The House Where Love Grows

Chapter Five

It seemed the subject of the motorbike had been discussed and decided, but Can knew that Sanems was not 100% on board with the outcome. Her biggest concern in life was that her children were safe and happy, no matter what. A motorbike may not fit into the realm of "safe" that she expected to keep them in. But Can knew that Luis was responsible and had a good head on his shoulders, now just to calm his wives fear about it would come next.

He gently kissed her forehead, " My beautiful and wonderful wife, please don't worry about these things so much. Luis needs to be trusted, let him show us that he is growing into a man. It's going to come whether you like it or not." He held onto to her tightly until he felt her body relax and mold into his. She knew he was right, he always was, but it didn't make it any easier on her heart. 

Eve, Miray and Ruslan all lived in the same room for the time being. They had tried to separate the girls from Ruslan a few months earlier, but none of them took to the idea, causing a couple of very upsetting nights for all three of them.  So they had decided to leave things as they were until they were each ready to be on their own. Can slowly opened the door of their room, seeing them all together on Ece's bed. She had them captivated as she pretended to read them a bedtime story. She was explaining each picture in detail, bringing the story to life. Miray and Ruslan were so engrossed in the story that neither of them heard their Dad come in. He snuck in and quietly sat down on the floor close to the bed, completely in awe of his tiny daughters imagination. 

Miray was the first to notice their daddy sitting there on the floor, making her scream with delight, " Daddy, daddy." She screeched, jumping from the bed and crawling into his lap. She hugged his neck tight, " Ece is reading to us, do you want to listen. In seconds the other two toddlers had clambered out of bed and found their spot on the lap of their Dad. This larger than life person that they all three adored beyond belief, this huge person that accepted all of them at once to sit with him on the floor, this man was nothing more than "daddy" to them. A title that he wore as proudly as he had anything in his life, a name that meant more than any other to him. This was who he was...and all he wanted to be.

Can glanced around at Sanem as she peeked in the door, watching this loving man and father, "My loves, it is your bedtime. Maybe tomorrow night Ece can read to both of us." Their mother said, giving Can that look. He quickly agreed, " Thats right my babies, let me tuck the covers in around you and all of you close your eyes." He answered, as the three climbed into their beds. Can loved this time, tucking them in, kissing their foreheads, letting them know that whatever would come in their lives he would be there to keep them safe. Miray spoke softly as Can leaned down to kiss her, " Daddy, don't forget to leave the lamp on please."  Can smiled, " I won't my love, I will leave it on just for you." He kissed her cheek, lingering there for a second to reassure her.  He switched of the overhead light but left the small lamp on the dresser on. An overwhelming feeling of love washed over him as he took that last look at each of them snuggled up in their beds. He knew this time would go by so quickly, before long they wouldn't want him to tuck them in or kiss them a hundred times on the cheek. So he was going to enjoy very second of this time..

Next stop was Beni's room. He still had so many questions to ask about the camera, " Dad, can we work with the camera again tomorrow, I really want to take some pictures and take them to that room and make them come out on paper. Will you let me. Please, please."  He begged, making it hard for Can to refuse him. " Of course we can. But we have our family time tomorrow also, don't forget." His Dad told him as he pulled the covers up around him. Beni shook his head in agreement, " I know, I won't forget." He replied, as he accepted and welcomed the kiss on the cheek from his Dad. Beni immediately closed his eyes, wishing for a quick nights sleep. 

Luis's room was last. Can tapped on the door, " Son, can we come in.?" Luis answered, " Yes, come in." Can and Sanem stepped inside his room, " Homework done?" His Mom asked as she looked around his room. " Yes Mom, it's Friday so I didn't have much." He spoke. He looked intently at his Dad, " Dad have you talked......Can held up his hand to stop him. " Son, don't talk through me to speak to your mother." He replied as he nodded toward Sanem. Luis hung his head, " Sorry Dad, .....Mom, I would really like to talk to you about getting that motorbike I showed you a few days ago. It would make things so much easier if I had it to get myself back and forth to practice." The young man stated. She felt her heart skip a beat, he had grown up so fast and right before there eyes, but nothing had made her happier than watching her oldest child develop into a young man. 

She couldn't help but smile as she saw his face take on a hundred different expressions. " Luis I know you think I'm being to protective, and that you're no longer a child, but you are still my child no matter the age. Your Dad has convinced me that the motor bike might be in your best interest. But........Luis grabbed her, interrupting her sentence, " Mom, thank you, thank you."  He shrieked, showering her with kisses. Can snickered, turning away so that she wouldn't see. Sanem wrapped her arms around him, pulling him right against her, " Son, I want only good things for you, I never want you to be hurt, but I know that is an unrealistic point is view, so you must promise that you will be as safe as possible and always wear your helmet." She felt the tears begin to form in her eyes and her throat begin to ache, as she remembered that small boy that had taken their hands so confidently and willingly from that orphanage in Peru and followed them to their new life. She wanted, she needed that child back again, but she knew that couldn't happen.

Luis turned to his Dad, "Thanks Dad, I won't let you down, I promise." His eyes gleaming with tears, as he stuck out his hand for a handshake. Can winked at him, and took his hand giving it a vigorous shake. " We'll discussed the rest tomorrow, don't stay up to late." He said as they left, closing the door behind them. 

Sanem was quiet as they got ready for bed, " Babe, it will be fine, I wouldn't let anything happen to him, you know that." He whispered as he stepped up behind her, wrapping his arms around her. She took in a deep breath at just the feel of his body.." I know, but you can't be with him all the time to protect him." She said her voice cracking as she held back the tears. 

He turned her around, his face so close to hers it made her weak....his lips grazing over hers

" My love, I think I might have something to make you feel better"......He said softly as he pulled her gently down to the bed.....