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Chapter 7

"What are you doing?" Ray asked Paul who was perched on a tree.

"What does it look like I'm doing?"

"I don't know that's why I'm asking."

"I'm building a tree house." Paul said while jumping down making Ray back off.

"A tree house? Why?" Ray asked confused. "Why did a grown ass man need a tree house? With his weight it would probably fall down!" she whispered to herself.

"Are you calling me fat?" Paul asked raising a brow and making her blush.

"What?! No! When did I...?" Ray smacked her forehead. She had whispered the last part but obviously he caught it.

"Sorry" She murmured and Paul grinned. "So? Are you fulfilling some childhood wish or something?"

"Nah, I'm doing it because you won't stay with me in the same house and so I'm going to stay out here!" Paul said smiling big and gesturing towards the tree and then smacking his hands on his thighs. He knew it was evil what he was doing but he prayed for it to work. If he could somehow convince Sunny to stay, he knew Ray wouldn't be far behind.

Ray's mouth fell open. Oh, the evil that is Paul Lahote! Obviously it was a trick.

Before she could say anything, Madison came running out. She had woken up and Ray had her showered and dressed before they had breakfast. Ray was planning on visiting Aunt Nancy to talk about her living arrangements.

"Mommy, what's that?" A four year old Madison looked on in awe at the huge tree in front of her and there were slabs of wood on it, giving it a base.

"It's a tree house, hun".

"What's a tree house?"

"It's like a play room on the tree." Paul said squatting down to her level.

"Can I play?" Madison asked shyly.

"Of course you can. Let me finish it real quick and then you can." Paul said smiling softly.

Ray watched the exchange between father and daughter and felt a pang to her heart, they were adorable. Paul wasn't ever known to get along with children, most of his younger cousins were terrified of him but he seemed to managing just fine with his daughter.

"Can I see up?" Sunny asked

"Up?" Paul asked confused. Sunny motioned with her finger to the tree and Paul grinned.

"Sure!" Paul said as he swept her up in his arms.

"What? No! It's dangerous, Sunny!" Ray said horrified.

"Don't worry, I got her." Paul said as he climbed the tree with Sunny on his back.

Ray watched with her heart in her mouth. He looked strong but was he agile? Would he be able to move quickly if she were to slip and catch her? Ray chewed on her lip with a hand on her chest, as she watched them monkey around.

"Seems like Paul's bonding." Kim said from behind Ray and she jumped. For a heavily pregnant woman she was light on her feet.

"Kim! What are you doing here?" Ray asked as she hugged her.

"Just came to check on you in case you decided to run off again." Kim said trying to make it sound light but failing.

Ray grimaced. She didn't know how many times she'd have to hear that.

"Come on, Kim. Give her a break!" said Jared as he brought out four lawn chairs.

Kim sat down on one with help from him and Ray sat down too but quickly got up when she saw Paul jump from the tree with Sunny clinging to his chest this time.

"What are you doing? You'll both get hurt!" Ray said as she panicked but Paul grinned and Sunny matched it and then high fived while Ray looked on annoyed. It had to be a gene connection. They were getting along too well and Ray knew she would soon be categorized as the stern parent.

"I won't let her get hurt. Stop being paranoid!" Paul chided lightly while sitting down too with Sunny in his lap.

"You're already bickering like a married couple." Kim chuckled but Ray stiffened.

"I'll go get something to drink for you guys." She said as she hurried off.

"Kim, please don't say stuff like that. She's already being stubborn and pushing me away." Paul said

"Hmm... she's changed." Kim observed

"She had to tough it out so yeah, she has. I just wish she had told me so she wouldn't have had to go through so much trouble that too all alone and while she was pregnant!" Paul said shaking lightly.

"Paul" Jared warned looking at Sunny.

Paul calmed down when he looked at her. She was looking at him with interest.

"Are you daddy?"

The question took him off guard and Paul struggled to keep his emotions in check. This was all new and overwhelming. His kid didn't know if he was her father.

"I am" Paul said his voice thick with emotion.

Sunny smiled. "Mom showed pictures. You are fat now."

"What's with you and your mom calling me fat?!" Paul said acting hurt while tickling her. She squealed and got off his lap and ran while Paul chased after her.

Ray came back carrying tea and two cans of soda. She smiled at Paul and Sunny being silly.

Jared got a table and helped Ray bring over the tray of snacks as well.

"I've never seen Paul that way around kids." Jared said shaking his head in wonder as his bestie chased his daughter around.

Ray smiled. She was glad of it but didn't know what to make of it. Was it a good idea to let him get close to her when she wasn't even sure if she was staying for good?

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AN: I think Paul and Sunny are cute together! But will Ray spoil their fun? What do you think?

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