Chapter 5:

If Claire thought she was nervous and anxious this morning, it was nothing compared to what she was feeling right now. This situation involved her precious daughter directly, and she was about to find out that her daddy just showed up in her life…not because he didn't want to before but simply because they had no means of contacting each other. He never knew she existed until yesterday. Things were moving so fast, Claire could hardly keep up at this pace. Her mind was trying, not that she usually has a problem in keeping up, at least at work she didn't, but when it comes to her personal life, it was a different story. She was getting so anxious her hands were beginning to sweat. She kept checking herself in the mirror. She decided to put on a pair of jeans, white t-shirt and a red long cardigan which she left open. He might not be available but she still wanted to make a good impression.

'Relax Claire…relax' she told herself trying to calm herself down.

She heard the bell ringing and Claire all but darted out of her bedroom and practically ran downstairs to welcome him in.

'Hey…come on in' she told him as she stepped out of the way so he could walk inside.

'These are for you' he told her as he handed her a bouquet of white tulips.

'Thanks' she said softly smiling at him, inhaling in the scent of flowers, as he watched her close her eyes momentarily 'I'll emm…get a vase…just a second' she told him. He watched her open one of the cabinets in the living room and putting the flowers in, adding some water and placing them in the middle of the table.

'They're beautiful Owen' she told him 'I love tulips', and Owen made a mental note of that.

'So emm…where is she?' he asked her feeling his stomach turning in knots.

'In her bedroom. She should be down soon' Claire told him. They stayed in the kitchen talking about Jessica and how she seems to be handling the situation, Claire resting against the counter on one end with a glass of white wine in her hands, and Owen leaning against the wall with a beer in one hand, while the other one slipped in his pocket.

'Mommy' Madison called out.

'In the kitchen honey' Claire replied, immediately straightening up and taking a deep long breath, as she placed the glass on the counter. She didn't say anything to her, not even that Owen was dropping by. She wanted to see her reaction when she sees him here. Owen on the other hand, got rid of the can in his hand and wiped his hands against his pants, making Claire smile briefly, catching on on the nervous reaction.

Madison reached them in a matter of seconds and when she saw Owen, she immediately ran to him and he had to pick her up, making him calm down…at least a tiny bit.

'What are you doing here?' she asked him. Her sentence forming was great for her age, and since she started school, it had actually improved quite a lot. Sometimes she finds herself in difficulty when doesn't have the knowledge of a particular word she needs to use, but other than that she is doing great.

'Actually…I came to see you' he told her rubbing her back a little as he said that, enjoying the feel of her arms around his neck. She was so cute and bubbly, he loved that about her, and Owen realized he couldn't help the smile that seemed to fill his face every time he was around Madison.

Claire watched them, feeling her heart swell in her chest, a smile creeping up her face. There was something special about seeing Madison interact with her daddy, he just hoped that Madison would still feel the same once they tell her the truth. She walked over to them and sat down on one of the chairs next to them.

'Madison honey come here' Claire told her, and Owen gave Madison to Claire, knowing that she was going to talk to her about him being her daddy. He was suddenly feeling anxious and quite nervous. He had been like that actually since they agreed on telling her, but once he saw her, those feelings seemed to have disappeared but now that the time has come, Owen couldn't help getting anxious again. 'Remember when you asked me about your daddy...if I know where he is and all that?' Claire started asking her, not quite sure if this was the way to go about it, but how was she supposed to tell an almost four year old such news, and Madison nodded.

'What if I tell you...that I have found...your daddy?' Claire asked her. She could feel Owen's eyes on her, her heart pounding hard in her chest.

'You did?' Madison asked excitedly and Claire nodded with a smile on her face 'Can I meet him?' she asked.

'Yes...but before you do...I want to ask you something' Claire told her and Madison nodded 'Honey...do you like Owen?' Claire asked her, lifting slightly her head to look at him.

'I do' Madison replied blushing a bit, and Owen felt himself calming down slightly.

'What if I tell you...that Owen...is your daddy?' Claire asked her and Madison lifted her gaze from her mother to Owen. Owen smiled at her, hoping to God she would not fight this, when Madison suddenly got down from Claire and ran upstairs without saying anything. Owen's heart sank as he called out for her.

'Give her a minute' Claire told him, placing a hand on his arm 'I'll go and talk to her. You can come but stay outside until you see it is safe to come in' she told him. Claire was sure that she went into her bedroom, so they made their way upstairs, and Claire glanced into the room, to find her in bed, cuddled with her bunny, on her side.

'Madison...pumpkin what's wrong?' she asked her as Claire sat down next to her on the edge of the bed, stroking the side of her face, removing the strands on hair in front of her eyes.

'He didn't want me' she cried, her face buried in her bunny.

'Oh honey that is not true' Claire started telling her 'Owen didn't know I was pregnant with you. He didn't know about you sweetheart. He just found out about you yesterday, and all he wanted to do was tell you that he is your daddy' Claire tried to explain.

'Is it true?' she asked lifting her face from behind her bunny.

'It's true' Owen told her as he made his way into the room. He stopped next to Claire and went down on his knees to talk to Madison at eye level 'I didn't know about you princess. I would have never abandoned you or your mother if I did' Owen tried to explain 'I haven't seen your mother in almost five years. I swear I would have been here for you and be your daddy since the day you were born if I knew' Owen told her. Madison looked up at her mother then and Claire nodded.

'Promise?' she asked him extending her pinky little finger.

'Cross my heart' Owen replied as touched her pinky finger with his and then kissed his finger. He waited for what seemed like an eternity and then she was throwing herself at him, wrapping her little arms around his neck, hugging him and Owen finally relaxed as a tear escaped rolling down his cheek, hiding in his stubble.

'I love you princess' Owen told her. It was something incredible how he could just love someone that has just walked into his life and would just give his life for...well truth be told, he probably felt something similar when it comes to Claire too.

'Love you daddy' she replied in her little voice and Owen glanced at Claire, to find tears of her own streaming down her face, a hand covering her mouth. It was such a monumental moment for their family. She found herself going down on her knees and wrapping her arms around the two of them, kissing the top of Madison's head, as her eyes settled on Owen.

'Thank you' he whispered before he kissed the part of her arm that was closest to his mouth.

Madison started pulling out then and Claire almost stumbled forward, her hands resting on Owen's shoulders, their faces mere inches away from each other as he caught her, his hands grabbing her hips, and it was like the time stopped as their eyes locked on each other, their breathing labored. Claire's eyes shifted to his lips, feeling his breath on her face while Owen's lips stared at her lips, licking his lips in preparation, as he started leaning forward closing the little distance and Claire could feel his hand starting to move up her back when suddenly Madison interrupted the moment that was only a few seconds but felt minutes long.

'Come on daddy, come on' she told him as she grabbed his hand and started pulling him, almost making Claire fall again, but Owen caught her, tightening one arm around her while she turned her arms around his neck, once again green eyes locking on each other for a split second before Owen had to get up from the floor and follow Madison.

She watched them walk out of the room as Madison dragged Owen in each room, giving him a tour of the house. He glanced quickly back at her and then took each room in, his eyes catching the vanilla lotion standing on the sink in the bathroom, then Madison took him into Claire's bedroom and Owen's eyes settled on her bed, neatly made up, her nightdress stretched out on the old rose sheets. He could smell her scent in there and as his eyes stared at the empty bed, he couldn't help but picture them there laying in each other's arms, until Madison dragged him out interrupting the moment once again. The tour ended back in her bedroom while Claire stood there, leaning against the door frame watching them. It was like it was the most natural thing. They played together like they had been playing all Madison's life. She took out her phone at one point and took a couple of photos, knowing that Owen would definitely appreciate it. The playdate ended with Madison in bed and Owen reading her a story...a story which Claire has read to her every single night, but tonight it was Owen's job to do it.

'Mummy come here' Madison called out and Claire walked up to her and slid into bed next to her while Owen shifted towards the edge to make some space for Claire. She curled up, snuggling into Owen's chest with her bunny in hand and Belle's plush behind her. Claire leaned down and kissed the top of Madison's head, wishing her a goodnight before Owen did the same. He watched Claire place her hand on Madison and instinctively, he placed his hand on Claire's. She looked down at his hand on hers and then up in his eyes. He had the warmest of smiles on his face...a look of longing almost, and Claire wished she knew what he was thinking. He couldn't help it. Being here in his daughter's room with both him and Claire lying beside her, it made him feel like he belonged...like he was part of them, and the truth was that he is part of them. He is part of this family that he has unknowingly created with Claire. If only she had stayed till he woke up, things would be so much different today. He was sure of it. It wasn't just the fact that he would have been part of Madison's life from when she was created but Claire would be part of his life for the last five years almost. It wasn't that he doesn't love Jessica or anything like that, but deep down he always knew that it was Claire he always wanted. He knew when he proposed to Jessica that he was settling for second best, and now that Claire was in his life, he almost regretted making that decision not even a year ago. If only he had waited...things would be much simpler now but with Jessica in the picture and being engaged to be married, it wasn't that simple to just drop her like a hot potato and try to start something with Claire...even more so when Jessica is Claire's best friend. It made this situation even more difficult than it already was.

It was almost like Claire could see the wheels turning in his head as she stared at him. He was definitely thinking, and it might be somewhat strange but she felt like she knew him already even though she doesn't really know anything about him, apart from how good he kiss, how fuckin great he touches her and how incredibly magnificent he is when he makes love to her, other than that she knows nothing about him, but at the same time she felt like she knew him. She could almost feel what he was thinking just by looking at him and sometimes it scared the hell out of her.

She pulled her hand from underneath his, bringing him back to now, kissed Madison on her head and walked out of the room and straight into the kitchen, opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of white wine. She was pouring a glass when Owen walked into the kitchen. He hadn't even said a word, but she could feel his presence, his warmth behind her.

'Wine?' she asked him as she turned around to look at him, immediately turning back towards the glass. She was about to pick it up when his hand covered hers and Claire's heart stopped. She closed her eyes and stood still not daring to look, until his free hand settled on the small of her back and Claire gasped.

'Claire' he whispered and she slowly started turning around, her face meeting his. His head was already lowered and suddenly his hand was cupping her cheek and Claire could feel her heart pounding hard in her chest. He was looking at her like he wanted to get lost in her. His eyes grew dark and his fingers were stroking her cheek, as he lowered his gaze to her lips. She felt her hands grab his polo shirt and as her mind was thinking that this was a very bad idea, his lips were on hers and he was kissing her, his tongue stroking her lips, begging her to give him access to dance with her tongue, which she did. She could feel herself drowning in him as her hands pulled him closer, and Owen groaned in her mouth almost possessively pulling her body further into him, and then she was pushing him away, her hands on his chest as she stumbled a couple of steps backwards, her eyes wide.

'What the hell are you doing?' she asked him one hand covering her mouth while the other rested on her hip.

'I'm sorry' he apologized 'I got caught up in the moment' he told her and Claire sighed.

'Look Owen...I know that there is unresolved...issues between us and maybe the fact that we share a daughter doesn't help, but you are getting married to my best friend. This can't keep happening every time we are alone' she told him, not that she didn't want to kiss him, because God knows how much her body ached for him, but he was getting married and it wasn't fair on Jessica and neither on her for that matter.

'I know Claire. My mind is all over the place right now. Everything is happening so fast, it's like I can't keep up' Owen tried to explain 'I haven't seen you in almost five years, and when we finally meet, I find out that we share a daughter while my mind is still trying to digest the fact that I saw you again' Owen told her 'You have no idea how I longed to see you again' he admitted.

'I know' she whispered 'You think I forgot about you just because I left?' Claire asked him, grabbing the glass in her head and almost drinking the whole thing at once 'Do you have any idea how many times I regretted leaving that day?' she told him. She was starting to get overwhelmed with him kissing her and the way this conversation was heading, and Claire wasn't sure she was prepared for this 'And now I think it is best you go or we are going to say things we can't take back' Claire told him.

'Is that really a bad thing?' Owen asked her.

Claire sighed heavily 'Until you are engaged to be married to my best friend, there is nothing more to say Owen. You chose to be with her and I respect that and I need you to respect that as well. I don't want to hurt her. She has been through a lot and she is finally happy...I can't take that away from her just because I have your daughter' Claire told him. At that moment, he felt so defeated, he almost felt empty. He knew she was right but he couldn't help what he was feeling and thinking. Claire realized that her words have hit him hard but what was she supposed to do? Let him continue kissing her every time they seemed to share a moment, and continue like this, when he was still marrying Jessica. It was not fair to neither one of the parties involved. She was just trying to do what's right while protecting everyone's heart.

'And if things change? If I decide to end things with Jessica?' he asked her and Claire gasped in shock at that question.

'Are you really thinking of leaving her?' she asked him surprised.

'I don't know Claire. Right now my mind is all over the place and all I want to do is be here with Madison and make up for lost time but that also means being around you and I know it might seem like I am crazy or something, and I know that we do not really know a lot about each other but I can't help it. That night was not just a random night to me. It wasn't a simple one night stand or whatever. That night I felt something, I have never felt before and it hasn't left me since. Just because I moved on and proposed to Jessica, doesn't mean that I had forgotten all about you or how I felt that night' Owen told her.

'Owen stop...please' Claire almost begged him, her eyes getting watery. He was starting to confess things she wasn't sure she was ready to hear especially when there was nothing that could be done about them 'It is not that...I don't want to hear what you have to say...but as long as you are with Jessica, nothing can happen between us...and I am not telling you this so you would do something about it because even then I'm not sure if anything can happen between us' Claire started telling him and Owen opened his mouth to speak but she stopped him 'And before you ask me why, I am going to tell you. Because she is my best friend...I have known her since we were kids, and being with you will hurt her so deep, I am not sure I can live with that...so do what you feel is right for you to do...but do not do it on my account' she told him as she pressed her lips tight to try and contain the tears that were threatening to spill 'Do you understand what I am trying to tell you?' she asked him and Owen nodded.

'I...I guess I better go' he told her in a whisper, almost chocking in his own words. He grabbed his stuff and turned to leave but then he stopped, looked at her, cupped one cheek and watched her close her eyes at the feel of his hand on her skin, leaned in and pressed his lips hard for the longest time against her forehead, before he pulled away and walked out of her house, leaving Claire standing in the kitchen for the longest time, with only the tears to keep her company.

oooOOOooo

It has been three days since that night of that heartfelt speech and Owen had been on his best behaviour, visiting Madison after work and literally avoiding being alone with Claire, and focus all of his attention on his daughter. It was easier when she was around and Claire gave them as much time as possible to get to know one another. She wanted them to bond and start building memories together and Owen was all up for that. They had just finished eating when Madison dropped a bomb that could be heard from miles away, leaving both Owen and Claire speechless for what felt like forever.

'Excuse me pumpkin, what was that?' Claire asked her again.

'Can daddy sleep here tonight?' she asked again. Claire glanced his way and then back at Madison, still not sure what to say.

'I don't have any clean clothes with me princess and tomorrow I have to go to work' he quickly cut in 'But if it is okay with mummy, tomorrow when I am ready from work, I can come here and we can have a movie night since you won't be having school the day after' he told her and that seemed to do it for Madison...sleepover long forgotten.

'Can we mummy, can we?' she asked excitedly.

'Sure. Of course honey' Claire told her and Madison cheered, jumping down from her chair and hurried to give Claire a kiss, thanking her 'You're welcome pumpkin' Claire told her smiling.

When Madison was sound asleep in her bed after Owen read her her bedtime story, because it seemed like this week it was Owen's job to do so, he made his way down to leave and started grabbing his wallet and the rest of his stuff to leave when Claire's voice stalled him.

'Thank you for saving me back there' Claire told him.

'It's nothing' Owen replied with a smile.

'You do realize that movie night means watching Beauty and the Beast right?' she told him.

'I do' he chuckled 'I am actually looking forward to watching it with her' he admitted.

'You're crazy' she replied with a laugh 'I must prepare you to learn all the characters, and her favourite songs and scenes...oh and I should also warn you that your daughter is a romantic one, so prepare yourself' Claire told him.

'Oh no...why is that?' he laughed. It was so easy to talk when the conversation was about Madison. It almost felt like the elephant in the room was no longer there, until one of them lingers for a second to long, and then that elephant takes up the whole room again, but so far they seemed to be going on the right track.

'Wait and see. I am not going to ruin that for you, but consider yourself warned' Claire told him and Owen nodded.

'Noted' he replied. There seemed to be a moment of awkward silence until Owen finally spoke 'So I was thinking if you do not have anything planned that is, since this is my first official weekend being her daddy, I was thinking of spending some real quality time with her...time together as a family' he started telling her.

''What did you have in mind?' Claire asked as she took a seat on the couch, pulling one leg under her, resting her elbow on the back of the sofa while her palm supported her head.

'How about...Saturday we spend a day at the zoo and on Sunday we take her to the park and have a picnic there and maybe take her to the playground' he suggested, as he sat down in front of her, mimicking her position.

'Sound fun...but you just said we' she pointed out.

'I know...I just want her to have memories of us as a family Claire, not just memories with just me or just you' Owen explained and suddenly Claire wasn't sure if this was a good idea after all, even though she did want Madison to have those memories, but the ice felt to thin to test it. Owen could see her hesitation so he cut in 'Come on Claire...it's for Madison, and besides, she is going to be there with us, we will both be on our best behaviour...I promise' he told her as he extended his pinky finger and Claire burst out laughing covering her mouth in the process.

'Oh my God...it's me you're talking to you idiot, not Madison' she told him hitting his chest playfully and Owen laughed 'Fine' she finally said 'As long as you are on your best behaviour' she warned him.

'Cross my heart' he replied.

'What about Jessica?' she asked him after a while.

'What about her?' Owen asked her 'She knows I need to spend time with Madison, I'm sure she will be fine with this' Owen replied.

'Mmm but your plan includes me...not just Madison. I don't know how she feels about that' Claire told him.

'Claire...Madison needs to spend time with both of us together, as a family not with just you or just me' Owen tried to explain.

'I know' Claire replied.

'She will just have to understand' Owen told him. Claire pulled a face at that which didn't go unnoticed 'What's that face supposed to mean?' Owen asked her.

'I don't know Owen, I mean how would you feel if the situation was in reverse and she will be spending time with someone she made love with once and you know so much about that night?' Claire asked him.

Owen didn't reply immediately but when he did, he made Claire blush 'You talked that much about me?' he asked her amused but at the same time feeling special.

'Seriously?' she asked him 'She told you as much...she all but blurted out everything I ever said to her in your face' Claire told him feeling embarrassed.

'There is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about' Owen pointed out 'It was an unforgettable night after all' Owen told her and Claire smiled.

'It was, wasn't it?' Claire asked.

'It was...a night I will never forget' Owen admitted with a smile.

'Neither will I' Claire replied smiling at him. Their eyes remained on each other as the time seemed to stop, before Owen broke the spell and got up from the couch.

'I guess I better go' he told her and Claire got up agreeing 'So...do we have a plan for this weekend?' Owen asked her.

'We do' Claire confirmed 'Madison is going to have so much fun' she told him excitedly.

Owen smiled at that, so ready for the weekend to start while Claire walked him to the door, leaning against the open wooden thing. He stepped out and turned to look at her, cupped one cheek and leaned in to kiss her forehead 'Goodnight Claire...sweet dreams'.

'Sweet dreams Owen' she whispered back.

oooOOOooo

She was lying on top of him...naked, his hand flat on her back, his long fingers moving up and down the length of her bare back along her spine, while his other hand was holding her head in place, his fingers vanishing in her red locks, her arms resting on the pillow against his head, and she was kissing him, hard and passionate as her hands moved, stroking his face, her legs straddling him, her core brushing against him. He turned them around so that he was lying on top of her now, the muscles on his back flexing, his bum so muscled round as Claire attempted to grab it. He shifted slightly, opening up her legs better and then he was pushing himself inside of her and Claire let go of his mouth, crying silently as he filled her, throwing her head back, her nails scratching his skin on his back, marking him...

'Oh God...Owen' she whimpered.

'Claire...God you're beautiful' he whispered.

Claire stood up in a flash in a sitting position, panting hard, as she ran a hand through her hair and fell back down her head hitting the pillow as her eyes settled in the ceiling.

'Holy shit' she muttered 'So much for sweet dreams...more like hot dreams' she complained feeling completely unsatisfied now her whole body begging for some release.

oooOOOooo

Her legs were wrapped around his waist, her breasts pressed against his chest, her arms wrapped around his neck, her lips pressed against his, her tongue twirling against his tongue as she kissed him eagerly. His hands were flat against her back, enjoying the feel of her silky creamy skin against the palms of his hands.

He pushed her on her back, her legs still wrapped around his waist, he slipped inside of her, still devouring her mouth as his fingers laced with hers, pushing her arms above her head. Owen let go of her mouth, biting playfully her chin and Claire whimpered at the chilling sensation that travelled through her body...

'Owen' she moaned.

And Owen's eyes flashed open, his sight hitting the ceiling, feeling his chest rise and fall hard as his breath came out in pants, beads of sweat sliding down the side of his face. He glanced on his side to find Jessica sound asleep.

'Jesus Claire' he whispered as he rubbed his face and ran a hand through his hair 'So much for sweet dreams' he muttered.

oooOOOooo

'Daddyyyy' Madison cheered as Claire pulled the door open. Owen picked her up and twirled her around in the air.

'Hey princess' he replied with a smile, kissing the little girl on her cheek 'Hi Claire' he said and as their eyes met, she blushed and Owen smiled knowingly.