Chapter Twenty-Three

Parker's POV

I woke up one day feeling just a year older. Well, I was a year older. It was my twenty-eighth birthday. I had a smile on my face as I woke up. The sun rays were shining through the open cracks in the curtains. Squinting, I roamed one arm on my other side where Eleanor was suppose to be. Not feeling anything of her, I sat up curiously. Was it too much to ask to wake up on my birthday with my wife?

Frowning, I swung my legs over my bed and padded out of the room. I took the entire day off, so I didn't have to worry that it was already mid-morning. 

"Happy birthday, Daddy!" 

I turned around and saw Luke running towards me. I bent down just in time for him to launch himself into me. "Whoa. Thank you buddy." I laughed hugging him to me. "Where's your brother and mum?"

"Still playing," he explained bringing his head further from mine to look at me. "Momma's in the kitchen talking on the phone."

Once the words were out of his lips, I retreated into the colossal kitchen. Sure enough, there was my sweet Eleanor pacing around the kitchen island speaking briskly into the home phone. "Are you sure he's going to  love it?" A pause. "Alright. Thank you for your help, Ellie. I'll be sure to tell him! Goodbye!"

"Hi Momma!" Luke announced our presence.

Eleanor's eyes flew to me then to her son. She smiled warmly and looked at me again. "I guess Luke beat me to it, huh?"

I adjusted Luke to one arm and opened up my other arm. "It's never too late."

She invited herself into my arm giving me the best hug she could with our son in it also. "Happy birthday, Parker. I'll be sure to make up for that lame birthday greeting later." A rosy color flushed her cheeks as soon as she said that. She looked away shyly and walked into the dining room. 

I raised an eyebrow at the back of her head and followed her. "Were you talking to Ellie?"

"Yeah, she, um, called to tell you happy birthday," Eleanor looked at me expectantly at the back of her chair. "I made Augusto cook your favorite breakfast. I would have cooked it myself, but er, I kind of did it the wrong way." I could bet. One of the many imperfect things about my wife was that she couldn't cook very well. It was alright though, she made up for it in other ways.

I set Luke down and pulled the back of my chair. "Wow, this looks delicious." I looked up to see her relaxed face. "Any plans for the birthday boy?" I winked.

Another blush formed on her cheeks. "Agatha called yesterday while you were at work... She invited us over for dinner tonight. Then I have my own surprises for you afterwards."

My eyebrows shot up high into my foreheads than before. "Really?"

Eleanor blushed deeper and nodded before retreating to the kitchen. "I'll tell you more when the time comes!" Her distant voice yelled, then soon came back with an envelope in her hands. "I have something for you."

I gingerly took the sealed envelope from her and opened it curiously. Peeking up from me were two tickets to the Euro football championships. With wide eyes I turned my gaze to see Eleanor seated with her eyes locked on me. "Wow. I totally forgot about this. Thanks babe." I took her hand in mine kissing the back of it gently.

She shook her head taking a sip of her orange juice with her free hand. "It's not from me." I waited for her to continue. "It's from Caleb. He told me to give it to you for your birthday. He wishes you well."

I was struck silent and let go of her hand. When I found my voice to speak, the only ones I could mutter were, "You've been contacting him?"

She sighed. "He gave it to me the day of my gallery opening. He's in Norway now. If you didn't know. I think... I think you should make up with him. It is your birthday after all. Wouldn't you want your friend, best friend, be there with you?"

I paused eating without looking up. "I'd love it if we dropped this conversation." I slide the envelope further down the table.

I heard her sigh. "Alright. I'm sorry." With a much happier tone to her voice she said, "Luke and Peyton has a surprise for you. They worked hard on it yesterday."

A smile formed on my face. "I can only imagine what those two came up with."

Her laughter rang out. "You're gonna love it." Turning her head to the direction of where Luke left, she yelled, "Luke! Peyton! Are you ready to show your dad your gift?"

I waited patiently with a giddy smile on my face. I heard their running footsteps come and they stopped just before us still in their pajamas. Luke was in the lead with Peyton looking up at his brother. It was hard to not notice that Peyton was Luke's own little shadow.

"Momma! Put the music on!" The eldest loudly whispered glancing at me worriedly as if keeping a secret.

"Okay, okay. I will," Eleanor smiled and put on the music they were speaking of.  

I laughed at hearing the tune. It was the universal Happy Birthday To You song. I glanced at Luke and Peyton who were moving in all directions. They were dancing. They were dancing! I burst out in laughter with delight at watching their show they put on for me. It seemed rehearsed, but Peyton was clearly lost only following what Luke was doing.

Once the song ended, they struck a pose and yelled happy birthday. I stood up from my seat and crouched down on the floor. I held my arms open for my sons to run into. Their little bodies crashed into me with arms around my neck.

"That was wonderful, buds," I complimented kissing each of their heads. "I loved it. Thanks."

"You're welcome Daddy!" Luke grinned kissing my cheek. Then pouting, he glared at his younger brother. "Peyton didn't do it right!"

"That's alright. It looked amazing. Did you work hard on it?"

He nodded as I stood up with both guys in my arms. "Momma only helped a little."

"A little?" A gasp flew from Eleanor with mock surprise. 

"I'm sure putting on the music was a lot of work," I winked at her putting Luke down. 

Peyton was still quiet in my arms. I looked down at my right shoulder where his head was situated and found the little bugger was fast asleep! I suppressed a laugh as to not wake him up and gently sat down in my seat with him still in my arms. 

"I don't know why Peyton's always sleeping," Eleanor frowned staring at her younger son. "He seems to be exhausted all the time. Usually he would be a ball of energy."

"He's probably been playing too much these last couple of days," I placed a small kiss on his temple. "Luke, you eating breakfast with us, buddy?"

He nodded walking over to his designated spot in front of his mum. "I want waffles, please Daddy."

I helped him with placing two waffles on his plate with my free hand. With Peyton still in my arms, I managed to eat the rest of my breakfast with my family. My family.

We spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon lounging around in the house. It was freezing cold outside, so we couldn't go out and hang by the poolside. Instead we watched movies and pigged out on junk food. Peyton woke up an hour after breakfast being his usual energetic self. It was one of the most relaxing days I had ever had.

One of the best birthdays as well. I spent most of my past birthdays in bars or clubs all over the world. Famous cities like Las Vegas. You know, the usual. Partying until the wee hours of the morning, hooking up with girls, drinking. The stereotypical life of a bachelor.

Now here I was... A wife in my arms with two little boys sprawled out on each of our laps. And we were watching Disney movies. Disney movies. I should've have done this sooner. No wait. I shouldn't have or else Eleanor wouldn't be the one in my arms. Some other, random woman would be. 

I placed a spontaneous kiss on the top of her head. She turned her head up to look at me with a smile. "You look beautiful."

"Aren't I suppose to be the one giving the birthday person the compliments?" She asked while a slight blush crept on her face. 

"I'm just stating the obvious."

"You're such a charmer," she laughed softly so we wouldn't disturb Luke and Peyton. "We should be leaving soon for Agatha and Thomas' dinner. I hear they have a surprise for you."

I couldn't help it, I got excited. My father and I might not be on the best of terms, but he gives the best gifts. So does Agatha. "Well, I guess we should go then."

Telling the boys it was time to leave was easier than I thought. They looked comfortable watching the movie that I thought they would want to finish Finding Nemo, even though they watched this about a million times already. Although once they heard Agatha and Thomas' name, they perked up and nodded eagerly. 

"They've grown close with my parents, huh?" I said to Eleanor as watched them run to their rooms saying they're able to dress themselves properly.

She nodded sighing wistfully. "Yes. It's a good thing. I better go after them and dress them myself. I don't think they realize it's cold outside." Looking at me, she gave me a pointed look. "You go and dress already. Agatha doesn't want us to be running late."

Just a few minutes later, we were all bundled up in layers on the way to my parents' house. It was the second time we'll be going there. The first time didn't exactly turn out so well. Hopefully since my dad warmed up to Eleanor, there wouldn't be a problem.

Eleanor already called ahead we were arriving in a few minutes. Once I pulled into the extensive driveway, I already spotted Agatha's petite frame on the front porch waving wildly. I stifled a laughter at the sight. I quickly turned off the engine and walked to my step-mother who had a fleece blanket wrapped around her.

"Agatha, it's cold out here. You shouldn't be waiting outside," I chided her unbuckling Peyton's seat belt. Once he was free, I turned around only to be bombarded with a hug.

"Oh I just want to wish my son a happy birthday!" She hugged me tight, her blanket falling to the ground.  "I love you, Parker. Come on. Let's go inside."

"Gramma!" Peyton yelled raising his arms so he could be picked up. Agatha didn't disappoint.

Inside the warm house I grew up in, I shrugged off my coat and helped Eleanor's with hers. The boys were already talking animatedly with Agatha who was leading us into the kitchen. 

"I hope you're hungry, Parker dear," Agatha stated looking over her shoulder to me. "I cooked your favorite meal myself."

"Eleanor practically starved me at the house," I joked pulling my wife closer. 

"Parker." A loud booming voice that could only belong to one man got my attention.

I turned around seeing my father with his always expressionless face standing right behind me. "Yes, Father?"

"Can I see you in my office?" It was more of a demand than a request. He soon left Eleanor and I in the foyer.

I mumbled some incoherent things under my breath. "Go on, Parker." Eleanor encouraged me with a smile. "It's your birthday. He wouldn't reprimand you."

I nodded and gave her a quick kiss before disappearing around the corner. Father's office was left open, and I slipped in finding him sitting patiently on his side of the desk.

"Happy birthday, son," he said. Was it just me or did I detect a bit of warmth in his tone.

"Thanks," I said. "What's with the short meeting? Is everything at work fine? I clearly asked them not to call me anything about work since it was my-"

"Everything is fine," he interrupted with a small smile. "Ah, you remind me of myself when I still ran the company. Always worrying over it when I was gone."

I let out a tight-lipped smile not moving from where I stood. "What is it then?"

He took something out from the drawer and handed me a plain black box. It wasn't big to hold enough anything that might have caught my interest. Before opening, I stared plainly at my dad. 

"Well go on. Open it."

I did slowly and once I did, staring at me were silver keys which laid on top of a cushion. I could recognize that car brand logo anywhere. Bloody hell. My father got me one of the limited editions of this year's Aston Martins. 

"Shit, Dad," I muttered which probably wasn't a good idea to cuss in front of a parent. I received a slight raise of the eyebrows at the profanity. I didn't care. I have my own limited Aston Martin. "Thanks. Wow. I don't know what to say."

"I know we've had our differences, but I hope we can overcome them." 

Was my father apologizing? I waited to hear what else he had to say.

"Ever since your mother and I divorced, our relationship strained. Which only got worse when she- she died." My heart clenched at the memory of my mother. "I put in all my focus on my work and abandoned you and Ellie. I'm sorry. I hope you are able to forgive me, son."

I was speechless. What could I say? 

"I'm sorry for ever doubting your marriage. Eleanor is a lovely woman. Her kids are precious. You made an excellent decision, Parker. I could never be more proud of you."

A stab of guilt hit me. My marriage with Eleanor all started with a lie.

"Thanks Dad," I managed to get out. "Thanks. I forgive you. I hope you forgive me too."

We were far from the hugging stage, but we did give each other the friendliest smiles and a pat on the back. We both walked out of his office and to the dining room. "You can go check out that car after dinner. Agatha wouldn't want me beating her present." He whispered as we walked in.

I let out a loud laugh. Typical Agatha. Eleanor and Agatha's eyes were trained on us as we walked in. My stepmother's facial expression warmed at the sight of us finally getting along. Eleanor mirrored hers. 

"Well. Let's eat!" 

After a long dinner with my parents, it was time to go. "Come on Luke and Peyton. Get your coats on and say goodbye to grandma and grandpa."

"Actually Parker," Eleanor interrupted without looking at me. "They're staying here tonight."

I looked at her bewildered. "What?"

From Agatha and Thomas' looks, it seems like they were in on the plan. 

"You know what I said earlier? About my gift? Well..."

Understanding dawned on me. "Oh. Well alright. We'll pick them up tomorrow morning then?"

Eleanor frowned. "I- I guess." It seemed like she didn't think this far ahead. "Come here boys. Give Mum a big hug!" She gave Luke and Peyton goodbye kisses and waved to them from the doorway.

"Have fun you two!" Agatha yelled out with a sly wink. I mimicked her waving to them and my parents before closing the door behind us. 

I followed Eleanor outside where snow started to fall. They were already starting to pile up over the grass and asphalt. I fished out my new Aston Martin keys from my pocket and looked at Eleanor hopefully.

"Sorry, babe," she grinned evilly. "But you're going to have to close your eyes on the way."

"Okay, now open," I heard her soft voice speak out against the dead silence. 

I quickly opened my eyes as soon as I had her permission. It took me a moment to realize where we were. My mouth opened just a tad bit looking around me. I ventured more into the room looking out at the snow-filled day. We were at one of the most romantic hotel rooms I had ever been in before. That's saying a lot, because I had have quite a few share of my hotel rooms with trying to impress- Ah, well. I shouldn't be thinking those thoughts when I was with my lovely wife.

"It's probably not what you're used to. It doesn't compare at all to your dad's sports car gift or Agatha's Rolex. Probably even Luke's and Peyton's song!" She chuckled nervously, wringing her hands in front of her. "But I thought... What do you give a man who seems to already has everything?"

I turned around to face her away from the window. I was still rendered speechless. "Eleanor-"

"So I thought," she didn't seem to hear me looking past my shoulder to the night sky, staring out into space. "I thought that..." Then our eyes locked. "Maybe I could give myself to you. In all ways, Parker."

Holy shit. "Eleanor..." In two strides I was standing right in front of her. I couldn't help myself. I took a taste of those delectable rosy pink lips from the cold. We stood there kissing for a few minutes. Then she pulled away, laughing.

"Parker, you didn't let me finish," she looked up at me with star-gazed eyes. She traced the outline of my jawline until her thumb padded along my bottom lip. I felt suddenly lightweight under her scrutiny. Everywhere she touched left burning trails. "Parker I... I love you. I don't know when or how it happened, but I just do."

I stared at her dumbfounded. Did... did she just say she loves me? I must be dreaming, but I hoped I wasn't. 

"Parker, say something," Eleanor urged with a timid smile. 

"What do you want me to say?" I asked dumbly bringing my hands down to my sides, standing in front of her awkwardly.

The smile vanished off her face, and her fingers left my face. She took one step back. "I- I don't know. I thought that maybe... No, you couldn't be." By now it seemed like she was talking to herself. "Caleb was wrong. Ellie was wrong. Everybody's wrong."

 "Wrong about what?" I asked with a quirk to my mouth. 

Her eyes found mine again. It hurt me to see sorrow in them. "That you were in love with me."

I nodded agreeing with her. "You're right. They are wrong." A tear escaped from her right eye, and that was when I had it. I took the step towards her that kept us close again. I cupped her face in both of my hands to keep her from looking anywhere but me. My thumb grazed the area below her eyes. "I'm more than in love with you. Eleanor, I love you so much. Unlike you, I knew I started loving you the very second you granted me as Luke and Peyton's father. They're my life now. You're my entire universe. Without you, who knows where I would end up? You're everything to me now."

"Cheesy," she mumbled incoherently then smiling. "Do you mean it?" I nodded. "Say it again."

I closed my eyes groaning. "Ma cheríe... I was on a spur of the moment. I forgot half of the things I said."

"Just the part where you tell me you love me is fine," she negotiated with a twinkle in her eyes.

I grinned and kissed her softly on the tip of her nose. "I love you. I love you so much."

"And I love you," she replied kissing me hard on the mouth.

Who knew three little words could change your whole life around? I hitched Eleanor up in my arms, her legs surrounding around my waist. I walked backwards from where I remembered the bed was placed. I felt it against the back of my legs way too late, and we stumbled on it our lips never leaving each other's. I flipped her on her back, my dominant side taking over. 

I felt her hands run under my shirt and up to my bare chest. A few seconds later, they lifted the hem of my shirt tugging it upwards. I stiffened, her movement being a first for her. She was never this bold. 

I grabbed a hold of her hands in mine looking down at her incredulous face. "What's wrong?" She asked.

"What are you doing?" I asked cautiously wiping stray hairs off her face. 

She smiled slightly. "Parker, when I said I was ready to give myself to you... I meant it. In any way possible. I thought I could never love someone again after... after