Hello My Fake Fiancé (Book 1 Hello Series)

HMFF19-The Storm

Chapter 19...The Storm

Dawson 

I wake up around 5 a.m., still fuming about Andrew. The guy has no morals. Who hits on a married, pregnant woman? The thought makes my chest tighten, so I throw on my running shoes and head out for another jog, hoping to clear my head. The cold morning air bites at my skin, but it doesn't do much to cool my temper. By the time I get back to the house, I'm drenched in sweat but no less irritated.

Slipping through the door quietly so I don't wake anyone, I hear voices drifting from the den.

"Now, Andrew, I know things didn't work out the way you wanted them to, but you have to move on," Owen says firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Danielle's married, and she has a kid."

"But sir, I love her!" Andrew growls, his frustration obvious. "You knew I had planned to propose to her while she was here."

I pause mid-step, my suspicions confirmed. So that's why he's been acting like a jealous ex. I threw a wrench in his grand proposal plans.

"Andrew," Owen says, his voice sharp but steady, "I love you like a son, but it's time to grow up and let go. Danielle has made her choice, and you need to respect that. If I hear about you causing any more trouble between her and Dawson, we're going to have a problem. Do you hear me?"

Before I can decide whether to step into the room or slink away, arms wrap around me from behind. I jump, startled, and turn to see Danielle smirking up at me.

"Eavesdrop much?" she teases, her voice soft to avoid waking anyone else.

"I wasn't trying to," I whisper defensively. "I just came in from jogging, and they were already talking."

Her smirk softens into a small smile. "Come on," she says, tugging my hand. "Let's get coffee before you end up hearing something else you wish you hadn't."

We walk into the kitchen together, her hand warm in mine, and the tension starts to fade. I grab a cup of coffee, and she pours herself a glass of milk.

"When you gonna start breakfast?" Owen calls from the doorway, grinning like he's been up for hours.

"Daddy, I just woke up," Danielle says, shaking her head with a laugh. "Give me a minute to wake up, at least."

"Okay, but only one," he says, winking as he sits down.

I set my mug down and turn to Danielle. "Anything I can help with?" I ask, wanting to ease her workload.

Owen's eyebrows shoot up. "Wait a minute. Doc cooks?" he asks, his tone halfway between teasing and impressed.

Danielle nods, giggling. "He's the best, Daddy. Honestly, he's better than me."

"Is that so?" Owen leans back in his chair, clearly entertained. "Well, I've gotta see this. Make sure you wear an apron, Tinkerbell." He tosses his head dramatically, clearly mocking me.

I roll my eyes but grin. "You won't be laughing once you taste my biscuits."

Danielle and I fall into an easy rhythm as we cook, the kitchen filling with the sounds of sizzling bacon and clinking utensils. Abby wanders in, holding Bryson's and Hudson's hands, both boys still half-asleep. As soon as they spot Owen, they wriggle free and run to him, giggling as he scoops them up—one on each knee.

Owen beams at them like the proud granddad he is. "Now, Danielle," he says, looking over at her, "you mentioned earlier that you're pregnant with babies... How many are we talking here?"