Romance The Long Ride

"I guess if you're dead set on this then we must visit the church, I'm assuming you're wanting a Catholic wedding?" Elena asked, looking sternly at her daughter.

"Of course," Itzel nodded, squeezing Callum's hand. "I know you and your parents aren't Catholic Cal, but this means a lot to me," she said, looking over to him.

"I thought we would have it in Deadwood?" Callum inquired, with a pointed look.

"I haven't been going to the Perish in Deadwood long enough to warrant being married in the church there," Itzel said, hoping this wouldn't put a strain on them.

"Cal, if you're worried about your relatives and friends unable to attend the wedding, we are more than happy to fly them out on our dime," Asher said, if his daughter was gung-ho on this, then he was going to make sure it was a wedding that she would remember for all her years.

"You'll have to take a class and talk to the Bishop to get the church's approval on the marriage," Elena said, seeing that eyebrow of his raising.

"Really?"

"Yes," Elena nodded, "if Itzel wants the church to recognize your marriage to one another."

"I know it's a lot to ask of you Cal," Itzel said, knowing the things he would have to do just to get the church's approval. However, she was willing to do whatever he wanted to make sure his family was okay with their marriage.

"And you really need this to marry me?" Callum asked, curiously.

"Mmmhmm," Itzel hummed. "I know it's a lot Cal, and I know I'm asking so much of you when you aren't Catholic. Yet I've dreamt of a big Catholic wedding since I was Shari's age to a man that made my world complete," she said, looking lovingly into his dark honey brown eyes.

"I don't know how Mom is going to take the news, but if this is what you want Itzel... I'll see this Bishop of yours," Callum said, knowing life without Itzel would be dull and very bleak. If he had to jump through whatever hoops to make Itzel happy then he would gladly do it. What she said was true, yes they've only been dating for a short time and yet Callum couldn't imagine his future life without her in it. Feeling his skin heat as Itzel pressed her forehead against his.

"Thank you," Itzel whispered as her lips lightly plucked at his.

"So Itzel just how big of a wedding are we talking here?" Elena asked, pulling out her phone texting her assistant to set up an appointment with the best wedding planner in town.

"Two hundred maybe three hundred people," Itzel stated looking over at her mother. Knowing half of those numbers would be their friends from the motorcycle club and Callum's family.

"That many?" Asher asked, doing the figures of the plane tickets in his head.

"Oh yes, I wouldn't dream of leaving our friends out of this," Itzel said, casting Callum a smirk. She was going to have to ask if Regina wanted to be her maid of honor. She was, after all, the one who had introduced her to Callum in the first place, this wouldn't have been possible without her.

"Then you and I best head over to the bridal shop and fit you for a dress seeing how you'll be leaving soon," Elena said, rising from her seat.

"Can I come with Mama?" Shari asked, looking up at Itzel who glanced at Callum who nodded.

"Of course, you can," Itzel said, lovingly. "How else are we going to fit you for your pretty dress if you don't come along?" she inquired, as she rose to her feet. Holding out her hand to Shari, who quickly filled it with her own tiny hand.

"You two be safe now," Callum said, looking at the both of them.

"I'll be good," Shari said, with an innocent smile.

"I'll keep an eye on her," Itzel said, bending down and giving Callum a soft, warm, inviting kiss before she and Shari followed after her mother.

"Have you ever worn a tux before?" Asher asked, once his wife, daughter, and future grandchild left.

"Can't say that I have," Callum admitted. He never went to his prom, nor did he ever go to an event that required such attire before.

"I know a great place, come," Asher directed getting to his own feet. "The ladies can't be the only ones preparing for this wedding," he said, tugging on the tails of his suit jacket. "So Cal, you are Christian yes?"

"Yes," Callum nodded as they walked towards Asher's idling Cadillac SUV.

"What denomination exactly are you?" Asher asked, as his personal driver closed his door as he settled into the back seat of the vehicle.

"Lutheran," Callum said, matter-of-factly. "Why?"

"Ah, well, in order for Itzel and yourself to be married in the church, you and she, more so you than her, will have to go through certain steps. Hence why the meeting with the Bishop is important. I'm sure you know by now that Itzel takes her faith very seriously," Asher spoke as the driver pulled out of their long and gated driveway.

"I know," Callum said, as he looked out the window.

"And you know we Catholics don't believe in divorce," Asher said, making sure Callum knew what he was getting into.

"Do what?" Callum muttered looking over at Asher.

"We take our marriage vows very seriously Cal. So you have to be very sure this marriage is what you truly want. I won't judge you for wanting to wait. I could see that you too thought my daughter was moving too fast. I don't blame you. I have my own reservations about it, yet I can't help but see how much you make my little girl happy. Happier than I have ever seen her in a very long time. For that you have my gratitude. Nonetheless, the church doesn't recognize divorce decrees from any other churches if your own is like ours, or any institutions. Annulments yes, if they deem the marriage to be invalid to begin with," Asher said, laying it all out for Callum. "I'm only saying this to make sure you are ready for this kind of commitment."

"Marriage can't be as hard as raising your child on your own, right?" Callum asked with a smirk, as he looked over at Asher.

Asher released a chuckle, "Okay, maybe the commitment part you got down, and yes, sometimes marriage is harder than raising Shari all on your own. You only had yourself and her to think about, now you have two more that you must take into account. Plus, the two of you must agree on what happens in the marriage otherwise it will just fall apart. A marriage is a two way street. If it's all give and take one way the relationship is doomed to fail. No marriage can last like that for a long time. You understand what I'm saying?"

"Yeah, I get what you're saying," Callum nodded, remembering the fights his own father and mother had. The times he stumbled on them silently chatting away in one of the rooms. The way they gently touched each other's hands, yet as Callum looked back just that simple touch conveyed their affections for one another.

"Good," Asher nodded. "So tell me about this church you go to?" he inquired, looking over at Callum.

"It's this little church in Leads called Shepherd Of The Hills, me and my family has been going there since I can remember," Callum said, watching Asher pulling out his phone.

Mazdos Bridal, L.A...

"Oh my," Elena whispered as she pressed her hand against her lips as Shari tried on her flower girl dress. Her light blue eyes ran down the white, flower lace, long sleeve, evening dance gown that left Shari's shoulder's bare as Shari swayed back and forth watching how the hem of the dress moved in the mirror.

"I look like a princess!" Shari exclaimed with a giggle. "Don't I Mama?" she asked, turning to look back at Itzel as she stood on the little raised platform. Her dark blonde hair teased the top of the dress as her cheeks held a rosy hue to them.

"Why yes, yes, you do," Itzel nodded in agreement. Her steel blue eyes quivered at how beautiful Shari was in that dress.

"Here honey," Elena whispered handing her daughter a Kleenex. Knowing that her daughter's hormones were probably the cause of the glistening of tears she saw in Itzel's eyes.

"Can we show Daddy?" Shari asked, with a wide smile.

"Oh, we most certainly should?!" Itzel said, matching Shari's smile. "He just has to see the most beautiful girl in the world," she cooed, loving how Shari's eyes always lit up at such praise. Wondering if Shari was starved for affection. She knew Callum did everything in his power to give his daughter the things she needed, yet sometimes girls need an older woman's love to ensure that they become a well-rounded person as a whole. Digging into her purse, pulling out her phone, bring up her camera app. Biting her lip as Shari placed her hands on her hips and tilted her chin up with that adorable smile of hers on her face. "Now hold still," Itzel said, lining up the shot. Making sure the black ribbon bow was centered along Shari's waist. Typing out a text to Cal telling how pretty Shari looked in her flower girl dress.

"My isn't she just a pretty little thing?!" Came a reply that sounded so unlike Callum.

"Who is this?!" Itzel typed out forcibly.

"It's me honey, your father," Asher replied.

"Why do you have Cal's phone?!"

"Because he's in the middle of getting fitted for his tux at the moment, and the look on his face when I showed him the picture. Well, it's not hard for one to see the love he has for his child."

"A... tux," Itzel couldn't kept her mouth from watering at the image of Cal in a tuxedo, "I... want to see?!" Itzel typed out trying to contain her lust. A burning hunger simmered in her blue eyes as a picture of Callum in it appeared on her screen. Itzel fought to keep her nipples from hardening at the sight of how handsome Callum looked in that tux.

"Well, he does clean up nicely," Elena spoke as she peeked at her daughter's phone. Noting how her daughter was trying to hide her arousal from her and Shari, yet it wasn't hard for her to see how much Itzel was taken by the man. She just hoped this was what her daughter truly wanted and that it wouldn't come back to bite her in the future.

"Mmmhmm," Itzel hummed as her thumb moved lightly along the photo of Callum.

"I want to see!" Shari exclaimed jumping from the platform causing the seamstress to huff in annoyance.

"See, look how nice your dad looks," Itzel said, squatting down beside Shari. "Doesn't he look handsome?" she asked, to which Shari nodded very vehemently causing her dark blonde hair to bounce. "Now you get back up there, we have a lot left to do," Itzel said, her index finger trailed down the bridge of Shari's nose who had a bashful look on her face.

"Yes Mama," Shari said, lightly.

Itzel's heart swelled as Shari scurried back to the platform. Looking to her left as her mother placed a hand on her shoulder. She had always feared that Shari would not accept her as her stepmother. However, whenever she heard that word, it made her want to cry knowing that Shari sees her as such.

"Seems you've become quite close to her," Elena said, in a light, loving voice.

"I have, I wish she was mine," Itzel sighed as she rose to her feet. Watching how Shari fidgeted as she was forced to stay in one place as the seamstress worked along the hem of her dress. Noticing how Shari's eyes always found hers as she stared into the mirror in front of her.

"I hope it lasts honey," Elena whispered into her daughter's ear. Knowing that Shari would be entering her teenage years soon and who knows how much Shari would change during that time.

"Me too," Itzel admitted.

Itzel's eyes darted to and fro at the three mirrors as she stood in the floor length, mermaid silhouette, natural waist, Magnolia lace style wedding dress by Enzoani. Making sure the lace didn't show off things that were only meant for Callum's eyes. She had to say she did love how the dress looked on her body, yet it felt something was missing seeing how the dress had no train to it.

"Itzel you look so pretty!" Shari said, as she sat beside Elena. Her legs kicking as her eyes ran down the dress.

"Why thank you Shari," Itzel said, smiling at her. "Do you think your dad will like it?" she asked, doing a slow spin on the platform so not to trip on the hem of the dress.

"Mmmhmm," Shari nodded her head vigorously. "Can we show Daddy?"

"Now Shari its bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the big day," Elena said, in a grandmotherly voice. She couldn't help it, she felt the corners of her lips curl up as Shari looked up at her with that innocent look.

"Mom that's on the wedding day, plus I want my future husband to know how hot I look in this thing," Itzel spoke as she peered over her shoulder to see how good or bad the material hugged her ass. Seeing her mother's scowl in the mirrors reflection at the non-traditional approach, and her parents were very traditional. "But if it makes you feel better Mom we won't show him as much as I want to," she said, as she turned back to face the mirror. Her fingers fiddled with the spaghetti straps that sat lightly on her shoulders as the door to the dressing room opened. Smirking at Shari as she caught sight of the tiara that sat on a blue velvet cushion. The light that refracted off the diamonds played along the silver that made up the structure of the tiara.

"Miss. Danbury, this is a Shira tiara," the salesman said, as he gently held the hundred thousand dollar item in his hand. Princess cut diamonds lined the bottom row, while the diamonds of the second row were set to look like the sun, and along the top row shaped like a six leaf stem.

"Itzel you are a princess!" Shari cried out as Itzel lifted the tiara to her head.

"Well, I am," Itzel admitted smugly as she looked at herself in the mirror.

"And this is the veil you asked for," the man said, draping it over the tiara allowing it to hang just below Itzel's chin. Three feet of it trailed behind Itzel making up for the lack of a train.

Looking down as Shari rushed to her side. "So pretty!" Shari swooned.

Bending down gently so not to damage the delicate lace as she squatted down before Shari. "No more than you are little angle," Itzel said, lightly tapping Shari's nose. Smiling at Shari's giggle as her cheeks heated. "So Shari, are you okay with me marrying your dad?"

"Mmmhmm. I love you Itzel," Shari said, in a small, cute voice. "I know Daddy loves you too..." Shari's head dropped as she instantly got bashful.

"What is it Shari?" Itzel asked, lifting her chin.

"Will we still be able to snuggle on the couch?" Shari asked, hoping that it all wasn't a lie to win her trust.

"Oh Shari," her thumb brushed along Shari's left cheek, "of course, we'll always have snuggle nights on the couch. You're going to be my family, my sweet girl, you are always going to be welcomed in my arms," Itzel said, remembering what Callum said about Shari's abandonment issues. She was never going to make Shari think she was forgotten. Just because there was another child coming into her family didn't mean Shari was ever going to be neglected. "Don't you worry Shari this baby isn't going to change anything, okay?" Lifting up the veil, placing a kiss on Shari's forehead as she nodded weakly. "Who knows the baby could be a girl and we all could gang up on your dad, and have girls day every day," Itzel said, with a slight smile on her lips.

"Now Ms. Danbury if you'll hold still I'll work as fast as I can to get this dress ready for you," the man said, as he looked up at Itzel as her right hand held onto Shari's who stood beside her.

"Go sit, we wouldn't want keep your dad waiting," Itzel said, peering down at Shari.

The next day...

Callum whistled as he stood staring up at the gothic-style exterior of St. Brendan church. Looking down the street seeing the people of the city going about their everyday lives as they stood on the sidewalk of 310 S Van Ness Ave, Los Angeles, CA. Noting how Itzel was watching him along with her parents. Looking down, smiling at Shari as she held his hand and returned his smile. His dark honey brown eyes ran along the roof, falling on the spire that rose higher than the highest peak of the roof.

"You went here?" Callum asked, as he gazed at the three story tall stained glass window that drew the onlooker to be awestruck by its wonder.

"Since I can remember," Itzel said, her thumb brushed along his as her right hand held onto his upper right bicep.

"Come, Father Brian will be waiting for us," Asher said, looking over at them.

"You're just going to love the chapel," Elena said, smiling at Shari.

"Wow!" Shari exclaimed as she stared up at the tree story high ceiling. The grand arches gave the sanctuary its vast openness. The vast colors from reds, blues, greens, and golds danced along the pews, the floor, the confessional, and the pulpit as the morning sun shined through the stained glass. "Daddy what are those?" Shari asked, pointing to the long pipes that lined the far wall.

"Those are the wind pipes for the organ," Asher said, in a grandfatherly voice.

"Cool!" Callum couldn't stop from smirking as his daughter began to wiggle..

"Mr. and Mrs. Danbury it's always a pleasure to see you,"' the mother superior said, as she and her attendants walked down the center aisle. "Itzel it's good to see you once again. Your presence has surely been missed since you moved away," she said, as she came to a stop before them. Her eyes moved over the man and child that stood at Itzel's side. "So what brings you all here on this fine morning?"

"We're here to see Father Brian," Asher stated.

"Oh? What about?" the mother superior asked, in a curious light.

"About my wedding," Itzel said, speaking up.

"I see, congratulations," mother superior said, with a warm smile. Turning to her right, speaking in a hushed whisper to her attendant. "Sister Jessica here will show you to Father Brian's office," she said, gesturing to Jessica. "I'm sorry that I can't show you the way myself but I must see to matters that require my attention."

"I understand mother superior," Itzel said, bowing her head in reverence to her.

"Go with God my child, I shall pray for a happy and fruitful marriage for the two of you," mother superior said, as she lightly patted Itzel's arm as she walked through the gap that Asher and Elena had formed as they stepped to the side.

"Please if you would follow me," Jessica said, leading them towards the priory. "Please keep your voices low, the priests are still in their morning prayers," she said, opening the door. She felt the corners of her lips lifting as she watched how Shari made the zipping motion along her lips as Callum placed his finger to his lips. She did enjoy seeing a happy relationship between the children and parent(s). "It's good to see you again Itzel, your rather hasty departure took many of us by surprise," Jessica said, from over her shoulder as led them down the hallway to Father Brian's office.

"I know, but I just had to get away from everything that seemed to be letting me down in my life," Itzel said, mouthing 'not the two of you' when her parents glanced at her.

"Ah, I completely understand," Jessica said, nodding her head. It was the same way for her when they were younger, and what her own mother went through that made her decide to enter the convent. "Just retrace your steps to find your way back to the chapel once you're done," she said, lightly knocking on Father Brian's door. "We have to have coffee before you leave again, I want to hear everything," Jessica said, hugging her childhood friend tightly.

"'Sure thing Jess," Itzel replied gently rubbing her back. Waving to her friend as Jessica disappeared around the corner.

"Yes..." Father Brian uttered as he opened the door. "Ah, the Danbury family, come in, come in, I've been expecting you," he said, ushering them into his office. Noting how Elena and Itzel sat in the chairs in front of his desk watching how Itzel plucked Shari off the floor and placed her in her lap while Asher and Callum stood behind their corresponding partners. "Now what can I do for you on this fine morning?" he asked, scooting underneath his desk. Resting his forearms on its surface, interlocking his fingers together as he looked between the two women.

"I would like the church's blessing to hold our wedding here," Itzel said, feeling Callum placing his hand on her shoulder. Reaching across her chest, peering up at him as she rested her right hand over his.

"Ah, the church and I would love nothing more to be the ones that bring the two of you into your wedded bliss," Father Brian said, with a warm smile. "However, is your fiancé Christian, and why didn't you ask the Perish to hold this wedding?"

"Lutheran," Callum stated matter-of-factly.

"I haven't been going to that church long enough to warrant a wedding there, plus this church has been a very big part of my life, and I want it to be a part of this journey." Itzel said, in a loving, light tone as her thumb lightly brushing along the back of Callum's hand.

"Well, it's good to know that you follow the word of God," Brian said, in a friendly tone.

"We go every Sunday, I sing too!" Shari said, chiming in.

"Oh, do you now?" Brian asked, playfully.

"Mmmhmm," Shari nodded, "and me and Daddy always pray to God for the food he gives us," she said, in an innocent voice.

"That's very good, now you keep praying and I'm sure God will hear that sweet voice of yours," Brian said, flashing Shari a warm fatherly smile.

"He did!" Shari said, nearly bouncing in Itzel's lap. "He sent Itzel!"

"Shari..." Callum began to say only to have his voice die in his throat as Itzel looked up at him. Her eyes asking him was she not sent by God, did she not bring light into his and Shari's lives? Her lips curved into a taunting smirk seeing how hard pressed his lips were.

"But Daddy I prayed and prayed for a Mommy and for you to be happy, and Itzel appeared," Shari said bashfully, as she turned in Itzel's lap.

"Then... I'm very happy that you did," Callum said, uncertain that God would take action just for one man when there were others who needed his protection the most. Glancing up when Father Brian cleared his throat.

"While you aren't catholic that doesn't mean the church won't recognize your marriage. You'll just have to take a few classes to prepare the two of you for married life," Brian said, looking between Callum and Itzel. "But you can take those at the Perish where Itzel worships when the two of you return. Now the most important question of all, when would the two of you like for this to be held?"

"September," Itzel stated.

"So soon?!" Brian said, arching an eyebrow.

"We're expecting," Itzel said, placing her hand over her stomach.

"Congratulations once again," Brian spoke with a board smile. "September 15th is the soonest we can hold your wedding, will that be acceptable?" he asked once he had looked through the church's planner.

"Yes Father, that will be fine," Itzel nodded squeezing Callum's hand.

Itzel and Callum, with Shari between the two of them, holding her hands as they walked out the front door of the church after an hour of speaking with Father Brian. Itzel would have thought Father Brian would put up more of a fuzz given that Callum wasn't Catholic. She didn't say a word knowing that her parents must have called ahead and spoken to the Father. She knew that had to be the reason that they were fast tracking their marriage. Not that she was complaining, it just means she finally gets the man she's always longed for.

"Itzel wait!" Jessica called out as the front doors began to close. Watching Itzel turning towards the sound of her voice as she hurriedly rushed to catch up to her friend. "I just heard!!" she said, throwing her arms around her friend. "Please! You have to tell me everything."

"Itzel why don't you stay and catch up with your friend, your father and I have to run into work," Elena said, after reading text from her assistant. "We'll, have Steven come back for you."

"Would you mind?" Itzel asked, looking over at Callum.

"Of course not, I'll get us some coffee while you two catch up," Callum said, smiling friendly at Jessica. "Now you stay with Itzel, okay?" he spoke as Shari nodded in understanding.

"I'll keep my eye on her," Itzel said, blowing him a kiss and a wink.

"Text me what you all want," Callum called back to her as he followed after Itzel's parents.

Callum waved to Elena and Asher as they drove away once they dropped him off. Heading off to where Elena had told him where the playground was on the property. Itzel's and Jessica's voices floated on the air as he approached.

"There he is," Jessica said, with a smile on her lips..

"Hey baby!" Itzel exclaimed as Callum placed the drink tray on the picnic table. Noting how Callum was watching Shari as she slid down the slide.

"Daddy!" Shari shouted as she ran over to the table. "What did you get?" she asked, her curiosity pegged. Her eyes followed his hands as he handed out the drinks.

"For you fruit punch and danishes... you do like danishes, don't you?" Callum asked, teasing his daughter who nodded vehemently. Noting how her impatience was growing in her eyes as he placed napkins before Jessica, then Itzel, before placing one before her. "For you Jessica, here's your cherry and cream cheese danish, and for you my dear, your apple," he said, handing out the sweet treats. "And for my little angel... I got you cherry," Callum uttered as he pulled the pastry from the bag. Loving how her eyes always lit up at the simple things in life.

"Thank you, Daddy," Shari said, before digging into the treat.

"You're welcome sweetheart, so how do the two of you know each other?" Callum asked, as he lowered himself, picking off the bits of the pastry. While they did have more filling than the ones in the store, it still wasn't enough for his liking. Arching an eyebrow when Itzel reached over plucking what he had pulled off from his napkin. Smirking at him as she popped it into her mouth.

"Oh, Itzel and I have known each other since the third grade," Jessica said, taking a sip of her coffee.

"How's your mom doing by the way?" Itzel asked, knowing the problems she's had while Jessica was going up.

"Oh, she's doing fine these days, she's gotten back into the movies again," Jessica said, knowing her addiction was one of the reasons that kept her from following after so many starlets.

"I hope she hasn't you know..." Itzel said, ominously.

"I'm keeping a very close eye on her so she doesn't fall off the wagon," Jessica said, sternly.

"So what movie was she in?" Itzel asked, noting how Callum had remained silent yet attentive to their discussion,

"I think she said it was called Dark Enchanted or something like that," Jessica said, she was not expecting for Shari to be staring at her wide eyed, her mouth hung agape as the crumbs of the icing caked in the corners of her lips, the cherry filling marring her upper lip. "Why is she looking at me like that?" Jessica whispered to Itzel.

"Oh, I think your mother just earned herself a lifelong fan," Callum said, with a smile.

"Wait?! I thought it wasn't supposed to be out for a few more months?!" Jessica said, perplexed.

"Dad let Shari have a sneak peak, I take it he was the one who got her the audition?" Itzel asked, with a pointed look.

"Yeah, he did, but it was only for a voice over part."

"What was the part?" Itzel asked, noting how Shari was listening very intently.

"Some talking unicorn... I think..." Wincing as Shari produce a high squeal.

"Shari loved that movie and unicorns in particular. Shari it's not polite to stare," Callum said, in a fatherly voice. "Now are you done" Noting how her drink was almost empty and only two bites of her danish were left.

"Yes Daddy," Shari said, nodding her head.

"Then go play and I'll push you while Itzel and her friend catch up," Callum said, gathering up the used napkins and empty cups.

"My, isn't he something," Jessica said, smirking at her friend as Shari's giggle filled the air..

"That he is,' Itzel said, in a lustful voice as her eyes fell upon Callum's backside. Watching how the denim of his jeans grew tight along it, showing off his ass as he pushed Shari on the swing. Wondering how she got so lucky to win a man like Callum.

"My Itzel, I haven't seen you this lovestruck since the third grade," Jessica teased giggling behind her hand. "Well, I'm glad you've found someone that treats you right as compared to all those sleazebags," she said, with a sneer.

"I know, and I'm never letting him go," Itzel sighed. "Now for the most important question of them all," her eyes took on a serious look to them as she gazed at her friend, "I want you as one of my maids of honor, but are you allowed to?"

"Really?!" Jessica gasped as Itzel nodded. "I don't know, I'll have to ask mother superior before I can give you an answer."

"Either way, I want you to attend," Itzel said, holding Jessica's hands.

"Oh, you think I'd miss my friend's wedding?!" Jessica said, with a coy smirk.

Two days later...

"Mom? Dad? Where are you going?" Itzel asked, noting the bags in their hands as she and Callum stood by the car ready to leave for the airport.

"Did you honestly believe we wouldn't meet the parents of our future son-in-law before the wedding day," Elena said, handing Steven her bag as Asher did the same. "Hope your parents wouldn't be indisposed by our abruptly showing up without any warning," she said, watching how Callum was typing out something on his phone.

"They say that won't be a problem," Callum stated showing Elena the text.

"And just where are the two of you going to stay?" Itzel asked, fearing the answer.

"With you honey, it will only be for a few days, just long enough to get to know Cal's parents," Elena said, placing a soft kiss on Itzel's cheek before slipping into the back of the car. "Shari would you like to sit beside me?" she asked, patting the seat beside her. Smiling at her as Shari nodded before nearly bounding into the car.

"You better not have anything to do with this," Itzel huffed, her hair whipped in the air as she climbed in. Asher and Callum simply shrugged their shoulders before joining the three of them.

It was an hour into their flight when a text pinged his phone. Sighing into his mind knowing the time that he wouldn't have to interact with Vanessa was over as he opened up his text app.

"Cal?"

"What is it Vanessa?" Callum sent back.

"I was wondering if it would be alright with you if Shari came and spent a night or two with me?"

"What's wrong Cal?" Itzel whispered stroking Shari's hair as she napped in her lap, knowing what that scowl on his face meant. Silently telling her parents that she would tell them later.

"Vanessa." Was the only word he spoke.

"What does she want?" Itzel asked, noting how her parents were glancing at them as they sat on the right hand side of the airplane.

"She wants to know if Shari can spend a night or two with her," Callum said, almost feeling Vanessa's frustration growing the longer it took for him to reply.

"Well, I know you'll do what's best for Shari, you always do," Itzel said, wondering if this will show her parents how good of a father Callum was if the week with them hadn't showed them already.

"Cal... you still there?" Vanessa asked.

"Yeah, I'm still here."

"I know you'll just be getting back, and I'm sure you want to give Shari a night in her own bed, being away from home for so long. Yet I miss my baby, so can I pick her up?" If he had his way Vanessa wouldn't be anywhere near his daughter. However, this wasn't about him, this was about his daughter and what was best for her.

"I know you'll do what's best," Itzel said, watching how Callum was silently debating with himself.

"You know... just be glad you're so cute," Callum joked.

"And don't you forget it," Itzel shot back sticking her tongue out at him.

"Yeah alright, you can pick her up when we land in an hour and a half or so," Callum typed out before sending it to Vanessa.

"Oh thank you Cal! I'll see you in two hours, have a safe landing?!" Why did it feel like Vanessa could care less about his safety.

"Matt get a room in town, we shouldn't be staying for more than three days," Asher commanded knowing that he nor Elena could be away for that long without making preparations for such a long extended departure from their jobs.

"Certainly, sir," Matt nodded.

"Be sure to keep your receipts," Elena said, coming to stand beside her husband. Looking over at Callum as he and Shari were talking. How it warmed her heart seeing how the two of them interacted with one another as Shari vigorously nodded her head and seeing Callum smiling in response.

"Now you have lot's to tell your friends," Callum said, referring to Shari's stuffed animals.

"Bernard is going to be so jealous!" Shari said, with a stern expression on her face.

"Now Shari, you shouldn't be so hard on your friends," Itzel said, in a motherly voice. Knowing the little rivalry she had created between her and Bernard the bear.

"But...?!" Shari pouted as she looked up at Itzel.

"Shari I thought you two made up?" Callum asked, kneeling before his daughter.

"I did, but I had such a great time..." Smiling lovingly up at Itzel as she slipped her hand into Itzel's, "I just want to rub it in his furry face!" Shari said, trying to keep a straight face.

"I see. Don't be too hard on Bernard, okay?" Callum spoke, a smile lifting the corners of his lips at Shari's giggle as he ran his finger down the bridge of her nose.

"Who's Bernard?" Asher whispered into Itzel's ear.

"Shari's teddy bear," Itzel answered in the same low tone.

"Oh," Asher muttered.

"Well, come show us this town you left home for," Elena said, in a stern, motherly voice.

Breathing in the sweet air of his home as Callum with Shari and Itzel in hand walked through the airport terminal. While he did enjoy the time he spent with Itzel there - nothing beats being back home. That was until Shari yelled out 'Mommy!' sighing that Vanessa couldn't wait until they got home to show herself.

"Shari!" Vanessa matched her daughter's enthusiasm as she squatted down, holding out her arms to Shari. "Oh my baby," Vanessa sighed into Shari's hair as she rocked her daughter in her arms. "I'm so happy your home," she said, holding Shari tightly to her body.

Her eyes glanced up noting how Callum was talking to what appeared to be Itzel's parents who nodded. Sighing into her mind at what she could have had and so stupidly threw away. That same tinge of jealousy reared its head as Itzel kissed Callum.

"I see you couldn't have waited," Callum said, keeping his annoyance from his voice.

"No. I couldn't Cal," Vanessa said, rising to her feet. "It was so hard not call you every day so I could speak with Shari. I would think only one phone call would give me some leeway here."

"Uh-huh."

"Don't be mean Daddy," Shari said, plumping out her lower lip.

"But doesn't my eagerness at wanting to see my baby show you how much I've missed her, and show you that I'm taking this very seriously?" Vanessa asked, daring him to refute her words. Watching how Callum was fighting back his frown. She knew he kept a lot held back when Shari was around. "I promise the next time you two go on a trip I'll wait for the two of you to get home before I pick her up, okay?"

"Fine," Callum sighed, knowing this wasn't about his displeasure with Vanessa, but what was best for Shari.

"I promise to have her at your place no later than five o'clock Monday night," Vanessa said, knowing that she had to keep to her word given the numerous sessions they had together. "So did you have fun with your dad in LA?" Vanessa's question filled the air as they walked towards the main entrance to the airport.

"Mmmhmm," Shari nodded. "Itzel is a princess, and I get to be her flower girl!" she said, nearly bouncing on her feet.

"Is she now," Vanessa muttered, peering over her shoulder not enjoying the smirk she saw on Callum's face. "Well, I bet you'll be the prettiest flower girl ever!" she said, smiling warmly down at her daughter as they exited the automatic sliding doors.

"Come, I'll drop you off at your place," Itzel said sweetly, as she stepped up to Callum's side.

Callum noted how both Elena and Asher were slyly eyeing his small house, and his old beat up truck sitting in his driveway. Not that he could blame them given the grandeur they were accustomed to. Seeing Itzel blushing as he waved to her before she pulled away from the curb.

"Hey, we're back," Callum said, speaking into his phone as he entered his home.

"How did it go?" Gisselle asked, as she answered.

"It was interesting," Calum said, going through what had transpired in LA as he dumped his and Shari's dirty clothes out on to the floor in front of the washing machine.

"And they're going to fly everyone out there?!"

"That's what they said," Callum stated as he loaded up the washer.

"And when can we expect to meet Itzel's parents?" Gisselle inquired eager to meet Itzel parents.

"Tomorrow night," Callum stated matter-of-factly.

"Good, now where's my baby girl?"

"With her mother," Callum sighed.

"I see. Well, hasn't Vanessa shown that she has Shari's interest and wellbeing at heart?" Gisselle asked, knowing everything Vanessa has been doing to prove that she could be a good mother to Shari given how Vanessa has been calling her pretty much daily.

"Really?!" Callum uttered in surprise.

"Cal, honey, I know you still have misgivings about Vanessa, and rightly so. But she is trying, Callum," Gisselle said, hearing her son's groan over the line. "Now if she does something to harm or upset Shari, you bet I'll be the first one to snap her back into place."

"Yes mother."

"Don't you take that tone with me young man. You aren't so big that I won't put you over my knee." Callum's hand instinctively reached back to cover his backside. "Now do you think they will enjoy a homecooked chicken dinner with all the trimmings?"

"Yeah... I think that will be okay," Callum said, after a few moments.

"Okay, honey, I'll expect to see you and Itzel at seven o'clock sharp."

"Yes Mom," Callum said, mimicking his best voice from his childhood. "Ah! So good to be home," he said to himself.

A few hours had passed, Shari's and Callum's folded, clean clothes were tucked neatly in their drawers. Food had been restocked due to their time way and what had spoiled was tossed into the garbage. Water dripped from his now clean shaven jaw as Callum stared at himself in the mirror of his bathroom. Running his damp towel along his face as he exited the bathroom. Picking his phone up from the dresser once he walked into his bedroom. Opening up his contact list, his smirk was reflected on the screen as he pulled up Itzel's number.

"Hey baby!" Itzel's chipper voice echoed over the line.

"Hey Itzel, I was wondering if you wanted to go for a ride?" Callum asked, with a mischievous grin.

"Really?!" Her voice hit the high note, Callum had been wondering if Itzel had been climbing up the walls with her parents staying at her house.

"You think I'm gonna pass up the chance to feel you pressed against me?" Callum stated with a coy smirk.

"When?" Callum could hear Itzel's eagerness.

"Say I pick you up in ten minutes."

"Okay, but what bike will you be taking?" Itzel asked, standing in front of her closet. She had hurriedly rushed to her room the moment she saw Callum's number on her screen.

"The Dark Horse," Callum stated matter-of-factly.

"With the side car attached?" Itzel inquired, as her eyes ran over what outfit to wear.

"No," Callum chuckled.

"Okay, I'll be ready."

"Itzel, where are you going?" Asher asked, as his daughter walked down in a dark blue dress that ended at mid-thigh.​