Page 73 of Pucking Secret

I follow them into the kitchen and lean against the counter as I watch them dive into the task. Owen gets Millie a chair to stand on by the stove. He gets a pot of water boiling and the two chit chat as they cook. She helps, watching for the water to boil, taste testing the pasta, and handing Owen the neon orange packet of cheese powder like it’s the most serious job in the world. Owen pretends to mess everything up, holding the pot at odd angles and nearly dropping a spoon just to hear Millie’s squeals of laughter.

“Are you sure you’re a grown-up?” she asks, hands on her hips like a tiny adult.

“Debatable,” Owen admits, grinning as he stirs the pot.

The sight of them together — so natural, so easy — makes my chest ache. I’m grateful he’s here. Grateful that Millie has her dad now.

In my wildest dreams, I’d never have imagined the scene in front of me. Owen, in my house, comfortable and at ease as he and Millie cook together. It seems almost too good to be true and I actually give my arm a little pinch to make sure I’m awake.

When the macaroni is ready, we sit down at the table, eating and laughing as if we’ve been doing this all along. Later, Owen takes Millie to bed, reading her a story about a fearless girl and a dragon while I step out onto the porch to get some fresh air, taking a blanket with me to wrap around my shoulders to ward off the worst of the mid-October chill. So much has happened, that I just need a quiet moment to myself.

As I’m gazing up at the starry night sky, my phone buzzes. I grab it from my pocket and when I see that it’s Gram’s number calling me, I feel a surge of panic.

Answering the call, I gasp, “Hello?”

“Hey there, sweetie,” Gram says, her voice raspy but strong. “Is everything okay?”

Relief washes through me and I sag against the porch’s railing to keep me from sinking to the floor.

“Yeah, sure,” I say quickly, as tears slip down my cheeks. “How’re you feeling? Are you okay? Did you?—”

“I’m doing much better, sweetheart,” she says. “Your mom hasn’t left my side.”

I raise an eyebrow, though she can’t see me. “Mom? Really? Are you sure you’re not hallucinating?”

She chuckles, the sound warm and familiar. “I’m very lucid. Your mom has been very attentive to me. I think this heart attack has kind of brought us closer after all this time. Life’s funny like that.”

That’s…good. Right? Mom and Gram have been so at odds for years. Gram was always hurt that Mom refused to let her help when she got pregnant with me, and Mom has held onto a lot of resentment toward Gram because, initially, Gram didn’t respond well when she found out. Especially because Mom was a bit of a troublemaker and never took anything that Gram warned her about seriously. To this day, mom’s promiscuous ways are why I never knew my dad. She didn’t know who he was, nor did she ever care to find out. Regardless, Gran deeply regrets how she responded, and while she’s apologized numerous times, Mom has never been one to let go of a grudge easily. So, it’s a good thing that they’re making peace. I should be happy about that, but I feel a pang of jealousy. Why can’t Mom make that kind of effort with me? Do I have to almost die for her to actually give a shit?

Shaking my head, I focus on what’s most important. Gram is okay. Mom doesn’t matter right now.

She clears her throat and asks, “So, have you worked things out with Owen yet?”

“Yeah, actually,” I say softly, my lips curling into a small smile as I lean against the porch railing. “I think we have. We told Millie the truth, and she’s thrilled. He says he’s all in, and I… I’m hopeful. I think we’re going to be okay.”

“Good,” she says firmly. “I’m glad you’re giving him a chance. That you’re letting Millie give him one too.”

“I want this to work, Gram,” I confess. “I really, really want this to work.”

“Just be open and honest with your feelings,” Gram advises. “You two are meant to be, I know it. When you’ve got everything settled, bring that boy by so I can see him again, all right?”

Gram’s easy acceptance of Owen is a relief. It’ll be more difficult with Mom, but so long as I have Gram in my corner, I’m not as worried.

“All right,” I chuckle. “I will. You get your rest now. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Good night, sweetheart.”

“Good night, Gram.”

Hanging up the call, I turn and make my way back into the house, upstairs, and pass by Millie’s room. When I peek inside, my heart swells at the sight of Owen sitting in her bed, reading her storybook as she cuddles into his side. She’s fighting sleep, but I can tell she’s not going to be able to for much longer.

Not wanting to disturb them, I tiptoe away from the door and go to my own room. I’m exhausted physically from Owen’s kinky fucking all day, and exhausted emotionally from this evening. Climbing into bed, I curl up on my side, hugging my pillow. I don’t bother to change my clothes or anything. I just want to lay here for a little while.

I don’t realize I’ve dozed off until I wake up to Owen’s body pressing against my back and his arm wrapping around my waist.

“Don’t wake up,” he murmurs, his voice low and soothing. “Just sleep. I just wanted to steal a moment before I went home.”

I turn slightly, my face brushing against his chest.

---