Will You Love Me? : The Golden Years

Chapter 19

"So...how do I not rugby tackle this kid?" Ben asked as he took the salad from you and put it on the table. You sighed, then told him, "By giving him a chance? We only know his name and what Em has told us about him. I know you hated Tanner and I did, too, but we have to keep and open mind."

Be sighed and rolled his eyes because he knew you were right. He just didn't need to see his little girl getting hurt again, though he supposes that's every father's nightmare. "So this Chris," he continued, "he's from America?"

You nodded and said, "That's what Em told me. He just moved here, he doesn't have many friends, so give him that London boy charm you gave me." You winked at him, making him smile. "Well, I can't exactly do that," he told you as he wrapped his arms around your waist from behind, "because that charm got you pregnant with twins."

You smacked his shoulder with a giggle. He chuckled, then placed a kiss on your neck before helping you finish setting up the table. Once everything was set, he called, "Em, when is your...friend going to be here?"

"Ben," you warned, "you know she hates it when you call him that." He rolled his eyes. "He's here!" She excitedly called. As she was rushing down the stairs, the doorbell rang and she opened the door. 

You and Ben watched as a very handsome looking kid stood nervously outside. Em led him in and you and Ben made your way over. "Hi, you must be Chris," you sweetly greeted. Chris took a quick breath in, then said, "Yes! Um, you must be Mrs. Cumberbatch."

"Please, call me [Y/N]," you told him. "This is Mr. Cumberbatch, but call him Ben." Ben came over and stuck out his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Chris," he said. Chris shook his hand and said, "The pleasure is all mine, sir. Thank you both for having me over."

You waved him off and said, "Oh it's no problem. Dinner's ready, so if you kids want to sit and I'll grab the rest of the clan." While you went to go grab the other 'batch' of kids, Ben led Chris and Em to the table. 

"I suppose I should hold the questions until your mother gets back," he joked. "How are you liking London, Chris?" Chris nodded and said, "I love it. It's very different from California, but I really do love it...especially since meeting Em."

Em 'awed', then leaned into him. Ben cleared his throat and looked away. You then walked in with Nate, Scar and Conner right behind you. Nate sat down and immediately started glaring at Chris, who was looking uncomfortable. 

"Stop it," Ben said, lightly hitting the back of Nate's head. "What?" Nate asked. "After the last guy, I have the right to make sure he won't be the same way." Chris quickly told him, "Em told me about Tanner and I promise you, all of you, I would never treat her that way."

Nate quirked an eyebrow at him and asked, "How do we know?" You harshly whispered, "Hey!" Ben pointed at him and said, "If you don't stop, you're eating in your room. Chris, we really appreciate you putting our minds at ease."