Chapter Six

 

   Emilia woke with strong arms around her, but he felt different, he was holding her tighter than usual. Even she had woken up like this every day since their first time, something about him seemed off. Then she realized. He was still fast asleep. Usually, he was just dozing, always being the one to wake first. But, right now, he was in the very depth of sleep. She knew he wouldn’t be feeling his best later, so she left him to it and closed her eyes again, turning to snuggle into his chest.

  ‘Ow, my head.’ Moaned Logan. His comment roused her from sleep. ‘Jesus.’

  ‘Have fun last night?’ She smirked, kissing his jaw.

  ‘My eyes are closed but I already know you have a Cheshire Cat grin on your face. Do you like to see me suffer, love?’ He dreaded opening his eyes and letting the light in.

  ‘No, of course not. However, I was lacking in… entertainment last night, but the wait was worth it. This is far funnier, I’ve never seen you hungover.’

  ‘It is a rare occurrence. I remember the morning you were hungover. I made you pancakes, where are mine, eh?’ He said, jabbing her ribs and making her laugh.

  ‘I’m not good at pancakes. Maybe I can offer something just as good?’ She kissed his lips and he squirmed.

  ‘Sorry, love. Not in the mood. I feel really sick.’ He groaned.

  ‘Wow, you really are sick.’ She pulled away from him, which he protested against. ‘I’m just getting something. Shh, go to sleep.’ She got up and kissed his forehead.

  Emilia found a suitable sick bucket and placed it on his nightstand. She took Robbie and fed him his breakfast, Logan didn’t need a crying baby in the house. She played with him and took him and Roger for a walk. When she returned, he was still in bed snuggled up at 12pm. Definitely not like him. The bucket had been frequented.

  ‘Lovely.’ She disposed of it and cooked him some lunch. ‘Logan. You need to eat something. You’ll feel better.’ She heard a massive groan. She placed his toast on the side and sat by him. She stroked his hair and smiled. ‘Maybe it’s a good thing lads night out aren’t often.’ He agreed. ‘Do you feel better at all?’ He nodded slightly, then tapped the bed.

  ‘Come on. I want a cuddle.’ He said, pulling her onto the bed.

  She laughed, ‘I can’t, I haven’t got the time!’

  ‘Oh, come on, you do. There’s always a bit of time for this.’ He said, rolling on top of her, placing kisses down her neck. He was definitely in the mood now.

  ‘Logan, Robbie’s in the highchair. We can’t do this now.’ She pushed him off, kissing him as she stood up.

  He frowned. She kissed him, promising more to come, then left the room. A few minutes later, she returned, Robbie in tow. She lay down beside him and put Robbie between them. Logan’s eyes weren’t open, but he smiled knowing he was there.

  ‘Lowan.’ He laughed and reached for his nose.

  ‘Em! He said my name!’ His heart swelled, the boy’s third word was him. He was getting better at mommy and doggy, and he hadn’t really got his name exactly right, but it was enough for him.

  ‘Babe, that’s adorable.’

  He looked ecstatic. She couldn’t believe he was so excited about it.

  ‘Wow.’ He felt sick still, but this meant the world to him. ‘That’s amazing.’

  ‘Say cheese.’ She took a picture of them. Logan’s arms out of the covers holding Robbie on his chest, who was sat up laughing. ‘I have my story for the day.’

  ‘Put the picture in the column.’

  ‘You want me to?’

  ‘Of course, I do. It’s such a big moment.’ He was grinning from ear to ear. Emilia joined them and snapped a selfie of the three of them all snuggled under the duvet.

  ‘At least you’re feeling better.’ She smiled, playing with his hair. She stared into his deep blue eyes, it wasn’t hard to drown in them. When he looked at her, his features were full of love. She knew he wanted to say it, she wanted to say it, but everything was perfect, and she didn’t want to lose that.

  ‘What are you thinking about?’ He smiled, running a hand through her hair.

  ‘You.’

  ‘Oh, really?’ His smile grew. ‘And what about me?’ He snuggled into her neck, trying not to disturb Robbie between them.

  ‘Just you. How amazing you are.’ She grinned when he blushed.

  ‘Alas, I’m not the amazing one. That’s you.’ She laughed.

  ‘How about both of us are?’ She chuckled. He smiled deeply at her. ‘Stop looking at me like that. Eat your toast. It’s cold now but eat it.’ He reached over and picked a slice up. ‘You’ll get crumbs all over you.’ She laughed.

  ‘At this point, I couldn’t care less. I dread to think what the others are like, I’m pretty sure I drunk the least.’

  ‘I’m sure their women are just as sympathetic.’ She had taken Robbie from him and was sitting up with her head against the backboard.

  ‘I doubt Fi is. If Adrian’s ill all day, he won’t be in a very date like mood. It’s the first one they have had planned in ages. Penelope has no sympathy for hung over Sean, never has. The others might be okay.’ He laughed. ‘Fi will probably kill Sean, it was his fault we’re all in this state.’

  ‘Well, aren’t you lucky to have me? Finish your toast, shower, and we’ll go somewhere. It’s always best to clear your head.’

  ‘I don’t want to go out.’ He placed his plate on the side. ‘I want to stay here all day, with you.’ He moved over and cuddled her legs, kissing the outside of her thighs.

  ‘Excuse me, there’s children about.’ She laughed. Robbie reached for Logan’s hair.

  ‘Do you want to stay in?’ He asked the boy.

  ‘Eyaahh!’ He screamed, clapping.

  ‘The lad agrees. A lazy day in bed it is.’

  ‘Come on. If we go out, you’ll feel better. How about we go to that farm?’

  ‘Why don’t you go to the farm, and Robbie and I will stay here, where we both want to be.’

  ‘Come on. He’s not been before. Wouldn’t it be cute seeing him watch the animals?’ He was tracing circles on her thigh, hoping to distract her. It wasn’t working.

  ‘Okay, okay. We’ll go. I’ll go and shower.’ He sighed.

  ‘Robbie’s getting tired. I’ll put him down for a nap, and maybe if you’re lucky… I’ll join you.’ She winked. ‘No promises.’

  He was lucky. It hadn’t taken her long to barge into the bathroom and hop into the shower with him. Both her and the water felt so good, doing well to cure his hangover. This woman was going to drive him crazy.

  They both left the bathroom, wrapped in towels, and went to their own rooms. He sat on the side of his bed and picked up a photo frame which had been recently added of Emilia and Robbie on the flight. He smiled. Who would have predicted that two strangers on a flight would have ended up like this? He adored them both. He loved Robbie so much, he enjoyed reading to them, watching his eyes light up at new things, watching him and Emilia play together.

  He left the room, dressed in dark jeans and a blue plaid shirt. He saw Emilia with Robbie, she had left her hair down with its natural waves. She wore some black jeans and a grey t-shirt. It was still hot outside, normally it had rained before now.

  ‘Are we ready?’ She smiled, Robbie still in his seat carrier still asleep.

  ‘I hope you’re driving.’ He was feeling a lot better than before, but he had a slight headache.

  They arrived at the farm. Emilia had Robbie in his baby carrier on her chest. He had woken up and was as lively as usual. The farm was firmly friendly, and they held birthday parties for children. They wanted to educate on farming and some jobs, just not the gruesome parts.

  ‘Look, Robbie. Adrian is here.’ He said, pointing at the pigs.

  ‘I’ll tell him that.’

  ‘You tell him everything anyway.’

  ‘I don’t tell him everything. I certainly don’t tell him what I do to his little brother.’ She smirked.

  ‘I’m his younger brother!’ He’s certain Adrian told her that he hated being called ‘little brother’.

  ‘Either way. Is someone jealous?’ She smirked.

  ‘Of Ade?’ He snorted. ‘No. Never.’

  They walked around and looked at the animals. Robbie was terrified of the cows and cried until he was far away from them. He loved the sheep when they bleated at him. They watched the sheepdogs around up the sheep as a display.

  ‘Wow! I bet Roger couldn’t do that.’

  ‘Oggy!’

  ‘Yeah, doggy.’ Smiled Logan.

 

   The trip had been an exhausting one for Robbie. It was complete silence in the car as they drove back. Logan and Robbie both falling asleep.

  ‘He so loved the donkeys more than the sheep, love. You can’t deny that.’ He said, walking through the door. She followed behind with Robbie fast asleep in his carrier.

  ‘No, he didn’t. Anyway, his favorite was the dogs.’

  ‘And why is that?’

  ‘Well, for a start he knew what they were.’ She argued.

  ‘Because he lives with one! He doesn’t know what the others are yet. He’s only ten months old. His vocabulary isn’t vast yet. Give the lad a chance.’

  ‘Come on, let’s stop arguing. My room is a mess. I’ll tidy it before the kids come over.’

  She felt his arms snake around her neck and he kissed her neck.

  ‘Maybe… you could move your stuff into my room.’ He suggested.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Well, we could share a bedroom. Robbie can have your room. We’ll decorate it for him. Then the other can be a guest one or something.’

  ‘We sleep in your room anyway.’ She said.

  ‘I know, but you do everything else in your room. I want you in mine. Maybe I want to see you getting changed, so I can stop you and start something else instead.’ She leaned back on him. ‘It’s not that big of a step, love. You’ll only be putting your stuff in… our room.’ He smirked. ‘Come on, please. It gives the lad a chance to learn some separation. We have the monitor. What do you say?’

  ‘Are we ready for such a commitment?’ She giggled. She turned and faced him, his hand still around her waist. ‘Okay. And who is going to move my wardrobe and stuff?’

  ‘We will. Team work.’

  They spent the rest of the day moving things around and tidying up. Robbie was exhausted, so they didn’t disturb him. The wardrobe wasn’t as heavy as they thought, and the job was done my five. She washed some clothes and all the bedding whilst Logan went out for a walk with Roger to clear the rest of his headache.

  They were sat on the couch with the TV on low. It was some wildlife documentary about bears.

  ‘An hour until the rascals come.’ He smiled. ‘They don’t tire easily Adrian’s kids. It’ll be all games and noise. I hope you know that. James will mind his own business when he gets bored, but Ellie will want to play all night.’ He laughed.

  ‘Well, best save our energy. I’m just going to do a bit of work before they come.’ She picked up her laptop, she was half way through a column she started the week before. She had sent Anthony two in advance. He was still trying to persuade her to take the hours. So was Logan. However, Logan was hinting to other things. She felt his head on her shoulder.

  ‘Hey.’ He smiled.

  She laughed at him, ‘Hi.’ She continued typing. His hand slipped under her shirt as he caressed her stomach.

  ‘You look beautiful. I love your hair like that.’

  ‘Thank you.’ She wasn’t giving into him. There was a silence then. ‘You know, I would have to this more and ignore you more if I take on those hours?’

  ‘I’m only bored because there’s no Robbie to look after. Plus, I have a gorgeous woman sitting on my couch, it’s hard to resist. She smells really good too. Maybe she’s bored of work?’ He ticked her ribs and she jolted.

  ‘Logan! My laptop. Be careful.’ She giggled. ‘I need to work.’

  ‘Come on, surely a twenty-minute break won’t hurt you?’ He smirked, kissing her neck and jaw.

  ‘Logan, go find something to do.’ She kissed his cheek.

  He wandered around the apartment bored. He went to Robbie’s room and watched him sleep, he looked like he was dreaming. He smiled at him. He couldn’t believe he had only been in his life for six weeks. He was perfect.

  ‘I love you, Robbie. And your mummy too, but we can’t tell her yet. I trust you though. Our little secret.’

  The doorbell rang. Show time. It was six. Logan opened the door and was attacked by hugs.

  ‘Uncle!’ They screamed.

  ‘Hello! Hello!’

  Fiona and Adrian were laughing. They were both dressed up nice and look extremely happy.

  ‘Enjoy your night.’ Smiled Emilia, coming to the door.

  ‘Try and enjoy yours, if they get too much, just tell them. Don’t want them disturbing Robbie.’

  ‘Maybe they want payback after all his crying. It was definitely teething, he’s getting better these days.’

  ‘Now you just have to watch him every second for putting things in his mouth. It’s never over.’ Laughed Adrian.

  ‘Go and enjoy your night.’ Smiled Logan, picking himself up off the floor. ‘We have everything in hand. No worrying. I’ll ring if there’s any trouble.

  They shut the door and the kids had already disappeared.

  ‘Ready, love?’

  She nodded.

  Logan spent some time playing football in the garden with James, whilst Ellie played with Roger. Emilia was watching from the bench with the baby monitor on the table.

  ‘I want Em to play! She’s way better than you, Logan.’ Shouted James. Robbie was inside fast asleep, none of the noise had disturbed him. ‘Come on, Emilia! Please play with me.’

  ‘Okay, pal. I think your uncle should go in goal.’ She smirked.

  ‘You’re on, lass.’ He smiled.

  She scored many against him, almost taking his head off. Ellie joined in halfway through and Emilia showed her how to kick better.

  ‘Uncle Logan?’ Said Ellie, when they were all drinking some juice. She walked up to him with puppy eyes.

  ‘Yes, princess?’

  ‘Let me do your hair.’ He saw Emilia snigger into her drink unexpectedly. ‘Pleaasee. You normally do.’

  Emilia couldn’t imagine what that would look like. He did have quite thick hair, enough to put some hair ties in.

  ‘Later.’

  ‘No now. I don’t want to play football. I want to make you look pretty.’

  ‘Why don’t you make Emilia look pretty?’ he suggested.

  ‘She already is. You aren’t.’ His niece had always been blunt, much like her father.

  ‘Well, now I’m upset. You just said I’m not pretty. Maybe I don’t want you to do my hair.’

  ‘No, you are pretty. Just not as pretty as Emilia. So, you need some more.’ She gave him a hug. ‘I’m sorry.’

  ‘It’s okay. Apology accepted. Go on, get your stuff.’

  ‘Em, are you playing again?’ Asked James. He never seemed to tire of sports.

  ‘Sure, I’ll go in net.’

  James and Emilia kept laughing at Logan, whose hair was being pulled hard by his niece. His hair had been put into lots of hair ties and Ellie was delighted with her work.

  ‘We have to get a picture of this.’ Laughed Emilia. James nodded and laughed with her. They walked over, and she took a picture, safe to say he wasn’t happy.

  ‘That picture best not end up anywhere, Ford. It stays on that phone and that phone only.’

  ‘Of course.’ She smirked. ‘Ellie, your uncle looks very pretty now. Thank you.’

  ‘You’re welcome.’

  ‘How long do I have to stay pretty for?’ Asked Logan.

  ‘All night. I think, Ellie.’ Admitted James. ‘Don’t you?’

  ‘Yaaay, all night!’

  ‘James!’ Said Logan. ‘You’re too much like your father.’

  Logan started dinner whilst Emilia entertained the kids with a jigsaw. Robbie was now awake and sat in a toy chair. James went back and forth between the jigsaw and helping Robbie put the shapes in the right slot. He was well practiced at being a big brother.

  ‘Well done, Robbie! What’s that? A circle!’ Emilia watched from the corner of her eyes. There was a lot of Adrian in the boy, but there was a tenderness that was Logan. ‘And that one is a star.’

  ‘Arrr.’ He clapped.

  ‘Close enough.

  ‘Ellie!’ Called Logan. She looked up and ran to the kitchen. He picked her up and put her on his hip. ‘How does this sauce taste? Careful. It’s hot. Blow on it first.’

  ‘Yummy!’

  ‘Great! Good is nearly ready. Are you and James going to set the table?’ He asked. She nodded and ran off.

  ‘Jamie! Jamie! Logan said we have to set the table.’ James was till with Robbie.

  ‘Help me.’

  ‘Coming. See you soon, Robbie.’

  Logan had made spaghetti bolognese with meatballs. They were all sat around the table. Roger sat by Ellie knowing she always sneaked him some food. His slobber strings had attached to the fur on his chest and he was sitting patiently. Emilia had fed Robbie just before, but he was with them on his highchair.

  ‘This is delicious.’ Smiled Emilia. ‘Who taught you to cook?’

  ‘Aunt Judy.’ She’s great. She struggles with it now though. We still let her do as much as possible, but we usually help.’

  ‘She makes delicious cookies!’ Shouted Ellie.

  ‘Indoor voice. El.’ Said Logan. Emilia tried to hide her smile. He still looked ridiculous, especially when he was being stern.

  ‘Sorry, she makes delicious cookies.’ She said quieter. Logan smiled and helped Robbie with a bottle. He was also staring at Logan’s new look.

  ‘What’s for dessert?’ Asked James.

  ‘Chocolate cake and custard?’ Suggested Logan.

  ‘Yaay! My favorite.’

  They had dessert and put the plates in the dishwasher. James was watching 101 Dalmatians with Robbie.

  ‘Emilia, Logan? Can we play a game?’ Asked Ellie. ‘I don’t want to watch the film.’

  ‘Of course. What do you want to play?’ Asked Logan.

  ‘Emilia is a princess and you’re a prince.’

  ‘Em is already a princess.’ Said Logan.

  ‘I know, and we are just pretending you are a prince. Okay.’ Blunt once again.

  ‘Okay.’ He smiled.

  ‘You have to go hide. Because you need rescuing because you’re useless. And Princess Emilia is going to save you from the castle.’

  ‘Oo, I like this. Am I a warrior princess?’

  ‘Yeah! So, uncle…’ She whispered in his ear of where he needed to hide. He got up and wandered off.

  ‘And how are you in this game?’ Asked Emilia. ‘Are you a princess?’

  ‘No! I’m the Queen who captured him. And Roger is my dragon! You have to get him then you face me.’ She ran off and went to where she imagined Logan was too.

  Emilia walked to James. ‘Are you okay watching him?’

  ‘Of course, I always wanted a little brother.  Better than a sister.’

  ‘Your sister looks up to you.’ She smiled.

  ‘You best go find her before she kills him. She takes these games very seriously.’

  ‘Okay, see you in a bit.’

  Emilia walked around the house in search of them. They were nowhere to be seen.

  ‘Prince Logan?’ She called. Maybe they were outside. Roger was lay on the grass catching the last rays of sun. She saw Logan, sitting on a chair with a skipping rope tied around him. ‘Oh my! Not to worry, I will save you!’ The Queen’s dragon wasn’t very fierce, but she would humor her. ‘Oh dear! There’s a massive dragon in the way! What shall I do?’ She approached Roger who perked his head when she approached. She started tickling his stomach and he rolled onto his back. ‘I fear this dragon isn’t very fierce.’ She saw Logan laughing. Ellie jumped out with a sword.

  ‘Ah ha! You may have defeated my dragon, but you won’t defeat me!’ Ellie threw a sword for Emilia. They were in fact sticks but she obliged. Emilia carefully sparred against her. She ‘cut’ the ropes, Logan had untied himself, then pulled him up.

  ‘I have my prince! We just need to defeat the Queen! Any ideas?’ She asked.

  Logan picked Ellie up and started tickling her. ‘She’s just as week as her dragon, milady!’ Ellie gave up.

  ‘You have to live happily ever after now! You have to get married!’ Both of them were shocked. ‘Inside!’

  They followed her inside, Roger followed. They were sat on the floor; her teddies were the royal guests and she was the officiator. She got some Haribo rings and Roger was sitting and watching.

  ‘You have to hold hands!’

  ‘Alright, bossy.’ Said Logan, then he felt Emilia grab his hand.

  ‘Well, we are getting pretend married.’ She smiled.

  ‘Princes Emilia, do you want Prince Logan to be your husband?’

  ‘I do.’ She slipped the Haribo ring on his finger.

  ‘Prince Logan, do you want Prince Emilia to be your wife?’

  ‘I do.’ He did the same.

  ‘You have to kiss the bride!’ Clapped Ellie. He gave her a quick kiss and she cheered.

  ‘You taking me somewhere nice for our honeymoon? The Caribbean perhaps?’ She grinned.

  ‘Anything for my princess.’ He smiled. Ellie had left the game behind and was now playing with Roger.

  ‘You still look ridiculous.’ She giggled. ‘That look really doesn’t suit you.’

  ‘I’m aware, love. But I have a niece to keep happy.’

  101 Dalmatians had finished, and James was now reading Robbie a book. The pirate one. Ellie was with Roger and Logan watched them from the kitchen stool. He felt Emilia’s arms come around his waist and her chin rest on his shoulder.

  ‘James is really sweet.’ She smiled.

  ‘Aye. He’s spitting image of his father.’

  ‘He reminds me of his uncle.’ Giving his cheek a quick kiss. ‘Similar in personality. No denying he looks like Ade though.’

  ‘You think I’m sweet?’ He asked.

  ‘Well duh, you’re the sweetest guy I know.’ He smiled at that. He turned in her arms. ‘And I think you’re really pretty.’

  ‘Thank, love.’

  It was half eight. Bath time.

  ‘Right you little monsters! Time for a bath.’ Shouted Logan. Ellie screamed and ran away.

  ‘I don’t want a bath! Because that means bed time!’

  James had also run away and hid.

  ‘We’re not playing hide and seek, guys. It’s bath time. Come on.’ Said Logan. Ellie was hiding behind Roger and James was under Logan’s bed.

  ‘Come on. This isn’t funny. We can watch something afterwards.’ He said.

  Emilia had started running the bath. She still had all that to come, chasing Robbie around for a bath. At the moment, he couldn’t really do much about it.

  After ten minutes they were all successfully in the bath. James was playing with a boat and showing Robbie. Ellie demanded that Roger sit by the door as a guard dog. Not that he was doing a good job, snoozing by a radiator.

  Robbie was sat in a bath chair and splashing about with James.

  ‘I’ll go and get some towels.’ Said Logan. ‘You okay watching?’

  ‘Yeah, go ahead.’

  ‘Emilia. Where are you from?’ Asked James.

  ‘America. I lived in Chicago and New York mostly. A bit of Boston. New York was my favorite.’

  ‘I really want to go to Disneyworld.’

  ‘I’ve never been.’ She smiled.

  ‘Maybe we can go together?’ He suggested. ‘All of us. Even Alex and stuff.’

  ‘That would be fun!’

  Logan returned with the towels. They washed the children’s hair and then wrapped them up. Emilia dried Ellie’s hair, whilst Logan sorted the boys out. They all ended up snuggled on the couch watching a movie. Logan had Ellie on his lap, and Emilia had Robbie, with James snuggled between them, a large blanket covering them all.

  Robbie yawned and was falling asleep. ‘This little man is tired. I’m going to put him to bed.’ She smiled.

  ‘Not before goodnight kisses.’ Smiled Logan. She handed him over. ‘Goodnight, Robbie. See you tomorrow.’ Robbie smiled sleepily at him. He kissed his cheek, with Ellie and James doing the same.

  ‘Night, night.’ James smiled.

  The film finished, and Ellie had fallen asleep. James had asked to read for a bit and Logan had said yes. Emilia carried Ellie to the spare room, the double bed ready for the two kids.

  Logan was reading a separate book on the couch with James.

  ‘I really like her. Em. She’s cool.’

  Logan looked up from his page.

  ‘You do?’

  ‘Yeah, she’s better than the others. I know I shouldn’t compare them, but she’s a lot nice to me.’ His nephew was rather mature, and he wasn’t sure who in his family he got that from.

  ‘It’s alright, she’s my favorite too.’

  ‘Do you love her?’

  ‘I guess. She’s just had a rough past, so we aren’t rushing anything.’

  ‘I don’t want you to get upset and go away again.’

  ‘I won’t.’ James’ vulnerability surprising him. He yawned. ‘You need to go to bed, go on.’

  All the kids were asleep, and they were sat on the couch together.

  ‘Peace at last.’ Smiled Logan, Emilia’s head resting in his lap.

  ‘I’ve enjoyed it. Ade’s kids are great.’

  ‘James was amazing with Robbie.’ Logan said, stroking her hair idly. ‘He’s a good brother.’

  ‘What time are Fiona and Adrian picked them up?’

  ‘Not too early. I’m sure they’ll be enjoying their morning together.’ He smiled. ‘No school runs. No kids. A nice night out. I expect we’ve got them till at least twelve.’

  ‘Not so bad. I really need to do some work tomorrow. At least I have plenty to write about. Also, you can take your hair out now.’ She laughed and sat up. He pulled her onto his knee, so she was straddling him. She undid the bobble, his hair stayed where it was until she scruffed it up. ‘Oo, that look sexy.’ She kissed him, he deepened it, sneaking a hand up her shirt. ‘Easy tiger. We have too much company for that.’ She giggled.

  ‘You started it.’ He said, nuzzling her nose. ‘Come on, sleep is calling.

  In the middle of the night, Logan felt a tug on his arm. He was facing outwards with the duvet mostly on Emilia’s side. As usual.

  ‘Uncle.’ A small voice whispered. He stirred and saw Ellie standing with tears in her eyes. ‘I had a bad dream.’

  ‘Oh dear. Come here.’ He picked her up and put her between him and Emilia. ‘Shh, it’s okay. Don’t cry, I’m here.’

  ‘I love you.’ She whimpered.

  ‘I love you too, princess.’ She fell asleep in his arms.

  When Emilia woke up she noticed a small body between her and Logan. It was Ellie. Logan had mentioned she suffered from bad dreams, that’s probably why she was there. Ellie was snuggled into her and sucking her thumb, Logan was still fast asleep, the covers down by his waist. His t-shirt hiding his muscular shoulders. He’d had the decency to sleep in pajamas that night when usually he slept in boxers, knowing he might have to deal with Ellie. The baby monitor was silent, and James would still be asleep. She pulled the little girl closer and fell asleep again.

  ‘Logan.’ He heard a whisper, then rubbed his eyes. It was James. ‘Logan, I’m bored. It’s ten. You’re usually up by now.’

  ‘I had to look after some brats last night.’ He chuckled, pulling James onto the bed. ‘Come on, lazy days can be good. We don’t have to be sporty all the time.’ He tickled the boy’s ribs and he laughed. ‘Shh, you’ll wake the ladies.’ He put him next to his sister and told him to close his eyes.

  ‘Every time I wake up, there’s another person in this bed.’ Chuckled Emilia. James and Logan looked at each other and laughed. ‘I doubt I’ll be falling asleep again. What time is it?’

  ’10:10, love.’

  ‘I’m surprised Robbie’s slept so long.’ She smiled. ‘How about I go make us all some breakfast?’ James nodded.

  They were all around the table and Emilia had made pancakes with chocolate sauce. Robbie was up, and Logan fed him. The kids were changed and ready.

  ‘How is my beautiful boy this morning?’ She smiled, walking to Logan who had Robbie.

  ‘Good, thanks.’ He smirked. She raised an eyebrow.

  ‘I wasn’t referring to you.’ Giving him a kiss.

  ‘Eww gross.’ Said James. ‘Kids about.’

  ‘Gross? I’ve never been so offended.’ Said Logan. ‘Emilia isn’t gross.’ He pretended to kiss her more until she tried to push him off with little real effort.

  ‘Stop you two! Mum and dad are bad enough.’

  ‘Enough, babe.’ She laughed.

  The doorbell went.

  ‘Right, rascals. Get your stuff.’

  Fiona and Adrian accepted an offer for pancakes. They looked a lot more stress free. Fiona told Emilia about their date, Adrian had taken her to a Mexican restaurant, then they had walked through the park like on their first date. Then they went home and enjoyed some wine and peace and quiet.

  ‘It sounds lovely. You’re very lucky, you have two lovely children. Ellie is certainly a character and James is so sweet.’

  ‘Thank you for looking after them. Maybe we can try again with Robbie, and you and Logan can go somewhere.

  ‘Maybe. It’s not like we’re struggling having only been together for a few weeks. It’s not like going on your first date in ten years with your husband.’ Laughed Emilia.

  ‘True. It was lovely just being us two. I love my kids, don’t get me wrong. But having Ade to myself was nice. Like the good old days. Especially when he goes back in the Navy in a few weeks.

  ‘I can imagine it being quite difficult.’

  ‘he comes out next year. Fed up of missing his kids.  I know he loves the sea, but he loves his kids more.’

  ‘It will be nice for all of you.’ Smiled Emilia.