Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Twenty Seven

NICK'S POV

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Knowing that my baby is okay is the biggest relief, although looking at the scrapes and marks on her face has an anchor sinking in my stomach. The thought of her being in pain, crying and needing some affection. I'm so grateful Aris was able to get there for her before me. I want to take away her pain. If I could I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Aris and Elodie sit behind me at the counter as I make dinner for the three of us. I usually make dinner on the weekends but I have to admit when I'm feeling lazy I will easily order something for us to eat instead as a treat. Yeah, I'm not perfect.

Today I settle for chicken wraps because it's easy and quick and I know we're all starving.

"We've been practising non-stop," Elodie says to Aris. "It's so good. We all sing and dance. I get to wear face paint for it too!"

I glance over my shoulder to see Aris nodding at her with approval. "Love that. I bet you're the star of the show."

Elodie shakes her head. "I wanted to be the princess but Faye got it instead. But I don't mind, I like who I am. We've been making our own props in class and we got to paint them."

"Wow," Aris says. "That sounds exciting."

"You're going to be there to see it, right? It's next Thursday at school. Aris, you have to come and see me perform. Please?" Elodie's little voice stretches and I can only imagine she's giving him her best pout and big pleading eyes. It works every time for me.

Aris grins at her. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Elodie claps to herself, face lighting up. It seems she's forgotten about today's accident and I'm relieved about it. All she needs is a good distraction and yummy food. My little girl is a fighter and I adore her for it.

I lay out the food on the table and shoot Aris down when he offers to help. Elodie makes her own wrap and I help her fold it so it's edible. "Daddy, you're definitely coming to see me perform right?" She asks.

"Yeah, I'll be there, baby." I nod.

Her green eyes meet mine. "You missed it last time."

My shoulders sag. It's not a moment I'm proud of. "I know, Els. But I promise I'm going to be there to cheer you on. Uncle Declan and Luca are coming too. We'll all be there to support you, alright? I promise I'm going to be there."

Elodie grins as she takes a bite of her dinner. "I'm so excited," she begins to vibrate. Most likely all of the adrenaline from today is creeping up on her. She'll crash in a few hours. "I want it to be now. I sing the songs so loudly, you'll be able to hear me over everyone else."

"Don't worry, pumpkin. I'll definitely hear you alright." I say as I flick my gaze to Aris who is already watching me, his wrap in hand as he takes a bite. "How is it?"

Aris hums softly. "It's good. See... you haven't forgotten how to cook."

My eyes roll. "I don't really consider frying up some chicken in seasoning with lettuce and tomato in a wrap much of a dinner. I will do better next time. You'll see."

"So you're saying you're going to cook for me again?" Aris' brows raise with playfulness.

"If you're lucky," I shoot back.

Aris licks his tongue over his teeth subtly and my eyes focus on the action. Elodie's voice echoes in my ears as she carries on talking–to which I completely forgot she was here because I was mesmerised by Aris' mouth. Fuck. I need to get my shit together.