Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

Chapter 75

The majority of our guests arrived last night. They'll be staying at the villa with us for a couple days.

Geoff and Liam are making breakfast for everyone. I'm not feeling great this morning, but I make my way out to greet everyone.

Louis is chasing Ella around the house. She toddles over to Niall for safety.

"No golf yet, Niall?" I ask.

He picks Ella up. "Nah, Ella and I are going tomorrow. I even got her a special club, just her size."

Ella says her version of "Uncle", then squeezes Niall's nose. He tickles her in turn, causing a fit of giggles. As I pass Harry on my way back to get ready, he gently grabs my arm. "Are you alright, Lizzie?" He asks me quietly.

I smile. "I'm fine."

"You'd tell me if something was wrong, wouldn't you?"

I pat his arm. "Nothing's wrong, H."

Once everything is setup for the party, Liam insists on getting Ella dressed. I have strict instructions to wait in the living room with everyone else.

When Liam and Ella make their appearance, I am overwhelmed by the cuteness. Liam is wearing a Batman shirt, Ella has on a black and gold tutu. Her shirt has the Batman logo and says "Daddy's Sidekick".

After they pose for pictures, I approach them. "Adorable. You two are quite the dynamic duo."

Liam grins, wrapping his arm around my waist. "I think it's more like the terrific trio."

I smile. "What's four people called?"

"A quartet? Why?"

"Just curious."

Picking up Ella, I say. "Let's get this party started, birthday girl."

We all head outside where there is plenty of food, drinks, and games. Everything to keep the kids and adults happy.

More guests arrive, including Caroline. I'm so excited to see her, it's been far too long.

Rosa insists on doing most of the work, allowing Liam and I to visit with everyone and enjoy the party.

Ella is the perfect little hostess, toddling around and greeting everyone.

We've set up an area for the kids to watch movies on the outdoor TV. Ella tells Liam, "El El."

"You want to watch Cinderellie, Love?" He starts the movie for her then sits on the ground with the other kids. Ella climbs into his lap.

Liam waves me over. "Join us, Babe. It's your favorite movie."

I sit beside him, he takes my hand and winks. Ella looks down at our hands, adding her little hand on top.

"Look, Ella, it's Gus Gus." Liam points out.

Ella puts her little fists on top of her head, making mouse ears.

Liam pulls out his phone. He takes a selfie of the three of us. Posting it with the caption. "Watching Cinderella with the birthday girl. Now you know where Ella gets her name."

Before we do Ella's cake, Liam says he has a present for her. He nods to Niall, who grabs his guitar. Liam sits down with Ella in his lap. I move to stand in front of them.

I had no idea that Liam had written a song for Ella. My hand is over my heart as I watch my handsome, talented husband singing the sweetest words to our daughter. She sits perfectly still, entranced by her daddy's voice. The love between them, so obvious.