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Chapter 21

Stephanie applauded Jake as he placed the musical phone to his ear. "What a clever boy. Say hello to Mommy."

Jake garbled incoherently before throwing the red plastic toy across the floor and grinning mischievously at Stephanie.

"Maybe not then." she chuckled rolling her eyes as she stood up and picked up the phone. Stephanie pretended to look at him sternly as she bent down to hand the toy back to him. "Now don't throw it. Good boys don't throw their toys."

Jake's response was to toss the phone to floor once more and Stephanie sighed wearily. She was about to pick it up for the third time when Ellie caught her attention as she stomped her way into the living room. Stephanie watched her curiously as she threw herself onto the cushions of the sofa and folded her arms across her chest. Ellie's cute button nose was scrunched with her scowl as she looked across at her mother.

"Mommy, why does Daddy have to go away again?"

Suddenly the reason for Ellie's mood became crystal clear. Stephanie ruffled Jake's hair before shuffling over in the direction of the sofa and her blue eyes were warm with her smile as she took the seat next to her daughter.

"You know why sweetie. Daddy has to work." she explained as she pushed back the unruly curls from her daughter's face and tenderly cupped her cheek in her hand.

"But I don't like it. I want him here." Ellie demanded sadly.

"I know you do and so do I." Stephanie told her as she picked her daughter up and settled her on her lap dropping a kiss in her hair. "But it's only for a couple of days. Daddy will be home before you know it."

"But he's not going to get to come to school and see my classroom and my desk and stuff tomorrow. Everyone else's daddies will be there except mine. It's not fair."

"I know it isn't Ellie." Stephanie smiled as she playfully tapped her on the nose and tried to lighten her mood. God knows Paul felt guilty enough about leaving them without seeing his daughter visibly upset about it. It would kill him just like it killed him each and every single time he walked out that door.

"Listen, I've got an idea." she told the little girl. "I know it won't be as good as Daddy being there but how about if I ask Uncle Shane to come to school with us? Would you like that?"

Ellie instantly beamed nodding her head enthusiastically. No one could hold a candle to her Daddy but if anyone came close, that person would be her favourite uncle. Ellie doted on Shane and vice versa. Of course Paul liked to tease his brother in law by casually reminding him from time to time that he was her favourite simply because he was her only uncle.

"That would be cool Mommy but doesn't Uncle Shane have to go with Daddy?"

"No. Uncle Shane is staying at home because he's going with Aunt Rissa to see the doctor about the new baby."

Ellie's hazel eyes sparkled at the news. "I hope it's a girl this time Mommy."

"Well, we'll just have to wait and see." Stephanie smiled and ruffled her hair just as Paul's laughter filtered through from the hallway. She turned her head curiously just as Ellie jumped off her lap and ran into the hallway.

"What's so funny Daddy?" she asked seeing her father sitting on the stairs watching Jake who was nearly three steps up.

Paul looked up and smiled at Ellie. "Your little brother. Watch him when he tries to climb up the stairs."

Ellie stood at the bottom and giggled when she saw Jake lift his leg. It hovered in mid air as he struggled to crawl on to the next step and he continued to lift the chubby leg until after a few unsuccessful attempts, he gave up and decided to cry instead.

"He's too fat, Daddy." Ellie told him matter of factly.

Paul laughed as he pushed himself up and walked down to scoop his son up in his arms. "He's not fat. You're just sturdy, aren't you little guy?" Paul grinned as he kissed his chubby cheek. Jake's crying stopped as he smiled widely, scrunching up his nose.

"If Jakey's not fat then why do his cheeks wobble?" Ellie asked curiously as they walked back into the lounge.

Stephanie was picking up the scattered toys when she overhead her daughter's comment and smiled as she got to her feet.

"The reason your brother's cheeks wobble is because your daddy keeps giving him snacks when he's not supposed to."

Paul made a face at his wife and was about to reply when he was interrupted by his son.

"Da-da. Num num." Jake requested as he clutched Paul's hair in his chubby little fist tugging on it to get his attention.

Stephanie stood in front of them with her hands upon her hips with a smug expression on her face. "I think our son just proved my point."

"Yeah well the odd cookie here or there isn't going to hurt him." Paul retorted detaching his son's fingers from his hair. He looked down as he felt a tug on the leg of his jeans.

"Guess what Daddy?"

"What Miss Ellie?" he smiled.

"Uncle Shane is coming to see my classroom with Mommy tomorrow."

Paul looked over at Stephanie. "He is?"

She lifted her left shoulder in a shrug. "I haven't asked him yet but I'm sure he'll come."

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ellie throw herself on the sofa to watch television and she took Paul's arm and motioned for him to follow her to the kitchen. Once there, she leant against the counter and gave him a small smile.

"Ellie was upset that you couldn't make to school so I told her I'd ask Shane to come along. I think she was worried she would be the only kid without her daddy there."

Paul sighed sadly and she could see the guilt in his eyes as he cuddled Jake closer and kissed his head as it rested against his shoulder. "I really wish I could be there tomorrow. I feel like I'm letting her down."

Stephanie shook her head as she reached out to touch his arm and rubbed it affectionately. "Don't think like that honey. You could never let her down. Ellie loves you and I know for a fact she thinks you're pretty amazing."

Paul managed a smile before chewing thoughtfully on his lip. He didn't feel amazing that was for sure especially when his absence was obviously upsetting his daughter. God, he hated being apart from his family and it was beginning to get him down. He was missing out on so much being constantly on the road. It was starting to get to the point where he resented the time spent in airports and hotels when he could be home, here in his own house with his children and his wife. They were his reason for living and breathing. Everything else, well it just paled into insignificance. Paul let out a breath as he tilted his head, looking at Stephanie. He had put off talking to her about work until he had a chance to see Vince himself this week but now seemed as good a time as any. At least he would have an idea of what she was thinking. Licking his lips, he decided to let her in on his decision.

"I'm going to talk to Vince. I'm going to ask him to cut back my schedule." he informed her.

Stephanie's eyes widened with her surprise as she took in what Paul had told her. She couldn't deny she was happy at the thought of her husband spending more time at home but at the same time, she was hesitant too. She knew Paul. She knew how much he loved the business and he thrived in that environment. His blood pumped at the rush of the crowd and the instant gratification he got from his audience. He'd said himself that there was no greater feeling in the world than getting in that ring and performing. It was such a huge part of who he was and she hoped he was making the right choice because when it came down to it, she just wanted her husband to happy. She didn't want him to wake up one day regretting his decision and in turn perhaps resenting her and the kids for denying him that piece of his life.

"Are you sure Paul?" she asked him as Jake's eyes began to close and she ran her fingers through his soft brown hair.

"I'm sure." Paul told her as he smiled at her. "I've had enough of being a part-time father around here. I'm missing out on so much with the kids, you know. I want to be here when Jake takes his first steps or Ellie loses another tooth. They're things I can never get back and they're growing up so fast."

Stephanie nodded her head, showing him she understood completely.

"I also want to be here for you, Steph." Paul continued sighing as his mind began replaying his last conversation with Mark once more. In fact he really hadn't stopped thinking about it since especially the comment Mark had made about Stephanie being lonely. Ideally he would chalk it down to the guy blowing smoke out of his ass in some lame attempt to rile him up but the truth was it had niggled at him since then. He couldn't shake the feeling that Mark was right, that Stephanie was lonely and needed him. Never mind the fact she constantly called him when he was on the road just to talk, there was also a sadness in her eyes each and every time they said goodbye which tore him up inside because he knew he was the one responsible for putting it there. He was always leaving her behind and his constant absence was hard on her; it was tough on both of them and that's why he'd decided things had to change. He had to get his priorities straight for Stephanie's sake and his children. If the last few weeks had taught him anything it was that family was important. Nothing else mattered, not really.

"I know it's not easy bringing up two young kids especially when I'm not here." Paul explained gently.

Stephanie smiled touching her husband's face affectionately. Her thumb began to lightly trace his cheek touched at his obvious concern for her. "I'll admit it can be hard sometimes but I manage and it's usually only a couple of days before you're home anyway.

Stephanie paused for a moment looking into his brown eyes and watching him carefully.

"I just need you to be sure that this is what you want. It's a big decision." she said.

"It's what I want, Steph." he told her softly and with no hesitation. "My family comes first. You guys are my priority now and nothing else comes close."

Stephanie reached up and pressed her lips against his softly, satisfied with his answer. "Ellie will be so happy when she finds out and this little guy will be too." she smiled rubbing her palm over Jake's small back.

"And what about their mother?" Paul asked teasingly, his brown eyes crinkling at the corners. "Do you think she'll be happy too?"

"Oh, I think she'll be very happy." Stephanie grinned. "In fact I'm pretty sure she'll be over the moon."

Paul kissed her forehead and smiled as he adjusted Jake in his arms. "I'll take this little guy upstairs and lay him down before I go."

Stephanie nodded stepping back as she watched Paul walk out the room. As the door swung shut behind him she leant her hip against the counter, smiling softly to herself. Now that he had brought the subject up, she found that she was really looking forward to Paul spending more time at home. She missed him like crazy when he was gone and with everything that had gone down lately, she just wanted him close to her. She needed him and she wanted her family complete because God knows they meant the world to her. She just hoped her father agreed to Paul's request. She knew he wouldn't be overly thrilled at losing one of his top stars but then again Paul was family and he'd only want what was best for his daughter and grandchildren. Besides, if Paul didn't have much success, she always did have the knack of winning Vince round. The deal was as good as done in her eyes and she, for one, couldn't be happier about it. Paul belonged with her and in her heart she would always belong with him. It was just as simple as that.