Chapter 11

Emily let out a squeal while Lucas chased her around the backyard, they'd been playing for hours and quite frankly Riley was pretty sure she'd never get tired of watching them play together. The vet grabbed her by the waist and spun her daughter around in circles. The brunette giggled and realized the time, "Hey are y'all hungry?"

"You hungry Em?" Lucas moved to set her down but she clutched onto his neck and with a small grin he carried her towards the house.

"Yes, mommy pizza?" The chef nodded, "and I help?"

"Yes you may. " The blonde jumped into Riley's arms, "you can help put the pepperoni's on." Within minutes Emily was sitting on the countertop and Lucas sat at the dining room table admiring his girlfriend and the blue eyed girl. "What are you laughing at baby doll?"

"You have sauce on your lips mommy." Emily joked and the brown eyed girl kissed her cheeks over and over.

Lucas and the little blonde girl both giggled, "Now you have it all over your face."

"Mommy will you sing?" His emerald eyes brightened, he'd never heard her sing though she did it with Emily all the time. "Pleeeeaasseee!"

"First don't beg you look like a dog." She pressed a few buttons on the oven and snatched a paper towel to wipe off her daughter's face. "And secondly because you said please I will." Riley cleared her throat and slowly wiped the sauce off her cheeks.

Somewhere over the rainbow.
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow.
Skies are blue.
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.

Emily started to sing along, more like mumble. Lucas continued to watch Riley move around the kitchen and sing, God she's amazing.

Someday I'll wish upon a star.
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops.
Away above the chimney tops.
That's where you'll find me.

The oven dinged letting the whole house know it was preheated, "alright baby doll go wash your hands and face please while I stick this in the oven." She helped her daughter off the countertop and heard her scurry off.

"You sing beautifully sweetheart." A light smile rested upon her face, "Emily is one of a kind."

The oven door opened sending a wave of heat throughout the kitchen that abruptly stopped when it shut. "You are one of a kind Lucas Friar. I'd kiss you right now if I could." She tousled her hair and stuffed her hands into her pockets, "thank you for telling her boys are gross."

"No problem. I figured it was the right thing to say."

Riley narrowed her eyes, "it's too quiet."

"That's a good thing right?"

"NO!" The brunette jogged into the bathroom and there was her daughter soaking wet, "Emily!" Her chin touched her chest, "how did that happen?"

"I don't know."

Lucas couldn't help his laughter as her mother started to clean up the water, "are you lying to me?"

"No."

"Yes you are. Here," she tossed her a towel, "you made the mess help mommy pick it up and then we'll go change."

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Lucas sat on the couch waiting for 2 of his favorite girls to come out of the back. "Luke." His emerald eyes brightened seeing Emily in a little sundress. "It's pretty."

"You are beautiful."

The blonde spun around in circles and Riley couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Little flirt." She began to cut the pizza and made a few plates when she did a double take to the table. She was sitting in his lap and laying her head on his chest. His emerald eyes gazed at the brunette who wiped a few tears away, "I hate to do this to you Em but why don't we eat real quickly and then we'll lay you down to go to bed."

"I'm not hungry."

Riley kneeled down in front of her daughter, "just a few bites please. I don't want you going to bed without supper." She nodded in agreement and hopped out of his lap to sit in what Emily deemed to be 'her chair'. "Lucas what would you like to drink?"

"Water please." She pulled out a few water bottles and saw her daughter's cheek laying on the table.

"Alright baby doll come on." Riley lifted her out of the chair, "I'll be right back." She whispered. Within minutes Emily was lying in bed and the brunette was stroking her little blonde curls.

"Mommy."

"Yeah baby." Lucas sat outside the bedroom listening.

"Luke is your boyfriend."

"Yes ma'am he is." She whispered and a bundle of energy built up in her stomach.

The blue eyed girl let out a big yawn, "how come daddy isn't your boyfriend?"

She let out a sympathy smile, and for whatever reason felt nothing with that question. "Well sweetheart, Mommy and daddy didn't get along, we didn't always treat each other the way we should have." She doesn't need to think badly of her father.

"Does um, does Luke treat you that way?"

Her chestnut eyes brightened, "no. Luke is probably one of the best men mommy has ever met. He treats girls the way they should be treated."

"Sing?"

Baby why you wanna cry?
You really oughta know that I
just have to walk away sometimes.
We're gonna do what lover's do we're gonna have a fight or two
But I ain't ever changin' my mind.
Crazy girl don't you know that I love you?
And I wouldn't dream of going nowhere.
Silly woman come here let me hold you.
Have I told you lately, I love you like crazy girl?

I wouldn't last a single day.
I'd probably just fade away.
Without you I'd lose my mind.

Emily's eyelids hadn't opened for a good minute and the brunette tip toed out of her bedroom, quietly closing the door and hurried back into the kitchen. "Hey beautiful." She fell into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, while his hugged her waist. Her lips crashed against his, she'd been wanting to do this for hours, seeing him interact with Emily was probably the most attractive thing about him. Lucas pulled back, "should we be doing this with Emily right down-"Her fingertips pressed against his lips.

"Its fine, we're just kissing. Please." His emerald eyes brightened before carrying her to the couch, not once breaking apart, they fought for dominance and as usual Lucas won. She straddled him and let her fingers run through his hair, "I love you." She whispered against his mouth.

"I love you Riley. You are an amazing mother."

"You were made to be a father."

Lucas found her neck and she released a small giggle, "what are you and Emily doing tomorrow?"

"Nothing." The brunette grabbed his face and pressed her lips against his again, "why?" She whispered.

"I'm taking you two on a date." The vet ran his hands underneath her shirt, "wherever y'all want to go for dinner." Riley trembled at his touch and her heart raced with his words, "God I love you."

"I love you too." Her fingers lifted his shirt and felt his abs before kissing him again, when her phone rang. "Dang it, I'm sorry." She whispered and after rolling off his lap she answered it.

Hey Zay.
Lucas sat up a little straighter, no matter how much Zay denied it he knew there was something going on.

Hey Riles, how'd it go?

She's obsessed with him. It's like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

That's great. Has Charlie met Luke?

Yeah, that went well.

Alright well I was just wanting to see how it went with Emily. I'm glad things are working out for you Riley.

Thank you for being friends with Lucas, it is all because of you.

No problem.

Alright? Have a nice night.

Riley hung up the phone and was instantly tugged back into her boyfriend's lap. "What'd he say?"

"He was checking to see how Emily did with you. I talked to him before Emily got here to help chill out. He also is glad that things are working out so well for me, and that's why I said 'thank you for being friends with Lucas'." The brunette lightly laughed before kissing his neck, "what's wrong baby?"

The vet shook his head, "nothing sweetheart, I'm just glad he's happy for us. I'm glad Maya introduced us."

"He owed me for introducing him to Maya." She bit her lip, "Maya thinks he's going to propose soon."

"Really?" Lucas asked with a small wave of relief and shock, "that's so great." He was worried that he and Zay might have a small strife because of Riley.

She nodded, "I mean they've been together for like 6 years. I don't know what's been holding him back."

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It was a beautiful Friday night, and what better way to spend it than playing in the backyard with her boyfriend and daughter? She loved spring time and since Lucas had been over 4 out of the 5 nights this week, per Emily's request the brunette had never felt happier. The gust of wind that blew held a floral aroma, and cooled the sweat that rested upon her forehead. Riley quit chasing Emily for a moment when her phone rang.

Charlie?

Hey Riley, can you come outside please?

You're here? Is everything okay?

I just need to talk to you.

Um, I guess. Hold on.

She hung up the phone, "Hey Luke do you mind coming inside to watch a movie with Emily? I have a visitor."

"Who?" Emily began sprinting inside and her body got chills when his arm wrapped around her waist.

"My ex." Her brown eyes rolled and after stepping over Emily's toys she found herself standing in front of Charlie. "Hello, to what do I owe the most unusual pleasure?"

His hands found her shoulders, "I needed to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Your boyfriend."

The brunette side stepped, letting his hands fall back to his side. After tousling her hair she couldn't help but laugh, "What is this like a jealousy thing right now?" He moved to talk but her hand in the air stopped him, "you have no right to be jealous Charlie. None, you cheated on me. You divorced me, end of story. And he is currently inside watching a movie with Emily, so if you'll excuse me."

"RILEY WAIT!"

Lucas heard some shouting outside and instantly clenched his jaw, "hey pretty girl why don't you go play in your room for a second and your mommy and I will be right in there okay?"

"Okay Luke." She scurried off and only after hearing her door slam, did he stand up and meander outside.

"Charlie we aren't having this conversation-"

"-Everything okay out here?" The vet stepped outside and stood behind Riley, "I heard some raised voices."

The brunette couldn't help but find him attractive with his defensive ways, "everything is fine. Where's Emily?"

"Oh I asked her to play in her room, I know you don't like it when she hears you two argue."

The chef took his hand and grinned, "thank you." Her gaze shifted back towards Charlie who was glaring at her boyfriend. "Look Charlie, I'm sorry that you have a problem with me dating but it's been 2 years and you've seriously been like a playboy mansion so I think 1 man in 2 years that Emily adores is something you should live with."

"Can you send your guard dog inside please, this is between husband and wife."

"Ex-husband and wife." Lucas clarified, his green eyes shifted towards the brunette and after a quick head nod he strode back inside waiting by the front door.

"There isn't anything else to discuss." She whispered.

"I can't imagine you with anyone else Riley." Charlie took a step forward.

She scoffed, "I can and I can even send you a picture if you'd like. I thought I could change you and it turns out that I'm really glad I couldn't. The only thing you can do to make me remotely happy now is be there for our daughter."

"I can do that." He stared into her eyes and with one fluid motion pressed his lips against hers.

"HEY!" She shoved him off right as the vet was pulling him away, "Seriously man, you were just talking about how she is dating me." Lucas exhaled heavily and removed his hands from Charlie after thinking about Riley and then Emily. "Let's make a deal."

"Lucas." She whispered.

"I'm alright sweetheart, don't worry." He flashed a gorgeous grin and lifted his attention back onto her ex. "You don't kiss my girlfriend."

"That's not a deal." Charlie whispered with a slight laugh.

"I only have one thing you want and I am not giving her up like you did. So, you don't kiss my girlfriend and I will continue to treat Riley and Emily like the princesses they are. Sound like a plan? Because under normal circumstances I would have lost my temper and when I used to professionally fight that wasn't good for anyone." Charlie noticeably shivered, it was actually kind of weird. Lucas was talking normally and even had a smile on his face but his words were oozing with intimidation. "But luckily for you these aren't normal circumstances. I have the love of my life behind me, apparently she's the love of yours as well and there's a beautiful little girl inside who needs her mother's boyfriend and her father to get along. Quite frankly Riley would really appreciate that as well. Right sweetheart?" He turned around again and held out his hand, which she instantly grabbed.

"Yes please. Charlie would you like to see Emily before you leave?" He shook his head no and sauntered towards his truck, "yeah I figured not." Within seconds he was peeling out of her driveway, "thank you. I'm sorry he kissed me."

"It wasn't your fault beautiful. Come on, let's go see what she's doing in there." His lips pressed against her forehead.

"You just had to throw in that 'professional fighter' comment didn't you?" The brunette joked and gave him a small nudge as they walked inside.

"Intimidation sweetheart, maybe he won't kiss you again."

"EMILY!" Her brown eyes remained locked on his bright jade ones, "it was pretty attractive you standing up for me."

"Oh yeah?" He whispered, "I hoped you would like that. I hope you never have to see that fighter side in me though."

"EMILY ANN GET OUT HERE PLEASE! Why?"

"It's not something I want you or Emily to see. I only use it for defensive purposes now, to contain and control a situation, not instigate and fight for money."

"What mommy!"

The brunette clenched her jaw and didn't even turn around. "I'm going to give you a moment before I turn around, and I am so hoping you'll have a change in attitude." She put on a fake smile and spun on her heels, "Hi sweetheart!"

"Can I watch a movie?" Riley glanced at her phone and shook her head.

"I'm sorry honey your bedtime is in 30 minutes and it would be pointless to start a movie now." Lucas grinned and immediately hid his facial expression when the little blonde girl stomped her foot. Mom mode activated. "Okay so here are your next options. Either you knock it off and you can play in your room with us for 30 minutes, or you can go to timeout and then go directly to bed. Completely up to you." Please Emily don't be a brat, you've been great all week and Lucas hasn't seen mean mommy yet. "So do you want to be a good girl?"

"NO!"

"Go sit in the corner, now!" It was pretty incredible how Riley didn't have to yell to scare the living daylights out of Emily. The blue eyed girl turned around and cried while running to her room, to the timeout corner. "AND DON'T GET UP UNTIL I TELL YOU TO!"

"Sassy." Lucas joked and got a punch to the gut, "that is all you. Headstrong."

"I'm sorry you had to see that."

He shook his head, "she's just tired."

"That's not an excuse babe, everyone has a choice in life. At her age it's learning to respect others I gave her two separate options and she chose the bratty route and now she's getting punished." His arms wrapped around her waist, "I tried spanking but it didn't work for her. It only made her more upset, obviously but she'd work herself up so much she'd completely forget why she was in trouble in the first place. Drama queen."

"MOMMY!"

"YOU HAVE 2 MORE MINUTES EMILY ANN!" The emerald eyed man pulled her into his chest.

"What would you do without her though?" He questioned.

"LUKE!"

The vet pulled away slightly, "Lucas Gabriel Friar don't you dare go in there. She still has 1 minute."

"LUKE!"

Riley clenched her jaw and raised her eyebrow, "you and I will not get along if you cave every time she gets into trouble." His forehead landed on top of hers and he wiped the pleading look off of his face, "thank you."

"I love you, I want to get along." She giggled and checked the time, "can I go now?"

"You can go with me." Riley inhaled deeply and sauntered into her bedroom, "alright Emily come here."

"I want Lucas." He held out his arms but folded them casually after the brunette stopped him.

"I want a million dollars but I'm not getting it, I said come here and you will listen. That's how this whole mother daughter thing works." The blonde inched out of the chair and sat in her mom's lap, "alright do you know why you were in timeout?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Okay so you know that stomping your foot and yelling 'no' aren't ways to get what you want and is really disrespectful?" She nodded, "I think you owe Lucas and me an apology for acting that way." Emily pretended to cry, "dry it up sweetheart, you aren't really crying."

"Sorry Luke, sorry mommy."

"Thank you, now give me a kiss and jump into bed." The blue eyed girl popped her bottom lip out, "No you made your choice to go to timeout and I told you what would happen when you did that. Look at me sweetheart." Lucas laid his head against the doorframe, Riley is perfect in every way. "When you decide to act a certain way you have to deal with whatever comes of that behavior you understand?" Emily nodded and climbed into bed.

"Can Luke tuck me in?"

"YES!" He exclaimed before Riley had a chance to. Riley brushed against his arm on the way out with an adorable grin. She was beginning to feel whole again.

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