The Phone Call

Chapter 16

"It doesn't matter what the papers say," Owen said adjusting his tie, "we are all their fathers. There will be no favoritism, it's strictly for medical history purposes."

"Swear it," They all said in unison.

"Okay," She sighed. "Well, we already know who fathered Selene," she whispered.

"Yeah, there's no mistaking those gray eyes," Luke chuckled.

"That would be correct," Erica smiled as she opened the envelope. "And Asteria's father is..."

"Sean."

"Kota."

Everyone said at the same time as Vera just watched the girls nurse.

"Doesn't matter," she said softly as they unlatched. Axel and Corey took the girls and began getting them dressed as she fixed her top.

"Asteria's biological father is Sean," Erica said as she handed Owen the papers.

"I'll file this away but just so you know, they and you have already been put in our paperwork," Owen said as he slid the envelope into his jacket.

"What?" She asked confused.

"I updated all our paperwork the night Sean got the phone call," Owen explained. "Told you, it doesn't matter. They and you are ours. DNA doesn't matter."

Vera looked at him shocked then shook her head, "They are yours, yes, but I'm not yours."

"Come on, Dear," Erica said as she finished buckling Asteria into her car seat. "Let's get out of here."

"Okay, Mommy," She nodded as she grabbed the diaper bag.

"Vera," Owen said gently grabbing her elbow.

"No," she said staring into his gray eyes. "You made it very clear where you stand. I'm respecting your wishes, you need to do the same with me."

"I thought we were working past this," he said confused.

"You thought wrong," she said as she walked passed him and the rest of the group.

"So that was pretty intense," Erica said as she picked out an outfit and tossed it into the cart after checking the size.

"What was?" Vera asked as she pushed the stroller behind Erica.

"What you told Owen," Erica smiled softly. "I'm proud of you."

"What?" Vera asked shocked.

"I'm proud of you for sticking up to them and standing your ground," Erica smiled. "I know it could be easy to get use to all the help you are getting right now and fall back into old habits, so I'm proud of you for remaining strong. Keep showing them how strong you really are."

Vera sighed, "it's going to be hard when I finally manage to save up and move to my own place."

"No it's not," Erica shook her head. "You are going to show them exactly how hard it is to be a parent. You have me, Ben, and Jess and you know what you are going to do?"

"What?" Vera asked as she picked up a projector then sat it back down.

Erica picked it up and tossed it into the cart. "You are going to drop the girls off with those boys, go to work, and shut off your phone. Make them figure out how to handle the girls all on their own with no help. Make them learn just how much you have changed. If they want you back and want their family, make them earn it. They need to learn how to respect you."

Vera smiled, "thank you, Mommy."

"Of course," She smiled as she tossed a few more things into the cart. "Come on, let's keep spending their money."

"Did you have fun?" Luke asked as he opened Erica's door.

"I would say so," Gabe chuckled as Erica popped the trunk and he saw all the bags. "Did you buy the whole goddamn store, Trouble?"

"Language," Erica and Vera said at the same time.

"Sorry," he mumbled looking ashamed.

"Let me guess, didn't even make a dent, did it?" Vera asked as Erica handed Victor back his card.

"Not the slightest," he chuckled as he slid the card into his wallet.

She shrugged, "worth a shot."

"Anytime you want to try again, just let me know, Princess," he chuckled.

"Not your princess," She shook her head. "But they are."

"Yes they are," he nodded, "and you are still my queen. I'll do whatever it takes to earn that right back."

"Well see about that," She mumbled as Kota and Brandon took the girls out of the car.

"Can we show you something, please?" Marc asked and she looked at Erica. "Both of you, please?"

"I guess," Vera sighed.

"This way, it's next door," Silas said.

"Do you know what's going on?" Vera asked Erica who shook her head.

"Here," Silas said as he placed some keys in Vera's hand as they approached a house.

"What?" she asked confused.

"Before you try to protest, Uncle bought the place and told us to fix it up for you and the girls," North nodded. "Open it and look."

"Sounds like something Ben would do," Erica chuckled. "Come on Dear, let's go see."