Second chances [Complete, 18+]

Second chances - Chapter XVII

CHAPTER XVII

"Happy birthday, kiddo!"

A scream pierced his ears and arms flung around his legs briefly before Dylan raced off. He may have gone a bit overboard but hey he had a lot to make up for. Dylan was a grand total of four today which meant there were three other birthdays that he had missed completely, not to mention his birth. Shoving the depressing thought down, he grinned at his son's expression as he raced towards the bouncy castle. It was the biggest he could find in the area and had separate slide, ball pit and bouncing areas.

Eva's mouth dropped open at the sight and halted in her tracks. "This is too much," she finally uttered having gotten over the initial shock. She was overwhelmed at his generosity and yet embarrassed that she couldn't have afforded it herself which soured her thoughts briefly. "I don't know how I can repay y-"

Shaking his head immediately at the pattern of her thoughts. "I wanted to, Eva. And hey that smile is all the payment that I need," he said gently as he pointed to Dylan already bouncing away. Eva smiled in response but he could tell something still made her uneasy. "It's my gift to him," he added cajolingly, planning to take the label of his other gift to make it anonymous. "I wanted to make him happy and well you..." He nervously scratched at the back of his head as she remained silent. When she finally moved, he was surprised when it was to fling her arms around him. He reacted rapidly and pulled her in closer. She had seemingly regretted the last hugs but it was impossible not to respond to her request. He only hoped that it wouldn't get awkward again. For now, he tried to focus on the present and how she felt so perfect in his embrace. However, as Haydon came running through the open side gate she abruptly let go and he reluctantly let his arms drop.

"Auntie Evie, auntie Evie," Haydon excitedly chanted and then stopped suddenly as he spotted Nate. Nate tried to smile and put the little guy at ease. He'd not met any of her nephews before but he'd listened eagerly when Eva talked at length about them. Family was so important to her so he hoped that they would like him. He wanted to make a good impression

"Hi Haydon, what's got you so excited? And where's the rest of you guys?" Eva exclaimed, dropping down to one knee just as Isabelle, Barry, Alex and lastly Liam walked into the back garden.

Dylan came running to greet them or maybe to greet the large present that his uncle Barry was carrying.

"Is that for me?" Dylan screeched as he held his arms up.

"Well it is for my favourite nephew so I guess it is. Happy birthday Dylan." Barry said with a chuckle.

"Dylan what do we say?" Eva admonished quietly as she turned back from the golden football medal hanging around Haydon's neck.

"Thank you," Dylan said promptly and Barry chuckled as he followed, skipping behind as he added the present to the pile. Resting it on the floor it came to Dylan's naval and he tried to peer into the gapings at the end but without success. Scooping Dylan up, he rested him on his shoulders and swerved back towards the gathered group. Dylan was laughing again by the time he was dumped onto the bouncy castle. His cousins soon joined in and the screeches filled the back garden as more kids joined in.

"He cares for you, you know." Isabelle said slowly after Nate had run past after three squealing kids. He'd shot Eva a grin that crinkled his eyes and stumbled over a plastic tractor that was in his path when he maintained eye contact. He'd recovered quickly and winked to reassure the worried Eva that he was okay.

Eva's head turned to the out of the blue words and saw her sister unusually serious. "Who?" She asked as she blew on her tea absentmindedly.

"Really Evie. Who do you think? Nate. That hunk of a man can't keep his eyes off of you. He loves you," Isabelle stated and witnessed the shock as it crossed her sister's face.