Sera's POV – 4 Months later

Mum was right. I should give him a chance, and I'm glad I did. We're taking it slow, but we've already been dating for almost 4 months and he still didn't give me anything on which to doubt him. He's a real gentleman. Dad, as always, has his doubts on him, but we haven't found anything against him.

We started spending more hours working together, doing anything required at GEH regarding the project at hand. We started making progress, but dad made sure that whenever we were to work together, we had to be in front of him, so that no funny business would occur. Today was no exception.

'Are you ready from that?' He whispered slowly as he breathed into my ear, making me shiver all over.

'Why yes honey…' I teased back as I handed him the paper.

'Do you think we can sneak out for a second honey doodle?' He asked in a whisper again while I smiled, as I looked at dad from the side of my eye. I saw him curl up his lips in a half smile. Guess he heard him.

'I don't know…' I replied slowly. '…but know that somebody has very good ears…' I continued.

Christian's POV

'Do you two need a break?' I asked as them as I looked at both of them.

'We wouldn't say no to one…' Carter quickly replied.

'Go…' I said as both of them stood up. 'Sera, I need to talk to you first…'

'I'll wait outside…' Carter smiled as he left us alone, while I stood up and moved forward.

'Honey doodle?' I asked as I held her from her shoulders.

'Yeah…' She smiled goofily. 'It's my pet name.'

'I wonder what's his!'

'You wouldn't want to know…' She replied.

'Oh… actually I would love to know…' I replied back. 'Come on tell me…'

'It's… um… snickerdoodle…' She chuckled.

'Honey doodle, snickerdoodle… Where the hell do you get these?' I replied. '…and why the hell do you call him snickerdoodle?'

'Dad… I'm not going into that!' she replied as she moved from my embrace and organized all the papers from the coffee table.

'Come on Sera!'

'Dad…'

'Sera, snickerdoodle is not a common pet name for your boyfriend…'

'Well, we do have this thing that we share… which is how we gave each other the pet names.' She replied as my face change shades.

'Sera, don't tell me that…' I started. 'You've only been going out together for a month! Four damned months and few weeks! How could you do that? How!? After what you went through! How?' I started. 'No this can't be… not my little girl… she wouldn't do that…' I thought to myself.

'Dad! Stop!' She moved forward and looked me straight into my eyes. 'Get your head out of the gutter… Nothing like that happened!' She explained.

'Then what did you mean by 'this thing'?' I asked again.

'Dad… I'm not getting into that! That is something between Carter and I…' She smiled.

'No Sera! I demand that you tell me. I won't be able to get some rest of mind if I have the minimal doubt that he will hurt you…' I said again.

'I can't believe I'm telling you this…' she started. 'Look… can't you just accept it and trust me?'

'No!'

'Fine…' She finally gave in. '…but just to make it clear, I'm telling you not because you are demanding to know, but because I want to let you know that he isn't hurting me.' She started. 'It's just… um… dad how do you eat a snickers?' She asked me.

'Well, you bite it and…' I stopped as I finally realized. I kiss Ana the same way. I smiled to myself. 'Now I get it.'

'Yeah…' She smiled. 'About time dad…'

'…and what about yours?'

'Well when he bites my lips I turn into a melted ice cream…' She replied blushing. 'It's… he's different dad…' She smiled again as I hugged her tight.

'Peanut, I know that you may be more comfortable talking with your mother about these things, but know that I'm here for you baby girl…' I smiled as I looked into her eyes. 'Just… don't forget your old man… I already lost you once… I don't want to lose you again… for no one…' I clarified.

'Don't worry about that daddy… You'll always have that special place in my heart…' She replied as she kissed my cheek. 'I'll make you a deal… If you stop demanding that I tell you and you stop following us on our dates, I will come tell you everything like I do with mum… with the make out details and kissing… and special nights…' She smiled.

'Make outs?' I clarified.

'Don't tell me you never did it dad! Because at times I want to tell you and mum to get a room instead of using the living room, thinking that no one is there…'

'Yeah… but we're married… and you're my little girl…'

'Ok… we'll leave those out than…'

'No… no… I want to know… I'd rather you tell me…' I agreed.

'Will you follow us again?'

'No… on one condition, that anything that happens, you have to call immediately… and Taylor has to be with you…'

'Deal…' She smiled as we saw Carter waving from outside.

'Go…' I smiled.

Sera's POV

'What damn took you so long?' Carter asked as I joined him.

'Carter, you're starting to sound like my father…' I punched him lightly in his arm.

'Girl… you hurt me!' He played along. '…but seriously… I missed you…' He smiled as he kissed me lightly.

'Where are we going?'

'We can go to the park for an hour or so…' He smiled.

'Tonight you're invited at my house…' I smiled.

'Let me guess… the test?'

'You know my father…' I chuckled. '… but no… the whole family is invited, and that means grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins… everyone…'

'Yeah… I know him very well…' He smiled as he started the engine. 'By the way… my parents loved you… Wait you said all the family?'

'I'm glad they did…' I replied. 'Yeah… the whole family… Don't worry they're all nice. Only some heads up, Aunt Kate is going to bombard you with questions, she's a journalist, Uncle Elliot will probably try to act cool but he'll pull you aside for a second, Aunt Rhian and Aunt Mia are the most nice people on earth, only Aunt Mia is very very talkative, Uncle John will psycho analyse you, than there's Clarissa that will be all wedding bells, and Ava and Walter and Derek won't leave us alone for a second, and my grandparents will speak nice to you and make you feel welcomed but they will be studying you.'

'I'll take notes.'

Christian's POV

It was almost time for everyone to start gathering at Escala. We had everything ready, only my daughter and Carter thought on spending some alone time before everyone arrives. I overviewed the balcony and saw them walking hand in hand in the garden. I smiled at myself. I could see Ana and I… She seemed happy with him… but I don't want her to get hurt. She's already been through much.

'Hey baby…' Ana hugged me from behind.

'Hey honey…' I smiled as I pulled her to my side, and kept staring the kids.

'What wrong Christian?'

'Nothing…' I smiled. 'It's just I'm realising how much we're all growing up… we're getting old Ana…'

'You are Mr.! You're the one always grumbling…' She teased.

'I'll show you tonight who's getting old Ana! You won't be able to keep up with me…' I kissed her passionately leaving her wanting more.

'I'll be waiting baby…' she smiled. '…What are you doing out here? Everyone is soon coming…'

'Keeping an eye on our daughter Ana…'

'Come on… they're…' She started as she looked towards them and we realised they were now kissing on the bench, none of them breaking the kiss. 'Making out…'

'I better go…'

'Oh no Christian… you're not going anywhere… Just leave them alone… it's not like they're having sex!'

'He's going to choke her!'

'He's only kissing and she isn't holding back… or should I remind you the first time I came to your parent's house? Because I will Christian!'

'…but we were different!'

'And they are dating… give them some privacy…' She replied. 'He seems like a good kisser, if anything she'd break it off…'

'…he calls her a honey doodle!'

'Awe that's sweet!'

'…yeah…' I smiled. '…and she calls him a snickerdoodle…' I smirked.

'Snickerdoodle?'

'…because of this…' I clarified as I gave it to her hands on, or better yet lips on.

'Mhmm… that was amazing… snickerdoodle…' She teased as she pulled me inside. 'Come on, Grace and Carrick are here.'

'…but…'

'Stop with those buts… I'll give you a butt to think about…' She smiled as I curled my lips.

In few minutes everyone had arrived together. The living room hadn't seen this much people since my mother's birthday. It's nice having the whole family meet every now and then. I realized John and his family were there because Walter came jumping on me.

'Uncle Christian! Uncle Christian!' He shouted as he jumped on me hugging me. I smiled. I missed the times when my own daughter used to do that to me.

'Walter… easy!' Rhian took scolded gently. 'I'm sorry Christian, but these days he's very energetic!'

'Kids…' I smiled. 'Hello little guy…' I said again as I placed him on my hip. 'You're growing up so fast!' I smiled.

'Tell me about that!' Rhian replied.

'Where's Derek?' I asked concerned.

'He's has a scout camp for bird watching and insect hunting…' she replied as John joined in.

'Don't even say a word! I'm tired of releasing all those insects and crawlies he's catching.'

'Like father like son John!'

'So it's true what your mother told me!'

'Yes Rhian… It's true…' He pouted. 'Thanks Christian…'

'Glad I could help…' I chuckled.

'Are you guys going to keep talking?' Walter asked. 'Where is Sera?'

'She's… a little tied up…' I replied as I put him down and he moved to the balcony.

'She's not tied up! She's there!' He said again as he ran to the garden.

'Walter!' John called him as he followed him.

'Wow… he runs fast!' I commented.

'I let John chase him… Heels don't help…' Rhian laughed. 'Oh… there's Ana… I'll go help her…' She smiled as I looked to where now Walter was.

Sera's POV

I didn't know how long Carter has been locking his lips to me. One thing I was sure off, with him things were different. He made me lose track of time, and any bad memories I had regarding men, were starting to be replaced with new once. He knew how to make me feel special, and his eyes… they seemed so honest… so real… I was getting to know the private him, not as the Brosnan Brother and Co.

He ran his fingers through my hair and pulled my head closer to his while running his other hand through my back. However, I soon felt a warm breath over my neck. I opened my eyes and realized Walter was there.

'I was wondering how long you were going to continue kissing…' He started as we broke off immediately.

'Walter!' I heard John from behind me as Carter lifted him off.

'You must be Walter…' Carter started as he ruffled Walter's hair. 'Nice meeting you…'

'I like you…' He replied as John came forward.

'Walter how many times have I told you not to run away?' He lifted him off. 'I'm very sorry…' He continued.

'It's fine uncle…' I smiled.

'…and as for you young man, you are grounded…'

'…but daddy?'

'No buts Walter… you're grounded, no Disney Channel for a week.' He said again. 'Apologize to Sera and Carter…'

'Sorry…' He let his head drop as I stood up and kissed Walter's forehead.

'It's fine big guy…' I smiled as John let him back on his foot and moved to face Carter as he climbed on the bench.

'You Mr… we need to have a talk! Even daddy wants to!' He crossed his arms giving him the look, while I saw Carter's face trying to withhold his smile. 'Come on, I'll talk to you on the way to the big room.' He said again.

'After you…' Carter replied.

'Um… you need to carry me. I need your ear!' He said sternly again. It made me smile at Walter's way. His love was so pure. Carter obliged and started walking in.

John's POV

One should never say anything in front of kids. They do manage to repeat everything they hear. But it made me smile. He was already looking out for her.

'I'm sorry for barging in…' I started as I held her from her shoulders.

'It's fine uncle…we still have to go in…' She replied blushing.

'Hey… no need to embarrassed with me… I happened to have changed your diapers when you were younger. Your father wasn't keen on doing so when your mother was abroad on work. I taught him…' I smiled.

'It's just… I wasn't expecting Walter…' She replied.

'How are things going munchkin'?'

'They're ok…'she smiled.

'…and Carter?'

'What about him?'

'I see the way you look at him…everybody does…' I continued. 'Come on… spill…'

'He told me that he loves me…' I smiled.

'Wow… that's a big word… when did he say it?'

'Last week…'

'What's the problem?' I asked. I could sense that there was something bothering her.

'I haven't said it back as yet…' She admitted as we continued our way. '…and today he asked me if I do love him… and I couldn't answer him, so I just kissed him and smiled.'

'…but do you love him?'

'I think I do…'

'You think or you do?'

'I do love him uncle… it's just…' She tried. 'Last time I said it to someone… he turned out to be a real jerk… I don't want to make the same mistake… Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.'

I smiled. That was something Christian would say. 'I see you are talking to your father.' I started. 'Honey… I know that it's a big step telling someone you love them… and I know it's hard after what you went through. I can only tell you one thing, that all men are different.'

'I know…' She replied back. 'What do you think I should do?'

'I can't tell you what to do… I can only help you figure it out…' I explained. 'Sera, listen to your heart. Do not feel pressured to say something. You'll only be lying to him and most of all to yourself. Be true…'

'It's just I don't want to rush…'

'Then don't… If he truly does love you he will wait for you…' I smiled. 'Are you happy with him?'

'Of course I am…' she laughed. 'I never thought I could feel like this with and towards someone…'

'Let me see, heart racing, butterflies in your stomach that makes you want to throw up, weak knees, fuzzy head…'

'Yeah…'

'You're falling in love Sera…'

'I love it!' She laughed. 'Come on, because I can feel dad pacing away…'

Carter's POV

'What is your favourite chocolate?' Walter asked again as he shifted his position from my lap still holding him tight. I didn't want him to fall. I needed to make a good impression on Sera's family. I want them to love me not hate me. There is already the age gap that is against me, but God… I'm so nuts about her. I love her.

'Well. I do love dark chocolate…'

'No! That's boring… Wait… that's good…' He smiled as he came forward to my ear. '…between you and me, do you like liquorish?'

'I love liquorish…' I chuckled.

'Daddy…' He called for his father. 'You can take it… I give up…' He replied as he moved on Sera.

'So Walter, did he pass your test?' She asked him as held onto her neck.

'Well… he's boring… which is good. You see mickey mouse was boring and minie mouse was all pinkie… and she made mickey mouse smiling, and I know that you are making Carter happy…' He replied as he kissed her cheek. He was right, she does make me happy. Like I never been… She was different, my ex… she was a gold digger, my parents warned me, my brother did too… he caught her cheating… I had to break up with her. I was devastated… and now… three years later. I never knew I could be happy again.

'Carter?' Mr. Grey called as Sera elbowed me lightly.

'Yes…' I replied.

'Are you ok son?' He asked gently. He called me son… he was being nice… strangely nice. He has a way of intimidating people, but he's a good person.

'Yeah… I'm fine…' I smiled lightly as I wrapped my arm around Sera's waist.

'Awe… you two are made for each other. Usually my niece is always lost in that brain of hers and you're exactly the same. Damn… I wish I found someone like you guys found each other, and I'm glad you did…' She started rambling.

'…and I take it you're Mia?'

'Call me aunt Mia… you're practically family now…' She smiled.

'Mia…' I assumed Sera's grandparents intervened.

'Dad, I'm just saying…'

'You're rambling…' her father replied. 'Excuse Mia… she gets excited with everything… so how did you two meet?'

'At your charity ball…' We both replied.

'I knew I should have kept you dancing with me…' Walter replied.

'Why? Don't you like Carter?' Sera asked him again.

'Ohh… I do like Carter… but I don't want you to forget me…'

'We won't little guy…' I smiled. 'Let me tell you what, next time we go for a picnic, if your parent's agree, do you want to come?'

'Really? A picnic with you?' He jumped up and down. 'Daddy can I go, can I go?' He kept asking.

'If Carter and Sera don't find a problem with that, than yes…' He smiled.

'What about Derek? Can he come too?' Walter asked again.

'You can bring all the stuffed animals you have…' I chuckled.

'Derek is not a teddy bear! Well he is a bear but not a teddy bear!' He replied astonished.

'Who is Derek?' I asked Sera while everybody around cracked in laughter.

'It's his brother.'

'You have a brother?' I asked astonished. 'Oh boy!'

'Carter, if you think you can't handle them both…'

'No sir… It's fine… I guess this will be our test for when we have our kids…'

'Kids?' Mr. Grey chocked on his food as everybody looked at us, while Sera and I high fived each other.

'Dad you had to see your face! I didn't have to wait for April's fool to do so!' Sera laughed. Damn I love her smile.

'No… but seriously… it's fine sir…' I smiled. 'We can take care of them… How old is he again?'

'John… please… and he's 8. You need prayers… they're driving us nuts these days…' He chuckled.

'So tell me… my man…' I assumed it was Elliott that came to sit beside us. Sera told me that he acts as the cool guy. 'How old are you again?'

'24…'

'Mhmm…' He replied.

'You've been seen with at least 6 more girls these last couple of years… Is my niece going to be one of them? If yes I suggest you move your ass out of here right now.' I concluded that this was Kate. Damn that is why everybody hates her as a journalist.

'I've been in 2 serious relationships, been dumped and dumped someone… but I am not planning on leaving Sera alone…' I smiled as I kissed her temple.

'Wait your turn Mr. You've been kissing her in the garden.' Walter pushed me.

'Walter, that is not nice…' Rhian scolded. 'Apologize…'

'…but mummy, now Sera won't have time for me…' He replied sadly.

'Baby… of course I'll have time for you…'

'Yeah… let me tell you what…' I agreed. 'This Sunday leave it free. You're coming with us for a movie, and next week we'll go the picnic… What do you say?'

'Really?'

'Yes honey…' Sera agreed.

'I love you Sera… I love you Carter….'

'We love you too kiddo…' We hugged him in unison.

'What about me?' A little girl came pulling at my trousers.

'…and who is this princess?' I lifted her off.

'Ava…'

'She's my cousin…' Sera added.

'Can I come to the picnic as well? Clarissa doesn't have more time for me anymore…' She pouted.

'…and who is Clarissa?'

'My sister… she is waiting for a baby… Daddy said that it takes 9 months for the yacht to bring the baby. I don't understand! When something takes long dad calls to make sure everything is ok, but waiting for a baby for 9 months is ok… Grown-ups are so…'

'Complicated?' I helped.

'Stubborn?' Sera added.

'No… Rotating…'

'Rotating?' I asked.

'Yeah… one minute they say one thing and the other they say another thing. For example last time daddy told mummy that he'll still be happy if he doesn't fine ice cream, but then I ate it all and he was sad, and didn't smile unless mum bought another carton.'

'Ice cream uncle? Seriously?' Sera chuckled.

'Hey we happened to share a great love for ice cream…' He replied.

'Yeah yeah…' Ava cut him off. 'So, can I come please please please with the cherry on top?'

'Well… my car does fit five people, you can come too.' I smiled. 'If it's ok with your parent's…'

'Daddy?' She asked. Damn this girl has her father wrapped to her pinky finger.

'You can go munchkin' just make sure to not give them trouble.' He replied. 'If she does, bring her home immediately...'

'Yes sir…'

'Elliott…'

She has quite a family. The night was filled with more questions and more looks. Everybody welcomed me, and the kids. Damn I love kids. After my brother and I sailed with our company, the next goal for us was settle with someone… and I have this feeling… that I've never had with both Katie and Andrea, they were different… more like a fling that I didn't want to let go off, but Sera, she's different. Her smile makes me all fuzzy inside and her words all flaunter around. She knows how to bring light to a rainy day. I slept with Katie and Andrea in our first two weeks of dating, but with Sera… I just want to save it for us. I don't ever want us to end. With the other two… I was prepared that something could go wrong, but with her… I just want to build something and keep working at it…

I look at her and she's still playing with Walter. I can see that he is her favourite and she is his. He begged to stay for the night, and he got his own way. Damn… she would make a lovely mother… 'Carter… stop… you're thinking way ahead of things…'

'Carter, are you ok?' Mr. Grey asked me taking me out of my thoughts.

'Oh… hi…' I replied. 'Yeah… it's just… she looks so…'

'Natural? Sweet?' He helped.

'Loving…' I replied.

'You love my daughter Carter?'

'I do Mr. Grey…' I smiled. 'She's different… it's just… what she went through… she pulled through it and yet she's still this person.'

'Yeah… that's my girl…'

'You raised a beautiful girl…' I added.

'Carter, she raised herself… I don't know if she told you, but… I made some mistakes with her that I'm not proud of… I lost her once already… and she almost died multiple times, but she came through and forgiven me… and Ana for the matter…' He explained. 'She's my little girl… and I'm sorry I'm hard on you…'

'I know she told me about Eric… I understand. If it was my kids I would do the same sir…'

'Christian… Call me Christian…' He smiled genuinely. 'Carter she's happy with you…'

'…and I with her…' I smiled. 'Does it mean that you're not going to be hard on me anymore?'

'Ohh, that means that I'm still going to be hard on you, and you dare break her heart or either hurt her… and you'll have to deal with my wrought.'

'I'll steer clear sir…'

'I'm glad you'll do…'

'I better go say bye… It's getting late…' I continued. '…and sir?'

'Yes.'

'All she said about you and your wife are proud words. Whatever your mishaps were, I can assure you that she forgave you and forgot of all the past. She loves you…'

'I know she does…' He smiled.

'Can I sleep with you tonight Sera?'

'That depends if you snore big guy…' she teased.

'I don't snore…' He pouted as he yawned.

'I should put you to bed…'

'Not before I get my good night kiss…' I joined in as I lifted Walter off and he rested his head on my shoulder and kissed my cheek. 'Good night baby boy…'

'Come here Walter…' Mrs. Grey took him from my arms. 'You love birds continue…'

'Baby, are you ok?' I asked concerned.

'Yeah Carter… I'm just tired…' She replied as she stood up. 'You going?'

'Yeah… it's almost midnight… I should get home…' I replied as we took the elevator and I hugged her close to me.

'Did you have fun?' She asked me.

'Yeah… you have a lovely family…' I smiled. 'Don't forget that we have three kids to take care of this Sunday…'

'Yeah… They're a handful… and let's not forget to bring plenty popcorn and liquorish for them… they're sugar junkies…'

'I'll tell you what… you bring the popcorn and the things kids like, and after we drop them off at home, we'll have a nice romantic picnic at the beach... How does that sound?'

'I love that…' She replied smiling as the elevator arrived to the garage.

'I have to go baby…' I smiled as I kissed her.

'Carter…'

'Yeah?' I smiled as she stopped me holding me from my arm.

'I… After today… you confirmed my feelings…' She started. 'I love you Carter…' She finally said.

'You what?' I asked astonished.

'I love you Carter…' She replied again. I felt my heart skipping 60 beats. I couldn't believe she loves me. I lifted her off and kissed her passionately like never before.

'Oh God… I thought…'

'That I didn't love you?' She chuckled.

'Yeah… something like that…'

'Carter…'

'Hey… I've been saying it for the last week and you were scaring me… but now I know that you love me…'

'Yes I love you Carter…' She said again as I put her down and kissed her again.

'Now… I'd like you to get some rest honey doodle. Walter tired you out…'

'Yeah… he did…' She smiled.

'I'll see you tomorrow?' I asked her. 'We'll go to lunch during our break! You do need to eat baby…'

'I swear sometimes I feel like I'm talking to my father…'

'Good than that means I'm caring for you…' I teased. 'Anyways… so… will I see you?'

'Yes baby…' She kissed me back. 'Good night baby…'

'Good night honey…'

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