Chapter 52
CHAPTER 52
ELIJAH
B y the time Pen and I shower and make it back downstairs, everyone is congregating in the drawing room.
Lottie is still on the floor with the puppy, teaching it to respond to their name and sit for treats.
“Dad, Pen,” she calls when Pen and I enter the room, the joy on her face immeasurable. “We’ve named the puppy,” she says as I make my way over to my daughter.
“What did you decide?”
“Diana,” Lottie says, causing me to frown.
“Ah, Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman,” Pen says, trying to rescue me from my ignorance. “A great choice.”
“I’m clearly missing something,” I say, looking between the two of them.
Lottie grins.
“Aunty Pen is a big superhero fan. You should know that. Especially female superheroes. Diana Prince is Wonder Woman. A strong, kick-ass woman.”
The penny drops. Of course, Pen loves superheroes. It’s the reason she writes such amazing video games. Her characters are relatable and strong. Both male and female.
“Good choice of name, then I would say,” I say, turning to my daughter. “As a Vizsla, she’ll also be super fast, just like Wonder Woman.”
Pen steps back, my mouth close to her ear.
“I learn something new every day,” I whisper. “Do you like cosplay?”
My words send a shiver down her spine, and I chuckle. The thought of Pen in a Wonder Woman outfit has me hard as a rock. Not what I need with my daughter in the room.
“There everyone is.”
Pen and I spring apart as Caleb enters.
“Ah, Mum’s new little terror,” he says, his eyes locked on the floor and the puppy, who is currently trying to climb all over Lottie. When he finally looks up, he rolls his eyes at me before dropping to the floor and joining in the chaos, clearly distracted by the small fur ball rolling around. I understand his thoughts as we were told puppies were a no-no growing up.
“Whatever possessed her?” he asks, trying to remove his sleeve from the puppy’s teeth.
April appears in the doorway and follows Caleb to the floor, rescuing her husband by scooping up the puppy and holding it in front of her face.
“Oh my goodness, you’re adorable.”
Pen joins them on the floor, dropping next to Lottie.
“Pen,” April says, leaning forward and pulling her in for a quick hug. “It’s great to see you.”
It amazes me how Pen has always had this effect on people, especially my family. They all love her. But then, what’s not to love? She’s one of the most genuine and kind people I’ve ever met.
“Good to see you too,” she says honestly. “How was your honeymoon?”
Twinkling, love-filled eyes turn to Caleb, who returns her stare with one of his own. My chest constricts. I couldn’t be happier for them both, yet I also recognise envy, knowing I never once looked at Darra that way or vice versa.
I turn to find Pen watching me. I shoot her a smile, but her eyes are serious.
I sit on the sofa and watch as the others play with the puppy, listening as April and Caleb tell us all about their trip. They visited Australia, Bali, Singapore, Thailand and spent their last week in a water villa in the Maldives, soaking up some sunshine.
“It was amazing,” April says breathlessly, her gaze once again moving to Caleb.
Pen smiles, clearly happy for them both, but I wonder. This was about to be her life, despite what she says about Kris and their relationship.
There’s no doubt, however, about April and Caleb’s love for one another. It shines like a beacon. And that’s saying something when I’m known for my cynical outlook on love.
“Did I hear Gabriel and Leah?” Pen asks.
“You did. Leah is sorting out Callum’s dinner. Gabriel is dropping their bags upstairs,” Caleb says, his eyes turning sombre. “I’m sorry about your engagement ending, Pen.”
Pen looks at him and shrugs. “It wasn’t meant to be,” she tells my brother. “Kris and I didn’t have what you and April have.”
She doesn’t say anymore, and April’s hand comes over and squeezes hers.
Caleb gets up off the carpet, placing a kiss on April’s lips as he goes.
“Well, it’s lovely to have you here. Kris’s loss is our gain,” he says, running a hand down her cheek.
“Don’t jinx it,” I say, scooping up a puppy.
I catch Pen watching, her eyes softening as a flush darkens her cheeks.
“I think this little one needs some rest. Come on, Lottie, let’s get Diana settled back in her crate. Mum says she’s been crate-trained. You can play with her later when she wakes up.”
Lottie takes the puppy from my arms and follows me from the room. The sudden need to pull Pen into my arms and claim her in front of my family more than I can resist.
Lottie and I return the pup to her crate and wait while she settles. It doesn’t take long, all the stimulation has worn her out.
“It’s okay, Dad, no one is going to guess about you and Aunty Pen. Not that I think they’ll worry. Everyone loves her.”
“I know, but Pen is worried about what people will think, and I respect that.”
“But family won’t care, they’ll just want her to be happy,” Lottie says.
“I know, you’re right.”
Mum said as much to me when we met up.
“Aunty Pen is very lucky. I hope I meet someone like you when I’m older,” Lottie says, making my breath catch.
Lottie grins as she links her arm through mine, and we head back to the others.
“So, you and Elijah?” Caleb says as we re-enter the room
“What?” Pen stares at my brother, her mouth open, before her eyes clash with mine.
“Sorry, Pen, he means you’re speaking again,” April says, as Pen’s shoulders drop.
“I was right, then?” Gabriel says from behind me.
“What do you mean, right?” Pen asks.
“That you and my brother have finally got your act together?”
“No,” Pen all but yelps.
I want to laugh. She’s being anything but convincing. She has guilt written all over her face, but then, is that because I know? Being cornered by the Frazer brood requires navigation, not that Pen hasn’t had years of experience.
“Leave the poor woman alone,” Leah says, coming to her rescue, a squiggling Callum in her arms.
“Ant Pen,” he says, wriggling even harder until Leah puts him down.
Callum staggers across the floor before falling into Pen’s lap, his arms looping around her neck.
“Hey, gorgeous boy, have you come to rescue me?” she asks him.
He scrunches up his little nose.
“Scue you,” he says, giving her a toothy grin.
She pulls him close, her eyes closing as she inhales his baby scent. Something tugs in my chest. Pen is wonderful with children. I push the thought to one side for later.
“Did you have a good dinner?” she asks him.
“Pasta shapes,” he grins at her as she wipes a tiny smear of tomato sauce from his cheek.
“My favourite,” she admits to him, and I think back to the spaghetti hoops she would eat directly from the tin when she was busy studying. It used to turn my stomach, but she loved them.
Callum turns to his mum, and Leah grins.
“Not tonight, sunshine. Aunty Pen is eating with the grownups. Maybe tomorrow she can have pasta shapes with you.”
He returns his attention to Pen, his hands going to her cheeks. It’s clear my nephew has developed quite a bond, which is not surprising because of her relationship with Gabriel.
Lottie moves past me and further into the room, giving April and Leah a hug before turning to her uncles. Pen’s eyes capture mine as I take in the toddler, who is snuggled in her lap.
“Puppies and toddlers. Your charm is showing,” I say to Pen.
“You’re just jealous,” she says, cuddling Callum.
I smile and walk towards her. It looks like Pen is holding her breath.
What are you doing?
“Unc Lije,” Callum says, squirming in her arms, trying to get to me.
I can’t resist shooting her a smirk before scooping him up and throwing him in the air.
“Hey, sport,” I say, as Callum squeals in delight.
“More,” Callum cries, and everyone’s eyes are on me as I play with my tiny nephew.
“What have I missed?”
It’s Kat’s voice that draws everyone’s attention this time.
“Kat,” Pen says, manoeuvring around friends and furniture to reach her, pulling her in for a hug.
“I’ve missed you too. How are you doing?” Kat says, her eyes filled with concern.
I watch Pen’s throat bob as she looks at Kat. I know Pen has been torn about telling her about us, but it’s not something she wanted to divulge while my sister was overseas.
My mind wonders back to Mum’s comment about Kat castrating me.
“I’m doing okay,” Pen says. “I’ve lots to tell you.”
Kat inclines her head, her eyes flicking to me, her expression questioning. A glint of understanding passes through her eyes. She’s always been incredibly perceptive. It seems to run in the family.
“We clearly have a lot of catching up to do,” she says, linking her arm through Pen’s and leading her back into the room.
“Well, you can do that over dinner,” Franny says, entering behind them and taking in her family gathered together.
“Where’s Harper?” Caleb asks.
“I’m here,” she says, stepping into the room behind Kat.
The room falls silent.
“Wow, Harps, you look amazing,” Pen says, breaking the silence and earning herself a grin.
“I thought I’d go for a change,” she says, giving us all a twirl.
The transformation is stark.
Her usual brightly coloured hair has been replaced by subtle highlights. Instead of harsh lines and garish colours, her makeup is now natural and elegant. Even her clothes, have been toned down, although they still hold an air of Harper. You can’t remove the entire persona.
“Wow, little sis,” Caleb says, stepping forward and pulling her in for a hug. “This is what uni does to you?”
“I wanted to fit in. Old Harper stood out a little too much for my liking. This was easier. No one is accusing me of using my family money or name to get ahead.”
She turns to Pen. “Using Mum’s surname was genius.”
She pats her arm. “I’m glad.”
Harper looks up, her eyes locking with mine. “Hey, big bro. What do you think?”
“You look good, little sis,” I say, earning myself a grin and a small curtsy.
I’ve probably been the hardest on Harper about her looks and rebellion. But having been there and watched Pen try to navigate that world, although successfully, I haven’t wanted that for my baby sis. Not when I know it has stemmed from the pain of losing our father.
“Perfect, everyone is happy,” Mum says, clapping her hands. “Now it’s time to eat.”
Dinner is a typical Frazer affair. Siblings talking over one another, catching up. Kat is quiet. She looks tired. But then it’s always the same. She spends two months travelling to the different hotels, showing her face, speaking to the workforce. Offering the personal management touch. It’s the same thing our father and grandfather did. It’s why each hotel has a family suite, also why staff retention is at a record high.
Since Pen returned, I know they’ve spoken briefly on the telephone, but nothing in-depth, although I can sense my sister’s questions bubbling beneath the surface. The glances she’s shooting my way adding to it. With April away on her honeymoon, Leah also called Pen on separate occasions to check in and make sure she was okay. Watching Pen with my sisters and sisters-in-law, it’s clear how much these women love her.
Mum has seated Pen between Kat and Leah, away from me. I think it’s more her respecting Pen’s wishes than mine.
At the end of the meal, Caleb stands up. “Mum, I know everyone here would like to wish you the happiest of birthdays.”
Mum smiles as we all cheer. When the noise dies down, Gabriel takes to his feet, clinking the side of his glass with his knife.
“Leah and I have an announcement.”
All eyes turn to Leah. One hand goes to her stomach, while the other is clasped in Gabriel’s.
“Really?” Mum’s choked voice says.
“It’s actually a double announcement.”
Gabriel and Leah both grin at each other. “
“Twins?” Mum all but shrieks. “When?”
“I’m sixteen weeks,” Leah says, her smile bright. “So it’s going to be a very busy Christmas.”
Mum gets up and rushes around the table, pulling Leah into a bear hug.
“That’s the best birthday present,” she says, her eyes glistening as she cups Leah’s cheeks, dropping kisses on each one before moving to do the same to Gabriel.
Gabriel wraps his arm around her shoulder and gives her a squeeze. We all know how hard this time is for her. She misses Dad every day but more so this weekend. This news is priceless. My eyes meet Gabriel’s over her head and I understand now why he waited to share the news.
“Are they identical?” Kat asks.
“We don’t know yet. They have separate placentas, so it’s a fifty-fifty chance,” Gabriel says.
Another set in the family. I wonder if they’ll be as mischievous as the first pair.
My eyes find Pen. She’s pulled Leah in for a hug and is saying something to her I can’t quite hear. Leah smiles.
“That’s wonderful news. I’m so happy for you,” Pen says as she pulls away.
Caleb stands up and drags his twin in for a hug.
“I’m so happy for you both. If they are identical, I hope they aren’t as cheeky as we were,” he laughs.
“Speak for yourself. I was the quiet one,” Gabriel says drily.
Caleb laughs. “Okay, that’s very true. I hope they are more like you. At least until they’re older and wiser.”
Caleb gave my parents a run for their money. He was always into something when he was younger. Mum said she needed eyes in the back of her head. And when she didn’t, Kat and I were placed on duty.
“On a very boring note, April and I also have something to announce too.” A gasp goes up, and he shakes his head with a grin. “No, we’re not pregnant, at least not yet. We have, however, had an offer accepted on the old Lofton property.”
He shoots his wife a look filled with love, one she returns openly.
The Lofton property borders the family home. Caleb and April are about to become Mum’s neighbours. Mum squeaks again and grabs them both.
“This is turning out to be the best birthday,” she says.
I knew April was the one for him the moment she came into his life, and I wasn’t wrong. There was something about her, the way he spoke her name. I always thought myself cynical, and that Caleb was the same, but with April, it just felt right. Maybe I was more open when she came on the scene than I was with Leah. Lucky for me, Leah has an enormous heart and has forgiven me.
Gabriel looks at Caleb and grins.
Caleb grins back. “We’re buying a house. Moving out of the penthouse to prepare ourselves.”
Gabriel slaps Caleb on the back. “It won’t be long then, brother.”
Caleb grins, his eyes once again returning to April with a wink. “Hopefully not.”
I sit back and watch my two brothers embrace again, their grins so wide, their joy palpable. This is everything I ever wanted for them. It’s why I tried so hard to protect them from the fallout of Darra and my relationship, not that I succeeded. This is what family looks like.
I look over and find Pen watching me. I give her a smile.
April and Leah get up, breaking the moment as everyone talks at a hundred miles an hour.
Mum sits back in her chair and grins from ear to ear, before getting up and hugging everyone.
Pen and I move around the table, embracing the happy couples. It’s only when Pen stops in front of me. I find my arms sliding around her waist, pulling her back against me.
She looks up, wide-eyed but doesn’t move away.
“As it seems to be the night of announcements. Pen and I have one, too,” I say. “We’re seeing one another.”
The four stop in their tracks and turn to face us.
Caleb holds out his hand to Gabriel.
“I win,” he says, earning himself a scowl.
April and Leah look at their husbands in horror.
“What?” they both say, shrugging and shooting their wives a look of complete innocence.
“That’s great news,” April says, stepping forward and giving Pen a hug, shooting me a grin. “Pleased for you, big man.”
Leah steps forward. “I knew it,” she says against Pen’s ear as Pen squeezes her back.
“We’re keeping it under the radar at the moment,” Pen says, and they all nod in agreement.
“Finally seen sense, big brother?” Gabriel says, clapping me on the shoulder.
I frown at him and shoot a look in Lottie’s direction, making Gabriel look sheepish.
Lottie just shrugs and goes back to playing with Callum. It’s not like Pen, and my relationship is news to her. She’s taken it completely in her stride.
Lottie looks up at us all and shakes her head.
“I thought you two were on the down low,” she says. “You’re the worst secret keepers.”
I hold up my hands, realising Lottie was too busy with Callum to have heard the other news. “Your aunt and uncle just announced they’re having a baby.”
Lottie’s eyes widen, and it’s her turn to squeal. She runs forward, hugging April and Leah in turn.
“I take it Lottie’s onboard,” Gabriel says quietly next to us.
Pen turns and smiles at him. “I’m her cool godmother.”
“Except when I find you naked and in bed with my dad,” Lottie says, making everyone turn to face us.
Pen’s cheeks darken instantly, and she drops her gaze. She looks cute. I pull her back against my chest.
“That only happened because you arrived home a day early.”
Lottie laughs. “I think it’s a good thing I did.”
“Quite something when your teenage daughter is teasing you,” Caleb says. “Wait until Lottie?—”
“Don’t say it!” everyone shouts simultaneously.
I send my brother a warning look that he seems to find hilarious.
“Well, with all this excitement, I think it’s time we vacate and move to play Monopoly,” Mum says, motioning for everyone to move to the other room.
Gabriel scoops up Callum from his highchair.
“I’ll take Callum, and we can watch a movie,” Lottie says. “Congratulations again.”
She takes Callum from her uncle and leaves us behind. I watch her go. She’s getting so grown up.
Pen has not joined the family for a game of Monopoly for years. I hope she knows what she’s letting herself in for. It’s still as crazy and competitive as always.
“Pen, how long and how did it happen?” Leah says.
I eavesdrop on their conversation, wanting, no, needing to know what she tells them.
Pen laughs at the barrage of questions.
“Brother, are you even paying attention?” Gabriel asks, throwing a cushion at my head.
I scowl in his direction, more interested in Pen and her conversation.
“It just sort of happened,” she says honestly. “Elijah came around and—what more can I say?”
“Well, seeing Lottie caught you in bed together, I take it things are a little more than friends,” April laughs.
“Don’t, you’ll make me blush,” Pen’s hands go to her cheeks.
April and Leah laugh. “Remember, we’re married to Frazer men,” they both say, looking at one another and laughing.
“Hard to resist,” April says.
“Incredibly. When a Frazer man sets his heart on a woman, there’s no stopping them.”
I splutter, but my sisters-in-law aren’t wrong. When we give our hearts, we give them in their entirety. I now understand my mother and father.
My heart stalls when I hear Pen’s next words.
“Elijah and I are having some fun.”
Is that what she thinks?
I know I don’t have any rights to her. She’s only just come out of an engagement.
I try to focus on the game in front of me.
But when I look up, Pen’s watching me. She smiles, and I smile back.
Whatever this is, we need to take it slowly and enjoy the moment.
After we pack up, I make my way over to the women.
“Who won?”
“Kat.”
Kat appears at my side, grinning. I’m pleased to see my sister looking more alive. That’s what beating your siblings does within the Frazer household.
“I’m off to bed,” she says. “I’ll catch up with you in the morning,” she adds pointedly at Pen.
“I’ll look forward to it. Want to run?” Pen asks.
“Absolutely.”
Kat turns on her heel and leaves us.
I hold out my hand, and Pen clasps it.
“Bedtime,” I say, smirking as she stifles a yawn.
“I thought you would never finish.”
“I couldn’t just roll over,” I tell her, knowing she’s fully aware of the competitive streak my siblings and I have.
We make our way upstairs and find Lottie and Callum asleep on one bed. Toy Story playing in the background.
Gabriel retrieves Callum while I scoop Lottie into my arms and carry her to her bedroom. Mum has always made sure Lottie had her own room in the house. I lay her down on the bed and cover her with the duvet. Stepping back, I look down at my daughter. Pen rests her hand on my shoulder. I turn to the woman who’s crashed back into my life.
“She’s growing up so fast,” I say.
“She is, but she loves you with all her heart.”
I know Pen’s right. Lottie and I have a strong bond. But I look at my little girl and see the woman she’s becoming. She’s getting bigger before my eyes. In a couple of weeks, she’ll be fifteen. Darra has asked for her to spend the weekend with her in Italy. I have yet to ask Lottie what she wants to do. I know Darra is missing our daughter.
I lean down and drop a kiss on her forehead as we make our way outside.
“Stay with me tonight,” I say, turning and pulling Pen into my arms. “It’s not like they don’t know about us.”
Pen quirks an eyebrow. “Was this your plan all along?”
I feign innocence, but I’m glad my family knows. That they’re happy, or at least ninety per cent of them are.
Kat has already told Pen she’ll be having words with her tomorrow before the party. She wants to know how I finally won her over.
“I’ll stay with you,” Pen says as I interlink our fingers and lead her to my room.
When we get inside, I close the door, dropping a kiss on her nose before moving to her neck and the spot just above her collarbone that has her shivering. Pen moans and desire shoot straight to my cock, and I’m instantly hard. Memories of her coming apart on my tongue and fingers fuel the fire. It’s like I’m permanently in horny mode whenever Pen is near. Not that she’s any different. My hand finds its way under her dress. Wet and ready, her body desperate for my cock.
She locks her arms around my neck, and we give in.