February 10th, 2019

Bliss' POV

We had a great time at Layla and Ryan's gender reveal party in Florida. The plane just landed back in New York. Now that I know what they are having, I can start spoiling Logan before he is born.

"Bliss, can you and Shane follow us to get some clothes for Braelyn?"

"Of course, we can."

Braelyn wanted to ride with us. So, Shane put her in the car seat in his Mercedes. Once everyone was in their vehicles, we pulled off to Layla's house.

It took us about 30 minutes to get to Layla's house. When we pulled up in Layla's driveway, some girl was waiting in a Lexus.

We all got out, so we could go inside to wait for Layla to pack clothes for Braelyn. The girl looked like she had an attitude before we even approached her. The insecure chick walked over to Austin and kissed him. She must be his girlfriend. So, when Austin introduced us, I laced my fingers with Shane's right hand.

"Bliss and Shane, this is my girlfriend, Julia. Julia, these are my friends, Bliss and Shane."

She looked me up and down, like I was competition, before forcing herself to smile. Ha! Austin is my friend, and that's it. My man is Shane Landes, not Austin Mitchell. "It is nice to meet you, Julia. Shane is my boyfriend." I didn't bother to shake her hand because she probably would have left my hand hanging.

"Nice to meet you too." This chick is so fake. Just like Layla, I will put Julia in her place if she tries to get smart with me.

"Austin, what time do you get off work, and when should I bring Braelyn over tomorrow?" I do not want to leave Braelyn with her at all.

"I get off at five o'clock. I should be home around six o'clock if the traffic is not bad. Julia should be there."

I could see in her facial expression that she didn't want to be around Braelyn. Frankly, I didn't want to leave Braelyn with her.

I saw Layla in the background mouthing, 'absolutely not' with her hands. "Shane and I will take Braelyn to dinner, then bring her over. It won't be a problem."

"Thanks, Bliss. See you all tomorrow evening. Behave, baby girl." He picked Braelyn up, and she hugged and kissed him.

"Okay, daddy."

Austin and Julia then got in her truck and pulled off.

"That chick looked at me like I had the plague or something. There was no way I was going to leave Braelyn with her. Uh, Shane, we now have dinner plans tomorrow with Braelyn. Lollipop, do you like Chuck E. Cheese?"

"Yes, auntie."

"Okay. Chuck E. Cheese it is. Layla, get yourself some rest. And thanks again for letting Braelyn stay with us." I walked over to Layla and rubbed her belly. "Logan, sweetie, be a good boy for mommy in there. See you later, Spades partner." We all chuckled, but Shane had an extra meaning behind his chuckle. I already know it.

Shane grabbed Braelyn's things and put them in his trunk while I put her in the safety seat. Then we pulled off to my house. I had a feeling Shane was going to ask.

"Why did she look at you like she did? Then, you held my hand."

"Layla told me that Julia thinks she wants Austin back. She must seem to think that I want Austin. The girl is insecure. Plus, she didn't say one word to Braelyn. Layla didn't want me to leave Braelyn with her, so that is why we are taking her to dinner."

"Okay. I understand. I wasn't mad or anything. Your touch sends shivers up and down my spine. Why do you think I have 'happy hands?'"

"You know that is going to be your nickname, right?" I giggled.

He chuckled too. "I am well aware. That is okay with me." Shane winked, and I blushed when he pulled into my driveway.

It is only a ten-minute ride between our houses, so it didn't take long.

We got out of the truck and went inside. Andrea and Mason were sitting in the living room with the kittens, watching television.

As soon as the kittens heard my voice, they came running over.

"Meow!"

"Meow!"

They instantly bonded with Braelyn. "Let's go over to the couch so you can hold them. Hi, Drea and Mason. Thank you, guys, for watching the kittens." I am so glad those two have reconnected. It is almost like they were never separated by how fast they got back together.

"You're welcome, Bliss. Just let me know when you need me."

"Thanks, Mason. Braelyn, sweetie, this is my sister, Andrea. The handsome guy next to her is Mason, her boyfriend. Braelyn is Layla's daughter."

"Hi, Braelyn. It is nice to meet you," Andrea said to her. The kittens cuddled in Braelyn's lap and fell asleep.

"Hi. Are you my auntie too?"

"Yes, I am, sweetie. You look just like your mommy. How old are you?"

"I'm five years old," Braelyn told Mason and Andrea.

Shane came in and sat with us on the couch.

"Well, we are glad you all made it home safe. We are going to be leaving now."

"Thanks again for watching Precious and Raven."

"Mason, will you be able to stay with Bliss tomorrow? I am going to work. I should be back by 5:00 pm."

"Sure. What time should I come by?"

"I will take Braelyn to school in the morning, so is 6:30 am too early?"

"I'll be here. We'll lock the door for you."

"Thanks. See you tomorrow." Then, Andrea and Mason left the house.

"Braelyn, sweetie, would you like to watch a movie and eat popcorn?"

"Yes, thank you, auntie."

"I'll be right back with the popcorn, ladies."

Shane then got up and went to the kitchen for popcorn. When Shane returned, I got up, popped 'Boss Baby' in the DVR player, and went back to cuddle with him and Braelyn on the couch.

Shane's POV

About 30 minutes into the movie, Bliss, Braelyn, and the kittens were all asleep. So, I grabbed the blanket that was draped over the couch. Afterward, I moved the kittens to put the blanket over Bliss and Braelyn. Then, I placed Precious and Raven on top of the blanket.

I tried to stay awake myself, but that didn't happen.

***********

If the kittens didn't start meowing, we probably would have slept through the night. Well, Braelyn and I woke up. Bliss was knocked out, so I propped her ankle on the couch.

"Princess, would you like something to eat? And, then, we can feed the kittens."

"Yes, Uncle Shane."

I grabbed the kittens, and we went into the kitchen. I checked the list on the fridge to see what Braelyn could and couldn't eat. After thoroughly washing my hands, I looked in the refrigerator. We have cheese and bread. And there is some apple juice.

"Sweetheart, do you like grilled cheese?"

"Grilled cheese is yummy."

I made two grilled cheese sandwiches and poured apple juice for both of us. I gave Braelyn her sandwich and juice, then fed the kittens. I rewashed my hands and sat down to eat my sandwich.

By the time we finished eating, it was close to seven o'clock. Layla told us that Braelyn's bedtime is eight o'clock.

"How about I read you some stories? Let's check on auntie first."

"Okay, Uncle Shane." Bliss was still asleep. So, I carried her to her room and placed the crochet blanket over her. Then, we went to Braelyn's room.

She sat on the bed while I read her a few stories.

After the second one, I noticed her getting sleepy. "Princess, change into your nightclothes. I'll be back in a few minutes to tuck you in."

Braelyn grabbed her pajamas and went into the bathroom. I went to check on Bliss, who was fast asleep. She was on her ankle quite a bit, which probably wore her out.

So, I went back to Braelyn. She had her pj's on and was under the cover. "I brushed my teeth too, Uncle Shane."

"Good job, Lollipop." I read her one more story, then tucked her in for the night.

"Good night, Braelyn." Before I turned off the light, she fell asleep.

I can't wait to be a dad and do this same routine with my kids. I returned to Bliss's room, kissed her on her cheek, then laid down and went to sleep.

February 11th, 2019

Bliss' POV

I jumped out of bed when I saw that it was 5:30 am. Shane was next to me, and I popped him.

"Hey, what did you do that for?"

"You let me sleep through the night, that's what."

"Look, I gave Braelyn dinner and read her stories. She is in her room, asleep. And I was asleep until you woke me up. Now, can I go back to sleep?"

"Oh, sorry." I made my way to the bathroom for a shower. After my daily routine, I left the bathroom to choose what I would wear.

When I finished getting dressed, it was time for me to wake up Lollipop. So, I walked to Braelyn's room.

"Braelyn, sweetie, time to wake up."

"Hi, Auntie," she said while wiping her eyes.

"How about I get a nice, warm bath ready for you? Then we can eat breakfast together."

"Okay."

I went into the bathroom and started running the water for her. After the water was done and making sure it was warm, I went back to Braelyn.

"Do you want me to help you in the tub? Do you like bubbles? I made you a bubble bath."

"I like bubble baths." After setting her outfit on the bed, I followed Braelyn into the bathroom and helped her with her bath.

"What's your favorite tv show?"

"I like Dora the Explorer, Auntie."

"Okay, let's sing the theme song together."

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"That was fun, Lollipop! Let me grab a towel for you, sweetie." I leaned over to the towel rack in the bathroom and grabbed one.

"Let me lift you out." I picked Braelyn up out of the tub, then wrapped the towel around her. "There, all nice and dry."

I heard a knock on the door. That must be Mason.

"I'll be right back, Lollipop. I placed your clothes on the bed."

"Okay, Auntie."

I quickly made my way downstairs to answer the door.

"Hey, Mason. Come in. I'm going to check on Braelyn and then come fix breakfast for everybody."

"Take your time, Bliss. I'll fix breakfast. You need to rest your ankle."

"Thanks, Mase. You're the best!" So, I went back upstairs to check on Braelyn.

"All dressed, Auntie."

"Good job, sweetie! Let's go downstairs."

I grabbed Braelyn's school bag as we exited the room. I glanced into my room, and Shane was still asleep. He can get his own breakfast when he wakes up. We went downstairs to the kitchen.

Mason made bacon and pancakes. "Braelyn, honey, would you like pancakes or cereal?"

"I would like pancakes, Auntie."

We sat and ate our pancakes, bacon, and a glass of orange juice. Once we were done eating, I placed our dishes in the sink.

"Sweetie, grab your coat, and we'll take you to school."

Braelyn ran to the closet, and I also got mine. Then, Mason came with us. I drove the Escalade today. Braelyn hopped in her seat, and Mason sat up front with me. While I was getting in, I noticed a blue Mercedes parked across the street that was unfamiliar to the neighborhood.

When I got in and pulled off, the Mercedes followed us. "Mase, see the blue Mercedes behind us?"

"Yes. I noticed it when we got in. But why is it following you? I'm going with you into the school building."

"Thanks."

We pulled in front of Braelyn's school. When we got out to take Braelyn inside, some of the parents, meaning single nosy female parents, were wondering who we were. Mase and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes. "Mase, If they start with me, I will put them in their place."

"I got your back, Bliss." We reached Braelyn's room.

"Braelyn, sweetie, we will come to get you after school, okay? Have a good day."

She waved and said, "Bye, Auntie." Then, Mase and I made our way back to my truck. We noticed that the blue Mercedes followed us to the school as we walked out of the door.

"When we get back to the house, we'll tell Shane."

The Mercedes followed us home too, and it was scaring me.

We noticed Shane's truck was still here at the house. "Bliss, you go inside. I am going over to that Mercedes SUV."

"Be careful, Mase."

Shane was in the kitchen, eating breakfast.

"Shane, I think someone is stalking me. When we left the house earlier, parked across the street was a blue Mercedes. It followed us to Braelyn's school and then followed us home. Mason walked over to the Mercedes and told me to come inside."

I could tell Shane was mad but remained calm. "You're coming with me today. What were your plans for today?"

"Other than processing payroll, resting my ankle. Then, going to pick up Braelyn and take her out to lunch. Just let me change my clothes."

"Don't worry about it. And, if anyone says anything to you, let me know."

"Whoever it was, they took off," Mason said as he entered the house.

"Mase, I am going in the office with Shane, but can you come with me when I pick up Braelyn at noon?"

"Of course."

Shane finished eating breakfast then we left for the office. Mase stayed at my house and kept watch on that Mercedes.

As we walked into the building, I noticed there was a new receptionist. So, I asked, "There's a new receptionist?"

"The day you went to the hospital, I fired Lucy. She said you hurt yourself on purpose and was looking for attention. Karla is nothing like Lucy. She is very nice. Let's go say hi."

We walked over to the desk. "Good morning, Mr. Landes."

"Good morning, Karla. I want to introduce you to Bliss. She is my girlfriend, and she assists me with my meetings."

"It's nice to meet you, Bliss. What that Lucy chick said that day was terrible. Glad to see you are doing better."

"Thank you, Karla."

"Enjoy the rest of your day, Mr. Landes and Bliss."

We then walked over to the elevators. Once we reached our floor, I went to my office, and Shane went to his.

After I checked everyone's hours, I approved them and sent them to Payroll. My mind drifted to who could have been in that Mercedes. Chase or Alexander could have sent whoever it was. I really can't stand either one of them.

I looked over my schedule and saw that I have several meetings in March and April. Shane also has me scheduled to go to one with him in March. I am looking forward to it.

Mase sent me a text saying he was on his way. I didn't even notice the time to realize it was 11:45 am. He said he would drive behind me to ensure the blue Mercedes would not follow me. So, I went to Shane's office.

I noticed he was on the phone. He saw me, waved me in, and I took a seat in the chaise lounge. I definitely want one of these in my office.

"What did you need, Darling?" Shane asked me once he hung up the phone.

"Can I drive your Mercedes to pick up Braelyn from school? Mason will drive behind me to see if the Mercedes follows me again. Then we are coming back here."

"Of course."

Shane grabbed his keys and gave them to me.

"I'll be right back."

I saw Mason driving my Escalade when I reached the Mercedes. Then, we pulled off to pick up Braelyn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The nosy female brigade was outside Braelyn's school. I swear if one of them says anything to me, their feelings will get hurt. I picked up Braelyn from her class. Then, we made our way to Shane's truck, towards the office.

"Braelyn, sweetie, welcome to Uncle Shane's building. Let's take a ride on the elevator." We went up to our floor. Carly, Adrian, and Brently were in the reception area.

"Well, who is this little cutie pie?" Mom, Adrian asked.

"This little one is Braelyn. She is my best friend's daughter."

"Braelyn, these are Uncle Shane's mom and dad. And, his sister, Carly."

"Hi, Uncle Shane's mommy and daddy. And, sister."

Shane came out of his office, and Braelyn ran over to him. "How was school today?"

"I drew a picture of my mommy, Ryan, and baby brother. And I drew a picture with my daddy."

"You did? How about we order you some lunch, and we can see your picture?"

"Okay, Uncle Shane." We went into Shane's office, ordered lunch, and admired Braelyn's pictures. Shane took Braelyn on a mini-tour after lunch, then she took a nap in his chaise lounge chair. I wound up taking a nap on the couch in his office.

Shane's POV

While Braelyn and Bliss were asleep, Mason called me.

********

Mason to Shane: "Just like I thought. Shane, that Mercedes followed me, thinking Bliss was in her Escalade."

Shane to Mason: "Thanks for letting me know. Bliss is staying at my house and possibly the rest of the week."

Mason to Shane: "I'll stay at Bliss' house, just in case the Mercedes returns."

Shane to Mason: "Okay. Keep me posted. Talk to you later."

**************************

Time flew by fast, and it was almost time for us to leave the office to take Braelyn to Chuck E. Cheese. So, I woke both ladies up.

"Darling, it's almost time for us to go."

"Okay, I'll grab my stuff from my office." Bliss got up and left.

"Braelyn, sweetheart, are you ready to go to dinner for pizza?"

"Okay." Braelyn got up and went to get her coat. I grabbed her bag, and we left my office. Bliss met us at Carly's desk.

"Carly, if any calls come for me, send them to my voicemail. Have a good night."

"Okay. Good night Bliss, Braelyn, and Shane."

Once we got downstairs, we walked to my Mercedes. Bliss handed me the keys. We got in and went to Chuck E. Cheese.

******************************

"Welcome to Chuck E. Cheese. How many for your party?"

"Table for three, please?"

"Right this way."

We followed the hostess to our table. I noticed some parents were looking at us. Some lady had the audacity to come over to our table.

"Excuse me, but aren't you Shane Landes?"

She wore a skin-tight, low-cut sweater with a pair of two sizes too small jeans.

"Excuse you, but don't you see he is trying to have family time with his wife and niece?!"

"Oh, you're his wife? I only thought you had a black girlfriend?" Bliss was about to jump up and punch this woman in the mouth.

"Lady, you are a stranger."

"Exactly, Braelyn."

"Lady, you ignored what I said about questioning my girlfriend during the press conference I held. I will make this clear to everyone here, 'LEAVE ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND ALONE! I should have you hauled off to jail for insulting her! It is none of your business who I am dating or who my wife is. One thing is for sure, and it will NEVER be you! Now, get out of my sight!!"

"Ma'am, I will need you to stop harassing other patrons. Please leave! Mr. Landes, we sincerely apologize to you and your family. What would you like to order this evening?"

"Braelyn, sweetie, what is your favorite pizza?"

"I like cheese pizza, Uncle Shane."

"We will take a large cheese pizza, two orders of fries, and apple juice for my niece. I'll take a Sprite."

"I'll take a ginger ale, please."

"Okay, I'll put your pizza order in and be back with the drinks."

After that incident, we had a great time. Bliss and I took turns playing games with Braelyn. She won enough tickets to win a stuffed animal for her prize.

Bliss got a text from Austin that he was home. They wanted to pay for our meal, but I insisted on paying. After paying, we made our way to Austin's house.

******************************

Bliss' POV

"Mason called me at work while you and Braelyn were sleeping. That Mercedes followed him to your house. So, you are staying with me the rest of the week."

"That's fine and all, but I don't have any clothes at your house."

"You can wear whatever you want out of my closet."

"Uh, number one, I am short. Number two, I am a woman. Shane, you are well over 6 feet tall."

"It is either my clothes or nothing because we are not going to your house."

"Fine!" We pulled up to Austin's house. Maybe he parked in his garage because I didn't see his truck. The only one I saw was Julia's. She better not give me any lip.

"Braelyn, sweetie, we are at your daddy's house. I'll grab your bag. Shoot. We left her suitcase at my house."

"I will go get it and bring it back. Meanwhile, you take Braelyn inside."

"Okay." I got out of Shane's truck, then helped Braelyn out. He pulled off, and we walked up to the door.

I rang Austin's doorbell, and trouble ensued.

"Ugh, what are you doing here?" Ms. Insecure, Julia says to me.

"Well, hello to you too. Austin sent a text that he was home, so Shane and I wanted to stop by to bring Braelyn."

We were about to enter the house, but she stopped me.

"She can come in, but where do you think you are going?"

"Duh, inside the house. It's cold outside. I certainly am not standing outside. Shane went to get Braelyn's suitcase. Until he comes back, I am coming inside."

This winch just shut the door in my face!!

I dialed Austin's number.

Bliss to Austin: "Austin, please let me inside. Your girlfriend closed the door in my face!! Shane left to get Braelyn's suitcase, and I was not standing outside in the cold. I don't know what Julia's problem is with me, but she better fix it fast. I am about 2 seconds from hurting her!"

He was pissed because I could tell in the tone of his voice.

Austin to Bliss: "I'm coming, Bliss."

A minute later, Austin opened the front door.

"Bliss, I am so sorry. I am going to put Braelyn to bed. Have a seat in the living room. I'll make you something hot to drink when I come back."

"Thanks."

"Julia, get in the living room now!!"

Austin went upstairs. I sent Shane a text to come inside when he arrives because I need to make a point clear to Julia.

"Winch of the Year" just walked into the room.

"I thought I left you outside?"

It took all my strength to connect my fist with her mouth.

Austin's POV

Ugh, I already had this talk with her when she argued with Layla while bringing Braelyn over here.

Braelyn ran out of the bathroom with her pajamas on. "Did you have fun with auntie and Shane today?"

"I had fun, daddy. And I drew you a picture. And one for mommy too."

I picked up Braelyn's bag and pulled out the two pictures.

The first picture was Layla, Braelyn, Ryan, and what looked like a baby. I sighed but put it back in her bag. Then, I looked at the one she drew for me. She drew a picture of us and looked like Julia too. I looked over to Braelyn, and that fast, she fell asleep.

"I love you, Braelyn."

I kissed her forehead and turned her light off, going downstairs because Julia and Bliss were fussing at each other. And I heard every word they said.

******************************

Bliss - "Listen, lady, you see this handsome man holding me back from smacking you in your mouth?! He is my boyfriend. I have no romantic interest in Austin at all!!! Austin is just my friend and personal trainer. That is it!!!!!"

Julia - "Personal trainer?!! He sees you in yoga pants and a sports bra?!! Not if I can help it!!"

Bliss - "That is for Austin to decide, not you!!! Stop being so insecure!!!"

Julia - "I am far from insecure!! Austin is mine. You and that other chick need to back off!!"

Bliss - "That other chick has a name, and it is Layla. They have a daughter together that you don't even speak to."

******************************

Let me squash this right now.

"Julia, shut it!! Hey, Shane." He got Bliss to calm down and have a seat.

"You owe Bliss an apology!!" Julia looked at me like I was crazy. "You had no right to close the door on Bliss like you did, leaving her out in the cold. Bliss and Shane were kind enough to spend time with MY daughter. What has gotten into you?!"

"I am tired of thirsty women trying to take you away from me!"

She pissed me off, calling Layla and Bliss 'thirsty women.' In an irritated tone, "This is the last time I will tell you this. Layla is Braelyn's mother. If you had a problem with that, you should not have said yes to a date. Layla is happily married to my best friend. Bliss is my friend, and Shane is her boyfriend. Stop bothering my friends, for goodness' sake!! Julia, this is my house, and I say, who can come in, not you. Also, you have no say in my business either. Bliss is one of my clients, so you need to deal with it. Understand?!"

"Yes." I could care less if she is pouting right now.

"Another thing, Bliss is walking down the aisle with me in Layla's wedding. And, be fortunate that Layla invited you to the wedding. Now, as I said, you owe Bliss an apology. And say it like you mean it!"

"I'm sorry for closing the door on you."

"And?!" She thinks I am playing. I don't have time for drama. I have a daughter to help raise and a business to run.

"I'm sorry for accusing you of wanting Austin."

"There. Was that so hard?"

Shane's POV

I squeezed Bliss to accept the apology, even though she only did it because Austin told her to.

"I accept the apology."

I don't appreciate at all what she did to Bliss. I could ruin her if I wanted to. I am sick of people sticking their noses in our relationship and business.

"Bliss and Shane, thanks again for having Braelyn stay with you. And I am sorry about what happened."

"You're welcome. We love spending time with Braelyn. Good night, Austin." Bliss and I got up off the couch and walked outside to my truck.

While driving, I told Bliss, "We are returning to your house."

"Why?"

"Because Mason confronted the driver of the Mercedes. And, you are not going to believe who it is."

*************

Thank you for reading chapter 23.

1. Bliss' Jeans outfit is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Trần Thế Anh (T2Anh)

And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘😘