This chapter is long, you guys, but I believe it's more than worth it.
"Are you sure you don't mind watching Liam? I know that it's short notice," Emma asked her daughter over the phone.
"Mom, he's 14 – he doesn't exactly need to be watched," Anna Elizabeth reminded her mother.
Emma chuckled lightly before she replied, "I guess you have a point. I know he can take care of himself, but his cooking skills aren't the best. He has more hope than Killian, but your brother gets distracted easily."
Anna Elizabeth laughed at that before she agreed, "He always did." She then asked, "When will you and Dad drop him off?"
"Let's see…" Emma began before she trailed off. A moment later, she continued, "A little less than half-an-hour."
"Great, Mom. I'll see you in a bit," Anna Elizabeth responded.
"See you then, kid," Emma told her daughter before they both hung up the phone.
When Anna Elizabeth had put her cell phone in her pocket, she got up from the couch and headed into the kitchen.
"Hmm, what can we eat for dinner?" she wondered aloud as she began rummaging through cabinets and the pantry. As she did, she happened upon a bag of chocolate chips, and an idea struck her.
She smiled as she spoke, "Liam's favorite – chocolate chip pancakes."
She then began gathering all of the ingredients for pancakes and set them on the kitchen counter, as well as the cooking utensils. By the time she had did all of that, she had received a text from Emma that they had arrived at the apartment complex.
Anna Elizabeth grabbed her keys before she went downstairs. She met her parents and Liam in the parking lot. The teenager was getting out of the truck as Killian teased, "Don't give your sister any trouble, lad," with a grin.
Liam rolled his eyes before he complained, "Seriously, Dad?" Both Killian and Emma chuckled before she added, "Thanks again, Anna Elizabeth. You two have fun hanging out."
Both Liam and Anna Elizabeth nodded before the dark-haired teenager looked at his sister and asked, "What are we going to eat?"
Anna Elizabeth chuckled as she began, "You and your teenage appetite." She then sobered and continued, "I was thinking that we could make your favorite."
Liam narrowed his eyes at her for a moment as he pointed out, "I love all food, Anna Elizabeth. You'll have to be more specific."
Everyone chuckled before Anna Elizabeth and Liam bid their parents goodbye. The two of them then headed into the complex and up the stairs.
When they stepped foot in the apartment, Liam's blue-green eyes lit up at the stuff on the counter.
"Chocolate-chip pancakes? Awesome!"
Anna Elizabeth giggled before she told him, "I thought that you might like that."
Liam immediately went over the counter and grabbed a bowl. Anna Elizabeth quickly followed him and told him, "Patience, Liam. You don't even know how to exactly make them."
"I would have figured it out," Liam argued.
Anna Elizabeth rolled her eyes before she started helping him. Despite his original protest, Liam was actually enjoying cooking with his sister.
She then asked him, "Do you remember when we made Mom and Dad breakfast for their anniversary?"
Liam smiled as he responded, "Yeah, I do." He then furrowed his brows and continued, "You wouldn't let me do anything except beat the eggs and pour the juice."
"You were, like six. I didn't want you to burn yourself," Anna Elizabeth pointed out.
Liam looked thoughtful for a moment before he reminded her, "I was eight, you dork."
Anna Elizabeth rolled her eyes and shook her head at him. She then told him, "Ah, of course." When she tried to ruffle his black hair, he pulled away and groaned, making her giggle.
She then teased him, "At least your attention span is a bit longer now than it was back then."
Liam only rolled his eyes in response. He then defended, "My attention span was just fine."
"If that was the case, I wouldn't have had to tell you three times to pour the orange juice," Anna Elizabeth refuted.
"That's only because I was hungry, and I wanted to help cook," Liam told her. Soon after, both of them burst out laughing.
Once they had stopped, Liam became serious and told her, "We've had fun, and you've always been there for me. You're a cool sister – even if you're actually my cousin."
Anna Elizabeth smiled at him as she replied, "Well, I will always be there for you. Having you for a little – I mean, younger,brother has been great." She then hugged him from the side.
When they pulled apart, Liam continued stirring the pancake batter. Within a few minutes, it was ready to go on the griddle. Anna Elizabeth turned on the stovetop, and Liam then poured the batter.
A few minutes later, six pancakes were sitting on two plates – three for each of them. Liam set them on the table while Anna Elizabeth grabbed the orange juice and a couple of glasses.
As soon as they had started eating, Liam's cell phone beeped in his pocket.
"Ooh, is that your girlfriend?" Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but playfully tease her younger brother.
She expected him to roll his eyes or offer a sarcastic comment, but she was surprised when he looked down at his plate to try to cover the fact that he was blushing. He also started scratching behind his ear.
Her eyes widened, and the widest grin enveloped her face as it clicked. She then told him, "By your reaction, I'm guessing that you do like someone."
Liam suddenly looked up and blurted, "She isn't my girlfriend!"
"Who isn't your girlfriend?" Anna Elizabeth asked with a knowing smile.
"Oh, uh…um… no one," Liam stammered before he stuffed the pancakes in his mouth in hopes that it would prevent him from having to answer any questions.
Anna Elizabeth tilted her head to the side and studied her brother for a moment. She decided to just let him be… for now. So, she took a breath and told him, "You don't have to tell me right now if you don't want to, Liam."
Liam swallowed and took a sip of orange juice before he offered the blonde a grateful smile in response.
When Anna Elizabeth and Liam had cleaned the kitchen and washed the dishes, they retreated to the living room.
Anna Elizabeth looked at the time before she told her brother, "We have at least two and a half hours before Mom and Dad get back. Wanna watch a movie?"
Liam nodded before he questioned, "Do you guys, like, have any of the superhero movies?"
"You do realize that's a rather broad category," Anna Elizabeth began. She then continued, "I think that Evie has a few because Leo likes superheroes, but she brought them with her to D.C."
"Oh, okay," Liam said, as he slumped his shoulders in disappointment.
Anna Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at him as she pointed out, "Unless I've missed something in the last few weeks, you were never the biggest fan of superheroes. Pirates were always more your speed."
"Well, Grace loves them, so I thought I'd give them a shot," Liam replied. When he realized what he had admitted, his face turned bright red.
Anna Elizabeth had to bite her lip to keep from laughing before she told him, "Looks like you've inherited Dad's subtlety."
Liam looked thoughtful for a few minutes before he sighed and told her, "It doesn't even matter if I like her anyway."
"Of course it matters – why would you say that?" Anna Elizabeth asked him.
"She's a year older than me. And because of Mom and Dad's stupid rule, I can't date until I'm sixteen. By that time, Grace will probably already be dating someone her own age," Liam answered. He then crossed his arms and sank back into the couch.
Anna Elizabeth took a few moments to consider her words. She then took a deep breath and told him, "That isn't necessarily going to happen, Liam. She may just have a crush on you, too."
"Well…" Liam began but trailed off. Anna Elizabeth's eyes widened once more, and she playfully punched his arm.
"Hey! What was that for?" he protested.
"For not telling me any of this until now!" Anna Elizabeth told him.
"It just happened yesterday," Liam defended. His sister looked at him expectantly, so he sighed and continued, "I sort of blurted it out when we playing basketball at the park yesterday. I didn't mean to, but it kind of came out."
Anna Elizabeth smiled and shook her head as she told him, "You really are like Dad." Her brother still had a worried expression, so she observed, "I take it that she told you that she liked you, too. But the problem is that you guys are still too young to actually date."
"Well, yeah," Liam replied. He then told her, "And because her parents have that same stupid rule. But even when she's old enough, I still won't be. What are we supposed to do?"
"Well, I think you guys will just have to hang out as friends until you're 16. And if she still likes you, you can ask her out," Anna Elizabeth offered.
"But waiting is so stupid. It makes me look like a dork," Liam complained.
"I actually think it's kind of sweet of you," Anna Elizabeth tried to assure him.
Liam rolled his eyes as before he pointed out, "Of course you'd think that – you're a girl. It isn't sweet, it's lame."
Anna Elizabeth once again had to bite her lip to keep from laughing before she once again tried to assure him, "Hey, listen. Waiting is so totally worth it – trust me. And if you like Grace as much as you say you do, you'll still like her two years from now. And she'll be worth it."
Liam took a few minutes to take in his sister's words before he finally agreed, "I guess you're right." A moment later, he groaned and asked her, "You aren't going to turn this into some kind of gross birds and the bees talk, are you?"
This time, Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh. She then reassured him, "There is absolutely no danger in that. That is Dad's job."
Liam breathed a sigh of relief before he changed the subject, "Can we watch the live-action Peter Pan? It's actually pretty cool."
Anna Elizabeth smiled as she questioned, "And which Peter Pan would that be? You do realize there's more than one live-action version."
Liam furrowed his brows as he thought for a moment. He then answered, "The one with Tiger Lily."
"Liam, she's in, like, all of them," Anna Elizabeth pointed out with a roll of her eyes.
The dark-haired teenager groaned again as he thought for a moment. He then replied, "You know what I mean. The one where she's cool. She is like awesome with a sword, and she yells at Captain Hook the whole time."
"Ah, that one," Anna Elizabeth replied with a grin, to which Liam rolled his eyes this time. She then got up to retrieve the movie and adjust the TV.
Just as Liam was skipping over the previews, there was a knock at the door. "Hmm. I wonder who that is," Anna Elizabeth wondered aloud. Liam simply shrugged his shoulders and never took his eyes from the TV.
Anna Elizabeth then got up and answered the door. She was surprised to see her fiancé standing behind it.
"Calin? What are you doing here?"
"I thought I would surprise you," Calin answered before he planted a sweet kiss on her lips, one that she gladly returned.
As they pulled back, Anna Elizabeth smiled at him. He then glanced at the living room, where he saw the previews being skipped through.
"Is someone here?" Calin asked confusedly.
"Just Liam. Mom and Dad had to run some errands in Mist Haven, and he didn't want to go. So, they left him with me. We were just about to watch the newest Peter Pan movie," Anna Elizabeth explained.
"Oh, okay. Well, we could always hang out another time," Calin suggested.
"That's ridiculous, Calin. Liam doesn't even care – just come watch the movie with us," Anna Elizabeth told him.
Calin nodded at her before she ushered him into the apartment.
Just as they began walking toward the living room, they distinctly saw and heard a door slam. Anna Elizabeth and Calin furrowed their brows before the blonde went to go check on her brother.
When she arrived in Evie's room, Liam was sitting on the bed. He was facing the wall and his arms were crossed.
"Liam, what's the matter?" Anna Elizabeth worriedly asked.
"Nothing," Liam spat angrily.
Anna Elizabeth took a deep breath before she went to go sit down beside him. He immediately scooted away from her.
"Come on, Liam. You know you can tell me," she coaxed.
"I said that nothing was wrong! Just go be with your fiancé!" Liam yelled at her. He then shifted on the bed where his back was toward her.
Anna Elizabeth sighed before she got up and left the room. When she walked back into the living room, Calin asked, "Is he okay?"
"He will be," Anna Elizabeth told him.
"Are you sure? He sounded really upset," Calin pointed out.
"Trust me. He just needs time for that temper of his to cool off, and he needs time to think. He'll come around, and he'll be ready to talk," Anna Elizabeth assured him.
Calin tilted his head at her for a moment and looked at her curiously. He then observed, "You're really good with him, you know."
Anna Elizabeth shrugged off his comment when she replied, "He's my brother."
Just then, her cell phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID before she answered, "Hello, Mrs. Green."
The blonde listened for a couple minutes before she lightly chuckled and spoke, "I completely forgot that you borrowed it. I'll be right down."
When she hung up the phone, Calin asked, "Who was that?"
"One of my neighbors. She borrowed my cookie pan a couple weeks ago," Anna Elizabeth explained.
Calin nodded before she quickly kissed his cheek. She then grabbed her keys and headed out the door.
Calin then moved toward the kitchen to fix himself something to drink. He opened the refrigerator and found a pitcher of lemonade.
He poured himself a glass and sat down at the kitchen table. He occupied himself by listening to music on his phone.
Though his fiancée was in charge of the music for the wedding, she had wanted him to choose the song for their first dance as husband and wife. He had found what he thought was the perfect song, but he had yet to let Anna Elizabeth listen to it.
Just as the second verse rolled around, he saw Evie's bedroom door open. Liam slowly made his way into the kitchen.
Liam plopped down in the chair beside Calin. He crossed his arms on the table and laid his head on them. He then looked up at his future brother-in-law and asked, "Where's Anna Elizabeth?"
"She had to go and get something from a neighbor," Calin answered.
Liam nodded before he started drawing circles on the table with his fingers.
Calin watched the dark-haired teenager for a few moments before he took a breath and suggested, "I know I'm not your sister, but I'm still a pretty good listener if you want to talk about it."
Liam considered Calin's words before he slowly sat up straight.
He then took a deep breath before he spoke, "Just promise you won't think of me as a dork."
"I promise," Calin assured him.
Liam nodded before he began, "Well, it's just that I could have went with my parents, but I asked if I could stay with Anna Elizabeth."
Calin nodded before he keenly observed, "You wanted to hang out with your sister."
"Yeah," Liam admitted. He then elaborated, "It was cool. We were having fun. But then you showed up."
His eyes widened, and he quickly added, "No offense."
Calin couldn't help but smile at him as he told him, "None taken."
He then considered his words and continued, "Liam, I'm sure that if Anna Elizabeth had known that it was important to you to hang out, she would have told me. And I would have understood."
"I know," Liam simply responded.
Calin studied the teenager for a few moments before he told him, "I think the question here is why it was so important to you."
"Uh, no reason," Liam responded, as he scratched behind his ear.
"I've known you long enough to know that isn't the whole story. And that you're nervous," Calin responded.
Liam sighed before he admitted, "It's just that you and Anna Elizabeth are getting married. Things are gonna be different. And she isn't going to want me around," as he looked down at the table.
Calin felt sympathy for Liam. He considered his words carefully before he gently grabbed Liam's shoulder to make him look up at him.
He then spoke, "Listen, Liam. You're old enough to understand that Anna Elizabeth and I will want alone time. But that doesn't mean she won't make time for you. She goes to all of your baseball games, she helps you with your homework, and she does like hanging out with you. She is so proud of you, and she loves being your sister; things will change, but those two things won't. I can promise you that."
"Really?" Liam asked.
"Of course," Calin reassured him.
Liam smiled brightly before he told him, "Thanks, Calin." Calin nodded and Liam continued, "I'd like to hang out with you some too. I'm glad that you'll be my brother."
Calin smiled widely as he replied, "I'm pretty happy about it, too, Liam."
Liam's smile grew as he got up and pulled Calin in for a quick man-hug.
As they pulled away, Liam observed, "I'm gonna have to tell all of this to Anna Elizabeth, won't I?"
"Yeah, I think so," Calin responded with a grin.
"That won't be necessary," Anna Elizabeth told them as she came through the front door.
"You were eavesdropping?" Liam asked.
"Maybe a little," Anna Elizabeth began, as she gestured with her fingers. She then continued, "I opened the door, and I heard you guys talking. I didn't want to interrupt."
"So, how much did you hear?" Liam asked.
"Enough to know why you were upset," Anna Elizabeth told him.
She then went over to him and hugged him. As they pulled away, she took him by the shoulders and told him, "What Calin told you couldn't be more true. I will always have time for you."
Liam smiled brightly at her in response.
Calin had watched the scene with a smile, and an idea struck him.
He then told both of them, "You know, I think I've thought of something that both of you will love."
"And what would that be?" Anna Elizabeth asked curiously as she tilted her head.
"Well, I still haven't picked a best man," Calin began.
"You know I don't want to push, but you need to get on that, Calin," Anna Elizabeth told him, as she planted her hands on her hips.
Calin grinned at her as he told her, "I just decided."
He then turned his attention to Liam and asked him, "What do you say, Liam? Wanna be my best man?"
"Really?" Liam asked excitedly. He then scratched behind his ear and continued, "I mean, that would be cool."
"Great," Calin responded with a bright smile.
Anna Elizabeth then tightly hugged both of them.
As they pulled away, Anna Elizabeth's phone beeped in her pocket. She quickly read the text message before turning her attention to her brother.
"Looks like Mom and Dad's errands didn't take quite as long as they thought."
"Okay," Liam responded. He bid Calin goodbye before he and Anna Elizabeth headed downstairs.
When Anna Elizabeth arrived back at her apartment, she saw her fiancé leaning against the kitchen counter.
She smiled brightly as she walked over to him. Before Calin had time to say anything, Anna Elizabeth grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him in for a passionate kiss.
As they pulled away, Calin caught his breath before he questioned, "Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"
"For being absolutely amazing with my brother. You did a great job at reassuring him, and he's so excited to be your best man," Anna Elizabeth responded with a bright smile.
Calin returned her smile as he told her, "It was nothing. You know that Liam is like a little brother to me, too," as he ran his fingers through her hair.
Anna Elizabeth smiled once more before she kissed him again, this time sweetly and tenderly.
As they pulled away, she grinned and surmised, "You know, it'd be a shame to let the movie go to waste."
Calin grinned as well as he told her, "Well, then, let's go and watch it."
They then made their way over to the couch and sat down. Anna Elizabeth curled into Calin's side, and he wrapped an arm around her waist.
He used his free hand to grab the remote. Before he could press play, Anna Elizabeth complained, "It's cold in here."
She then began moving herself from his grasp when he stopped her, "I'll get you a blanket."
Before she could be her stubborn self and protest, he got up and went to her room.
When he returned, he resumed his position on the couch. Anna Elizabeth snuggled back up against him before she covered herself with the blanket.
She then looked up and met his eyes before she told him, "Thank you."
"You're welcome," he replied. He then grinned and teased, "No comment about your independence?"
She rolled her eyes before she told him, "Just play the movie, Calin."
Calin chuckled before he did as she asked. As they watched the opening credits, he commented, "I've noticed that you've got a lot of boxes in your room."
"Well, Calin, people tend to pack when they'll be moving in a couple of months," Anna Elizabeth quipped.
Calin rolled his eyes before he told her, "Obviously. What I meant is that you still have a while before you need to pack."
"That's easy for you to say. You're not going anywhere," Anna Elizabeth pointed out.
Calin kissed her forehead before he told her, "Don't stress about packing or moving. It'll all be okay."
Anna Elizabeth nodded in response. She turned her attention back to the movie, but Calin could tell she was distracted.
So, he paused the movie before he adjusted his position in order to look at her.
He ran his fingers through her blonde curls as he asked, "What's wrong, Anna Elizabeth?"
She sighed before she told him, "I'm just worried about all my stuff actually fitting in your apartment. I never noticed it until I thought about us living there together. I'm not sure there's enough room for both of us."
Calin caressed her cheek as he tried to assure her, "Come on, now, we can make it work."
"Calin, your closet is not even half the size of mine, and you don't even own a chest of drawers. Not to mention you only have a twin-sized bed. Don't get me started on the rest of the apartment," Anna Elizabeth pointed out.
Calin had to keep from laughing before he told her, "I knew that I would be the only one living there, so I will admit that it's small."
Anna Elizabeth sighed, and he continued, "But I do think that you're exaggerating a bit. I still think we'll be able to live in the apartment."
"Comfortably?" she questioned.
"Yes," he answered before he planted another kiss on her forehead.
"If you say so," she replied. Calin knew she wasn't completely convinced, but she sounded more sure than she did earlier.
He then told her, "I think it's time for us to make a trip to Neverland."
Anna Elizabeth rolled her eyes before she told him, "You're such a dork."
"Perhaps. But you agreed to marry me," he responded.
Anna Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh at that, and Calin was soon laughing with her. Once they had stopped, they settled comfortably on the couch, and Calin pressed play.
That night, Calin had crawled into bed after taking a shower. As much as he wanted to go right to sleep, he knew it wouldn't happen.
Despite his assurances to Anna Elizabeth, he could see her point about the apartment. It was too small for two people. He had just enough room for his stuff - there's no way all of hers would fit too. It also didn't help that he wasn't the best at keeping everything neat and tidy.
He groaned as he rolled over on his back. Learning to live together would be challenging enough as it was without the feeling of being cramped. And what about when they had kids one day?
Calin exhaled deeply as he ran one of his hands over his face. It wasn't as if he planned on renting an apartment forever. He, and more importantly Anna Elizabeth, deserved a place that was their own. He wanted to give her everything, but he wasn't sure how he would pull this off.
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"Mate, I apologize for getting you up so early on Sunday, but I knew I would need a bit of help with this project," Killian told Calin.
"It's no problem - I really don't mind," Calin replied. He then chuckled slightly and continued, "I can't imagine that waking up Leroy on his day off would be a good idea."
Killian chuckled as well before he agreed, "Trust me, it isn't. I've made that mistake before. If you think that he's grumpy on a regular day, you wouldn't want to see him when he hasn't gotten enough sleep."
Calin chuckled once again before he and Killian settled in comfortable silence. The young man couldn't help but grin when his future father-in-law started singing along to the 80's station. That's exactly where Anna Elizabeth got it from.
A few minutes later, Killian pulled up at a house. He parked his truck before he and Calin both got out.
As they walked toward the door, Calin asked, "This is your brother's house, right?"
"Aye, that it is," Killian answered as he unlocked the door.
As they walked inside, Calin's eyes widened slightly at the various building supplies spread over the hardwood floor.
"It was never my intention to use this house for simply storage but when the warehouse is full, that's really the only option," Killian bemused.
"Well, it wasn't exactly our fault that one of the hardware stores went out of business and decided to give us the remainder of what they didn't sell," Calin pointed out.
"Aye. I suppose you're right," Killian admitted. He then took a breath and continued, "Let's get to work."
Calin nodded before he picked up a box of door handles and a box of nails before he headed toward the door.
A couple of hours later, Killian and Calin had loaded all of the supplies into the bed and the backseat of Killian's truck. Next stop was the warehouse, but both of them were in agreement that they needed a break.
Calin sat down at the square dining room table while Killian went to grab a couple of bottled waters.
As Calin sat there, he couldn't help but let his eyes roam the house. Truthfully, he had been doing so for the past two hours, and he was surprised that he managed to not be badly distracted from his task.
Despite the years of abandonment, the furniture, appliances, and the house itself was in good shape. Although, Calin suspected that was less to do with the house itself and more with Killian.
The house was beautiful. Moreover, it was spacious. Though Calin felt as though he was being entirely too presumptuous, he couldn't help but see himself and Anna Elizabeth in this house.
There was the kitchen, where they would cook and share meals. The living room, where they would watch their favorite movies and TV shows. The backyard, where they would sit on the porch and watch the sunset. The bedroom, where they would... Calin shook his head from his thoughts at that one. That was something he did not need to think about right now.
Just then, Killian came back through the door and walked over to the table. He sat down across from Calin before handing him the bottle of water.
Both of them took a healthy gulp before setting it down on the table.
Killian then told his future son-in-law, "Thanks again for helping me, mate. I appreciate it."
"No problem. I mean, that's what family is for," Calin responded, with a smile.
Killian genuinely smiled back at him before he said, "Speaking of family, I think it's great how you chose Liam to be your best man."
"Honestly? I think that's the easiest decision I've made when it comes to planning this wedding," Calin responded.
Killian grinned as he said, "It means a lot to the lad. I know he may act like he doesn't care because, well, he's 14, but he and Anna Elizabeth have always been close. And it means the world to him that he will be part of her wedding."
Calin smiled as he replied, "Yeah, I knew it would. He's my family as well. I also know how much it means to Anna Elizabeth - all I want is for her to be happy."
His daughter's words were playing in Killian's head as he studied Calin. He really did always put her first.
Killian offered a small smile as he told Calin, "You know, mate, you are entitled to think about your own happiness."
"Now you sound like Anna Elizabeth," Calin responded.
"Well, she's right. She's actually right a lot of the time, as you probably already know," Killian told him with a grin. Calin returned his grin in response.
Killian took a sip of his water before he became serious and said, "Look, I know that I'm protective of Anna Elizabeth, but I know you understand why. I will always protect her, but I know she's in good hands with you. For what's it worth, I'm happy that my little girl found someone who wants to give her everything."
Calin was surprised to say the least, and he didn't do the best job of hiding it. After a moment, he finally managed to reply, "Thank you, Killian. You have no idea how much that means to me."
"I think I might, Calin," Killian began. He then continued, "Just don't make me regret it."
Calin grinned as he responded, "You don't have to worry about that."
"Good," Killian stated.
He then looked around the house and bemused, "You know, sometimes, it doesn't feel like it's been over 20 years since I lived here."
"You lived here?" Calin asked confusedly.
"Aye. When I first moved to town. Liam let me stay with him until I was able to support myself," Killian explained.
Calin nodded, and Killian admitted, "You know, it's odd. I wasn't exactly fond of pretty much living off my brother. Don't get me wrong, I was more than grateful to him, but I felt like I was dependent on him and this house. Yet, I'm the one who owns it."
Calin took in his words before he empathized, "I know what you mean. The car I drive is my dad's. I simply got it after he and my mom were killed in the plane crash."
There was silent understanding between the two men. Killian reached over and squeezed Calin's shoulder before they both drank some more water.
Killian and Calin then stood up. Killian then joked, "Although, Liam probably thinks I'm a bloody idiot for just letting the house sit here. He probably thinks I should just sell it. He was a practical git."
Calin couldn't help but chuckle at Killian's words. Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind. He bit his lip before he observed, "If you were to sell, hypothetically, most of the work seems cosmetic."
Killian raised an eyebrow at him as he replied, "Aye. It wouldn't take long to fix it up."
"About how long?" Calin asked nervously.
"Not even a month," Killian answered matter-of-factly.
"That's, uh, really good, um, news," Calin replied, as he bit his lip again.
Killian raised an eyebrow again as he asked, "Why are you so interested in the house?"
"Um, I'm not really. I was just asking to make conversation," Calin covered.
"Calin," Killian stated as he crossed his arms.
Calin took a deep breath before he admitted, "Well, it's just that last night, Anna Elizabeth brought up the fact that my apartment is too small for both of us. I tried to tell her not to worry about it and that we would make it work. But then, when I was trying to go to sleep last night, I started thinking that she was right. We wouldn't be comfortable. I mean, the only way we'd be able to even sleep is if she slept on top..."
Calin trailed off as Killian put a hand up to stop him. "That is my daughter you're talking about. I think it'd be best for you if you didn't finish that sentence."
Calin's eyes widened slightly, and he couldn't help but blush. Even though he did mean it innocently.
He took a deep breath before he continued, "Uh, um, well, the point is that we wouldn't be comfortable. Moreover, my apartment isn't exactly practical for two people."
"So, you want to live here. And I'm assuming that you just came up with this idea," Killian surmised.
"Yes to both," Calin answered. Another idea came to mind about convincing Killian, so he started rambling, "I think I want to surprise Anna Elizabeth on our wedding... day. You could help me fix it up. I have enough in savings to live off of, so you wouldn't have to pay me until the house is finished. Just put my paycheck toward the house. If it isn't enough, I'll work extra hours after we get back from Greece. I think it'd mean a lot to Anna Elizabeth because it's her parents' house. Well, her... uh... biological parents..."
"Are you going to stop talking so I can answer you?" Killian interrupted.
"Oh, uh, yeah," Calin said.
Killian offered a small smile as he told him, "I think it's wonderful that you want to do this for Anna Elizabeth. She does deserve a real home. I'd be more than happy to help you fix up this house for both of you."
Calin smiled brightly as he responded, "Thank you so much!" Killian returned his smile as he told him, "You're welcome, Calin."
Calin then began, "So, the payments..." but Killian cut him off.
"That won't be necessary."
Calin furrowed his brows in confusion as he asked, "What do you mean?"
"Consider it a wedding present," Killian answered with a small smile.
It took a moment for it to register for Calin. His eyes widened as it hit him, and he protested, "Killian, you can't just give us this house. It's too much. I have to pay something."
"My daughter's happiness will be payment enough," Killian told him sincerely.
Calin smiled genuinely at him as he responded, "That won't be a problem." He then told his future father-in-law, "Thank you, Killian. For everything."
Killian smiled and nodded at him in response. Calin then stated, "I guess we'd better get those supplies to the warehouse.
"The younger man then began walking toward the front door, but Killian's voice stopped him. "Wait, Calin."
Calin turned to face him, and Killian took a deep breath. He then spoke, "The day that every father simultaneously dreads and looks forward to is the day that his little girl tells him that she's getting married. You can't possibly imagine how hard this has been for me. But it makes it a bit easier knowing that you are the one that Anna Elizabeth is marrying. The best man that I could possibly want for a son-in-law."
Killian then pulled Calin in for a hug. As they pulled away, Killian grinned and told him, "We do have to get back to work," as he slapped Calin on the shoulder.
Calin smiled brightly at Killian in response as he nodded. The two of them then headed toward the truck.
As they drove away, Calin couldn't help but look through the back window at the house. He couldn't wait for the day when he brought Anna Elizabeth home.