Romance The Long Ride

"Yes Shari I do, you're not upset are you?" Callum asked as he sat down beside her, he had worried she would be once he started dating. A warm smile graced his lips as his daughter shook her head.

"I like her too Daddy, does she make you happy?" Shari asked, looking up at him. Unaware that Itzel had returned just in time to hear that question.

"Yes Shari, Itzel makes me very happy," Callum said, as his hand brushed along the back of her head. Itzel's fingers pressed lightly against her lips feeling them tremble at his words.

"Is she going to be my new Mommy?" Shari asked, with child-like innocence.

"I don't know honey, that kind of depends on her. Would you like her to be?"

"Mmmhmm," Shari nodded vigorously.

Itzel quickly wiped away her tears, she had hoped Shari would be accepting of her when she came into Callum's life. Shari was, after all, the first one she fell in love with then she fell madly in love with her father. How could she not? Callum was everything she had been looking for. That was the reason she moved thirteen hundred miles; to find someone she could spend her life with, to grow old with, to bring new life into this world with. She just hoped and prayed this feeling they shared lasted and was not just something due to the lust that normally is around during the beginning of a new relationship.

"Sorry it took a little longer than I hoped, the machine was fritzing on me," Itzel fibbed, she didn't want them to know she was listening outside the door.

"I hope the salad is to your liking," Callum said, popping the top of his container as Shari wasted no time digging into her food.

"It is Cal, thank you for getting it, and coming to have lunch with me," Itzel said blushing, as she held his hand across the table. Feeling her skin heat as his thumb brushed along her hand.

"You're quite welcome Itzel," Callum said, staring deeply into those steel blue eyes of hers.

Itzel's body brushed lightly against his as they held hands while Shari ran around looking for new books to read once they had finished their lunch. Resting her head against his shoulder as she wore a smile on her face as Shari ran up to her father to hold the books she picked out before the two of them went through them before picking out three that she wanted to read.

"Cal, what's going on Monday?" Itzel whispered.

"Vanessa wants us to go to couple counseling," Callum said, wondering how she was going to take that.

"Do what?! You better tell me now if you have any lingering feelings for..." Taking a dry swallow as those dark honey brown eyes darkened in his anger. Anger she had never seen in him before.

"I'll tell you this now, I do not have any feelings of that kind for her. She killed that the day she told me she wanted to abort Shari; we clear?" Callum asked, trying to keep his voice below a whisper.

"Crystal," Itzel nodded. "Then why are you going if it's not to get back together?"

"Why else," Callum said, jutting his chin towards Shari.

"Okay, what does Shari have to do with this?"

"She wants me to be somewhat friends with her mother, so she doesn't have to choose between the two of us," Callum sighed, rubbing his temple at the headache Vanessa was causing him.

"But is it a possibility that she would choose her mother?" Itzel asked, fearing she would lose the little girl that she was beginning to think of as her own.

"Not a chance, Vanessa would be the one that would be fleeing with her tail between her legs. But..."

"Shari needs and wants her mother," Itzel said, finishing his sentence for him.

"Yeah," Callum sighed.

"I understand Cal, I wish you didn't have to be around that woman, but I do understand why you're doing this. Tell me am I prettier than she is?"

"A thousand times more," Callum said, with a coy smile on his lips.

"Smart answer," Itzel said, returning his smile. Her lip dragged on her teeth after the small kiss they shared nothing like what they did behind the closed doors of his home. Yet she did love the taste of him on her lips.

"Itzel, Itzel!" Shari said, tugging on Itzel's left hand.

"What can I do for you, you beautiful angel?"

"Are you going to be my new Mommy?" Shari asked, point blank.

Itzel's face burned as she became speechless. Even though she already knew they had talked about it in the break room. To have it asked directly to her was another thing altogether. It would seem her tongue failed to move as Callum's eyes had a sparkle to them as he too waited for an answer.

"Come with me Shari... nah-uh you stay right there mister, this is girl talk," Itzel said, wagging her finger at him as he started to more. "I promise we aren't going far," she said, as he nodded in understanding.

"Yeah Daddy, girl talk, boys aren't allowed," Shari said, turning her button nose up at him in that adorable fashion.

"Aye, aye, ma chérie," Callum said, seeing Itzel eyes widen in shock.

She so didn't know he could speak French. Wondering what else she was going to learn about him. Also wondering if he would call her his darling too.

"So Shari," Itzel squatted down as they stood behind some bookshelves three rows away from Callum, "would you like me to become your new Mommy?" she asked, using Shari's words.

"Mmmhmm," Shari hummed. "You're funny, you make me laugh and you hold me like Daddy does," she said, feeling embarrassed as she looked down before quickly looking up like her father had taught her. "Daddy is happy when your around. I can see it. I know I'm small and don't know everything, but I know when he's happy, and Daddy is the happiest when your around. Please don't hurt my Daddy."

"Oh honey, I do like your dad, a lot, but you have to understand that we're just starting our relationship; and me becoming your stepmother is a very long ways away. But the moment we're there you'll be the first to know, okay?" Itzel stated brushing a few stands of hair behind Shari's left ear.

"You promise?!"

"Pinky promise," Itzel said, with a warm smile as she held out her pinky. Biting her lip at how cute Shari was a they shook on it. Breathing heavily into Shari's neck as she hugged her. Trying not to cry at how good Shari felt in her arms. She knew it was far too early to get attached to her and yet she couldn't help it. Shari just felt so right in her arms that she never wanted to let go of her. Wiping her eyes as she rose, a warm, loving smile formed on her lips as Shari took hold of her hand. Callum had told her Shari didn't hold hands with just anyone, how that one gesture warmed her heart.

"So..." Callum's words were stilled as Itzel kissed him passionately not caring if they were at her place of work. "Hummina, hummina," Callum muttered at his loss for words. Itzel's steel blue eyes flared in want enjoying how she could make that brain of his befuddled.

"Come Shari, lets pick out those books," Itzel said, leading Shari over to one of the reading tables that dotted the open floor space. Peering over her shoulder noting how Callum's eyes were on her swaying ass as her jeans showed off its curvature.

"Tuesday night, just you and me, do you think you can find a sitter for Shari?" Itzel whispered as she stood in his arms as Shari waited in his truck once they had picked out three new books for her.

"I can try, do you want to go out, or would you like for me to cook us dinner?" Callum asked, knowing full well she could feel his hard-on as it pressed against her mons Venus. Watching how she sucked on her lower lip as his right hand gently squeezed her ass. Then feeling her hands sliding into his back pockets, her eyebrows wiggled taunting him as she gave his ass the same treatment.

"You don't mind if we stayed in do you?" Itzel inquired, loving the feel of his rear in the palms of her hands.

"Chicken parmesan okay with you?"

"Mmmhmm," Itzel hummed her eyes lustered as her breasts pressed against Callum's hard chest.

"You want to come by later tonight?"

"I would like that," Itzel nodded.

"Okay, I'll see you then," leaning in getting one last taste of those velvety lips of hers, "I better let you get back to work."

Itzel stood on the side walk waving to Shari and Callum as he pulled away. Placing her hand over her heart feeling its rapid beat, knowing that he was indeed the one. She couldn't explain it, it was just something her body, her heart, and her soul whispered to her mind.

"Oh, I'm so in trouble," Itzel whispered as Callum's truck disappeared into the distance knowing she was totally in love with him. Not that she would tell him yet, nonetheless, she knew she would love no other like she felt for Callum.

Monday, 5:55 pm.

Callum sighed heavily as he pulled up to the office of Angie K Rotter. The therapist that Vanessa had chosen to side with her he assumed. Repeating the mantra in his mind that he was doing this for Shari and no one else. Venting his frustration onto his steering wheel before he had to go face his ex-girlfriend. Knowing he was probably going to be tag teamed by the both of them. His mother had picked Shari up from school so she wouldn't have to see the anger in his eyes he had for her mother. Hoping that this nonsense didn't last months, he had no wish to deal with Vanessa for that long. Blowing out a breath as he noted Vanessa was standing patiently at the front entrance as he exited his vehicle.

"I'm glad you made it Cal, is Shari okay?" Vanessa asked, once Callum drew near.

"She's fine," Callum said, in a monotone voice.

"Staying at your parents?" Vanessa guessed having to be content with a nod. "Shall we?" she spoke gesturing to the door.

"Let's just get this over with," Callum grumbled.

The waiting room was like any other therapist's office; white walls, bad chairs, and lots of magazines. Fake plants dotted the corners of the room to give that stale room a more lively feel to it which to Callum it did the opposite. All it did was reinforce the fact that everything in that office was fake.

"Mrs. Blake and Mr. MacRoe?" Angie called out as she stood in the doorway of her office. Her blonde hair was parted from the right side of her head allowing her long flowing mane to drape down the left side and onto her shoulders. Her black frame glasses glinted as the artificial lights struck along their plastic frames. Her light red lipstick shaped her lips alluringly as she smiled warmly at her newest patients. Instantly she could tell there was a deep divide between the two of them as each sat on opposite sides of the room. The woman appeared to be open and willing while the man was closed off and eager to be somewhere else.

"Yes, I'm Mrs. Blake," Vanessa said, rising from her seat and holding out her hand to Angie. "Thank you, for seeing us," she said, shaking Angie's hand.

Angie noted how Mr. MacRoe reluctantly got up from his seat. She could tell without even reading him he didn't want to be here, and that was going to be her hardest obstacle they were going to have to deal with.

"Not a problem Mrs. Blake," Angie said, smiling at the woman. It wasn't odd for nonmarried couples to visit her, yet she did note the engagement ring and wedding band on Vanessa's left hand. If they were having an affair with one another then she wanted no part of it. "Shall we adjourn to my office?" she asked, inviting them in. While Callum shook her hand she felt nothing in it other than the strength of his hand. "So tell me," quickly writing down in her yellow pad at how Callum had dragged the chair nearly across the room from Vanessa, "what brought the two of you here today?"

"As you can see Callum and I have our issues," Vanessa said, gesturing to his coldness.

"And you're free to get the hell out of our lives like you've done for the past eight years," Callum spat.

"Not going to happen Cal," Vanessa said, glancing over at him.

"Ours? Explain Mr. MacRoe?" Angie inquired as she took note of his anger. Wondering if he had anger management issues or had a genuine right to be that angry with Vanessa.

"We have a daughter together," Callum stated.

"Ah. So tell me which one of you is the legal parent of this child?" Angie asked, thinking it was Vanessa.

"I am," Callum stated proudly.

Angie's eyes shot towards Callum it wasn't unheard of that the father had custody of the child or children that were born from a relationship; however, it wasn't common either. "So tell me Mr. MacRoe what's your daughter's name?"

"Shari."

"That's a beautiful name," Angie said, smiling at Callum to ease the tension in the room.

"She didn't think so," Callum said, nodding to Vanessa.

"I was sixteen Cal, I would have thought Oompa Loompa was a better name than Shari at the time," Vanessa said, looking over at him.

"Come again?!"

"Callum, he was my high school sweetheart, you were!" Vanessa stated as Callum rolled his eyes. "He was the first boy I ever had sex with, one day we were hanging out by this little pond he and I used to go to for a swim when we would skip class together. One thing lead to another, we... had sex in the water. Next thing I knew I was pregnant with Shari..."

"And for nine long months you and your damn parents made my life a living hell," Callum cut in.

"Mr. MacRoe care to elaborate?"

"You have children?" Callum asked, with a pointed look.

"Yes, two boys," Angie nodded.

"Then tell me," leaning forward, "how would you feel if say you had to prove to the State, time and time again that you could be their parent. Every day you had to face off against your," glancing down at her ring, "husband, his parents, and the State while they tried to force you to agree to the death of your child. How would you feel when his parents dragged your name through the mud for nine long months as you fought for the right for your child to live? Tell me how would you feel?" Callum asked, heatedly.

"We aren't here to discuss that Mr. MacRoe," Angie said, shifting uneasily in her chair.

"You would hate them too, I can see it," Callum said, hitting the nail on the head.

"I'm not going to answer that," Angie stated knowing that was true. "We're here to work on the relationship between the two of you."

"We don't have one," Callum said, leaning back in his chair. "Kind of hard to have something like that when someone runs away for eight years. She even said it herself she wasn't going to let her own daughter know about her and her husband if she could have any more," he said, wickedly. Knowing that was going to dig that dagger deeper into her heart.

"Cal that's fucking low," Vanessa hissed.

"Is it true?"

"Yes, but that person isn't me anymore," Vanessa pleaded.

"Oh, how so?"

"Can you have more children?" Vanessa asked, pointedly.

"I don't... yes, I can," Angie said, noting the determined look in Vanessa's eyes.

"Well, I can't. Look at me I can't have another child at the age of twenty-four. Do you know how earth shattering that is?!"

"I can speculate," Angie nodded.

"It nearly destroyed me, if Henry wasn't there I would have probably killed myself, and you wouldn't have cared would you?" Vanessa asked, looking over at Callum.

"How would I know if you had or hadn't," Callum said, shrugging his shoulders. "It's not like you kept in touch all these years. You only came back because they screwed up and you can't pop out any more..."

"Mr. MacRoe, let's not delve into the use of degrading one another," Angie said, noting how Vanessa was on the verge of tears.

"How can you be so cruel Callum?" Vanessa asked, with a trembling voice.

"How the hell could you think of killing my child?!" Callum roared. "Not once, not a single damn time throughout that whole ordeal did you and your parents even say you were sorry. No! You only cared about your own damn selves. You didn't give a damn about Shari! No you went off and partied and fucked whomever you pleased. I called you numerous times for you to come see her..."

"Mr. MacRoe, why did you do that if you dislike Mrs. Blake so much?" Angie asked, interjecting.

"Because I'm a damn good father?! That's why!" Callum growled. "It's why I'm sitting here looking at her and not at home playing with my daughter, because for some odd damn reason Shari wants you in her life. Reasons that I can't fathom, seeing how you haven't given a damn in eight years about our daughter. If I wasn't I wouldn't be sitting here and listening to her spin this shit to make her look like she's misunderstood. No, here I am listening to her, and her parents trying to take my daughter away when she has no damn rights. Aren't ya?!" he asked, his heated glare burned into Vanessa's hide.

"Is that true? Are you actually trying to take his daughter away from him?" Angie inquired, as she took notes.

"No! How can you think that Cal?!"

"Shall I remind you of what your father said, and what you said three days ago?" Callum asked, with a pointed look.

"Cal what I said was only to get you to talk to me. I've never intended to take Shari from you, you have to believe me. You're right, I wasn't a very good mother to Shari when she was born, and for that I'll forever hate myself. Do you think I don't wish I could go back in time. To hold my baby, to sing to her while she's cradled in my arms. To feel her suckling on me, to be there when she first took her first step, to see every single thing I missed out on because I was selfish?! And don't you dare say I didn't think about her in all these eight years!" Vanessa shouted tears streamed down her cheeks as she gazed at Callum. "I thought about her every day, every night, every damn second!"

"They why did it take eight years to hear one damn peep from you?" Callum asked, accusingly.

"Because I was fucking scared okay!" Vanessa yelled breaking down into loud sobs as she buried her face in her hands.

"Please elaborate Mrs. Blake as to why you were scared?" Angie asked, once Vanessa had calmed down enough to speak coherently.

"I was scared t-t-that you would hang up on me. Call me names, yell at me, do everything in your power to keep me away," Vanessa said, with a trembling voice. "I was sixteen Cal; I wasn't ready to be a mother yet. I know, I know so were you. But don't you see I didn't have your damn fucking fortitude! I'm so, so sorry that we put you through that. Nothing I can say will ever make up for all that me and my parents did to you. I don't even know how you put up with it all, and I'm so glad that you did, because without your strength Shari wouldn't be alive right now; and I wouldn't be able to hold the only child I'll ever be able to have. I didn't know about what Mom and Dad were doing until you took us to court by then you'd stopped talking to me unless it was through your lawyer..."

"Did Mr. MacRoe attend the ultrasounds and the prenatal screenings before the birth of your daughter?" Angie asked, noting how Callum wasn't moved by her display of emotions.

"Oh yes," Vanessa nodded vehemently. "Cal didn't miss a single one even though my parents tried their best to interfere until Cal's parents got the courts to grant a restraining order on them preventing them from being there," she said, not missing that little smirk of his.

"Mr. MacRoe, at any time during her examinations, did you comfort her, give her reassurances or anything like that?"

"Fuck no."

"Why not?" Angie asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Would you be all sweet and loving to the person that was trying to kill your kid?" Callum retorted.

"I see," Angie said, quickly writing down her observations. "Let me ask a question to the both of you, are you still in love with one another?"

"No," Callum and Vanessa answered.

"I kind of killed that, didn't I Cal?" Vanessa asked, looking over at him seeing Callum nod in agreement. "When did you stop loving me?"

"The day you said you wanted an abortion, and it gradually eroded from there," Callum said, plainly.

"Callum... if I hadn't done any of that. Stayed by Shari's side, been a mother to her when the two of you needed me. Would we have gotten married?"

"Possibly, but what's the point of wishing for things that will never be?" Callum asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Oh Cal, I've fucked everything up haven't I?"

"Pretty much, glad you've finally taken responsibility for your shit," Callum said, aloofly as he crossed his arms.

"Can we ever be friends again?" Vanessa asked, with pleading eyes.

"With that I think we should stop there," Angie said, laying down her pad and pen on the small table next to her. "I know this might be hard for you to do Mr. MacRoe, but I want you to try to understand what Mrs. Blake was going through at that time. I know it mustn't have been a pleasant experience for you, yet you have to understand, Mrs. Blake's hormones at the time were going haywire and at that age and being pregnant couldn't have been easy on her," she said, seeing Vanessa nod along. "Mrs. Blake I want you to ponder on every slight you and your family caused Mr. MacRoe during the battle for Shari's life and how that's affected him. Being forced to raise a child alone when the other parent runs off to wherever you were at the time is no easy task," Angie said, noting how Vanessa bowed her head in shame.

"Like watching your daughter almost die," Callum muttered underneath his breath.

"What?!" Vanessa's head shot up quickly as she heard his words clearly. "Callum what do you mean Shari almost died?!" she asked, her hands gripping the armrest of the chair.

"Go ahead Mr. MacRoe," Angie nodded.

"Four years ago, I had just opened my shop. Shari came down with Scarlet Fever. For two damn days I had to sit there and watch as my Shari struggled for breath as she developed pneumonia due to complications with the Scarlet Fever. Do you have any idea what it's like not knowing if your child is going to live or die?" Callum asked, looking at Angie. "I was a fucking wreck; I couldn't do a damn thing for her as she cried out in pain. All I could do for her was hold her hand and pray that somehow she would pull through it. For two days I tried..." Callum's eyes watered knowing how close he was to losing his little girl. "She cried out for you?! Where were you?! Huh? If you say you gave a damn about her in all these eight years where were you when our daughter needed you the most?!" Callum asked, as his tears streaked down his face.

Vanessa's eyes quivered as she saw the pain in his eyes. The fear that laced his tears knowing he could do nothing to help their daughter. "Oh Cal... if I had known... if I hadn't been so selfish in trying to live my life as a college student and trying to forget about you (I was still in love with you then). I would have been there with you in a heartbeat. I would never have let you go through that alone," Vanessa said, as her lip trembled. Quickly rushing to her feet, her legs carrying her across the room. "I am so, so sorry you had to face that alone," she said, taking hold of his hands as she knelt before him. "I'm here on my knees begging you to forgive me for being so damn foolish. I know my actions have hurt you and Shari. I can't begin to make up for that. On my life I swear I won't be so damn foolish again and promise you Shari will want for nothing. You've sacrificed enough of your life because I failed to be the mother Shari needs. If you give me the chance I will show you I am not that immature girl anymore," Vanessa stated as she stared into those tear filled eyes of his.

"Mrs. Blake I want you to reflect on what Mr. MacRoe went through during that time. How it would make you feel if you were in his shoes and he was off... in college forgetting about you," Angie said, seeing Vanessa's cheeks heat as she bowed her head.

"You got around didn't you?" Callum asked, curiously. Watching Vanessa nodding her head.

"I told you Cal, I was trying to forget you... then I met Henry," Vanessa said, her thumbs brushed along the back of his hands.

"Mr. MacRoe I would like for you to bring your daughter with you on Wednesday."

"Why?" Callum asked, arching an eyebrow.

"This must be a very... strenuous time on your daughter with both of her parents at odds with one another. I'd like to make sure she's coping with all this so not to impair her schooling and private life. That is if you agree Mr. MacRoe," Angie said, in that warm therapeutic voice.

"Do you think that's a good idea?"

"I do," Angie nodded. If he was anything like he said he was then he would do anything to make sure his daughter was healthy.

"Okay, she'll be here," Callum said, with a stout nod.

"Very good, I think we've made some progress today. How does four o'clock sound to the two of you?" Angie asked, looking through her planner.

"Sounds perfect," Vanessa said, staring into Callum's eyes. Seeing the boy she was once in love with. Wondering how their life could have been if she didn't screw it all up. Then the Callum she's come to know returned as his hands slid out of hers and rose from his chair and left her kneeling there on the floor as he left Angie's office.

"Give him time Mrs. Blake this can't be easy for him with you showing up out of the blue," Angie said, from behind her.

"Will we ever be able to at least talk to one another without slinging insults back and forth?" Vanessa asked, looking back at Angie.

"I can't say, will it be like it was before you put him through all that? Doubtful. I think the best you can hope for in the short term is him being civil to you, and that's probably only for his daughter's benefit," Angie said, truthfully. "Mr. MacRoe has a lot of anger and resentment towards you and your parents and it's going to take time for him to get over it with your sudden appearance. Mr. MacRoe probably thought he would never see or hear from you again." Vanessa hung her head in shame knowing that was what would've happened because she was too much of a coward then to face the two people she had ran out on.

"Shit!" Callum hissed as noon rolled around on the following Tuesday. "Fuck what am I going to do?!" he asked, his empty shop as he paced the floor. His father had to go out of town on a sudden business trip, and his mother had already planned to go out with her female friends and couldn't cancel at such a short time otherwise she would lose her deposit for what he couldn't say, nor did he ask. None of his friends from his motorcycle club were answering his calls. "Fuck!" Callum screamed out in frustration knowing he was going to have to trust Vanessa with his daughter. Something he wasn't looking forward to. He knew with the way Itzel was dropping hints last night when she stopped by that she so wanted to take this further, and he didn't want Shari around to hear something like that should that actually happen. Stroking his chin debating on calling Vanessa or not and just waiting until he could get a sitter for Shari so they could be alone. Looking down his body, already knew what a certain part of him would do, now if only he could get his brain onboard.

"Cal? This is a surprise; I didn't think I be hearing from you like ever unless... Oh my God! Is Shari alright?!" Vanessa's voice came over the speaker of his phone once Callum finally relented before it was too late to make the call.

"Shari's fine. No I'm calling..."

"Yes? What is it Cal?"

"I need you to do me a favor," Callum stated forcing the words out.

"Oh?! This is rather strange Cal, after yesterday, I didn't think we were at this stage yet," Vanessa said, smiling into the phone knowing how hard this was for him, and it didn't mean she had to make it easy on him either.

"You're enjoying this aren't you?"

"Of course," Vanessa giggled.

"God. Why did I bother to call?!"

"Why did you?"

"Because I need you to come pick Shari up at my house before five this afternoon... and maybe let her stay the night and you can take her to school in the morning if she stays the night," Callum sighed. "If you and Henry aren't busy."

"What?!" Callum held his phone away from his ear as Vanessa screamed. "Cal..." Vanessa was breathing heavily, Callum smirked when the shoe was on the other foot, "what's the exact reason you're asking me this and if you're fucking with me I swear to God! I will shove one of your wrenches so far up your ass you'll taste steel," she said, menacingly.

"Wow. Anger issues much?!" Callum chuckled into his phone.

"Vanessa, tone it down in the office." Callum heard Henry's voice in the back ground.

"Working for hubby huh?"

"With! -- My husband not for," Vanessa snapped. "Now," calming herself, "what is this about Callum?"

"I have a date tonight and Mom can't watch Shari due to prior engagements..." Stopping himself from insulting her, "and I thought maybe she could spend the night should the date... you know," Callum said, awkwardly.

"Oh, you sly devil," Vanessa giggled. Looking up at Henry as she had put Callum on speaker. Matching Henry's smile knowing how they been waiting for this chance. "One condition?"

"Which is?" Callum sighed knowing there was going to be a catch.

"That I can be the one that picks up Shari tomorrow and take her to our session, otherwise I guess you'll just have to reschedule your date," Vanessa said, holding up her finger when Henry started to speak.

"Yeah, alight."

"Wait! You answered that way too damn fast. What are you up to?" Vanessa asked, seeing the worried look in Henry's eyes thinking she was going to blow it.

"Well, if you did, maybe it would get those kids to stop picking on Shari," Callum said, rubbing the back of his head.

"Ah. I see, yes, I can see where you're going with this. Cal, do you realize what an awesome father you are?"

"Yeah, had lots of practice, so about my favor?" Callum asked, not ready to accept praise from the woman that ran off.

"What time does Shari's bus arrive?"

"Well, I leave here at 2:50 to walk to Shari's bus stop and get back around 3:05 somewhere around there unless Shari wants to take a detour," Callum said. Feeling a smile forming on his lips recounting the second week of last October when they took the long way around through the park so Shari could play in the leaves. His eyes running down his computer screen as he balanced his books.

"Cal, would you mind if we walked with you to pick up Shari?"

"Umm... I don't think that would be wise Vanessa. The local moms kind of hate you," Callum said, knowing he was going to Hell for taking enjoyment out of that.

"Did you...?"

"No, they filled in the blanks, I only told them you hadn't seen Shari since she was born. Never said a bad word no matter how much I so wanted to. I knew it would get back to Shari and that would hurt my baby girl."

"See?! That's what I'm talking about, they don't teach that in those classes," Vanessa said, hoping she could come to rely on his wisdom in guiding Shari into womanhood.

"Told you practice, after all I had to be Dad and Mom all-in-one for eight years," Callum said, plainly.

"I do hope you'll help me when I stumble Cal. I don't want to hurt her."

"We'll see."

"We'll be there at 2:50. I can't wait to see the face of my baby girl!" Vanessa said, excitedly.

"Later?!"

Callum turned his head as their dark blue BMW pulled into his driveway as he rolled down the bay door. His keys jiggling as he locked up.

"We aren't late are we?" Vanessa asked, her head peeked over the roof.

"No, odd you can be on time for this but not then?" Callum stated with a pointed look.

"Okay, I deserve that, I got greedy for a little extra time with her, sue me," Vanessa said, closing her car door.

"That an invitation?" Callum inquired with a wicked smirk.

"Hey," Henry said, as he slid out of his car.

"Yo," Callum greeted. "I hope you got a heater for the engine," Callum said, nodding back towards Henry's car as he led them to Shari's bus stop.

"Do what?"

"You did tell your husband it can and has gotten down to negative forty here right?" Callum asked, from over his right shoulder.

"Yeah, but he didn't believe me, thought that only happened in Canada and Alaska. See. Told you," Vanessa said, playfully slapping her husband's arm.

"Okay, so how much does one of those cost?" Henry asked, already freezing just thinking of those temps.

"Depends where you go in town and the make and model of your engine and if your wanting just the block heater or all of them," Callum said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Well, how much do and/or would you, specifically, charge for all of it?"

"How many cars do you two own?" Callum asked, looking over at Henry as they stood at the crosswalk.

"Just the two," Henry stated feeling Vanessa slipping her hand into his.

"Like I said, depending on the make and model, this is a rough estimate here, around seven hundred to a grand per car," Callum said, as he made sure the road was clear.

"Cal... who's this?" Shana asked, running her eyes hungrily down his body as he walked up with two people she's never seen in the neighborhood before.

"Shari's mother," Callum said, matter-of-factly.

"Oh, you're her huh?" Shana's voice took on an agitated tone. "And you are?" she asked, putting a little attitude into the way she pointed at Henry.

"Henry Blake, Vanessa's husband," Henry said, feeling their combined disdain for his wife crushing down upon the both of them.

"Did warn you," Callum said, as he peered back at Vanessa.

"Yeah, you did," Vanessa said, their dislike of her wasn't all that she saw. Her eyes glanced over at Callum wondering just how many of them he had slept with, and who he hasn't taken to his bed, or wished that he would. "Whatever you ladies think of me, trust me, it's nothing I don't call myself for what I did to my daughter and Cal here."

"So Cal, if you break up with that hot little thing I've seen hanging out at your house. I best get first bids when you're ready to get back out on the dating stage," Shana purred missing that cock of his since the day he told them he was dating someone.

"Sure thing Shana," Callum said, seeing the longing in her eyes as she went to rejoin the other mothers.

"Cal?!" Vanessa hissed low as he took hold of his left arm. "Just how many of those women want to fuck you and how many have you done that with?" she whispered low.

"Oh... I don't kiss and tell Vanessa," Callum said, with a devilish smirk.

"Yeah, there's that boy I once knew," Vanessa said to herself. The hiss of the air brakes was caught in her ears as her heart leaped to her throat as Shari's school bus approached. Her hand squeezed Henry's as the doors of the bus opened. Her eyes quivered as she heard Shari's voice calling out: Daddy, Mommy!

"Hey baby," Callum sighed warmly as Shari ran into his arms once she bounded from the bus.

"Hey Daddy," Shari whispered lovingly into his ear.

"Did you have a good day?" Callum asked, seeing her yearning to run to her mother as she nodded. "Go on honey," he said, winking at her.

"Oh Shari, I'm so happy to see you," Vanessa said, lightly rocking her daughter as she rubbed her back.

"Daddy?" Shari looked back at Callum as he rose.

"Yes Shari?"

"What's Mommy doing here?" Shari asked, looking up at him.

"She came to pick you up," Callum said, smirking as his daughter's jaw dropped. "Come here Shari," he spoke softly beckoning Shari to him. "Would you like to spend the night with your mother?" Callum whispered into her ear.

"I get to go to Mommy's?!" Shari squealed in excitement.

"Yes Shari, maybe stay the night and your Mom will take you to school and pick you up tomorrow... if my date with Itzel runs late."

"But... But I want to see Itzel too!"

"And you can see her when you get home Wednesday," Callum said, noting the look in Vanessa's eyes.

"So Cal... Shari already knows the name of the woman your dating?" Vanessa stated accusingly. She was not about to lose her daughter to some stranger!

"Yep, thick as thieves the two of them are, aren't ya honey," Callum said, looking down into Shari's dazing eyes.

"Yeah!" Shari shouted throwing up her arms.

Callum smirked noting Vanessa's annoyance yet she dared not to say anything against Itzel. Was it wrong of him to take pleasure out of Vanessa's discomfort -- possibly -- did Callum care? Not one damn bit! "Let's go get you packed okay?" Callum uttered as he held out his hand to her.

"I think I need to meet this... Itzel if she's having this kind of influence on Shari," Vanessa said, crossing her arms as she and Callum stood on his driveway as Henry and Shari waited in the car.

"Oh? Is that so," Callum said plainly, sliding his hands into his front pockets.

"Mmmhmm," Vanessa nodded sternly. "You're still my friend Cal, and I want to make sure this woman is good for Shari."

"Doubt my judgement?"

"Never Cal, yet you're a guy, you don't think like a woman. We can be sneaky you know," Vanessa said, with a bit of sadness in her voice.

"Yeah... I know all about that, don't I?" Callum asked, with a pointed look.

Vanessa felt her face heat at his words. Given the events of yesterday, what she had so stupidly destroyed was fresh in her mind. "I don't mean to overstep Cal, I just..."

"God... alright I hear ya," Callum sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"What time should I expect a call should your date be fruitful?" Vanessa asked, not hiding the smirk on her lips. While they may never recoup the feelings they once shared with one another. That didn't mean she was going to give up on their friendship regardless if Callum wanted a more limited form of one.

"Umm..." Stretching his cheek as he looked away, "if it goes how I think it will, you'll hear from me sometime before nine so I can tell Shari goodnight."

"Okay, I'll make sure my phone is on me all night. I don't want Shari to be scared of sleeping in a new place, and I'm sure your voice will give her that strength," Vanessa said, warmly.

"Right," Callum muttered drawing out the word. Wondering where she pulled that out from.

"You be good for your mother and Henry, okay Shari," Callum spoke through the open window once Henry rolled it down.

"Yes Daddy," Shari said, the excitement was clear as day in her voice.

"You taking Wilber?" Callum asked, noting the golden ear peeking out of her bag.

"How did...?"

"We Dads' know and see all Shari," Callum said, with a coy smirk. "Be safe baby," he said lovingly, the back of his fingers brushed against Shari's cheek. "You drive safe now," Callum stated as he backed away.

"Don't worry Cal, me and Henry will keep a close eye on her," Vanessa uttered as Henry backed out.

Callum was already hating it as he stood there waving to Shari as Henry slowly pulled away. He knew this day would come yet knowing did not prepare you for the whirlwind of emotions that bombarded your mind as you watch as your daughter disappears in the distance. His hands lightly smacked his cheeks knowing he had to get moving and straighten up the house before Itzel arrived. Callum wanted this night to be perfect if it went the way he hoped it would.

"Hey Mom, guess who we got with us?!" Vanessa said, watching the awe in her daughter's eyes as she called her mother on the Bluetooth connection of the radio.

"Shari?!"

"Yeah! That's me!" Shari giggled.

"Oh my, hello Shari, how have you been sweetheart?" Constance asked, in that grandmotherly voice.

A feeling of warmth spread throughout her body as Shari went into everything that's happened since the last time they spoke to one another. So very pleased that Shari wasn't affected by what happened at the cookout. Looking at Henry when he lightly squeezed her hand.​