win.” We walked into the building and I made a point of putting some space between us as we made our way to our nook. I asked her to come into my office where I pressed her against the door and kissed her hungrily. “Mmmm. I missed this.”

“It’s been since last night,” I told her as she pulled me down for another kiss. I’d stayed there with her and we made it a late night making love until we couldn’t move anymore. I think we were both dragging this morning but after a few cups of coffee and the shock of meeting my uncle, Isabelle seemed like she was perking up. “Want to take Kendra to that pizza place with the games? I am craving some skee ball.”

Isabelle laughed as she gave up on the kiss. “It’s a school night. How about over the weekend?”

“Fine,” I pouted before we pressed together for a long, slow kiss. She fixed herself up and headed back to her desk as I smiled and thought about how many times I’d wanted to tell her that I love her. It seemed too soon, but we were just that way and I smiled as I walked to my desk.

CHAPTER 21

Isabelle

I was nervous about the upcoming family dinner, but we got news on Friday that bothered me more. Mason would be joining Ken in London for a book signing that represented some of their authors and would be gone for a full week. They were going to take care of other business there as well. As his assistant, I would normally go but that was a long time to be away. It was just me and Kendra and I wouldn’t be comfortable leaving her with someone other than my parents. I had a job now and needed to be the adult. I turned him down when he asked if I’d like to join them and Mason told me that he understood.

We still went to dinner on Sunday. His family was amazing and so kind to me and Kendra. She had a great time with the other kids and I watched with a small smile as I sipped my soda in the screened in room overlooking the backyard. “Mason tells me that you won’t be joining us in London.” I turned to see Ken looking at me as I nodded.

“Is that okay?” I asked him, wanting an honest answer.

“Yes. I completely understand your hesitation. I wouldn’t leave myself if it weren’t for my wife and family to be here with the kids.” He gave me a comforting smile. “Maybe after some time, you’ll have the opportunity.” Ken walked right up to the screen and watched the kids running around the year, playing tag. “They are getting along well.”

Ken had two boys and a girl that had his dark hair and their mom’s bright blue eyes, and they were both sweet and beautiful.

“They are. I know that Kendra has friends at school but I haven’t met them yet. I like seeing her like this.” I felt bad that I worked so much and only did the basics after work and kept her busy on the weekends. It didn’t seem like parents reached out too much for things like play dates at this age but seeing her having fun made me feel better.

“It will fall into place. It sounds like the three of you are having a good time together.” Ken said as I smiled at him.

“We are. I haven’t dated since it ended with her father and this was hard. I didn’t know if it was the best idea but so far, so good.”

“That’s a long time,” Ken observed as I nodded. “Mason waited for a while. When he told me about you, I could see how serious it was in his face.” I loved hearing this, and I stared at Ken with curious eyes as we both heard laughter in the doorway.

“Are you talking about me?” Mason asked as he approached me, slipping an arm around my back.

“I have to warn her, Mason. It’s my duty.” Ken told him as he clapped his nephew on the back. They were leaving on Tuesday and while they didn’t talk about it to spare my feelings, I was aware of it. I felt threatened with the idea of him leaving as if he might find a better life and not come back. It was silly to think that way, but I figured I had some remaining insecurities from Jackson. Mason would be back before I knew it and it would be like he never left.

“You’re going to meet Shannon Suede?” His sister walked into the room and marched straight up to the men. “I am so jealous. Can you hire me for a week, Uncle Ken? London and that author?”

“You are an artist, not an office type of girl. Never have been.” Ken replied as she rolled her green eyes. Amanda Drury was like a tornado in a small room with her big personality. “Didn’t you go to a show in Paris just a few months ago?”

“Whatever. I’m still jealous.” She looked at me and sipped her wine. “Are you going, Isabelle?”

“No. I will be working from the office and covering things.” I replied with a strained smile. She raised an eyebrow and looked at her brother before glancing outside. I took that chance to excuse myself, heading to the bathroom as I downed the soda. I dropped it into the trash can and sat down on the toilet, feeling the doubt filling me all over again. Amanda meant nothing with her words and merely assumed that I would be going. As his assistant, I should and as his girlfriend it could be an amazing trip. I told myself that there would be a time when I could do all of that, trips for just us as well as the three of us. It was just coming up on three months that we’d been dating and I closed my eyes and sucked my breath in.

I should get back out there, Kendra might be looking for me and I knew that dinner was going to be soon. I stood and splashed some cold water on my face, looking into the mirror for a moment as I dabbed my skin with a soft towel. I wore makeup today to look good for dinner but I saw the fear in my eyes even with the mascara. Maybe this was a bad idea. I went to unlock the door and opened it to see Mason standing there as I gasped. He pushed me into the bathroom and closed the door before pulling me against him for a sweet, slow kiss. I molded against him, weak with my need for him. Mason pulled away, and I gazed at him with panic in my eyes. “Kendra.”

“She’s being watched by paranoid parents. Kendra couldn’t be safer. Are you okay?” Mason asked me as I nodded slowly. “Having a moment?”

“Maybe. Am I terrible for not going with you?” I asked as he shook his head.

“No, you have a daughter. Truth be told, I am going to have trouble leaving the two of you. It’s hard to have a job where you travel but I have to. I have to represent the company with Ken.” Mason told me as I nodded. I knew all of this. “There will come a time when you can join us.”

“I hope so. I wish my parents were closer.” I hugged him, knowing that I might not leave her with them for an extended period after the years of college. I was so busy studying and keeping up that I felt I lost some time with Kendra. I was constantly making up for that.

“We will figure out the time difference and talk and Skype.”

“I know,” I kissed him again as we heard his mom calling his name, making him chuckle.

“It’s dinner time.” We pulled away, and I fixed my gloss before we walked down the hallway. I walked to the backyard to tell Kendra to wash her hands, and she ran past me in a blur with the others as Kathy laughed.

“They are great together,” she declared as I nodded in agreement. She went to help in the kitchen as I stood awkwardly for a moment, wondering what to do and where to go. Mason nodded at me from the doorway and gestured for me to join him and I did, watching as the kids took their seats at a small table as I joined Mason around the large dining room table. Kathy and his mom Mandy were placing large plates of chicken and vegetables on the surface along with bottles of wine and rolls. The kids came to fill their plates, and I smiled as Kendra asked for a little of most of it like the others.

I took some of each, wanting to try new things. I wasn’t a great cook and seemed to make the same basic things every week for Kendra. Mason was spoiling us by taking us out to eat but my waistline was starting to show that more than I wanted it to. I listened to the conversation among his close family, full of laughter and love. It reminded me of my parents and I sipped my wine as Mandy looked at me for a moment. She’d welcomed me with a big hug as soon as we walked in and made a fuss over Kendra. “How is it? I am trying to improve my culinary skills now that I’m retired.” Her brown eyes twinkled, and I smiled.

“It’s delicious. I was just thinking that I should attempt to cook more. I’ve never seen her be so experimental.” I smiled in the direction of the kids table and Kathy snickered.

“Wait and see how much they actually eat. My kids will pick until dessert, like they always do.” She had a point and Kendra would likely do the same. We kept eating and discussed sports, politics but not too much, and some news. His family was intelligent and offered their opinions without the bitter fights that I’d seen in other families.

We had chocolate cake for dessert and everyone started leaving to get ready for their week. We were last and Mandy hugged and kissed Mason before moving to me and Kendra. She told us that she loved having us and I thanked her with a genuine smile.

Mason stopped by his place for some clothes for the morning, inviting us up. Kendra told me to come, and we went up the elevator from the parking garage as I looked around. This was a beautiful building. We ended up on the tenth floor and he led us to a door, unlocking it and allowing us to enter first.

Oddly enough, this was the first time we’d all been here. I stopped by quickly a few times going to get Kendra, but I took a long look around now. Mason had a spacious, sunken living room with an impressive fireplace and a hallway that led to the three bedrooms, one of which he used for an office. There was a chef’s kitchen to the left and Kendra walked over to the windows to look over the city. “This is so pretty.”

“I know. We have a view like this from work,” I told her as I walked over and looked out over the lights. Mason was getting a suit in his room and I stroked her hair back gently. “Did you have fun tonight?”

“Yes. They want me to come play with them and spend the night!” Icy fear slid through my veins and I shivered. Kendra had only spent the night with my parents and now Nan and the idea of sending her anywhere else scared me. I liked Ken and Kathy a lot but Kendra was only six.

“I have an idea,” Mason said as I turned to look at him. “Stay here while I’m gone. It’s no further to her school and work and this is a secure building.” I smiled, knowing that he worried about my apartment more than he cared to admit.

“She has her stuff at home. I don’t want to invade your space,” I protested as Kendra tugged on my hand. I looked down to see her smiling at me.

“Can you pick some favorite stuff to bring over?” Mason asked her as I rolled my eyes. “Perfect. You’re close to a lot of restaurants here and I’ll sleep better knowing that you're safe.”

He got his things, and we headed to my apartment, given that Kendra had to get to bed. I tucked her in and promised her that I’d think about Mason’s offer before changing into leggings and a shirt to join him in the living room. He’d told her good night out here, still giving us our private time at bedtime. I cherished the quiet and dark of the moment, telling my daughter how much I loved her before she went to sleep in a safe place.

“Why do you want us at your place?” I asked softly as I dropped beside him, watching him lean in to kiss me.

“Safe building. I know that you guys will be okay here that was and face it. Kendra digs my condo.” Mason raised an eyebrow as I chuckled.

“That she does.” I rested my head against his shoulder and closed my eyes.

“You could get a lot done there. She’d have her own bed unless you wanted her to sleep with you.” Mason continued to push the idea as I sighed heavily, exaggerating it a bit.

I silenced him with a kiss and we made our way to my room, listening at Kendra’s door for a second. We walked into my small room and closed the door before he pulled me against him for a hungry kiss. I wrapped my arms around him as he walked us to the bed, dropping over me as he pressed me to my back.

We stripped hurriedly in between kisses and Mason kissed down my neck as I dropped my head back. It seemed like weeks before we got some private time sometimes and my body burned with desire for him. He knew my body well and sucked my nipples into his mouth slowly, dragging his teeth over the sensitive skin. I moaned softly as I arched my back, feeling him move lower and tongue my clit firmly as I bit my lip. I was soaked for him and Mason teased me with his tongue and teeth until I was shaking as I came for him. It was intense, and I wondered if this would ever fade. It was so new that I didn’t know what to think.

He pulled away, and I told him to get on his back. I kissed down his firm chest, loving the feeling of his muscles as I wondered what he was doing with me. I kept going, moving over the perfect abs before I took him into my mouth slowly. Mason let out a hiss and slipped a hand into my hair. I loved all of this with Mason. It turned me on to see how much he enjoyed it and I started to move up and down slowly as his grip tightened in my hair. I brought him close to the edge before he reached for the drawer beside my bed, pulling out a strip of condoms.

I took one and rolled it over Mason’s cock, seeing the hunger in his eyes as I crawled back over him. I lowered my body over his, taking him inside of my tight entrance as we both sighed. I was naïve about sex before Mason, despite having a child. He made me want to try new things and feel him everywhere and I blushed as I thought about some of our late night phone calls when we were apart. I arched my back and moved down again, feeling my slick walls wrapping tightly around him. “Jesus,” Mason moaned as he gripped my hips. We both moved together as quietly as we could, edging closer to a release as I fell apart first. I held in the moans that were on the tip of my tongue, closing my eyes as he jerked up and came. It always felt so good and I breathed in slowly as I moved carefully and toppled beside him.

Mason cleaned up and got some water from my bathroom before coming back to join me in bed. We always dressed again in case Kendra wandered in. We snuggled together, and I closed my eyes as I tried not to think about Tuesday.

Despite myself fighting it, we still told Mason goodbye the following night. I’d agreed to stay at his place and Kendra packed some things while I found clothing for work to bring over. He was leaving early Tuesday morning, and we wanted Kendra to sleep as long as possible. I gave my own personal kind of goodbye on my knees as he took me hard from behind, giving me something to remember.

We fell asleep, and he kissed me goodbye in the darkness of the morning. Ken was coming to pick him up, and I hugged Mason tightly as I looked at him. “Have fun. Get a lot of work done.” We’d set up a way to Skype already, and I knew that we’d be talking soon. I rolled over as he left the bedroom and walked into the living room to retrieve his bags.

The pillows smelled like him and the sheets smelled like us. I woke up to my alarm, seeing that it was a little brighter now. I rolled over, feeling the emptiness of the bed as I looked around. I went to make some coffee in the kitchen, taking it over the windows to watch the city come to life before checking on Kendra. She was still sleeping, and I cracked her door before I went to shower and get ready, using the bathroom stuff that I’d brought with me. I wore his robe until I got dressed and I loved how big it was on me as I applied my mascara.

My phone sounded, and I went to wake her up gently, watching as she looked around the room. “We’re at Mason’s. Remember?”

Kendra jumped out of bed and ran to the windows in the living room as I laughed and went to get my dress on for work. I’d found a great thrift store for clothes and tried to add something to my wardrobe every two weeks with my paycheck. I slipped heels on and asked if she was dressed, hearing her tell me yes. I walked into the kitchen and got her one of the breakfast bars that we both had when we were lazy.

I grabbed my purse and keys before we left the apartment and locked the door. It was pleasant walking down to the secured garage and getting settled in my car before driving her to school. I was early for work and parked as I looked around the garage where Mason wouldn’t be.

I could do this. I walked across the street to get some coffee and went to my desk, warming up my computer. I was going to handle his emails and get some reading in so Mason could come back ready to proof some more books. It wasn’t until I took out my phone that I saw a text from him.

Mason: I already miss you.

Me: I miss you.

I warmed up my computer, assuming he wouldn’t get back to me right away. I was right. I pulled up the new document and started on the fourth chapter, playing some music in the background to keep me occupied.

The day still dragged. I went to get lunch with Hannah, who seemed to take pity on me and even scoffed at the girls watching us leave. “You are the envy of Seattle now. Not just the company but Seattle.”

I laughed, and we went to get salads before I finished my long day and went to get Kendra, getting pizza for dinner before she settled in for the night.

CHAPTER 22

Mason

I loved London. There was always a chill to the air when we seemed to go and it was exciting. I missed Isabelle this time though. I rarely missed women like this.

We were busy meeting with the authors during the day and wooing potential clients at dinner that week. I seemed to have a hard time keeping up with Isabelle back home but I was glad that she was at my place. I liked that they were safe, and I tossed around the idea of asking her to move in.

The signing seemed to take forever to arrive, and we left early that morning to have breakfast with the hosts. It included several of the authors and was a great chance to get some attention, but I wasn’t enjoying the women and how much they flirted with me. I watched as Ken deflected it smoothly, not insulting them but not encouraging it either. He was professional and charming and I focused on the moment again as I sipped the strong coffee.

We went to the hotel and surveyed the crowd waiting to get in before we walked the main room. Our authors were front and center and I grinned as I looked at their tables. We paid more for the best banners and swag and it showed as Ken turned to me with a smile.

The readers were let in and the room filled with the sound of excited women. The only men that usually came were husbands to be there for wives or carry the books that they bought though there were a few readers here and there. I walked to the bar and ordered a drink, slipping a bill over the smooth surface as I reached for the whiskey. I needed it. I considered sending Isabelle a text or calling her, but I was supposed to be mingling.

I sipped the drink and felt someone move next to me at the bar. “Hello, Mason.” I froze at the familiar voice and looked over to see one of the hot agents in the business. “It’s been a while.”

“It has, Marilyn. How are you doing?” I asked, going along with the pleasantries as I put the night that we spent together behind me.

“I’m doing well. This is quite a turn out, isn’t it?” She asked, her hazel eyes raking over my face hungrily as I turned back to my drink.

“London often is,” I replied, stating the obvious.

“How long are you in town?” Marilyn asked as I stared forward for a moment.

“We’re leaving on Monday night,” I replied as she touched my arm.

“By we, do you mean Ken? Did you bring an assistant this time? I hear that you have a hard time keeping them these days.” I flinched at her touch and Marilyn pulled her hand away.

“Just Ken this trip.” I wasn’t about to discuss my assistants with her. The rumors were that she got around as well in the business. I was hardly the only one.

“Want to have dinner tomorrow night?” There it was. She wanted me to say yes and fuck her.

“I’m busy. I can’t.” My answer was curt, and I watched her stare at me.

“Really? The signing ends tomorrow. What could you possibly have going on?” Marilyn questioned as I downed the drink in one long sip.

“Business. This is a business trip after all.” I knew that I was coming off as rude but I figured I’d get it all out now. I’d be more pleasant back out on the floor. I slid the glass back on the bar and turned to walk away, seeing Ken wave me over.

“Is she breathing down your neck again?” He asked, referring to Marilyn.

“Yes. It was one night a long time ago.” I frowned and looked at the lines for our authors. I needed to shake this off because travel was a large part of my job. We made our way around and chatted with readers and authors before going for some lunch around the corner where I ordered a beer. Ken raised an eyebrow as he took a blatant sip of water.

“Are you going to get drunk for the event?” He asked me as I stared out of the window.

“No. Just this beer.” I knew that I was on edge and he smirked at me.

“I’d say that you have it bad. You look like I did the week before I proposed to Kathy.” I gave him a shocked look as he stared back at me. “I am not suggesting that you propose but you need to get this sorted out. This is a part of things and not something that I completely enjoy myself. I just know that everything is fine back home.”

“I have them at my place while I’m gone. Her apartment is so… open. I want her safe.” Ken nodded as our plates were set down. “Fuck if I don’t like the idea of them there and me with them. Is that insane after three months?”

“Would she want to?” Ken asked as I looked thoughtfully at him.

“I don’t know. It’s like she’s all in one minute and backing off the next sometimes. There’s a lot of doubt there.”

“She has a lot at stake. Will you do right by the two of them?” Keith asked as I blinked.

“You’ve never asked me so much about my love life before,” I shot back as he nodded.

“There was no reason. Lance did a shitty thing but losing her didn’t get to you. It was being betrayed by your own family.” Ken observed as I nodded. “This is the real deal for you.”

We talked a bit more over lunch and stood to leave. I told him that I’d join him at the hotel in a moment and drew my phone out of my pocket. I dialed Isabelle’s cell, knowing that they were probably in for the night. She answered sleepily, and I smiled. “Were you sleeping?”

“Our whole life is upside down over here. We’ve fallen asleep on the couch more than I want to think about.” Isabelle said as she yawned. “How’s it going?”

“Great. The signing is successful.” I replied as she murmured something encouraging. “I miss the hell out of you. Both of you.”

“I miss you.” Isabelle let her emotions into the words and I leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. “Kendra does too. She keeps asking when you’re coming home.”

“I love you,” I said softly as there was silence on the other end of the phone. “I love you and I want to arrange my entire damn life for you.”

“I love you,” she told me as I felt warmth wash through me.

“Can we talk about taking a bigger step when I get back?” I asked as she sucked in her breath. “I don’t know what but I just need you.”

“Okay. Yes. I miss you,” she told me as I smiled. It was so good to hear her voice. We ended the call with the three words I never thought I’d say to a woman again and I pocketed my phone and walked back to the hotel.

I joined Ken on the floor as we met people and handed out cards, seeing a lot of interest. We left and went out to dinner before making it an early night. There was still the signing the following day and that meant more networking. I was exhausted when we went back to our rooms and showered before calling Isabelle. Kendra was in the background and we made it a video call so I could talk to both of them. Kendra talked about the places they went by my house and how much she liked it there. She told me that I needed a kitten or a puppy as Isabelle rested her gorgeous face in her hands. I tried to imagine a pet in my bachelor pad and slowly rearranged it on my head to make it work.

Kendra went to use the bathroom and Isabelle settled on the couch with a rueful smile. “Sorry. I think she’s enjoying herself a little too much.”

“It’s fine. That’s what I wanted.” I assured her as she laughed. “What would you think about staying there?”

“You mean moving in?” Her eyes were wide, but I saw the excitement in them.

“Yes. We could fix up the guest room to suit Kendra and make her feel at home. You could add your touch to the condo and we could just be together all the time.” I told her as I watched her bite her full lip. “I want you with me every night. I love both of you.”

A tear slipped down her cheek as I heard Kendra coming back. Isabelle wiped it and told me that she’d love to discuss it when I came home, signaling that this was to be kept between us. Fair enough. We finished the call, and I shut out the light to get some sleep. I was looking forward to flying home and being inside of Isabelle again in my bed, proving to her just how much I cared. I wanted to throw away the fucking condoms and feel what it would be like to come inside of her without any barriers and I felt my cock harden. I reached down to grip it and jerked off into my boxers, needing to release something. It would never do what making love to her did for me, but it would work until I was there again.

We woke up and went to breakfast at our favorite place, relaxing for the first time on the trip. We always spent the last day doing something for ourselves though I’d happily just head home. I went with the plan and visited a museum with Ken, picking up some small gifts for the girls as we wandered around the streets. We grabbed a light dinner before getting on the plane for the long flight. I settled into a seat, stretching out as I closed my eyes. I heard Ken find his own seat as he told me to get some beauty sleep and I gave him the finger in his general direction.

I woke up a few times throughout the flight, checking my watch every time. I’d go back to sleep but made some coffee when it came time to land, wanting to wake up so I’d be able to see the girls for a bit. I knew that Kendra would have to go to school, but I was hoping that Ken would tell Isabelle to stay home with me for the day. If the boss approved, she couldn’t say no. I sat forward in my seat, sipping the coffee as Ken opened his eyes and looked around. “Are we almost there?”

“Another thirty minutes. I made some coffee if you want some,” I offered as Ken stretched.

“I’ll need it. Kathy is going to want a break from the kids the second I’m back home.” He tried to sound like he was complaining but I knew how much Ken loved his family. “What are your plans?”

“I might be able to say hi to Kendra before she goes to school but I’ll have to see.” Ken smiled.

“Tell your girlfriend to take the day off. I think with all the work that you guys have gotten done, a day won’t hurt.” I grinned widely, and he went to make coffee before we needed to be seated for the landing.

We walked down the steps and Ken led the way to the car that was waiting for us, telling me that he’d drop me off first. I grabbed my phone and sent Isabelle a text before settling back in my seat and looking at my favorite city.

CHAPTER 23

Isabelle

I was calling out to Kendra to get ready when I heard my phone from the kitchen counter. I was keeping an eye on it to see when Mason was landing, hopefully having enough time to see him for a minute before I went to work. I wasn’t sure what his plans were after such a long flight and I read through the text as I gasped.

He was coming home right now and wanted to take Kendra to school in the car that was bringing them home and he asked me to wait. I knew that she might be a bit late, but it was only adventure club and she had some time before class. I was surprised when he told me to take the day off, assuring me that we’d come right back to the condo when she was dropped off.

The day off? He was with Ken and if he approved it that was as good as it got. I smiled and looked at the shift dress that I was wearing, hoping that it would be coming off soon. Kendra walked out in her jeans and sweatshirt, carrying her shoes. I helped her get them on and grabbed her packed lunch and led her to the elevator in the main hallway to meet Mason as she looked around. “Where are we going, Mommy? The car is over there.”

“You’ll see.” I told her as we stepped in and I pushed the button for the lobby of the building. I leaned back and glanced down at her as Kendra stared at me. The door opened, and we stepped out into the crowded lobby as I took her hand and headed to the glass doors. My mind whirled as we walked; thinking about the fact that he wanted us to move in and Mason loved me.

He loved me. He loved us.

I smiled at the doorman as he held the heavy door open for us, stepping out onto the sidewalk. There was a sleek town car parked against the curb and I smiled as Kendra looked around. “What is it?”

The door of the car opened and Mason stepped out, smiling at me as our eyes locked. He tore his eyes away from me and called out Kendra’s name and she turned her head to stare at him. “Mason!!” She ran forward and jumped into his arms as I watched, feeling the emotions racing through my body. “You’re home!”

“I am. I was going to take you to school today in this car. I have a seat for you and everything,” Mason told her as he knelt on the sidewalk before her. “After school, I want to take you and your mom to dinner. Your choice. How does that sound?”

“Do I have to go to school?” She asked as he picked her up to carry her to the car, giving me a heated look.

“You are going to learn so much today and then we’ll have some fun.” Mason was looking at me as he spoke, and I blushed as heat washed over me.

“Okay.” Kendra wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m glad you’re back. I missed you.”

“I missed you, kiddo.” Mason placed her inside the car and I heard Ken greeting her as Mason followed her. I laughed as I walked over and got into the car once everyone was settled, asking Ken how the trip was. He told us about the convention and how many people that they met during the trip, looking at Mason several times during the conversation. Kendra stared at Mason with warmth in her eyes as she listened to us and I knew that she was ready for me to have someone in my life. She probably was before this but I couldn’t regret waiting for Mason. He was worth those years alone, trying to better my life.

School was still close, and we pulled up to the sidewalk as Kendra sighed dramatically. “It’s just for the day. We’re going to pick you up later together,” I told her as she narrowed her eyes at me.

“You get to stay home, don’t you?” Her voice was filled with disappointment and I smiled.

“It’s different from school. I can work from there just as easily as I can from the office and I want to spend some time with Mason.” I looked at him, seeing the hunger in his eyes as my body started to tingle.

He walked her up to the entrance along with me and we both hugged her. Some girls came by and watched for a moment before asking who he was. I giggled as she told them that he was Mason, my boyfriend. There was so much happiness in her voice and I watched them walk to their classroom for a long moment. He took my hand once she was out of sight and led me back to the car, his grip tight on me. “Now I want to get you back to the condo and rip this dress off of your body.” His voice was low, and I shivered as I glanced around. “I can’t wait to be inside of you, over and over. You’re not moving out of that bed until we need to pick Kendra up.” He pushed me playfully into the car and I laughed as I climbed onto the bench seat across from Ken, smiling as Mason moved beside me and grabbed my hand again.

“So, the day off is cool with you?” I asked Ken as he nodded.

“You both work so hard. I’ve seen the numbers. Enjoy yourselves for the day.” His eyes twinkled as he looked us over and I blushed. “I can’t wait to get home myself.”

I laughed nervously as we continued back to the condo, relieved when Mason pulled me out the door and called out to Ken that he’d talk to him later. The doorman held open the door, greeting us cheerfully as Mason hurried to the elevators. The doors opened, and he pushed me inside, kissing me as he pressed me against the back of the car. I was vaguely aware that it was empty, but I didn’t care as I wrapped my arms around his neck to pull him closer. We heard the ding of the door and he pulled away, staring at me before he pulled me to his door and unlocked it.

I was sore as he pulled me inside of the foyer and slammed the door, pressing me against as he kissed me without abandon. I reached out to hold onto him before I pulled his t-shirt up his muscled body. Mason pulled away from me reluctantly and stripped it off in one fluid move before he looked me up and down. “I missed you so fucking bad.” Mason cupped my face and kissed me again, softly for a moment. “I want you in my bed.”

I pushed him back and led the way to the master bedroom. I couldn’t wait to have his mouth on my body and he stopped me and pulled me back to him for another kiss. Mason reached around my back and unzipped the dress, letting it fall to the floor as I shuddered before him. Mason kissed me again, and I wrapped my legs around his body as he carried us to the bed. I was desperate to have him inside of me and moaned against his lips as our tongues danced together.

He stripped off his pants, kicking them off before he unhooked my bra. “You are so damn beautiful.” Mason leaned down to kiss my jaw as I let out a happy sigh. His hands slid up my sides and stroked the soft skin underneath my breast as I cried out. My nipples were pebbled and needy as his fingers found them and squeezed gently, causing me to arch my back against him. He kissed my neck, arching above me so he could tease me by kissing slowly down my body as he rubbed his thumbs against me.

I cried out as his mouth wrapped around one, sucking it firmly into his mouth. I felt his teeth dragging against me and felt a warmth between my legs, soaking the lace of my underwear. Mason reached down and stroked me, pulling away for a moment to tell me that he could smell how badly I wanted him. I whimpered as he teased the other nipple with his mouth and teeth before moving down my stomach.

A week without Mason was too long. I didn’t know how I’d handle it ever again as he slipped the panties down my legs and slipped a finger inside of me. He slid it inside and out slowly as I wrapped around him, telling me how hard he was going to fuck me. I felt the void of his hand and then his warm breath on me before he pressed his mouth against my pussy. I arched up, offering more of myself to him as I slid a hand into his hair. Mason started my licking me all over, drinking in my arousal as I ceased to recognize the sounds coming out of my mouth. He found my clit with his tongue, stroking it repeatedly until I was begging to come. Mason sucked it into his mouth and bit down as I felt my body let go.

It was intense and so long as he slid his finger back inside of me and stroked my sensitive walls slowly. I closed my eyes and breathed in, still feeling desire as I enjoyed the aftershocks. “I love you,” I murmured as he rested his face against my stomach.

“I love you… more than I have ever loved anyone else. It’s the best feeling that I’ve ever had.” Mason smiled lazily at me as I met his eyes. “I missed you both.”

“Can I show you how much I missed you?” I asked as he raised an eyebrow at me. Mason pulled away and crawled up my body as I watched his hard cock get closer to my mouth. I reached for some pillows and propped my head up further and then reached out to pull him into my mouth.

Mason was thick and warm as he moved inside of my mouth, pressing back into my throat as I moaned. I loved the feeling of Mason inside of me in nearly every possible way and I wrapped my mouth tighter around him. He rocked against me and I welcomed him, feeling him slide deeper inside of me as he thickened. I knew that he was coming as he jerked against me and prepared to swallow every drop. I was shy about this in the past but with Mason, I was willing to do anything that he wanted. He stilled as he released, moaning my name as I took it all.

Mason pulled out and dropped beside me, breathing raggedly as he closed his eyes. I took this time to look at him, flawless on the bed beside me. I never thought I would have someone like Mason in my life. Jackson had such a way of making me feel like I was disposable and once I was pregnant, I believed it to be true. I thought that I needed to try to be the best mother I could be and make up for the faults that I had as a girlfriend.

Mason made me feel sexy in the bedroom and intelligent at work. He gave me the confidence that I was lacking and the love that I’d been craving. He opened his eyes and looked over at me, smiling gently. “See something that you like?”

“I sure hope that you’re not done with me,” I teased him as he glanced down at his cock. He was already half-hard, and I chuckled as I reached my hands under the pillow and offered him a full view of my body. Mason stretched and showed off his six pack abs as I licked my lips.

He moved slowly, reaching for a condom before he sheathed himself between my legs. “I want to find a way to do this bare, Isabelle.”

“Should we try some other form of birth control?” I asked as he slid inside of me. I gasped as he stretched me, making me feel like it was the first time for me. I always felt that way with Mason and I hoped that it was always this passionate. We started to rock together, needing to come together as I gripped his back. I clawed at him as I thrust against him, needing him deeper. Mason moved harder, filling me as I wrapped my legs around him. I knew that I was going to come soon and cried out his name as I pulled him closer.

I came a beat before he did, and Mason roared my name as he jerked inside of me. He pressed his face into my neck and breathed in as I held him, still shaking above me. We stayed this way until he rolled over and asked if I was hungry.

CHAPTER 24

Mason

I pulled on some shorts while Isabelle found a robe in the bathroom. We made our way to the kitchen, arms wrapped around each other like we’d never let go. I looked in the fridge as she made fresh coffee, deciding on omelets and toast. We needed to grocery shop soon, and I smiled as I played the words back in my head. “Did you both like staying here?”

“Kendra stared out of that damn window all the time. She loves your place. It’s so much bigger than ours.” Isabelle seemed nervous as she stared at the coffee pot and I stared at her.

“I’m serious. I want you two to move in. We’ll fix the room up any way that she wants and make it home. You could add your touch as well.” I saw her look at me and smiled. I wanted to encourage this because I wanted her. I needed her and Kendra here with me, so I could see them all the time. “Tanner moved to New York so that room is free. It’s the one Kendra is in right now.”

“It’s fast, Mason. We’re a package deal.” I heard the doubt in her voice. “What if it doesn’t work out?”

“It will work out and should it not, she loves me anyway. Living here won’t change that.” I pointed out as I started to mix the eggs and vegetables together in a bowl. “I consider Kendra my own daughter, Isabelle. I want her in my life.”

“I never thought I’d want a man to say that. I was in denial of this ever happening, fighting it.” She almost seemed to be talking out loud and I added some cheese and milk as I listened. “I said I wouldn’t rush anything but I have. You’ve met her and she adores you and that scares the hell out of me, Mason.”

“I am not scared enough not to do this. I love you.” Isabelle looked up at me. I breathed in and went to get a pan, melting some butter in it before adding the eggs. “I’ll cook you both breakfast on the weekends before we go see the city. We can have some traditional something that families cook on Sunday mornings. We can watch movies in bed on Saturday night, eating popcorn. I want all of that. Don’t you?”

She was quiet for a minute before she smiled. “I do.”

“Let’s discuss it with Kendra tonight and see what she thinks.” Isabelle’s eyes widened. “It’s just a conversation.”

“She’ll say yes. You know that. Should we wait a little longer?”

“No. We need to take this opportunity and go with it. I want you both in my life full-time.” I looked down and stirred the eggs slowly as she looked at me.

“Okay.” Isabelle poured two cups of coffee and brought me my cup, setting it down on the counter before kissing me softly. I slipped my arms around her waist and pulled her against me, forgetting about everything until I heard the pan sizzling. “Breakfast.”

I grabbed the spoon and stirred them, realizing that they were still edible as Isabelle laughed. “Are you sure you can cook?” She teased me as I smirked. “I think even I could cook in this kitchen.”

“And cook, we will. We have a little human to feed.” I reminded her as she looked at me with a loving gaze. I finished the eggs as she fixed her coffee. I slipped some bread into the toaster and we sat down at the table just inside of the dining room. It was currently a small one, but I imagined getting one for entertaining. I envisioned family dinners here in the future and considered converting the office to another guest bedroom.

“Where are you?” Isabelle asked after swallowing a bite of her eggs.

“Our future,” I replied as she smiled. We ate our late breakfast in a comfortable silence, letting our new reality sink in. After dropping the dishes into the sink, I led Isabelle back to my room so we could take full advantage of the empty house. We showered at the last minute and dressed, Isabelle looking for something from the pile on the dresser. She found some jeans and a sweater and slipped it over her head, pulling the wet curls out.

“I kind of wish that I could pick her up at school more often. It seems like she’s there so long,” Isabelle mused as we headed to my car.

“You could work from home sometimes. We both could.”

“You like work,” she reminded me as I laughed.

“Does she enjoy herself?” I asked as she smiled and nodded.

“She does. It was just her and Mom while I was going to school. I think she likes being around other kids,” Isabelle told me as I pulled out to the street.

“She’s just fine. She knows that its quality time when you’re with her. I encourage you to keep it that way and spend some time together one-on-one.” I didn’t want to invade completely in their lives. They only had each other for a while and I didn’t want anyone to forget that. I was glad that Isabelle’s father wasn’t in her life, in part because he sounded like an asshole and because I was selfish.

“You do?” Isabelle asked as I glanced at her at a stoplight.

“Absolutely.” We had a lot of memories to make together since I had a feeling she was the one. Hell, I think I knew that the first time that I met her.

“I am glad that you understand everything that I am scared about.” Isabelle told me, reaching for my hand.

“I am here to work through all of those fears with you. I am here to support you.” I turned down the street that led to the school so we could get a good spot in front. Isabelle warned me about the bad drivers and general chaos of pick up from the few times that she managed to do it. I found a good spot and rolled down the windows before shutting the car off. The breeze was cool and Isabelle smiled as she leaned her head against the cushion.

I watched as other parents pulled up to wait. Some talked on the phone, others read, and I saw a man sleeping. I smiled. I never thought that I’d be a part of this life. “Do you want more kids?” I asked out of the blue as she looked thoughtfully out of the window for a moment.

“I told Mom that I would in the right situation. I wouldn’t want to do it on my own again but I think that Kendra would like to be a big sister. How about you? Do you want kids?” Isabelle looked at me with a curious look in her eyes.

“If anyone would have asked me that three years ago, I’d tell them no way. I was all about working and moving up. To be honest, I never even wanted that with my ex.” I looked at her, taken back by how gorgeous she was. “I think I’d give you a baby right now if you asked me to.” Isabelle blushed and looked down and I sensed that I just overwhelmed her.

“I think there’s time for that,” Isabelle murmured as she gave me a surprised glance. I smirked and glanced over at the school, watching the quiet setting that would soon be filled with kids. When the bell rang, we both watched as little bodies flooded out of the school and parents came to life. I stepped out of the car and watched closely for Kendra, smiling as I watched her appear and look around. I walked forward, and she saw me, smiling as she ran up to me to throw herself in my arms.

I carried her to the car, asking how her day was. Kendra told me in a fast, never ending stream of words as I tried to make sense of it all. Isabelle stepped out and kissed Kendra before she buckled herself into her seat in the back. I gave Isabelle a long look as I started the engine and she smiled at me with a clear understanding on her face. “Are you hungry or do you want to wait for a while?” I asked as I looked in the rear view mirror. After round two, I felt like I could eat again.

Kendra asked me if we could go to a park and Isabelle rolled her eyes at me. I agreed, and we headed to the big park in the middle of the city, parking along the curb. Kendra got out first and went running to the play area as soon as we told her that it was okay. Isabelle reached for my hand and laughed beside me. “She is going to work you for everything she can. Be careful, Mason. She knows how to use those eyes. Works on my dad nearly every time.”

“I’m tougher than that.” I protested as she smirked at me. “It’s good for her to get some fresh air.” We walked to the playground and took a seat on a bench as I searched for her. I thought back to the day at the beach and knew that I’d never forgive myself if it had worked out any differently. I’d do anything to protect my girls.

“I do the same thing on days like this. It’s nice just to hang out together while the sun is out,” Isabelle told me wistfully as I glanced over at her.

“If you’d prefer to stay home, you could. I could support us, Isabelle.” She gave me a shocked look before shaking her head gently.

“No, Mason. I love my job. I just feel guilty that I don’t stay home.” She shrugged. “It is what women are supposed to want. I worked hard to finish school, so I could work.”

“That was before when you were a single mother. It’s different now,” I spoke softly, not wanting to push this.

“I want to keep things just the way they are. Will this step put my job in jeopardy?” Isabelle asked as she looked at me.

“I am not planning on advertising it. I keep my life fairly private.” I did. I knew that the fact that Ken was my uncle was a sore spot for a lot of people. That was when I chose to keep to myself, focusing on working and moving up in the company. It would be a stupid opportunity to blow. “I’d recommend that you do the same for the sake of gossip.”

“I didn’t get the job to make friends. Since I moved here alone with Kendra, I don’t think I’d have time,” Isabelle told me as she watched Kendra running around with some other kids. “I never guessed I’d find all of this.” I kissed her hair as she snuggled against me.

“It caught us both off guard. Believe me,” I assured her as she laughed softly. We watched Kendra playing and laughing in the crisp air for a while. After she was done, Kendra asked if we could get some pizza for dinner. I chuckled and told her that sounded great. We headed to the car, and I took them to a place I loved on the water. It was a bit of a dive but the food was great and I was good friends with the owner.

Isabelle took one of Kendra’s hands while I took the other, walking towards the door. I opened it and ushered them inside, waving at Gio as he called out my name. He finished with his customer and walked out to greet me, wrapping me in a hug. “Mason. It has been a while. How are you?”

“I am great, Gio. I’d like you to meet Isabelle and this is Kendra.” I smiled as he shook their hands and shot me a curious look before glancing around the restaurant. “How about the booth in the back here?”

“Perfect,” I told him as he led us over, calling for a waitress to come over and get our drink order. Isabelle watched with wide eyes as she sat down with Kendra beside her. Once he went to talk to someone else and our drinks were on the way, I looked at Isabelle. “He’s a lot to talk but really a great man.”

“I can see that,” Isabelle replied as she looked around the charming room. “It sure smells good.”

“The Hawaiian is the best. Oh, and they all meat one too.” I felt my stomach growl as I looked at Kendra. “What kind do you want?”

“I like pepperoni. Can I have my own?” She asked as Isabelle laughed.

“Of course,” I replied as the waitress brought our drinks and asked if we needed more time. I looked around the table and was met with smiles and told Kendra to go first. She ordered a pepperoni pizza and Isabelle interjected to tell the girl a small once she asked how many slices there were. We ordered a large all meat and a salad to share and I sat back as we were left alone again. I looked at Isabelle and she smiled encouragingly at me.

“There’s something we’d like to talk to you about, Kendra.” Isabelle said as the little girl looked at us. Isabelle moistened her lips and looked at me nervously. “I talked to Mason today while we were working and we thought of an idea. How would you like to move into his condo and stay there?” She looked nervous as Kendra’s mouth dropped open and she stared at me.

“I can bring my toys over there?” I nodded and Isabelle smiled at her. “What about our apartment, Mommy? What about Nan?” They’d become close over the last few months and Isabelle stroked her hair.

“We could visit Nan anytime that you wanted. We could take her to dinner and show her Seattle.” Isabelle assured her as I watched her face.

“We could even invite her over for dinner,” I offered as they both looked at me.

“Would you both take me to school?” Kendra asked as I looked at Isabelle, nodding.

“We would. We could probably both pick you up most of the time as well.” I told her as Kendra reached for her lemonade.

“I like that idea. I love your house.” Kendra told him as she scrunched her nose up. “I think we should live there. Can we get a puppy?”

Isabelle choked on her drink as I laughed and we looked at each other. “Let’s think that over. We have work to do before we can get a pet.”

“What work?” Kendra asked as I smiled.

“I want to make your room pretty for you. Want to go look at some stores and find paint and stuff you’d like to put up?’ Kendra’s eyes widened as Isabelle cleared her throat.

“Yes!!” Kendra shouted as Isabelle looked around.

“Calm down, sweetie. There’s other people here eating dinner.” She looked at me and smiled with shimmering eyes. “I have always wanted to have a place where that can make ours. I was working towards that.”

“I own it so go crazy. What’s your favorite color, Kendra?” I asked as she smiled knowingly. “Are you making me guess?” Kendra nodded. I thought back to some things that she’d worn and narrowed my eyes thoughtfully as the waitress delivered our food. “Pink?” Kendra shook her head, and I sighed dramatically as I thought some more. “Purple?”

“Yes. I want purple walls and pretty curtains.” Kendra told me as Isabelle handed us plates.

“We’ll do some looking around after dinner.” I told her as Isabelle reached for a fork and stabbed some salad. We started eating, and I saw Kendra smiling as she talked about the house and noticed Isabelle becoming more emotional. When we left, we got Kendra secured, and I closed the door before asking Isabelle if she was okay.

“I’m fine. You made her so happy. I never thought that she’d have someone like you in her life.” I pulled her close to me and held her as she breathed in.

“I love her, too.” I assured her as she hugged me. We made our way to the passenger door, and I got her inside before walking around to my door.

“Can we sleep there before my room is done?” Kendra asked as Isabelle smiled at me.

“Of course. We can bring some stuff over a little each day.” I promised her as Isabelle chuckled. “Do you have clothes for school tomorrow?”

“Yep can we take the fancy car again? My friends thought that was so cool,” Kendra bragged as I smiled at her.

“That car is for special days. We used it for the ride home from the airport that day. You’ll be in it again. Don’t worry,” I assured her as I pulled out of the parking lot and headed towards one of the big home stores.

CHAPTER 25

Isabelle

I knew it was a school night but it wouldn’t hurt to shop for a little while. I made sure that Kendra didn’t have homework and smiled as Mason parked close to the door. It was going to take some time to make it through this huge building but tonight was mostly for ideas… I hoped. We got out of the car and walked inside as Kendra’s eyes nearly jumped out of her head. I didn’t think that she would sleep at all tonight at this point.

We went to the paint section and looked at the selections, and Mason bought three cans of the pale lavender that Kendra liked to have ready to go. We also discussed the bed and if she liked the one that he had in the room already, which she did. The one at our apartment was old and needed replacing and his was a queen-sized mattress. Mason grabbed some bedding that matched the paint and tossed it into the cart, adding a few pillows that she liked as I shot him a look. This wasn’t going to be cheap, but he leaned in to assure me that he could afford this and much more. We looked at other stuff for ideas: dressers, storage, a closet organizer and chair. We took pictures of those and after an hour, I insisted that we get back to the condo so she could go to bed. Mason paid for the stuff we did select and loaded it into the back of the SUV before driving us home. He asked if I needed anything and I assured him that I was fine for a few days, having washed clothes in his house over the week.

Kendra led the way to the elevator as Mason grabbed the bedding. He’d bring the paint up one-by-one and we rode the car up to his floor, where Kendra ran to his door. He unlocked it and we walked inside where he set the large bag down by the couch. I glanced at the clock, seeing that it was seven and she should start getting ready. “Do you want a bath or shower?” I asked Kendra as she looked at me from the windows.

“I want a bath. Can I call Grandma and tell her that we’re moving here when I’m done?” Kendra talked to my parents at least every other day and I swallowed nervously. I knew that my parents liked him and would approve, but some part of me worried that it was too soon. I probably always would.

“You sure can. They always love talking to you.” I went to the hallway bathroom to run hot water, adding some of her favorite cherry bubbles. This tub was large and more like a pool for my little girl, and I smiled at the toys that we’d discovered inside on our first night there. I got her set up and left the door open to listen and I went to get a glass of wine. Mason was working at the table on his laptop and I smiled as I asked him if he’d like some wine.

“That sounds great.” I brought him a glass and leaned in to kiss him, still listening for her giggles in the bathroom. “I was thinking that we could turn the office into a guest room and add a desk out here for work. Something small. We could just as easily work on the couch.”

“You’re rearranging your whole life for us,” I teased as I kissed him again.

“It would be great to have a room for family to stay. I don’t want anyone to have to get a hotel if they visit. We can get a kind-sized bed in there and make it cozy.” He said as I smiled.

“I am sure that Kendra would let my mom sleep in her room if need be. That and any kids that might come over.” He nodded, and I gazed into his gorgeous eyes. I could still hear her chattering but I pulled away with a soft smile. “I’m going to observe her. That tub is like a pool!”

Mason went back to work as I took my wine to the bathroom, sitting on the toilet as Kendra chatted with me about anything and everything. I made her get out after half an hour and made sure she was dressed in pajamas before giving her my phone. Kendra carried it to the couch and dialed as I sat near her, my heart beating nervously. I never even took this step with Jackson. I could hear the conversation and winced as Kendra made the big announcement, relaxing when I heard what was clearly Mom’s happy squeal. Kendra told her all about the shopping trip and what we bought and looked at as I looked at Mason across the room. Once she announced that we were sleeping here tonight, I urged her to brush her teeth and took the phone. “Hi, Mom.”

“I am so happy for you. He is a good man, Belle. He will take such good care of the both of you.” I remained quiet, and she chuckled. “He’s in the room. Tell him congratulations for me.”

“You’re okay with this?” I asked softly as she laughed at me.

“I am aware of the times that we live in. I think it’s a great idea for people that are serious about one another. You learn a lot about people.” We talked for a while before I hung up to tuck Kendra in, and we both kissed her good night before closing the door. Mason turned me to the wall and kissed me hungrily as he tugged my hips closer to him.

“Now I want to tuck you in,” he murmured as I wrapped my arms around his neck. We made our way to the master bedroom and closed the door, kissing all the way to bed. I was a little worried about Kendra getting up but she slept well here and had to be tired after the excitement of the evening.

Mason picked me up and tossed me on the bed, crawling over me to kiss my neck. “You both made me so happy tonight.” He sucked gently at my skin as I moaned and pulled him closer. We undressed, and I looked over to make sure the door was locked although I had no idea what I’d tell Kendra about why it was like that. Mason turned to his back, and I crawled over him, lowering my nipple into his mouth as he sucked blissfully hard. I moaned, reminding myself that we weren’t alone right now. I dropped my pussy over his stomach, feeling my dampness as he groaned. I moved slowly down, sliding up and down his cock that was pressed against him as my clit tingled. “I don’t care what happens but I need to be inside of you bare. I have to feel you.”

“There’s already a little girl here that will drive us plenty crazy. You don’t even want to know what it’s like with a newborn,” I warned him, staring at him to see if her was serious.

“It would be worth it,” Mason told me as I laughed softly and reached for a condom.

“I’ll see to an appointment to fix that next week,” I promised as I pulled back and dropped the strip on the bed before lowering my face down to take him in my mouth. He clutched my head, holding me there as he moved with me. Once he was ready, I let him push me back and rolled the latex over him. Mason pushed me to my back and slid my legs to his shoulders before sliding inside of me. “I want to scream so bad,” I told him as he reached a different part of me.

“We are going to make a point of that on a regular basis,” Mason promised me as he pulled back and then slid right back in. He kept my feet firm against his skin and I closed my eyes, relaxing with the feeling of Mason sliding so deep. I held it in as I came but he could see me struggling as I trembled before him.

Mason fucked me harder, sliding into my slick pussy easily as he moved towards his own release. I breathed in and out as mine just kept going, feeling him jerk and then still. Mason stared down at me before dropping to the messy bed and breathing in deeply. “We’re going to do that every damn night now.”

“I hope so,” I agreed as he stretched and grinned. I got ready for bed in the bathroom as he checked to make sure everything was secured for the night and returned to the bedroom. He closed the door and joined me under the covered once he pulled some shorts on. Kendra did wake us up one night when she was feeling sick and he had to hide the fact that he was naked under the blankets until I took her to her own room. Lesson learned. I already had a large shirt on and snuggled against him as I closed my eyes. “I’m so happy. I love you so much.” I knew that it would be a lot to give up the apartment and decide what we wanted to keep as opposed to selling. There was a lot of old stuff that could stand to be tossed away as well and I wondered what the plan with paying the bills was.

“How are we going to do bills? Split them?” I asked as he kissed my hair.

“That’s not necessary but I know you’re not going to let me be your sugar daddy,” Mason joked as I hot his shoulder. “We’ll discuss it. I didn’t ask you to live here to pay bills.”

“I know but I work, too. This needs to be fair.” I pulled him closer. “I brought living, breathing baggage with me that you are spoiling rotten.”

“It’s fun to see her so happy,” Mason told me which I couldn’t argue. We fell quiet as the quiet of the room lulled me to sleep as well as his warm embrace.

I woke up to the alarm and blinked, feeling rested. I knew that I had a few minutes to make coffee and shower before waking Kendra up and looked over at Mason as he stirred. “Rise and shine,” I murmured as he opened one eye before rolling me to my back. I gasped as he slipped between my legs, finding me wet. Mason leaned down to kiss me and we made love slowly, more of a morning style. I jumped out of bed after that, but from being a little behind schedule as well as feeling a thousand more times awake.

I made coffee while Mason showered and dressed for the office. After he was done, I roused Kendra and took my shower. I knew that she would spend some time at the window as she always did and had a few minutes. I dried my hair partly and pulled on a wrap dress before applying a little of the makeup that I brought over before going out for a second cup of coffee. Kendra was already in leggings and a sweater and eating toast at the counter as she talked to Mason.

I stopped and took in the morning, knowing that this was my life now. I like that idea and I kept walking in, pouring some coffee and asking Kendra how she slept. We finished up everything we needed to do before school and headed out together to drop her off. Kendra leaned forward to kiss us both before running to the doors and I smiled as he pulled away from the curb. “Now work.”

“It’s just another day at the office. Nothing different. Maybe we’ll stay out of my office as much now that we’re at the house together.” I looked at him as he laughed. “Maybe not.” We continued to the garage and parked, getting out together as a few people glanced at us. We’d talked about this and agreed to take one car if we were working the same hours. Someone needed to pick up Kendra and if he worked late for any reason, I agreed to take my own care. I loved his Range Rover though.

We took the elevator up, stopping for coffee on the way. Mason headed into his office while I sat down to warm up the computer, looking around as I thought back to yesterday with a smile. It was great taking the day off with Mason but I still felt a bit guilty. I knew we’d catch up just fine. I sipped my coffee and opened the programs that I’d need, skimming emails to see if there was anything that needed immediate attention.

“Look who decided to show up today.” I looked up at the sound of Hannah’s voice and knew that she was teasing by the smile on her face as I relaxed.

“Ken told me to take it since they arrived yesterday. I was dressed to come in.” I winked at her as she giggled.

“I am sure you were undressed soon after that,” Hannah said under her breath as the office door opened. I blushed and Mason walked over to greet her. “Good morning. How was London?”

“It went well. We networked a lot and probably got some more clients.” He replied as he looked at me.

“I work in the wrong department. I need to get in on one of these trips,” Hannah halfheartedly grumbled with a smile on her face. “Of course, you probably want to go much more than I do.” She gave me a sympathetic smile, and I grinned back.

“Someday. I need to take care of Kendra right now.” I looked up at Mason as he smiled lovingly at me.

“I’ll watch her. She sounds like a great kid.” Hannah had not been to either of our places yet but I knew she’d be a hit with my daughter.

“You do have to meet sometime,” I agreed as I considered telling her our good news.

“You should stop by our place for dinner,” Mason suggested in a low voice as she furrowed her brows and looked at him.

“Your place? As in you live together?” She confirmed as he nodded with a smile.

“How does that affect the job?” I asked her as she shook her head and laughed.

“It’s nothing to worry about. You guys are both important to the company and it sounds like the owner is on board. Kiss ass.” Hannah turned her head as some people walked by. “I’d love to.”

“It’s very new and a work in progress but soon.” We talked for a few more moments before she headed to her office for an orientation as Mason asked me to lunch with him later. I agreed but once he was gone, I wondered if Mason would tire of me. Working together was already a lot, particularly as his assistant. Living together and everything else was going to be a lot of time spent with one another, but I hoped that it worked out.

We went to lunch at the deli and finished our day before picking Kendra up. We wanted to cook at home tonight and just have a relaxing evening in. There was enough food to make fried chicken, vegetables and salad so I told Kendra to start on her homework while I cooked. Mason took the time to sit and help her as I glanced over, feeling love fill my heart. I knew that the house wouldn’t be ready right away the way we wanted, and that I had a lot of work at the apartment, but we could do it together,

We got Kendra in a bath early and she was eager to go to bed in her new room. I washed the sheets during dinner and made the bed with her new bed-in-a-bag and she loved it. I loved going to bed with Mason in our room, making love gratefully. I would never get enough of this man and I pulled him closer as he pressed into me, whispering my name.

I was concerned when I found out that I was pregnant with Kendra and it was a long road. I was appreciative of everything that my family did for me and proud that I got a place for us. Mason offered us so much more and I’d always love him for that and I pulled him closer to me as we rested after he dropped beside me.

CHAPTER 26

Mason

It took about a month to get the house the way we wanted. We painted Kendra’s room first and bought some new furniture to freshen it up and make it look like a little girl’s room. She loved it and we then focused on making the office a guest room with some old furniture from Kendra’s new room. It would be great for visiting family and friends and when we were done with that, we gave the living room a makeover.

I hired someone to clean Isabelle’s old apartment once she’d gone through everything. She kept very little since most of the furniture was hand-me-downs and some of it came with the lease.

I loved having them at the condo with me, but I was already thinking ahead to buying us a house near the water. It would be great to have a backyard for Kendra and some more room for the other kids that we would be having. I knew that I wanted one or two of my own once we got married and settled in somewhere else.

Isabelle stayed as my assistant and we still worked well together. We kept it professional there and saved all of our affection for home and when we were out together. I kept it light in front of Kendra in the beginning, but she urged us to kiss and hug all the time. She liked it and told us that she wanted to be the same way with her boyfriend someday, which made Isabelle urge her to take her time with that. I only thought ahead to being the overprotective father since Kendra was gorgeous. She looked a lot like her mom. I didn’t want anyone hurting her the way her birth father did to Isabelle. It still showed in her eyes sometimes and I’d tell her that everything was okay when she froze around me.

We decided to go to my family’s house for Thanksgiving the first year and have hers join us for Christmas. Since mine was already close, we did the main celebration there and combined everybody. It was chaotic but also perfect and Kendra was bouncing all over the place, talking to everybody. She got far too many gifts, but I knew that we had the room. Kendra deserved it.

I fell more in love with Isabelle by the day and asked her about selling the condo and buying a house around our second anniversary. She agreed, and we started to shop, including Kendra in the decision. She was mature beyond her years and I loved watching her grow up. We ended up finding a nice six-bedroom place with a great view of the water that wasn’t too far from work. I used some of my inheritance money to put towards it in the beginning and we would both pay the mortgage from there. Isabelle was making great money now and headed towards taking my job when Ken decided to step back.

We moved into the house and I made plans for the next step, in cahoots with her mom. Isabelle was busy with Kendra and helping with her school around work, so I don’t think she caught on. Life was busy in the best way possible and I helped out where I could and made Isabelle’s life easier. I spoiled both of them, buying new stuff for the house when they saw something that they liked at a store. In that process, we also taught Kendra that you had to work for what you wanted. She knew that we worked hard at the office and came in to help out here and there as she got older. Kendra was a hit at the office and charmed everyone and it made me want to have more babies as soon as possible.

EPILOGUE

Isabelle

Life was hectic. There was no denying that, but I loved helping out at school as much as I could. I also took work very seriously and looked forward to learning more and advancing. I also loved working with Mason but aware of the fact that we might not always work so closely.

We cherished our time at home. The new house was beautiful, and I was glad that I let him take me into it. Kendra spent a lot of time in the specious backyard and we could work while we watched her, assuming one of us wasn’t down there with her. She had friends over as she got older and I enjoyed seeing her growing close to other girls.

I loved when the house was quiet, and I joined Mason in bed. Despite the time that we’d been together and our busy lives, there was still just as much heat between us as there was the first time. I’d kept my promise and gotten on some birth control but a part of me wanted to drop it and get pregnant. Mason was amazing with Kendra and talked about adopting her. Jackson was never on the birth certificate and nothing was stopping it. That was great, but I wanted more and I wondered if he wanted to marry me. I knew that I wanted it with him but we had time. We did have this house and a great life together that included family and friends and everything else would come in time.

Our third Christmas approached, and it was cold outside. Everyone was coming here to celebrate, and the moms were going to help in the kitchen. With the big house, it just made sense. We had the two weeks of Kendra’s break off from going in but we’d work from home when we could. Ken supported his staff taking time with their families on the holiday, especially since we had Kendra. I was excited to host a holiday and never thought I’d be here this soon, but I knew it was because of Mason.

We picked her up from school the day before her holiday vacation and took her to dinner at her favorite pizza place. We’d just had a quiet Thanksgiving with his family and chosen to make Christmas the big holiday. We took her home and settled in to watch a movie, complete with popcorn and candy. It was just us for a few days until family started to arrive and we were going to relax. I changed into leggings and a sweatshirt for the occasion and snuggled against Mason with Kendra to my side, fixated on the latest Disney film.

Kendra fell asleep on the couch and Mason carried her to bed upstairs. We had our bedrooms on the same floor and the two guest rooms on the first floor and he tucked her in before leading me down the hallway to our room. We’d locked up for the night and Mason closed our door before I stretched and walked to the bed. I was looking forward to sleeping in a little tomorrow and just hanging around the house. We still had some decoration to do before everyone arrived and Kendra was looking forward to it. I looked out of the window to the full moon and smiled as I lifted my shirt over my head. Mason walked up behind me wrapped his arms around me as I grinned.

“I am so happy with you.” I practically whispered the words, but he heard me and pulled me against him.

“I have never been happier. We have a beautiful daughter and everything is falling into place just the way that I want.” I frowned before turning to look at him.

“Falling into place?” I queried as he smiled and leaned down to kiss me.

“Yep.” Mason led me to bed, and I slipped out of my leggings as he watched in the light cast from outside. He pulled me close to kiss me and pressed me down to the mattress as he held his body above mine.

“You have too many clothes on,” I told him before I pulled him down for another kiss. I tugged at his sweatshirt and Mason laughed against my lips. He tormented me for a bit longer before standing to undress as I watched hungrily. I loved his body and the work that he put into it. I appreciated the fact that he got me to exercise more in our basement home gym because I’d never felt better. I pulled off my underwear and dropped back on the bed as he crawled up between my legs and spread them wide. I moaned as he pressed his mouth between my legs and started tracing my folds with his tongue. Mason knew just what to do and drew me closer to a release before he sucked my clit into his mouth and sent me over the edge. “God,” I moaned as he wrapped his arms around my thighs and held me still. I trembled as he pulled away and looked up at me with mischievous eyes.

“No, just Mason.” I laughed as he moved to his knees. “I want you bent over for me.” I widened my eyes and hurried to get there for him, raising my ass into the air. “I hope she’s sleeping hard tonight.” Mason moved closer and held me as he pressed inside of me. I moaned, feeling him deep inside as he filled me. I rocked back against him and he gripped my hips as he kept thrusting into me. We both came together, and I dropped to my stomach as he fell over me.

“Oh, God,” I moaned as my body tingled everywhere. Mason rolled onto his back beside me and took a few deep breaths. “How does that get better?”

“We’re good together. That will always get better.” Mason assured me as I smiled at him. “I am glad that we get some time at home this week.”

“Me, too. I think there needs to be a lot of that in the next two weeks. We can stay up all night.” I giggled, and he grinned wickedly.

“That sounds fantastic.” We pulled on some clothes and crawled under the covers together to get some sleep. I knew that Kendra would probably be waking up fairly early, so I wanted to be ready for her.

The week passed quickly as we decorated and cleaned up the house and soon Mason was sending the car to pick people up at the airport. Everyone declined the company jet but he wouldn’t budge on picking them up. I got Kendra some dinner as my parents landed and were headed to the house. She was excited about Grandma and Grandpa coming and talked about showing them the house as she ate. Mason finished talking to his own family that were leaving the following day to come to stay with us and walked into the kitchen to check on her. “Excited Ken?” He asked as she nodded. His phone rang, and he checked it, telling us the car was here. Kendra jumped up and ran to the front door as we laughed and followed her outside to meet them. Hugs were exchanged and Mason helped with their luggage as Mom let Kendra lead her into the house.

Mom and Dad looked around the large living room and told us how beautiful it was. She walked into the spacious chef’s kitchen to look around, gushing about the appliances and the large island as I followed. The men were discussing the huge mantel that was the focal point of the room as well as the giant TV on the other wall. Kendra followed us and asked if she could show Mom the room they would be using and then her room. Mom laughed and followed her as I reached for a glass to get some water.

“Did you two want to go out for a date night?” Dad asked as he walked into the kitchen. “We can take care of Kendra. We miss her and would love some time with her.” I heard voices going up the stairs and smiled as I considered the idea.

“Yeah, that might be fun. I hate to leave just as you walk through the door,” Mason told him as Dad clapped him on the back.

“We’re here for a week. You guys have busy lives and need some time alone. Go for it.”

Mason asked what I wanted to do, and I suggested dinner. I made something for Kendra but hadn’t eaten much myself today and he agreed. We walked up to our room to change into some better pants and warm sweaters and I slipped my feet into heeled boots for the night. We went to Kendra’s room where she and Mom were sitting on the bed talking. “I see Dad talked to you.” She smiled knowingly as I gazed back at her.

“You work hard. You deserve to go out and have some fun. We will have a lot of fun together.” I had purchased all the supplies for them to make cookies and I knew that Kendra was looking forward to that. Mason led me to the garage after we told everyone good night, opening the door to the SUV for me. We decided to go to the little Italian place that we loved and he headed towards the city as I gazed at him.

“I love you.” I smiled as he stopped at a light and looked over at me.

“I love you.” He replied as he reached for my hand. I held it as we kept driving and Mason parked in the small lot, finally letting go to lean across the car and kiss him. We made our way inside and greeted Gio with hugs as he asked where Kendra was. This was a popular place for us to come and we smiled as Mason pulled me close. “Date night.”

“In that case, let me show you our most romantic table.” Gio’s eyes twinkled as he grabbed two menus and led us to a round booth that faced away enough from everyone else that we would have privacy while still being helped. He lit a candle and told us that he was sending us a bottle of their house wine, waving his hand as I protested.

We enjoyed our meals and relaxed as we talked about the holidays and the surprises that we had in store for Kendra. I picked what we bought her carefully, selecting things that would be useful and help her learn but Mason urged me to just let her have some fun. It was a perfect balance when I looked closely at it and she was going to have a wonderful Christmas morning.

We finished dinner and went for dessert at our favorite ice cream shop before heading back. It was late enough that everyone might be asleep since we lingered much longer than we ever could with Kendra. The house was dark when we pulled into the garage and Mason turned off the engine. He grinned at me as we walked inside, finding everything dark as we looked around. “I’ll bet you anything that she’s sleeping in their room or Mom is with her,” I whispered as we headed upstairs. We went into our room and he pressed me against the door as he kissed me hard. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him down for a longer one as Mason slipped his hands down to grip my ass. He carried me to bed, and I slid down his body to my knees before lifting the sweater over my head. I’d had a few glasses of wine and was feeling aroused as I giggled and he shook his head at me.

“We’re not alone here. Remember that.” Mason whispered as he removed my bra and leaned down to suck a nipple into his mouth. I moaned and slipped my hands into his hair as I pulled him closer. Once he’d finished, I reached down to unbutton his pants and slide them down, moving to my knees as I took him into my mouth. Mason moaned and slid a hand into my hair as I bobbed forward, taking him deep into my throat. I kept it slow and teasing until he pushed me away and onto my back. Mason slipped his pants off before stripping mine from me and took me hard as I let out a breath, keeping quiet as the sensation flooded my body. I started to rock with him, wrapping my legs around his body as he thrust deeper. “Baby, you feel so good.”

“Mason… I love you so much.” I murmured as I edged closer to an explosive release. It hit me as I gripped him tightly, feeling him jerk and come inside of me as me moaned my name. We slowed and Mason kissed me softly as I felt myself falling even harder for him. We fell asleep locked in each other’s arms, exhausted from the strenuous lovemaking. I knew that Kendra would get up with my parents and they’d likely cook breakfast for us. Mom loved to spoil me whenever she had the chance.

His parents came in the following night and I loved watching our families get along so well. His siblings were coming on Christmas Eve. It was going to be exciting, and I was eager to host a fun Christmas with the help of everyone there. We cooked dinner when everyone was there and just talked and laughed through it, sipping wine as Kendra listened to us cuddled in his sister’s arms. I heard the doorbell halfway through the meal and glanced around, not expecting anyone. “I’ll get it!” Kendra said as she jumped down and ran towards the door, followed by Mason.

There were a flurry of voices and Hannah walked in with them, smiling at something that Mason said. “Hello there. I’m so sorry that I’m late.” She came over and hugged me, laughing at the confusion on my face. “Mason invited me and with all the excitement, it looks like he forgot to tell you.”

“Yes, he did. I’m still excited to see you.” I hugged her back and Mom ushered her into a seat and insisted on filling her plate. Hannah settled in and we kept talking as she ate with Kendra sitting in her lap now. They loved each other as expected.

We made our way to the tree where we were opening family gifts for the night. There was a mountain of brightly wrapped gifts under the branches and Kendra handed them out as we gathered on couches and the floor. She opened the ten presents in front of herself first as we watched. There were toys, clothes, books and even a small jewelry box that she opened last. Her eyes widened, and she looked at Mason as he smiled at her. “Take care of that, Kendra. I think you deserve such a pretty necklace but you have to be careful with it.”

He helped her put it on and I moved over to look at the shimmering moon around her neck. “That’s gorgeous, Mason.”

He was quiet, and I turned around to see him kneeling before me on one knee. I looked around the room and everyone was smiling at us as I turned my gaze back to him. “You deserve something pretty, too.” He held a box in his hand as he wet his lips. “You have changed my life, Isabelle. I knew the moment that I saw you that you were special and fate intervened by having you waiting for me at work. I love you more than anything and I would love for you to spend the rest of your life with me.” I slid down to the floor with him and felt wetness on my cheeks. “Will you marry me, Isabelle?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” I murmured, leaning in to kiss him without abandon. I felt little arms around me and pulled away to hear Kendra crying along with us. “Oh, sweetie.”

“You’re a part of this, sweetheart. Will you join us as a family?” Mason asked her as I started to cry harder. By the time Kendra said yes, everyone was crying. Hannah came over and hugged us first, telling us how happy she was. My parents were next and his family followed, hugging the three of us tightly.

It felt like hours later that we were alone in bed with everyone sleeping in other parts of the house. I stared at my ring in the light of the moon for what felt like the millionth time, marveling at the princess cut diamond surrounded by smaller gems down the band. It was gorgeous. In the excitement of it all, we forgot about that part for a few minutes but Mason made a big display of slipping it on my finger. It only caused chaos all over again, but I loved every moment of it. He touched my face gently and turned it to face him, asking if he could make love to his fiancee. I smiled and leaned in for a hungry kiss, one that I’d wanted since the moment that he asked me to marry him.

The kiss heated up and soon I was crawling over him, desperate to have him inside of me. I sank down as he filled me, breathing out to stay quiet. I wanted him alone right now so much and murmured that we needed a hotel room. “The house will be empty soon and I think there will be some time when they take Ken out. We’ll get our time and make full use of it.”

“I hope so,” I whispered as I started to ride him harder. He gripped my body and began to rock with me, finding our perfect rhyme. We moved without moans and cried, but whispered ‘I love you’s as we came together. I pressed against him when we were done, smiling to myself. “Mason?” I asked as he stroked the damp skin of my back gently.

“Yes, baby?”

“I want to try for a baby,” I whispered as he stilled. “I think we should start trying in the new year.” He moved to kiss me hard, and I felt his hands in my hair, gripping me.

“That is one of the best presents that I could ask for.” He kissed me again and slowly rolled me over, still inside of me. “Let’s practice.” I laughed and pulled him closer to deepen the kiss, feeling him harden inside of me.