Chapter 49
CHAPTER 49
ELIJAH
I watch Pen and Lottie prepare breakfast from the doorway, a sense of peace running through my body.
“Dad, what do you want on your pancakes?” Lottie asks as I enter the kitchen to find a stack of American pancakes piled high on the side.
“Wow, who else is coming for breakfast?” I ask, pulling out a stool and sitting down.
Pen looks up, her cheeks flushed. “I misjudged the quantities,” she says, making me smirk. “Mrs Transmere gave me the recipe, and I thought I’d need to double it. I should have remembered American portions.”
My stomach sinks as I realise who Mrs Transmere is—Kristophe’s cook.
Something in my expression must give me away because Pen comes around the counter and wraps her arms around my waist.
“She made the best pancakes. I wanted to share the recipe with Lottie.”
I squeeze her hand, letting her know it’s all right. I know I shouldn’t be jealous of Kristophe, but I can’t help it. She said when we were away, he sent her back to me, but in doing so, she appears to have given up on everything she wanted in life. Reverting back to the old Pen before Kristophe. All work, although this time a lot more play.
I watch her and Lottie together. How easy and quick to smile Lottie is these days. Pen shows Lottie how to make pancake characters using the batter. She’s a natural. Proven not only with Lottie but little Callum. How can she simply switch off her desire to get married and start a family? I can’t and don’t believe for one second it’s possible, even if Pen believes she has.
Last weekend should have been her wedding day. She should be on her honeymoon now, making babies. Instead, she went to dinner with Lottie and me, followed by the cinema, as though it was no big deal. It’s like she’s pushed aside her dreams, assuming I don’t want those things too.
We need to talk, but it’s still early days. A marriage proposal, and baby talk I know is inappropriate one month into our relationship, but I just worry she’ll regret all she gave up when Kristophe sent her back and begin to resent what we have.
“Are you going to eat one or simply stare at them?” Pen asks with her hands on her hips.
“They look delicious,” I say, snagging a couple and moving them across to a plate.
Lottie stands with her hands on her hips.
“You didn’t answer my question, Dad. What do you want?”
I stop my fork midway to my mouth.
Shit, I was miles away.
Lottie rolls her eyes again. This is becoming part of her teenage MO.
“Really, Dad, you need to listen. What toppings do you want on your pancakes?”
“What are my options, chef?” I ask, giving her my full attention.
She grins. “There’s fresh fruit, maple syrup, bacon, lemon, sugar, ice cream, cream.”
She continues to reel off the list she’s memorised.
“Bacon?” I ask
“Savoury pancakes,” she says, almost rolling her eyes.
“I think I’ll go with the fruit.”
“Excellent choice,” Pen whispers next to my ear, her breath sending shivers of awareness straight to my cock. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, and Pen smirks.
Lottie turns away, opening the large fridge door. I pull Pen forward and drop a kiss on her lips, releasing her as soon as Lottie turns back around.
“Oh, pl-ease,” she says, tutting.
“Sorry,” I say, making Pen laugh.
I’m passed the fruit, which I pile onto the pancakes. When I take a mouthful, I groan.
“These are delicious.”
Pen shoots me a told-you-so look, and Lottie looks pleased.
“What are you ladies doing today?” I ask.
I know Pen mentioned going shopping.
“We’re going to look for outfits for Granny’s birthday party.”
Pen and I haven’t discussed what we’re doing this year. Our relationship is still officially a secret. As she was due to be on her honeymoon, she was not going to attend this years party. Now, we’re going to need to be very careful, especially around my eagle-eyed siblings.
“That sounds like fun,” I say.
“You’re welcome to join us,” Pen says.
I notice her biting her lip and wonder if she thinks she’s overstepping. I hate to tell her Lottie has returned from Italy with more than enough dresses for this coming weekend and several others. This is more about my daughter wanting to build a new relationship with her, and I will not stand in her way.
Lottie and I are a pair. It’s as important Lottie is as comfortable with Pen and my relationship as I am, especially if we hope to have any future together.
My skin tingles at the thought.
A future.
I realise, I’m less freaked out by the thought than I assumed I’d be. Instead, I feel lighter.
“I’ll leave the shopping for you. Granny has actually summoned me. She wants to go over a few things before the weekend.”
Pen shoots me a look, and I shrug.
We finish the pancakes, stashing some in a box for later. They really did make a mountain.
When Lottie runs off to get ready, I pull Pen into my arms.
“Don’t worry,” I say, kissing the tip of her nose. “Mum always has last-minute requests before the Frazer Foundation weekend.”
“I just…”
“You just what? My mother loves you. Sometimes, I wonder whether she loves you more than me. She is certainly not going to freak out if she realises we’re together.”
“But—”
“No buts. I mean it. Stop overthinking things. We’ve been discrete. Everything will be fine.”
She nods and I drop another kiss on her lips. We need to find some alone time. We haven’t been together since the morning Lottie returned, taking her feelings and request into account. But I’m now craving her with every breath.
“I’ll see you later,” I say, letting her go as Lottie re-enters the room.
“Later,” she says, her eyes filled with a desire matching my own.