"Damnit!" Claire kicked at the pile of dirty clothes on the floor. She rested a hand on her forehead while the other took comfort on her hip as she tried hard to think.
It had been a long couple of weeks with Maisie catching up on schoolwork they had postponed from being so busy. Work had been short staffed, and Owen was also working long hours. It was mid-June and the heat index had already hit higher than last summer, and she was now in panic mode. The ring Owen had given her one night after working on the cabin together was currently missing. It was her favorite and had a deeper meaning than just a ring to her.
(5 years ago… a few months past the Lockwood estate tragedy.)
The two laid on some blankets in the bed of Owens truck under the stars after finishing some work on the cabin. The sky was clear and full of glittering lights for miles and Maisie was fast asleep in the camper. After the past years they had had, the seclusion was something they both had been cherished.
"Beauty and the Beast was my favorite as a little girl," Claire giggled as she intertwined her fingers with Owens. She was quiet for a moment before she continued, laughing at her own memory, Owen looked down at his chest where her head lay.
"My mom literally had to hide the VHS from me because I would watch it so much."
Her head bounced slightly as he chuckled. "I threw such a fit every time, so it didn't stay hidden for very long."
"Now that doesn't surprise me." Owen laughed.
Claire looked up trying to feign offense.
Owen laughed harder "Babe, you can't tell me you're not good at getting what you want when you want it."
A week later Owen was at the mall getting some new work boots for himself when he passed the jewelers, seeing a sign for Disney princess rings. He found a rose gold one that was the enchanted rose and instantly purchased it.
When he gave her the ring, Claire instantly burst into tears. He truly was listening to her when she spoke. He cared deeply about her, and it showed in the ways he treated her. She had never seen this side of a man before.
Claire had taken the day to clean and organize the house while Maisie and Owen worked on the yard together. Her and Owen's bedroom was the last on her list. When she finished the jewelry box and realized the ring wasn't there, instant panic struck.
The newly tidy room was no more in a matter of minutes. "How am I going to tell Owen?" she whispered to herself. Tears slowly began to run down her cheeks.
Just as she started to cry, Maisie happened to walk by her parent's bedroom. "Mum…" Maisie rushed over to Claire.
Startled, Claire straightened up and quickly wiped the tears away that had fallen. She took in a deep breath "Maisie…" she squeaked out as happily as she could. "You two are done already?"
Maisie's small fingers rested on her mom's forearm that was now wrapped around her midsection.
"No, I ...I was going to get water and noticed you crying…. Are…are you ok?" Maisie asked, concerned while looking over the bedroom. "The house looks nice."
Claire laughed back some tears "well it did look nice in here… but…" she didn't finish her sentence. Instead, she looked down defeated and sighed. "And thank you Bug." Claire half smiled while tucking a stray har behind Maisie's sweaty ear.
"Mum, what's wrong?"
Claire sighed heavily and sat down at the edge of the bed, Maisie following suit. "You remember that ring your dad gave me while we were finishing the cabin?"
Maisie stared at her intently and nodded.
Suddenly Claire felt a chill run through her body, and she rubbed her arms with her hands slowly. "I can't find it….I….I've looked everywhere….I can't think of where I would have even left it…did it fall off? The possibilities are endless." She sighed heavily again as she felt another tear slip from its headquarters.
"I'm sure it's around here somewhere! It's your favorite and you take such good care of your things…" Maisie looked down at her hands for a moment trying to think quickly. "Listen when dad and I are done, I'll…. I'll help you look some more." Maisie looked around the room "Do you want me to help you clean this up?" she stood quickly picking up some of the stuff that was dumped on the bed from Claire's junk drawer. Claire put a hand on top of Maisie's stopping her. "No Mais I'll get it, thank you."
Claire stood up "But I will take a hug from my favorite daughter" she said smiling. Maisie rolled her eyes and laughed "I'm your only daughter". Maisie went in for a hug but stopped quickly "ugh I'm all sweaty and gross though." It was Claire's turn to roll her eyes as she pulled Maisie into her arms and held her tightly. She kissed the top of Maisie's head quickly thinking how ridiculous it was to be so upset about a ring when just last year they nearly lost Maisie.
"I love you so much Bug."
Claire hugged her just a little tighter and then let her free kissing her forehead. "I love you too mum."
"Now go finish helping your dad, I'll be fine I promise."
Maisie turned leaving the room to go get the waters she came in for originally. Claire sighed one more time and turned to clean her bedroom for a second time that day.
Maisie made her way back outside handing a thermos full of water to her dad, sighing heavily. Setting down the ax he took the water from her "thanks kid." Maisie nodded and picked up the ax herself and grabbed a log to chop. She took a deep breath and brought the ax down, splitting the wood professionally.
"When's it going to be done?"
Owen set his thermos down, taking his shirt he had set on a stack of wood and wiping sweat from his face. "When's what going to be done?"
Maisie rolled her eyes bringing the ax down again with force. "Mum's favorite ring that she's currently crying about inside because she can't find it."
"Shiiit." Owen hissed out as he rubbed his fingers under his chin. "I didn't think she would notice, and I'd have time. It should be done sometime this week."
"Well, you might have to ask her sooner than my party in two weeks, because she's really upset, you should have seen your bedroom."
Maisie tossed the pieces of log she had split into a stack she had previously been making then reached for a new log.
Owen sighed heavily again trying to think quickly on his feet of what to do. He couldn't tell her he was turning her favorite ring into an engagement ring and fitting it with a wedding band so he could propose to her.
Maisie looked down at the small pile of wood and then back up at her dad. "I can finish this…there's not much left to do, and then I'm going to hop into the shower. You go … fix…" she waved her hand towards the cabin, not sure how to finish her sentence.
Owen laughed at her little gesture and nodded. He grabbed his shirt and water and headed towards the cabin, downing more water.
"Good luck!" Maisie yelled, wiping some sweat from her brow. She shook her head at how ridiculous adults could be sometimes and brought the ax down swiftly again.
Claire sighed heavily as she let herself fall back against the foot of the bed as she sat on the floor. She closed her eyes trying hard to think of the last time she had worn the ring.
Walking into the house Owen took off his boots and socks leaving them next to the door. He set down his thermos of water next to their car keys and tossed his sweaty shirt on top of his shoes. Slowly he walked towards Claire and his bedroom. He stopped in the doorway leaning against the door frame clad in a pair of light washed form fitting jeans and a brown leather belt. He was quiet as he looked down to a defeated Claire slumped against the footboard of the bed on the floor. She was still in her sleep shorts and tank top from the night before; deciding not to change since she was cleaning the house anyways.
"Can I help you?" Claire smiled softly, eyes still closed, feeling his eyes on her.
Owen smiled and stepped a few feet to her sitting down next to her on the floor. She leaned into him and let him wrap an arm around her, not caring about how sweaty he was. He still smelled like his old spice deodorant mixed with sunshine and the woods.
"Why are we down here?" he asked as he looked around at the mess. Claire didn't say anything, she just let out a long breath she didn't realize she'd been holding as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
"You're sweaty" she whispered against his skin "but you smell good."
He could feel her smile against his skin. "If I do recall…. Our bedroom didn't look like this before Mais and I went to work on the yard this morning" And just like that he felt her smile slowly fade away.
They sat in silence for a few while he played with a few of the strands of hair that fell from her messy bun.
"I can't find my ring." she nearly whined out like a child.
"What?" Owen asked, barely able to hear her.
Claire sat up and turned her body towards him bringing one of her legs over his crossed, outstretched legs while the other she folded in towards herself. She giggled as she wiped his sweat from her cheek. She looked down to her hands fidgeting in her lap not wanting to tell him. Owen noticed her fidgeting and used one hand to grab one of hers and the other to lift her chin up to look at him. "Claire.."
She knew this tone. He was concerned. He knew she was upset and wanted to make her feel better. A small tear fell from her eye and slid down her cheek to fall on her knee. "My favorite ring" she sniffled softly "I can't find it". Owen chuckled softly. "Is this what all this is about?" looking around the room.
"I've looked everywhere Owen, it's not funny!" Her cheeks started to get hot feeling like he was getting amusement out of this.
"Hey…look at me." He waited for her to look at him before he continued. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to laugh… We will find your ring I promise. Come here."
Claire just stared at Owen before she decided to move. Owen uncrossed his outstretched legs so she could straddle his lap. She looked down, her hands resting on his abs. More tears started to fall replaying the night in her head that he gave her the ring.
(that night)
Owen looked at Maisie and smiled at her. She knew what this look was for. He had shown her what he had found Claire at the mall and was so excited to see Claire's excitement. Maisie gave him a nod and took another bite of her broccoli.
"So, I have a little something for you Claire." Owen said with a smile. Claire finished her sip of red wine and set her glass down.
"For me?" she questioned and looked at Maisie. She was swinging her legs with excitement, smiling big. "I assume you know what this little something is."
Maisie swallowed her food and tried to contain her smile, nodding with fervor. Owen looked at Maisie with a big smile. "Do you want to give it to her?"
Her little eyes shot open with urgency, anticipation almost getting the best of her little body. "YES!"
Owen and Claire both laughed. "It's over in my coat pocket by the door." Maisie jumped off the bench of their table setting, making the camper shake slightly. Her little feet quickly padded the short distance to his coat. As soon as she pulled the tiny box out of pocket she stood up and put the box behind her back so Claire couldn't see it.
"Close your eyes and put your hand out" Maisie demanded as soon as she reached Claire. When she did as she was told Maisie plopped the box in her hand. "DON'T OPEN YOUR EYES TILL I'M READY!" she barked out excited as she climbed back into her seat. Owen laughed at her excitement.
"Yes, Ma'am" Claire licked her lips as her heart started to race a little, noticing the shape and feel of the velvety box.
"OKAY! I'm ready. Proceed."
Maisie leaned forward on her elbows getting as close to Claire as she could sitting across from her on her knees.
Owen put his arm around Claire's shoulder as she slowly opened her eyes. She gasped slightly but continued to pull open the top of the box. "OWEN!" she gasped tears instantly springing to her eyes as she stared at the sparkling enchanted rose ring. It was rose gold with a few tiny diamonds making it sparkle more. Maisie's smile nearly wrapped around her entire head. "Isn't it beautiful mama!?" Claire's head shot up looking at Maisie's adorable excited face.
Maisie was too excited to even realize what she had just said. In the short time she had been with the two they were her home.
Claire and Owen both looked at each other. Claire's hand came to her mouth as tears fell harder from her eyes.
She mouthed a thank you to Owen as she choked back a sob. "It is bug, so beautiful" Claire whispered as she placed her hand over Maisie's. Maisie smiled big as her little hand wrapped tightly around Claire's fingertips.
"Hey…" Owen soothed. Claire sank into Owen's chest at the memory. "Where'd you go?" he asked, wrapping his arms tightly around her. She let herself cry the tears she needed too before speaking. When she calmed down a bit, she wrapped her arms around Owen's waist again. "Just that night."
Owen smiled at his own memory of that night. What a beautiful moment it was between his girls. They both would remember that night forever.
Claire took in a deep breath as she sat back up. Letting it out she wiped the tears from her eyes and tried to force out a small smile.
"I know it's just a ring, and I nearly lost both you and Maisie last year… it just…." She sighed.
"It was a special night all together, I get it." Owen caressed her cheek. "We will find it I promise." He felt bad lying to her, knowing she was so upset about the ring. He decided he was going to propose as soon as it was done instead of waiting till Maisie's party.
Claire nodded and sniffled one more time. She closed her eyes and leaned into the comfort and warmth of Owen's hand on her cheek. Owen smiled at her contentment and slowly brought his hand to cup the back of her neck and gently pulled her in for a kiss. Leaning forward Claire pressed herself into Owen making sure to get comfortable instead of sitting awkwardly in his lap. With one hand on the back of her neck, he used his left to carefully skim up her right thigh which was home to the scare of the indoaptor. She flinched slightly as his calloused hand grazed it softly.
Owen's tongue grazed her bottom lip asking for permission, which she allowed with a breathy soft moan. Claire brought her hands up to the sides of this scruffy face holding his face hostage as their kiss deepened, laced with desire. Dropping his hands to her side Owen scooted himself up into a more upright position. His fingertips lingered at the hem of her tank top as they momentarily separated for air.
Claire's chest heaved slightly as she tried to catch her breath and calm herself somewhat. There was something about this man that just made her want him constantly; an aching feeling inside of her for him to just completely envelope her any time he was close. "I love you so much Owen." The words barely came out a whisper.
Owen surged forward while one hand made its way up her tank top and the other carefully craned her neck to the side using her hair so he could ravage her neck. "Owen.." she gasped, bringing her hands to the back of his head to hold him in the general area of which she wanted him. She subconsciously began to rock her hips slowly on the tightening bulge of his tight pants. "God Claire…you're going to have….to.."
He couldn't finish his sentence as he felt Claire's hand gliding its way cautiously to his belt buckle. Making him shiver as the soft skin of her fingertips left hot footprints down his body. She skimmed over his stiffness making him groan wildly, which made him latch down on the most sensitive spot on her neck. She yelped slightly as her breaths became more ragged. "Owen I…."
Just as Claire was going to tell Owen how much she needed him, the front screen door came rushing open with a slam against the foyer wall. "Shit" Claire gasped; adrenaline rushed through her veins as she heard the quick rhythm of Maisie's feet coming down the hallway to their bedroom.
Claire tried to scoot off Owen's lap as quickly as she could while Owen laughed at her being so flustered and not just staying calm. Maisie reached their doorway and came to a quick halt seeing the two of them on the floor clearly heated from more than just the temperature outside. "Ew…gross." Maisie started scrunching her face together.
Claire quickly stood up and fixed her clothes and hair the best she could without seeing it. "What's up sweetie?"
Owen got up off the floor and looked at Maisie.
"I said fix..it..…not…" Maisie said sarcastically, eyes going wide with disgust at the red mark she could see forming a nice home on her mom's neck. "Really?"
Owen wasn't ashamed. He just smirked and shrugged his shoulders. Shaking her head clear of what she nearly witnessed, Maisie took a deep breath in. "Anyways. Aunt Ellie called, she wants to know if I can come spend the next week or so with her, Uncle Alan, and Aunt Kayla in Vancouver for some camping and research."
Claire took in a deep breath and looked at Owen. It had been almost a year since they had to travel to Malta to find Maisie, not knowing she had then been taken to Biosyn. Claire wasn't sure she was ready to let Maisie go anywhere without one of the two of them yet. She knew Maisie could probably use some time with other people but it nearly sent her to a panic attack just thinking of her being away without them.
Owen took notice and decided to handle the situation. "Let your mom and I talk about it before we say yes, we'd like to talk to Ellie. Get all the details."
Maisie huffed and rolled her eyes "Fiiine." She said turning and walking away to her room to get clean clothes and take a shower. "PLEASE CALL HER SOON I REALLY WANT TO GO!" she yelled from her room.
Owen laughed and shook his head stepping over to Claire and resting his hands on her biceps. She had her arms wrapped around herself, tears slightly filling her eyes.
"Claire, just like you said before, we can't just keep her here. Ellie, Alan, and Kayla love her just as much as we do and they will keep her safe."
Claire leaned into Owen resting her head gently on his chest. "I know, and she's about to be 15, the age she really doesn't want to hang out with us all the time….or at all" she laughed "I know we need to let her go, I just, it's hard."
Owen wrapped his arms tightly around Claire. "I know it is, but that's what makes you such a good mom baby, you care so much about her and want nothing but the best for her, but we also need to let her have her own experiences without us."
Claire nodded and wrapped her arms around him squeezing him tight. A few minutes passed and then she looked up at him resting her chin higher on his chest. He looked down and kissed her lips a few times. Claire smiled at him and rested the side of her head back against his chest.
"I love you so much Owen, you always make everything better. I don't know what I would have done if I had lost both you and Maisie last year." A tear slid down her face and Owen kissed the top of her head. "I know, I feel the same way had I lost both you and Maisie. You two are my girls, my life, my world. The things I would do to protect both of you are unimaginable."
Owen lifted Claire's chin and kissed her salty tear stained lips with so much passion, so much love, so much warmth, it made Claire nearly sob into the kiss as she brought her arms up to wrap around his neck to pull him as close to her as possible. A slight animalistic groan came out of Owen as their kiss gravitated to a whole other level. Grabbing her hips he slowly started to walk forward pushing her towards the wall until her back was pressed against it.
Claire pulled away from the kiss needing air, her chest heaving heavily. "We can't …Maisie."
Owen paused for a moment listening to their surroundings. "Is in the shower with her music playing" he grinned mischievously. His hands took the hem of her tank top quickly moving it up her body. Gasping as his fingers grazed the sensitive skin of her ribs, she didn't protest and without hesitation it was on the floor, her arms wrapping back around his neck as they engaged in another heated passionate fury.
"I need you" was all Claire could get out when they broke from their kiss once more. She moaned a little louder than she meant to when her front came crashing into his abdomen as he lifted her from the ground carrying her into their bathroom, shutting the door with his foot.
He placed her carefully on the counter of the sink. With her legs still wrapped around his hips she attacked his neck with hot kisses and little bites. His hands coming to her breast's and massaging them pinching both nipples at the same time making her body jerk into him.
"Owen…" she breathed out, her eyes closed just feeling his hands all over her. Her head fell back and to the side slightly as he brought his lips to her neck getting that spot he knew she loved. One of her hands made its way into his shaggy hair and pulled slightly, but still keeping him where she wanted him. The other helped her keep herself steady on the counter as she ground herself into him trying to calm the ache between her legs he was causing.
Owen smiled into her neck knowing he was driving her crazy, just like she was doing to him. He grabbed the hem of her shorts and underwear at the same time pulling them down. She lifted the best she could to help him pull them off of her. She unwrapped her legs from his hips as he continued his journey with her bottoms. When those hit the floor she let her legs dangle from the sink counter and wasted no time undoing Owens belt and the button and zipper of his pants. He quickly stepped out of his jeans and boxers, bringing his socks with them to hit the floor.
Both their breathing was ragged and both desperate to be fully connected to the other. Their lips smashed together, tongues battling for dominance, as Claire's arms wrapped tight around Owen's neck again. He brought his hands behind her ass grasping roughly at her cheeks as he pulled her to the edge of the counter and pushed himself into her all in one swift movement. "FUCK!" Claire yelled in pure ecstasy.
Owen chuckled a little, bringing a hand to cover her mouth as he continued to slam into her. "Shhh"
Claire was in her own world. She tried to quiet her moans the best she could, but he felt so good inside of her. She was thankful for his ability to multitask. Not only for hushing her vocals, but it was sexy, his hand covering her mouth, turning her on even more. She met his thrusts with the same desperate need.
"Cum with me baby" Owen panted out. He kept his hand over her mouth knowing she wasn't going to be able to keep quiet. She looked him right in the eyes and Owen's movements became reckless as they both reached their peak. Claire's eyes shut tightly as she tried not to scream, but to no avail it was impossible. Owen's groans and grunts were animalistic as poured himself inside of her. He continued pumping and Claire couldn't tell if she was hit with another orgasm or continuing the same one. When her moans turned more to soft whimpers, Owen finally let her mouth free. She fell back against the mirror and Owen fell into her. Both breathing heavily trying to catch their breath. Claire's one arm dangled over Owen's shoulder onto his back as his head rested against her chest both covered in sweat.
"God…that was…"
"Sexy as fuck" Owen finished, making Claire giggle.
"Very sexy…mmmmmm.." Claire closed her eyes and played with the hair on the nape of Owen's neck.
Owen kissed the top of Claire's breast a few times. "Just imagine we let the kid go, mmm, I could make you scream without having to cover your mouth."
Claire gave his soft member a squeeze as he was still inside of her, making him gasp and jerk on top of her "Mmm, but that was very sexy, I really kind of liked you covering my mouth".
He looked up at her and she kissed his lips.
"You little vixen," Owen chuckled. "You will be the death of me someday." he said standing, pulling her with him. He slid all the way out of her making her moan. "Should we shower?" Owen nodded towards their shower.
"Yes, but no funny business, mister. Maisie will be done with her shower soon I'm sure." Claire scooted off the counter walking towards the shower to turn on the water. She pulled the shower curtain open and bent over to turn the knobs to get the perfect temperature. Owen walked over to her smacking her ass with a firm hand making her yelp. She stood and eyed him mouth agape, as she held her stinging cheek. Owen chuckled a little "you know you liked it." Claire giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck again and kissed him. "Mmhmm, I did, and I'll be needing some more of that when we let the kid go." she said, biting his lip gently.
Owen groaned, pulling her into him by her ass. "You said no funny business."
Claire smiled at him and turned to feel the temperature of the water. She pulled her hair from her messy bun as she climbed into the shower. Her hair falling halfway down her back in messy waves. She stood under the water looking at Owen and grinned "Maybe I lied".
Owen took in a deep breath and shook his head. "The death of me." he whispered, hopping into the shower and shutting the curtain. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, she placed her hands on his forearms and sighed contently as they both stood under the refreshing water.