Angel

Chapter 14

Mattie

My mouth dropped when Axel pulled up in front of the house in a Subaru Ascent Onyx. The thing was huge! Then again, all of them are tall, and adding in Violet and myself that's seven people. I just thought it was funny they had already had a vehicle large enough for all of us.

"We need to stop by the store first, little one. I want to pick up a booster seat for Violet," Corey told me as we headed out.

I gave him an appreciative smile, "Thank you."

"Of course, love. We'll get more on another day so we don't have to worry about switching them back and forth in the cars." I started to protest, but he gave me a look and I bit my lip. This was going to take some getting used to. I mean, I've never had anyone other than MawMaw take care of us, and that wasn't really financial beyond the necessities.

Axel stopped at a nearby store and I went in with Corey while the rest waited in the car with Violet. I started looking at the seats, trying to find an inexpensive one that would work, but he took my elbow and led me to a few higher-priced ones. "Corey, those are too much."

"Seriously, Mattie? You do remember I own a law firm, right? Besides, I'd rather get her a seat that will work for a long time, than one I need to replace in a few months. What about this one? It says it's adjustable, and look, there are little cup and snack holders." He grinned like he'd found the holy grail of toddler seats.

I giggled, "Okay, you're right, and this is a good brand."

He kissed my cheek, "Thanks, love." I blushed and lowered my head slightly. "Is that okay, me kissing you? I understand if public affection from all of us is too much right now." I could hear the doubt filling his words and quickly took his hand.

"Don't do that," I said, "I'm not ashamed of you - any of you. I just get shy and flustered around you all sometimes. And while I'm not used to getting this kind of attention, I don't want to hide. Just be patient with me, please."

He looked like a thousand-pound weight had just been lifted from his shoulders as he pulled me closer, "Thank you, little one. I want you to be proud of us, goodness knows we're proud to be with you." I gave him a smile and we headed to check out.

"Krolik, explain that Bluey is better than Paw Patrol to Brandon," Raven whined as we got back in the car and finished buckling Violet into her new seat.

"No way, I mean Paw Patrol has fire trucks, police cars, and stuff like that," Brandon countered.

I looked between the two of them and burst out laughing, "Are you two really arguing about cartoons?" They gave me a sheepish look and nodded. "Well, have you asked the expert?" I pointed to Violet, and they both looked dumbfounded. "Okay, Bebe, which one do you like best?"

"Bluey! She does fun stuff and talks different, like Raven," she beamed.

He beamed and turned on the video player with a smirk at Brandon. I thought I was going to die of laughter when he started trying to sing the song with her using closed captions. She had them all wrapped around her little finger.

"Don't worry, Brandon. I'm sure she'll love something you like as well," I tried to encourage him. "So are you all ready to meet MawMaw?" I asked them. I heard Nova groan a bit. "What's wrong?"

"Well, I figure she's going to want to kick my butt for, um, you know," he said, darting his eyes to Violet. I snickered. Yeah, she's going to kick his ass, but then she'll love him just like I do. Woah...I still love him. I guess I knew deep down I did, but now... "Angel?"

"Oh, sorry, got lost in thought, Nova," I said quickly.

A few moments later we pulled up in front of the house. MawMaw was in her usual rocking chair sipping tea. She squinted her eyes as she saw the group of men exiting the vehicle, then opened her arms when Violet ran up the stairs and flew into her arms. "MawMaw, I found Daddy Nova!" she squealed.

"So much for breaking it gently," I muttered as Axel tried to stifle his laughter.

"Cher?" she asked me as I tugged Nova's hand and pulled him forward.

"MawMaw, you remember how I said they wanted me to meet their friend Marc? Well, um, turns out he's Nova, well that's what I always called him when we were kids. He didn't know where I went. Did you know Mom and Dad wouldn't tell him where I was? Did you know they moved?" I was rambling and I knew it, but I was terrified she was going to freak out. I felt Nova squeeze my hand and stopped talking.

"Come here, garcon," she told him as he stepped closer to her nervously. She tugged him down to eye level and asked, "You plan to do right by my Matilda and Violet?"

"Yes ma'am, I would have sooner if I could have found them. I know I have a lot to make up for, but if she'll have me, I'll never let them go again," he told her, tears peeking at the corners of his eyes.

She nodded and patted his cheek. "He's got a good soul, Cher." Then she looked up to the others and sorted, "Hmm, five beaus. Lordy, Cher, you gonna have your hands full."

"Hear that? I'm beau material," Raven boasted.

"Obidi moyu Sher ili Bebe i ya tebya skormlyu alligatoram russkim (Hurt my Cher or Bebe and I'll feed you to the gators, Russian,)" she told him.

Raven blanched and bowed his head to her, "Я защищу их ценой своей жизни, бабушка (I'll protect them with my life grandmother.)"

Axel nudged my ribs, "Told you she'd put him in his place." I covered my mouth to hide my giggles.

"Well come on in," she said as Violet led Nova and the others inside.  

Author's Notes:  MawMaw's got sass!