Okay, so school has been kicking my ass and not letting me have a lot of time to read / write. But I worked on this for a few days (a little here and there) and finally have the chapter complete. I hope you enjoy. We will be with Zip's parents for a couple of chapters. Not mine, all hers…I make no money!
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Zip carried Sophia into the kitchen so he could warm up her bottle. He was surprised to find his mother making breakfast already. "Mama, what are you doing up so early?"
Doris looked up and smiled, "I have a family to make breakfast for. Dad is leaving for the day, and I wanted to make sure he had a good meal before he left. You and Stephanie need some food as well." She smiled at him and held out her hands, "Now, give me that cutie pie and let me hold her while you warm up her bottle."
Zip did as he was told and smiled when his mother gushed over Sophia. Sophia, enjoying the attention of someone new, smiled at Doris and couldn't stop looking at her. "She sure is a cutie. What can you tell me about her father? Is he in the picture still?"
"Yes and no," Zip replied. Getting out two coffee cups, he filled them up and sat one in front of his mother. "No, he's not in the picture as far as being a father to Sophia. But he is in the picture as far as he is my boss."
"What's up with your boss?" he heard his dad say from the kitchen door.
Grabbing another mug and filling it with coffee, Zip sat that one down next to his mom and smiled when Dale took Sophia from Doris.
Standing near the sink and watching his dad interact with the baby, Zip continued, "My boss is Sophia's father. But he has signed off paternity rights to her."
Doris started making breakfast while Zip got Sophia's bottle and took her from Dale's arms. "What do you mean he signed off his rights?" she asked.
"Exactly what I said. At first, he didn't believe he was the father, and when Steph proved it to him, he signed off his rights even though he wasn't on the birth certificate."
"I'll never understand how a parent can do that," Dale said shaking his head. "What are you planning on doing? I can see you love her and her mother."
"I do. But Steph isn't ready for a relationship yet. Ranger really hurt her with what he said and did. She has trust issues she's working on right now. She knows I want a relationship with her, but that I'm also giving her time to figure things out."
"Well, we expect an invite when you two decide to get married." Dale laughed at Zip, "Don't give me that look, Justin. We've talked to your sister and cousin. We know all about you and Stephanie."
Zip shook his head and looked down at Sophia, "What are we going to be about them, huh?"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Zip was dancing in the living room with Sophia when he heard the stair creak, "I think your mommy is awake, Princess," he said as they headed to the hall.
Stephanie heard him and smiled, "Yes, I'm awake." Giving Sophia a kiss on her head, "Good morning, Baby girl." Leaning up on her tiptoes, she kissed Zip on his cheek, "Good morning and thank you for letting me sleep. I appreciate it."
Zip smiled and nodded, "Of course. Besides, I like my morning time with her. Mama made breakfast and I set aside a plate for you." Zip walked to the kitchen knowing Steph would follow him. After he sat Sophia in her bouncy seat, he pulled the plate of food from the warming over and sat it on the table while Stephanie put the bottles of pumped milk in the fridge.
"Thank you," she said as she turned around. Looking at the food, she began to drool, "Oh my goodness. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, and toast? Your mother didn't have to do all this."
"I know I didn't have to, but I like to make a good breakfast on days that Justin is home," Zips mother said as she walked to Stephanie and gave her a hug. "How'd you sleep, Dear?"
"I slept really well, thank you." Taking a bite of the pancakes, she moaned, "These are delicious, Doris."
Doris was a little shorter than Stephanie with blonde hair and blue eyes like her son. "I'm glad you like them. If you need it, I have homemade maple syrup and homemade Butter Pecan syrup." She and Zip laughed when Stephanie put her fork down and looked for the syrups.
"I'll get them, Sweetheart," Zip said as he chuckled and went to the fridge. "Here you are. I think you'll really enjoy the Butter Pecan one. It is my favorite."
Stephanie separated the pancakes and pour the maple on one and butter pecan on the other, "I'll have to try them both," she smiled.
After she was done eating, Stephanie picked up Sophia and cuddled her while Zip took her dishes and cleaned them. Doris, sitting next to Stephanie, asked "What are you guys doing today?"
"Well, I was thinking of taking the girls to Myrtle Beach. I know we'll need to bundle up some, but it is usually nice out and I know Steph loves the beach."
"I'll make you guys some sandwiches and pack a basket for you," Doris said as she stood to get going on the food.
"You don't have to do that, Doris," Stephanie tried to say, but was cut off with a smile and a pat on the head.
"I don't have to do anything, but I enjoy taking care of the family. And since my son brought you home to meet us, Dad and I agreed you and Sophia are now family. We will take care of you two as well."
Zip, Stephanie, and Sophia were dressed for a cool day at the beach. He knew they wouldn't stay there long as it was still a little cold out for Sophia. Even in South Carolina it was a little chilly in early March. Zip figured they'd go to the beach for a little bit and then maybe hit the mall on the way back to his parents' home.
When they pulled up to the beach, he could feel Stephanie bouncing in the seat. Looking over, he laughed and grabbed her hand, "I'll be parked in just a moment and then you can get out. I'll grab Sophia. You go find a spot to sit." He parked his truck and before he had the engine turned off, Stephanie was out and running towards the water.
"Your mommy sure does love the beach, Princess." He unhooked her car seat and carried her to the sand. He watched as Stephanie took off her shoes and socks, rolled her pants up some, and began to walk along the shore. He knew she needed this and only wished it were warmer so they could spend the day there. After ten minutes, Stephanie came back to where Zip was sitting with Sophia on his lap. Sitting down next to him, she leaned over and kissed his cheek, "Thank you for this. I really needed it and didn't know that."
Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he pulled her close and kissed her head, "I try to take care of you. I could see it in your eyes that you needed some happy. I hope I was able to provide that."
"You always do." Looking out at the waves, she continued, "I wish it were warmer so I could take her in the water and let her experience the beach. I know she has a lifetime to experience it, but this would have been wonderful."
"We can come back during the summer when it is warmer."
Stephanie and Zip just sat there watching the waves and enjoying the air until they decided it was time to go so Sophia didn't get too cold. Standing up, Zip offered his hand to help Steph up and then took the car seat and carried it while Stephanie carried the blanket. Once everyone was in the truck and buckled, he headed down the road towards the mall.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Pulling in the drive, Zip was surprised to see his Aunt's car. He hadn't even thought about her coming for a visit. Grabbing Sophia's seat, he carried her up to the porch and held the door open for Stephanie. Walking in, he sat the car seat down and greeting his aunt.
"Hi, Aunt Dottie," he said with a hug.
Dottie hugged him back and then smacked him upside the head, "Justin, why did I have to hear from Dallas that you were back in town for a week? Can't you call your aunt and let her know? You know I love seeing you, Julie, and Dallas when you come home."
"Sorry, it was a last-minute decision and we just got in last night."
Dottie looked and saw Stephanie standing behind Zip, "Oh this must be Stephanie. I've heard so much about you. Especially from Dallas."
Stephanie was confused and said, "Um, who is Dallas?"
TBC…