Guarded heart

Chapter 24 going back home

LISA'S POV

Half way home I decided to turn my phone back on. Chris was still holding my hand. Only letting it go on odd occasions for driving before taking it back again. We had pulled over in the service station not long ago for a bathroom break and to grab a drink.

As I turned my phone on it started to go crazy like I expected it would. There was over 400 missed called from everyone. They must be mega worried I thought. Then I see there were loads of messages from everyone as well. I'm surpised my phone didn't crash. Before I could even open a message my phone started ringing. It was Hahley.

"Hello" I say picking it up on the first ring.

"Where have you been?" Hahley asks.

"Wow, I warned you all yesterday I was going off the radar. Where's the fire at?" I ask.

"Don't you where is the fire at me young lady. You ditched the security team. Do you know how worried everyone is about you? I'm currently on the hour duty of ringing you every five minutes to see when the phone went back on. Why did you run off like that?" Hahley says

"It's just like my message says. It's about time I did something out of character and for myself. I grew up way to quick and I'm glad I did. Even if your all worried I'm not sorry. I warned you all and I had the best time ever!. So don't you start giving me a lecture otherwise I will come get my little girl and ditch you all again for weeks this time" I say.

"You wouldn't dare!" Hahley says.

"You want to bet? Try me. Its time I lived a little and learned to live fully again" I say.

"Okay I'm sorry, but don't do that again to us. It's not like you" Hahley says

"I can't promise that but in future your have to trust me when I tell people what I'm doing" I say.

"This isnt funny Lisa. We thought you where having a breakdown of some kind. Or worse that you were kidnapped again" Hahley says.

"Kidnapped by a policeman wow you all need more faith in our emerancy services" I say and I hear Chris chuckling next to me.

"What! You know full well we don't trust a soul with your life unless it's one of us" Hahley says.

"What's happened to liking Chris? What happened to I should give him a chance? Hmm? That suddenly gone?" I ask.

"No! I'm glad your giving Chris a chance we were just worried for you. We don't know Chris that well yet to in trust him with you over night" Hahley says.

"Well you had nothing to worry about" I say

"So when are you coming home?" Hahley asks.

"I'm on my way now" I say.

"Okay get ready for your welcoming party or worried people" Hahley says.

"It's abit dramatic don't you think? I mean you lost Summer on her hen night. Katy disappeared for a month for a last minute holiday and well you hid away from all of us on your last birthday so I don't see why I need a welcoming home party when you lot never recieved such treatment" I say

"That's different because we'll you the baby of the group and this is the first time you have liked someone since we'll you know. And we just want to make sure it goes smoothly" Hahley says.

"It's not different I'm a fully grown ass women" I say then I hang up the phone.

"They just care and love you" Chris says.

"A little to much if you ask me" I say.

"I wasn't asking, but I can see how you can feel smothered" Chris says gently squeezing my hand.

"I feel like getting Emma and running off on holiday somewhere" I say and Chris starts laughing.

"What's funny?" I ask as my phone starts ringing but I ignore it.

"Running off surely you mean more like hopping off" Chris says laughing and I can't help laughing as well.

"True" I say threw my laughter.

CHRIS POV

The rest of the way back to London Lisa had taken a call from her parents and Summer. We made a pit stop to the police station where today's daily gift was a gucci bag. Lisa loved it and then I had taken her home. However I didn't escape before Ryan and Sean decided to have a word with me. They wanted to make sure I was serious about dating there sister as well as warning me next time I take Lisa for a get away to not fully go off the grid.

When I arrived home I see a note from Nathan saying he was out with the lads from work and staying over at one of there's afterwards. So I decided a chilled evening was in store. But the house seemed quiet and I missed spending time with Lisa already. Being alone at home just reminded me how much I wanted to settle down in life and have my own family to come home to. I was done with single life and as off lately I could really see myself settling with Lisa.

Yet I knew for Lisa it would take time. I just hope it doesn't take to long but at the same time I know I'd wait forever and after so long as Lisa was happy.

I kicked my shoes off before grabbing a beer from the kitchen and going to sit on the sofa to see what was on the telly. My phone pinged so I checked who texted me.

Dad

I'm guessing you went to the lake house. Did you have fun? Don't worry I didn't tell the Kings anything because I knew you wouldn't of taken Lisa unless she wanted to go.

To Dad

Thanks. And yes we went to the lake house. Lisa really loved it there, she reminded me of mum going from stressed to stress free over looking the lake. We definitely had fun and I think I needed the nights break as well. It went by so fast. Maybe we should have a weekend out there once the daily gift thing is done. Be good to having a weekend fishing with my old man.

Dad

Who are you calling old man? Lol. Glad you and Lisa had fun. And definitely up for a weekend away fishing I could use some stress free time as well. Your mum would be happy you have choosen Lisa to date she would also be proud of you just like I am. I hope you and Lisa get together fully I like her.

To Dad

Thanks dad, I quite like Lisa as well. Plus Emma is a little sweetie to. I don't want to be there just for Lisa but for Emma as well. So who knows before long I could be coming to you asking for parenting advice

Dad

Yes, Emma is a good kid as well. I look forward to dishing out parenting advice. If you get together with Lisa I will be proud to all Emma a grandchild, but I'd still like a grandchild from birth as well. Pop by for dinner one evening weather at home or the station your always welcome. You an even bring Lisa and Emma.

I couldn't help laughing at my dad's messages. But I'm glad I have my dad's support. I know he misses my mum as much as I do. He throws himself into work alot like myself but maybe if I had a family of my own my dad would step back from work a bit and take on grandad dutys I'd quite like that I think to myself.

My phone starts ringing distracting me from my thoughts and I realise I haven't even turned the TV on yet to find something to watch

RIBG RING RING

I look who is calling and see it's Lisa. A smile creeps onto my face as I answer the call.

"Hello?" I say.

"Did Sean and Ryan give you the third degree? I'm sorry if they did, I tried to come out and see what there game was but I was stopped by Summer and Jade who suddenly gave me the third degree" Lisa says

"No, they didn't give me and problems. They just care about you which I understand so don't worry about it" I say

"Still they all moan I need to get I to dating then cause issues butting in when I agree to such things. It's hard to please them" Lisa says.

"Well if you ever need to escape your over protective family which is understandable then my dad has just been messaging me and he would be a good allie as he knew where we were but refused to tell your family. Plus he likes you and Emma" I say

"That's good to know, at the rate my family are going on giving me lectures you would think I'm a teenager again. It's annoying" Lisa says.

"And how's Emma?" I ask.

"She is great, she had fun and said she wants a mummy and daughter day baking cakes tomorrow which I promised, which reminds me could you make the daily gift in the evening please?" Lisa asks.

"Well it was going to be evening anyway, I had a text with the whole week daily gifts and tomorrow's is the only day it has to be a certain time. I shall be getting to you around 5pm is that okay?" I ask.

"That's fine, I'd didn't disturb you from anything ringing you did I?" Lisa asks.

"No, even if you did it would be a welcomed distraction. But honestly I was just going to find something to watch on the telly, but I'm more happy to talk to you instead" I say.

"I'm just watching Emma play on the bouncy castle and figured I'd ring while my family are inside probably talking about me" Lisa says.

"I'm sure that's fun" I say

"Chris, I know we not long left each other but I just this second decided that me and Emma are going to the beach for a chippy dinner. Would you like to join us?" Lisa asks.

"I'd love to. And I don't mind picking you both up if you want" I say.

"I'd like that I shall make sure me and Emma are ready within a hour" Lisa says.

"Great I shall see you then" I say

"Bye Chris" Lisa says and then she hangs up the phone. I look at the time and see its just give three in the afternoon and make a note to get to Lisas for four. I quickly get changed into my beach clothes. Leafy beach shorts with a white t-shirt, sunglasses and I packed my flip flops in the car.

LISA'S POV

As soon as I hung up the phone I shouted as loud as I could knowing someone was watching me and would get the people I wanted "Summer, Sean, Hahley, Ryan". Then I waited and I didn't wait long until each of them came running out to me.

"What's wrong?" Ryan asked first.

"Nothing I'm just informing you all that me and Emma are going out for dinner with Chris in a hour to the beach. Now Sean I need to sort bodyguards that Emma doesn't know to be in attendance but they are to keep a distance. Ryan and luke can you help get Emma ready please and Hahley and Summer can you help me get ready please" I hurry to say.

"Why the change of security team?" Hahley asks.

"Because if me and Chris we to get together I want to know how we could end up merging as a family becoming a family unit I can't figure that out when Emma plays with her favourite bodyguards can I?" I say

"That's a good point and smart idea" Summer says.

"Now it makes sense I shall sort it" Sean says walking off to the house.

"Emma come on let's get you ready" Ryan shouts. As luke runs over to the bouncy castle to help get Emma off it.

"So why you need me and Hahleys help in getting ready?" Summer asks.

"I don't know what to wear! You both family women you know what to wear!" I say

"Your worried about what to wear?" Hahley asks.

"Yeah I thought you didn't see this going anywhere and you were amusing us with the idea of dating, but then you run off for a day now you want help choosing a outfit" Summer says

"If you don't wany to help and just make fun of me then I can ask Ryan" I say going to stand up.

Hahley and Summer both take one of my arms each linking with mine.

"We didn't say we wasn't going to help, we just didn't think this day would come" Hahley says

"Yeah, come on hob along let's go get you ready, we can't wait but we want details" Summer says.

"What do you mean details?" I ask as I accept there help and start hopping inside.

"Oh you know, like what went down in the lake house. Did you kiss already?" Hahley asks.

"No what do you take me for?" I say.

"Well what did you do then?" Summer asks.

"We just watched a film and played some games with a twist" I say smiling remembering the poker game we played.

"What do you mean games with a twist?" Summer says.

"Let's just say poker with truth or dare for the loser ended up with chris in the lake" I say laughing

"You didn't" Hahley days laughing

"I did because my dare was this extremely hot sauce my whole body felt on fire" I say

With that they both laughed.

"Jesus, you two sound cute but fun together we need to do a big group couples date" Hahley says.

"Definitely" Summer says.

"I don't know me and Chris are just dating at the moment we haven't even kissed even though I high jacked his bed. I can't say we are a couple yet" I say.

"Hold up you high jacked his bed?" Summer asks

"Yeah I thought someone was breaking in I freaked out. Woke Chris up he went investigated while I took cover in his bed. It was a cat on the decking to the lake it broke the wine glass I'd left out there" I say.

"Then what happened?" Summer asked.

"I was still abit frightened so Chris just let me stay in his bed with him. But nothing happened. At first I regretted being impulsive and ditching my bodyguards but then Chris was a true gentleman and reassured me I was safe" I say.

"It brought back memory's from when you was kidnapped didn't it when you thought someone was breaking in?" Hahley says.

"No it brought back memory's of when someone broke in here wanting to kill Summer" I say as we reach my bedroom.

"I often forget you were part of that ordeal let alone everything you gone through alone. In glad Chris looked after you though" Hahley says

"I didn't realise you were still effected by that ordeal as well" Summer says

"I don't want to dwell on the past anymore. I just want to keep moving forward. Come on let's get into a happier conversation while you turn me into your barbie doll" I say.

"I'm on clothes duty" Summer says.

"I'm hair and make up" Hahley says

"I'm just going to sit down and wait for you to turn your crazy self's but I don't want a dress!" I say.

"Don't worry I'm thinking bikini top with shorts and a tankini top" Summer says.

"I can live with that" I say.

"Let's get to work then" Hahley says excited.

CHRIS POV

I arrived on time and I see Emma was being swing in the egg chair on the deck by Sean and Ryan. I got out the car and Emma shouted "Chris"

"Hi Emma" I say waving.

"Back so soon?" Sean asks.

"Yeah you can't get enough of our sister?" Ryan says.

"It was Lisas idea. I'd just opened a beer lucky enough I hadn't drunk anymore than a quarter of it" I say as I approach them.

"Well no running off today" Sean says.

"Your sister is the boss not me" I say.

"He is learning already" Ryan says.

"learning what?" I ask.

"That our sister is our little princess and therefore deserves to be treated like one" Ryan says

"I thought I was the princess?" Emma says.

"Of course your a princess, your mummy is the queen" I say winking at Emma.

Then I look at Ryan and Sean and say "No offence even if you two didn't have your little words. I'd treat Lisa like a queen that she deserves to be treated because its not the only the right way to treat a women, but because I want to treat Lisa like that without your input" I say.

"Look we know your a good guy, but it's hard to let go when Lisa has been through so much. We just want to be 1000% that Lisa will be okay. So we are sorry if we are giving you a hard time" Sean says.

"Yeah he is right. We want Lisa to be happy find someone who will live her right. We always have wanted that for Lisa. But now it seems like that might be coming true we just to be sure as Lisa has suffered enough and we just want to make sure she is happy" Ryan says.

"I get that. I never had siblings but I'd like to think if I had a sister I'd be like you both. There's nothing wrong with that. But I promise your sister is running this show at her pace. I won't push boundary or anything" I say.

"Okay, then have a good evening" Ryan says.

"Yeah, also bodyguards are different and afar since Lisa requested that so the signal for help even though your a policeman is simple you give one of them a thumbs up" Sean says.

"I'm a policeman I'm sure I can protect Lisa and Emma if something happened" I say.

"Chris can you push me?" Emma says

"Of course I can" I say and Ryan moves aside so I can push Emma on the egg chair. I barely started as the door opened and out came Lisa looking stunning I swear my jaw nearly dropped open. Summer was linking arms with Lisa while Hahley held her crutches.

"Our Lisa scrubs up well aye?" Summer says.

"Lisa looks stunning no matter what" I say smiling and locking eyes with Lisa while I make sure I'm still gently pushing Emma.

"What about me Chris do I look pretty?" Emma says.

"Of course princesses always look pretty. And your prettier when you smile" I say to Emma without taking my eyes of Lisa who is watching me.

"Chris is right all princess are pretty and your mummy's princess" Lisa says breaking eye contact with me to look at Emma.

"Mummy, Chris says your a queen and I'm a princess" Emma says.

"Okay Emma give me a hug goodbye and make sure your good for mummy and Chris. Remember to be careful of mummy's poorly leg" Ryan says picking Emma up and I stop the egg chair swinging to make it easier just as Lisa reaches me and says "Hi".

"Hi" I say smiling at Lisa and suddenly I feel like I'm on a real date. Lisa smiles at me and I swear my stomach flips in knots. Maybe it's because all Lisas family is here I think to myself.

"Okay, stop smiling at each other like love sick teenagers your meant to be going to dinner" Summer says quietly.

"Summer" Lisa says going wide eyed as she looks at Summer.

"Okay let's get going then" I say as Hahley passes Lisa the crutches.

"Chris can you carry me please?" Emma says.

"Alright" I say holding my arms out for Emma and Ryan hands he over smiling at me.

"Have fun" Summer says as we slowly make our way to the car. I hold Emma on one hip making sure my arm nearest Lisa is free while I keep a slow paces walking next to Lisa

"Where are going?" Emma asks.

"To the beach for a chippy dinner" Lisa says.

"We could build a sand castle" I say.

"Ah shoot I forgot the the bucket and spade" Lisa says.

"We can buy some" I say

"Yay" Emma says

"No need, someone please grab the spades and buckets for us" Lisa shouts out as I open the passenger door for Lisa.

"On it" Ryan shouts back.

I make sure Lisa is all fine in the passenger seat before I get Emma settled into the back of the car. As I go round to the drivers door Ryan runs over and hands me spades and buckets for the beach. "Have fun" Ryan says.

"We will" I say taking the spades and buckets to put in the boot of the car.

I then get into the car and strap my seat belt in. Then I look at Lisa and say "Are you ready?".

"Yeah" Emma says and Lisa and myself smile while Lisa says "Isn't your saying let's rock and roll?".

"Your learning sweetheart, let's rock and roll" I say turning the car on. Lisa and Emma start waving to everyone on the porch watching us. I beep my horn as we start to drive off.

"How long until we get to the beach?" Emma ask.

"Not long princess" Lisa says.

"I wonder who can make the biggest sandcastle?" I say.

"Oh, that's me" Emma says.

"How good are you?" I ask.

"Very good, ask mummy" Emma says.

"It's true, we spend alot of time at the beach and Emma is pretty good" Lisa says.

"Then it looks like your have to give me tips then I haven't made a sandcastle in a few years" I say

It didn't take much longer to get to the beach. We ended up grabbing chips before we made our way to the sand. Emma really wanted to play with the sand but Lisa was adment that food was to be eaten before we played in the sand. I could tell Lisa was a firm but fair parent which I liked. She really made Emma think her choices through. But was also patient enough to give Emma time to work things out for herself. I was half worried we would end up leaving without getting time to play in the sand. I was glad when Emma made the choice that eating her dinner before building sand castles was the better option over going home to eat at the dining room table. I also just watched and only spoke when Emma tried to get me on her side. But I knew better than to go against a parents word. So I backed Lisa up.

LISAS POV

Me and Emma come here often but it was nice to spend the evening with Chris here. He backed me up when Emma tried to get him on side over playing before dinner. Then Chris fitted in perfectly in building sandcastles. Then Chris decided to have races with Emma while I judged who won. I was glad to see that Chris made sure Emma won but also won one himself. He was really good with Emma and I couldn't help smiling how well they got on. It seemed Chris generally liked spending time with Emma as much as Emma seems to like Chris as well.

It made me question if Chris could be the person to take on the father roll to Emma one day. And my thoughts shocked me a little still. But if someone wanted to me in my life they would have to accepted by Emma as well. I couldn't just have someone in my life for me we are a package. And Emma comes before my won feelings, she always has and she always will.

Even though a little bit of me deep down knew I was testing the waters to see how well Emma and Chris got on alone without others around. Because if they didn't get on then I'd be wasting my time trying this dating thing. Although part of me was wondering if I was being selfish in doing this as an escape route for my own deeper fears. Yet no matter the fears and what happens so far Chris just amazes me in how he just seems to fit nicely into our life's so quickly already. But it scares the hell out of me as much as it excites me still. Although part of me is starting to feel scared this is to good to be true and that I will fall so madly in love with Chris just for it to be dashed a few months down the line. I don't think I could handle that heartbreak as well.

"You look lost" Chris says sitting next to me. I look up at Chris and smile.

"I'm not lost, I'm just enjoying the evening" I say.

"Emma seems to be having a great time. I think she takes after her mummy in liking a good view" Chris says looking at Emma.

"She just loves the sand. She has always been a sand baby" I say.

"I can see that. You were right she is very good at building sand castles as well" Chris says.

"She won't like it when we need to go. But it's nearing her bedtime" I say

"Your in charge so when your ready to go just let me know" Chris says.

"Half hour more then I shall crush Emma's evening in going home" I say.

Chris takes my hand in his then says "You sure it's just Emma's evening crushed not your own at missing the sunset?"

"Your right, I hate missing the sunset but I have to be a parent first" I say

"I think you do a wonderful job being a mum" Chris says.

"Thanks. When I found out I was pregnant with Emma I feared I hate her. When I think back to that uncertain time in my life I'm glad I didn't hate Emma because she brings the best out of me" I say.

"I can tell she is your world" Chris says

"She always will be, I didn't expect Emma but I couldn't change her for the world now. I love how carefreeand joyful she is" I say.

"That's because she has you as a mum" Chris says.

"Thanks" I say