The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 21

"As impish as ever and I love it. Monty's been holding Holly's hands while she stands upright. They're so cute, Max. They love playing together."

"Makes parenthood look easy seeing them grow up."

"It really does," I sigh a little dreamily. "Do you think...? I mean would you...?"

Watching Max's expression flip from happy to shell shocked, I suddenly bite my lip deciding that my question about having more babies is borderline ridiculous and likely I've frightened the life out of him. My sudden change of heart though, does not go unnoticed.

"And what of the bridesmaids dresses?" He asks changing the subject and saving me from my own embarrassment.

"Sorted!"

"And yours?"

"Almost finished." I grin from ear to ear. "Your sister is the most talented seamstress. She should have her own shop solely making bridal gowns."

"I agree. She's got an amazing eye for detail."

"Could we help her? As a thank you for all she's done for us?"

"You really are a sweetheart, aren't you?"

"I just think she deserves it."

"Well, if it would please you then I'll offer her a deposit on a shop but she refused me once, love. I think she enjoys the girls too much and setting up a business takes a lot of effort."

"You offered before?"

"Yes. It was years ago. I'd do anything for my family."

"I know you would, baby," I smile, stroking his cheek. "So she simply said no?"

"She rain-checked on me. The twins were small, then."

"But they're almost eleven now, Max."

"That's true. I'll run it by her again to see what she says."

"Actually, would you mind if I ask her? You men can be too matter-of-fact at times but I think I could convince her with some gentle persuasion."

"By all means. You two have become close, haven't you?"

"Of course, we have," I laugh. "I'm trusting her with my wedding dress, after all."

"Thanks for asking her to make it. It made her year, I think."

"I hope so."

"I love that you're friends with my family. I don't think I could cope if you all didn't get on. It was bad enough when I thought your parents hated me."

"They didn't hate you. They were just angry because they believed you'd thrown me to the wolves."

"Well, I kinda did," he states, squirming. Sitting above him I rest between his thighs pulling him to me, nose to nose.

"No, Max. It was..."

"It was the biggest mistake of my life, Gracie," he interrupts.

"And letting Jonny King take our son was the biggest mistake of mine but he would've killed any of one us if he'd wanted to. Anyone one of us, except Monty."

"It's all I could hope for while he was missing. That he loved my son enough to keep him safe, but if I'd only picked you up that day things would've been so different."

"Stop it, Max!" I scold. "I won't have you blaming yourself. He wanted to hurt us and if it hadn't been that day it would have been another." I stroke his cheek offering a shred of reassurance hoping he at least buys it, though I remain unconvinced. "Thankfully, we've come out the other side with minimal damage and we're going to be together despite your ex father-in-law."