The bed’s cold when I wake, but it’s still dark.

My alarm clock tells me it’s a little after two. I could roll over and go back to sleep, but Ginny’s absence worries me. Has she had second thoughts?

I stagger into the hallway, half asleep, and take a couple of steps before hearing a soft voice singing. Ginny’s sitting on Ava’s bed, stroking her hair and singing “The Owl and the Pussycat”. It takes a moment, but she smiles when she notices me.

“She okay?”

Ginny nods. “She is now. I heard her crying and came in here to find she’d wet the bed. She was so scared she’d be in trouble.”

“In trouble?”

“I get the feeling that somewhere along the way she’s been with someone who’s told her that. She kept saying ‘Heidi said it was naughty.’ Any idea who Heidi is?” She continues to stroke Ava’s hair as she whispers.

I shrug. “At a guess, one of the places she stayed in the past few weeks.”

“Well, I made sure she knows it’s not naughty. She’s four, and she’s been through this crazy, traumatic experience. How could anyone tell her that?”

Walking to the bed, I squat beside it, and lay my hand on Ava’s head. “I don’t know, but she’ll never be treated like that here.”

“I found the spare sheets in the linen cupboard, and I had to dress her in what I could find. She’s only got one pair of pyjamas. The washing machine’s on.”

“Thank you.” Nodding, I sigh. “I’m sure there’s some huge legal process to go through with the estate. For the moment, she’s been left with only a small amount of stuff. I need to get her more things.”

“We’ll go shopping tomorrow.”

My breath catches. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I can and I will. We’ll go for a drive and get some new clothes.” Ginny places her hand over mine. “We’ll have her feeling like this is home in no time.”

My heart surges with emotion, and I love this woman. I love what she does for me. I love what she’s willing to do for us.

I take her by the hand. “Come here.”

Leading her out to the hallway, I wrap my arms around her.

“Move in with us.”

Her eyes widen. “What?”

“Not just for Ava. For me. I feel like tonight things changed for us, changed for the better.”

“Me too. But I’m not going to move in. Not yet.”

I swallow. “Okay.”

“I need to know that you want me to move in for you, for us. Not just for Ava.”

I flick a lock of her hair back. “What do you mean?”

“You now have a four-year-old, and all of a sudden the biggest commitment-phobe I know wants me to move in?”

Sighing, I stand and pull her into my chest. “It’s a massive step for me, but if I’m going to do this with anyone, I want it to be you.”

“Why me?”

I cup her chin, raising her gaze to meet mine. Even in the half light, those emerald eyes stir something in me. “Do you want to know why I’ve always steered clear of commitment?”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“I promise I’ll get to it.”

She rolls her eyes. “Tell me.”

“My dad had an affair.”

Her mouth drops open. “Your father?”

“He doesn’t know I know, but I saw him once. Wrong place, wrong time. I was twelve. My parents had their moments when they fought, but I thought they were solid. I realised I was wrong.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispers.

“I never wanted to do that to someone, never wanted to let them down. So I decided that I wouldn’t settle down with one person. That way, no one gets hurt, right?”

“Oh, Owen.” Her eyes brim with tears.

“And then I met you, and everything made sense. Maybe it’s because I know for a fact I’d never stray. I love you.”

Her breath hitches. “I love you too.”

“You’re the first woman I’ve ever said that to.” I kiss her forehead as her brows twitch.

“Really?”

“Before you, I never wanted the morning after. I still don’t know if saying ‘I love you’ is enough, because the way you make me feel? It’s endless. It’s like my heart is about a million times bigger, because that’s what being with you does to me.”

Her lower lip wobbles, and tears run down her cheeks.

“I’ll wait however long it takes for you to be ready to move in with me. I’m not going anywhere.”

Ginny wraps her arms around my neck and holds on tight. Maybe meeting her was destiny too, like all the pieces of my life coming together at once.

“You need to learn to be a father to Ava before we can take this further.”

“I know,” I whisper. “But I still want you to be part of my life.”

She lets go and nods. “I’ll still stay over some nights. It’s just really important that you and Ava bond.”

“Don’t forget that Ava’s going to have a couple of uncles I’m sure will be willing to babysit from time to time.” I grin. “Not to mention cousins. Can you imagine Max’s reaction to this?”

Ginny laughs. “She’ll follow him everywhere.”

“It’ll give him a lesson on how much of a pest having a younger sister can be.”

She nods.

“Let’s go back to bed.” I walk back into the bedroom, and press a kiss to Ava’s forehead. She stirs, but her eyes stay closed. None of this feels real, but I guess we just have to take things as they come.

As I exit the room, I take Ginny’s hand in mine, and lead her back to my room. She nestles in against my chest, and I close my eyes.

For the first time, my little flat feels like a family home.

Giggles float through the air, and the sound of Ava and Ginny laughing makes me smile.

I climb out of bed and make my way to the living room doorway.

They’ve made up a bed on the couch, snuggling under a blanket while watching cartoons on television. Signs of breakfast sit on the coffee table. It all makes my heart full.

“Hey, you two.”

“Morning, babe.” Ginny raises her face for me to kiss, and I linger on her lips.

“How long have you been up?”

“Not that long. Ava was awake when I got up to use the bathroom, so I thought we’d get breakfast out of the way before we go shopping.” She grimaces. “We do have the small problem of not having the right car seat for her.”

“Shit.”

“But there’s a store in Carlstown that’ll have them. We just have to get there.”

I shake my head. “I’ll call Adam and Lily and see if Rose has a suitable one we can steal.”

Ginny nods. “I guess it depends on the type of seat they have, but that’s a good idea.”

“Can you imagine them when I ask for it?”

She laughs. “I’m guessing you haven’t told them about Ava?”

“No one knows but you. And Mel.”

“I bet she was surprised.”

I nod. “You could say that. I’ll give Lily a call now. The sooner we can get going, the better.”

Picking up my phone, I call Lily.

“Hello?”

I grin at the sound of Max’s voice. “Hey, Max. It’s Owen. Is your mum there?”

“Mum, it’s Owen,” he yells. I hold my phone away from my ear and laugh.

“Owen?” Lily sounds concerned, but I guess it’s because I don’t call her often.

“Hey, Lily. I was wondering if I could ask you a favour?”

“Anything.”

“I need to borrow a child’s car seat for a few hours, and I was wondering about Rose’s. Is it suitable for a four-year-old?”

Lily pauses. “Should be. We’ll just need to adjust the harness, and you can use it forward facing. What’s this all about?”

“There’s something I need to tell you and Adam.”

“Owen?”

“Can I come over and get the car seat? I’ll explain then.”

“Sure thing. I look forward to it.”

I shove my phone in my pocket. “I’m just going to pop over and pick up the car seat. Lily seems to think it’ll be okay. We can drop it off on the way home.”

“Sounds good. We’ll keep entertained here for a while longer.”

I smile, and make my way around the couch to Ava. “I’m just going out for a little while, and when I get back, we’ll go for a car ride.”

She nods.

“On the way home, you can come and meet Uncle Adam and Auntie Lily. They’re going to love seeing you.”

Her blue eyes widen. This is a kid who has no extended family. Or didn’t until now. This has got to be scary and exciting.

“Be back soon, kiddo.”

The thought of telling Adam and Lily about Ava makes me feel a mix of nervous and excited. Sure, I have concerns about my ability to parent, but that she’s now got somewhere stable to live makes me determined to give her the best life possible.

Lily’s standing beside the dining table when I enter the house with a quick knock on the open door, and her eyebrows shoot up at the sight of me.

“Why do you need a car seat?”

I let out a loud breath. “Hello to you too. Because I just found out I have a daughter. And she’s living with me now.”

“What?” Her mouth drops open.

“Cara and Ryan Mitchell’s daughter. I’m her real father.” I fist my hands. “Thankfully Cara left a will with that little piece of information. Ava’s been bounced from home to home these past few weeks. Ginny’s at home with her now while I sort out this seat.”

“Oh, God, Owen.” Lily sinks into a chair.

“I know. It’s a lot to take in.”

“You never suspected?”

I shrug. “Cara was happy. That’s all I wanted. I didn’t pay any attention to the timeline of it all. I’d well moved on by the time Ava was born.”

“I’m glad it’s you.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“What would have happened if you weren’t in the picture? What if Ava was Ryan’s? She’d still be floating from family to family, but now she has her family.”

Gulping, I nod. “You’re right.”

“If there’s anything we can do, just let us know.”

“Well, I need the car seat until we get one in Carlstown. But I will bring her back here to meet you.”

Lily smiles. “I’d love that. I’ll put Rose’s seat in your car, but get the shop to show you how to fit the new one.”

“I don’t know if I’m up to this, Lily.”

She stands, wrapping her arms around my waist. “You’ve always been more capable than you think. Don’t sell yourself short.”

“I know, but how the hell can I do this? It’s huge.”

Lily leans her head into my chest. “We’ll be here if you need help, or even if you want to drop her off for some time out. How did Ginny take the news?”

“Surprisingly well. I thought she might freak out more, given that we’ve been trying to take things slow. But she took it in her stride, and the two of them are on the couch cuddled up under a blanket watching cartoons at the moment.”

She chuckles. “That’s good. I’m glad it hasn’t disrupted you two. It’s been good to see you both so happy.”

Smiling, I kiss the top of her head. “We are happy.”

“Bro.” Adam appears in the doorway, cocking an eyebrow as he takes in the sight of me hugging his girl.

“Hey.”

“Owen has some news,” Lily says, letting go. “I’ll transfer that seat to your car while you catch your brother up.”

“Catch me up with what?”

My breath catches. Every time I tell this story, it gets a little more real, but it’s still weird. “Long story short, I have a daughter.”

His eyebrows twitch, but there’s no shock on his face. “There’s a surprise. I always wondered how many kids you might have out there.”

I glare at him. “Don’t be a dick.”

“So, who?”

“Cara Mitchell.”

His mouth falls open. “Shit.”

“Yeah. Yesterday, my four-year-old daughter appeared on my doorstep. Poor kid’s been bumped around these past few weeks, and I have no idea what to do, but I’m doing it.”

A small smile appears on his face. “I guess she could do a lot worse than being a Campbell.”

“Yeah, considering that neither Ryan or Cara seem to have any living relatives. I’m all she’s got.”

“Bollocks. She’s got all of us.”

I nod, and can’t help but smile. “Yeah, she does. I’m just stealing Rose’s car seat for a bit while we go to Carlstown and buy one. She’s got nothing, Adam.”

His eyebrows knit together, annoyance all over his face. I know that look. He gets it when he thinks someone close to him has been screwed over. Since returning, Adam’s been fiercely protective of the family he once walked away from. I think he’ll spend the rest of his life trying to make up for leaving.

“Then we all have to make things better for her,” he says.

“I agree.”

His expression softens. “She’ll be good for you.”

I nod. “Maybe. It’s all so weird and new right now. My immediate concern is that she knows that she’s safe and won’t be moved again.”

He reaches over and grips my shoulder. “You know we’re here if you need us.”

“Lily said the same thing. You guys might regret saying that.”

He laughs. “Never. I can’t wait to meet your daughter.”

Ginny and Ava play games on our journey. They play I Spy, and then count different-coloured cars as we get closer to town. It does my heart good to hear them both so happy.

It’s been a little more than twenty-four hours since Ava arrived, and already she seems on the way to being settled.

“We’ll go and get the clothes first. Then we’ll get the car seat and they might help us fit it in the car,” Ginny says.

“Yes, oh wise one.”

She pinches my ear.

“Hey, cut that out.”

“You’re such a smart arse.” She laughs.

“Such a smart arse,” Ava parrots Ginny’s words, and I laugh as Ginny slaps her hand across her mouth.

“I should know better. I’m sorry, Owen. Here I am teaching your daughter bad words.”

I shake my head. “You’ll keep. Ava, don’t repeat Ginny’s bad words.”

Ava giggles. Something tells me she knows she’s not supposed to say things like that. Her dad, her other dad, used to swear like a trooper. I would hazard a guess she’s heard every bad word under the sun.

Pulling up outside the shopping centre, we get out of the car and head inside and toward the department store.

“I’ll take her,” Ginny says.

“Are you sure?”

She nods. “I’m sure I have better taste than you do.”

I chuckle, planting a kiss on her cheek. “I bet you do. I’ll go and take a look around, and meet you by the checkouts. Make sure she’s got lots of everything.”

“I’ll sort it out, Owen. Don’t worry.”

For a moment, I watch Ginny and Ava disappear into the children’s clothing section. I’m so glad I have Ginny with me, and not just because she can help with finding clothes. She’s already brought so much stability to me, and with any luck, that will flow down to Ava.

I never thought I’d find myself here, but I have to admit, I’m in love. Ginny’s exactly what we both need.

I walk toward the children’s section, and pick up a night light. Ava didn’t complain last night about the dark, but then again she didn’t come looking for me when she wet the bed. Maybe this will help comfort her. It doesn’t take long for Ginny and Ava to return.

The basket in Ginny’s arms is overflowing with clothing, and I shake my head as they approach. “Did you buy the whole store?”

Ava laughs. “No.”

“It looks like it.”

Ginny grins. “Come on, Ava. Let’s go get all of this, and then Owen can buy us some lunch.”

“You’re not paying for that.”

Her lips twitch. “Yeah, I am.”

“She’s my responsibility.”

“I want to spoil her. God knows she deserves it.”

I narrow my eyes. “I’ll find a way to pay you back, and you won’t even know it.”

Ginny grins. “You can make it up to me tonight.”

My body stirs at her comment, and my heart leaps. I need to adjust to Ava being with us, but it’s like we’re a little family. It’s weird, and at the same time, it’s wonderful.

I know I’m not alone in this, and although I have the support of Adam and Lily, it’s Ginny who matters the most. It scared me I might lose her, but she’s doing this with me.

“Ginny?” A tall, well-built man approaches. His eyebrows shoot up as he looks down at Ginny and Ava holding hands, and I don’t miss his curious glance at me.

Is this the ex that treated her badly, or …?

Ginny beams. She shifts her gaze to me. “Owen, this is my brother, Kyle.”

He holds out his hand. “Kyle Robinson.”

I grasp it and shake. “Owen Campbell.”

Ava shrinks behind Ginny’s leg, but Kyle peeks around her. “And this is …?

“This is Ava. We’re doing some clothes shopping,” Ginny says.

“Wow. Looks like you bought the whole store.”

Ava giggles.

“We were just getting these and then going for lunch. Want to join us?” I ask. I haven’t met Ginny’s family yet, but she’s told me how protective her brothers are of her. It’s a good opportunity to get on Kyle’s good side.

“That’d be great. It seems there are a few things Ginny hasn’t told me.”

Ginny laughs. “I don’t tell you everything.”

“I know. Looks like there’s plenty to catch me up on.”

His tone isn’t menacing, but it’s clear he wants to know all about me and Ava.

“Then we’ll do that over lunch.” She raises her chin, almost looking down her nose at him. I suppress my smile, but my girl is in control of this exchange, no matter what her brother thinks.

“I’ll meet you outside,” he says.

She nods. “See you there.”

When we get to the counter, I pull out my credit card, and Ginny shoots me a dirty look. “I told you, I’m paying.”

“No, you’re not.”

“I am.” She stands as tall as she can and pushes her chest out like she’s trying to look tough. It makes me chuckle. “Owen, let me do this. You get her the car seat.”

“Fine.” I plant a kiss on her lips.

“Give me more of those later, and we’ll call it even.”

I look down as Ava slots her hand into mine. Her parents had such an up-and-down relationship at times. Hopefully seeing Ginny and me happy is helping the settling-in process.

Her brother’s waiting as we exit the store, and we all head toward the food court.

“I think I’m going to get a burger and fries. What do you guys want?” I ask.

“I want a salad.” Ginny smiles.

“Crazy woman.” Kyle laughs.

“It’s my shout. What do you want?” I ask him.

“Thanks. Burger and fries would be good too.”

I look at Ava. “Chicken nuggets and fries?”

She nods, and I ruffle her hair.

I pay, and we carry the trays of food to the table and get stuck in.

“So, how did you guys meet?” Kyle asks.

Ginny grabs my arm. “Owen and I met at his brother’s wedding.”

“There’s something familiar about you,” he says, narrowing his eyes.

I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, given my chequered history with women.

His expression relaxes. “I thought I recognised you. The Copper Creek Bakery.”

I grin. “That’s me.”

“In the summer, Jordan and I head out to the cove some weekends. It’s such a great little beach there, and there are some hot girls.”

I nod.

“We always stop at your bakery and buy meat pies. They’re the best. Better than anything around here.”

Ginny nudges my arm, looking at me with so much pride.

“Thanks.”

We eat in silence for a while. Ginny steals half my chips, and I shake my head and smile at her. Something Kyle doesn’t miss.

“So, you and my sister have been seeing each other.”

I fix my gaze on him. “For the past couple of months.”

“And you have a little girl.”

I shoot a glance at Ava. She’s got French fries hanging out of her mouth, and is completely engrossed in the toy Ginny bought her in the middle of all those clothes.

“Yeah, I do.”

“What about her mum?”

Ginny’s eyes widen, and she nods toward Ava. “Can we talk about this later?”

He nods. “Yeah. We should do a dinner at Mum and Dad’s. They’d love to meet you, and honestly, Mum will go a bit crazy with your little girl.”

“She really will.” Ginny laughs.

“I’d love to.” It’s been years since I met a girl’s parents. But then again, everything with Ginny’s been different.

“Let’s organise something. I know Jordan will be keen.”

Ginny leans her head on my shoulder. “I did tell you I had two overprotective brothers. Didn’t I?”

“You sure did.” I plant a kiss in her hair.

“I guess this explains why you didn’t move back home.” Kyle takes another bite of his burger.

Ginny raises her head. “No,” she says quietly.

“Is work any better?”

I don’t know what to do. It’s news to me that she was even thinking about leaving Copper Creek. When I turn my head to look at her, she won’t meet my eyes.

“It’s still the same. But it’s nothing, Kyle.”

“It was enough to make you think about changing jobs.”

I reach for her hand and squeeze it.

“Owen knows about it. Right?”

I clear my throat, a little annoyed that she never told me this. “Depends on what it is.”

“Her creepy-as boss. She was so uncomfortable she thought about quitting and coming home.” He fixes his gaze on Ginny. “You didn’t tell Owen?”

Licking my lips, I focus on Ginny. Her expression is blank, but she squeezes my hand in return. “I know her boss. What’s going on, Ginny?”

She shakes her head. “Nothing’s going on. He just makes me really uncomfortable sometimes.”

“How?”

Kyle frowns. “Do you not believe her?”

“I didn’t say that. Given I didn’t know anything about this, I want to know what’s happening. I know both him and his wife, but if he’s being inappropriate …”

She sighs. “It’s just the way he looks at me. And I’m not the only one. There’s also innuendo. And then there’s Michelle Marshall.”

“Should I know that name?” I ask.

“She quit earlier in the year. There were rumours that he made a move on her, but she refused to talk about it, and nothing ever came of it.”

“It worries me that you didn’t tell Owen about it,” Kyle says.

“It bothers me,” I say. The last thing I want is for Ginny’s brother to think we’re keeping things from each other, but I can’t help my reaction to this.

Ginny wraps her arms around my waist and snuggles in. “I’m not sure if it’s just me being paranoid, or if it’s an actual thing. Being with you makes me feel safer.”

“You moving in with me would make me feel safer.”

Kyle’s eyes widen. “Woah. You’re that serious?”

“Yes.” I smile at Ginny.

“But, we’re not ready for it just yet.” She looks at me with so much love, it takes my breath away.

I look over at Ava. She’s eaten all her food, and now she’s hugging her toy to death. “That teddy’s pretty cool, isn’t it?”

Her eyes widen, and she nods.

“Now you’ve got your old one and your new one.” Ginny reaches over and strokes Ava’s hair.

Ava hops off her seat and walks around the table to me. She shoves the teddy in my face. “I love him.”

“I’m sure you do.” I slip an arm around Ginny’s shoulders. “It was nice to meet you, Kyle. We should get going and take this car seat back in case Lily needs it.”

“Good to meet you, too. I’ll talk to Mum about organising a get-together, and no doubt she’ll be in touch with Ginny.” He holds out his hand, and I shake it.

I nod. “I’ll look forward to it.”

And I do. The thought of meeting Ginny’s family makes me warm inside. I think Kyle, Jordan and I will get along fine. We all want to protect Ginny.

I want to be a part of that family.