Little White Lies (editing)

Fenwick Road

Their days in Chicago were officially over. It was time to go back to reality. Iris didn't want Vincent staying for so long to avoid unnecessary conflict. She knew her parents sometimes liked to be spontaneous and would most likely show up the 24th.

"Three days Iris that's all I'm asking. I just want to spend time with you and Jo." Vincent said frustratedly.

"Geez Vince why must you be so persistent!" Iris rolled her eyes boarding her plane. "I live at 98 Park Street, Cleveland  Ohio."

She said in annoyance before pecking his lips and heading on the plane. A large smile graced Vincent's face. He didn't know why so. Was it because Iris really loved him or was it because he would get to play family with her and Jolene... probably the latter.

______________________________

Iris was presently in Mr. Goddard's car being brought back to the house. She was so excited to see her baby. The ride felt extra long.

When they pulled into the house, Susanne and Jolene were happily waving. Iris hopped out of the car as soon as it stopped. She and Jolene  running towards each other embracing in a huge hug. "Mama I missed you so much!" Jolene kissed her cheek.

"Not as much as I missed you Jo jo I bet. As a matter of fact I brought you a present back." Jolene's eyes widen. "Buuut you'll have to catch me for it!" Iris said running away.

"Hey that's not fair you're legs are longer than mine mom!" Jolene pouted before running after her.

Robert and Susanne embraced in a long kiss. "Hello my love." He rested his forehead against hers. "Hello honey how was the trip?" Robert proceeded to tell her all about it.

"Oh and dear you and I are going to stay at your sisters for a few days for her birthday." Robert interjected. Susanne looked at him in confusion.

"Why?" Robert laughed. "A special guest will be here around this time tomorrow." Susanne still looked confused.

"Iris's lover." He explained. Susannes eyes widened. "Her lover? I didn't know she had one I want to meet him!" She exclaimed like a protective yet excited mother.

"Oh no darling you aren't ready to meet him." Robert cooed. "Yes I am we are staying!" Susanne said determinedly.

"No we aren't." He responded calmly. "They need some quality couple time."

"I just want to meet him. I never got the pleasure to meet my children's significant other." Susannes lip quivered. Her one miracle baby died at age 3, Iris was like her one chance at a daughter and Jolene her first grandchild.

"I know they are going to last my dear you'll meet him but Mr. Vincent Madden is a little rough around the edges I think he would appreciate some alone time with his sweethearts."  He smiled mischievously.

Susannes mouth dropped. "V-Vincent Madden is her lover? Oh my goodness Robert h-how? Why him, oh he's dangerous!" She gasped nonsense.

"He's helplessly in love with her." He shrugged. "He's the reason Iris is here with us in the first place. Because he loved her too much to put her in harms way."

Susanne didn't know what to say. "Is he going to... take her back?" Her eyes welled up with tears. Robert hugged his wife kissing her cheek. "Most likely Susie. He loves her and she loves him we have to let her spread her wings. Besides you'll get to meet her parents the 27th."

Susanne nodded quickly. "I suppose. Oh I'm such a sap!" She sniffled wiping her tears. "No my dear you're a natural mother. You just love her too much."

Susanne groaned at her pathetic self while Robert chuckled guiding them inside to get their things.

_______________________________

Vincent and Michael pulled up to Park Street. February 18th. He fixed his tie making sure he looked presentable. He fixed his hair, and took nervous steps to the door.

"I'll be right there!" He heard her sweet voice call out. A few moments later the door swung open and Iris smiled embracing him in a hug.

Vincent dipped her a little and kissed her. He felt Iris physically melt into his arms. "Well hello to you too." She blushed a little.

"I missed you doll." He nuzzled her cheek. Iris smiled harder giving him a quick peck.

"Jolene is in the living room, I didn't tell her you were coming. She'll be so surprised." Iris laughed lightly.

He took her hand letting her lead him through the house. Once the got to the living area Vincent was in shock. Jo looked older she had even more crazy hair. She grew a lot taller too.

It made him... sad like he missed out. "Jo Jo we have a guest." Iris spoke. Jolene groaned but instantly stopped when she looked up. She gasped loudly making Iris and Vincent laugh.

She got up and ran into Vincent's arms. "PAPA YOU CAME BACK FOR US!" She exclaimed. Vincent stiffened and Iris froze.

How the hell did this kid remember that! It's been three years, she was four when he made that half-a**ed promise.

"What did you say Jo?" Iris's voice was dangerously calm as she looked at Vincent while she asked. "Papa came back for us now we can be a family." She said still holding on to Vincent.

"Jo sweetie can me and 'Papa' have some time to talk in private while you finish cleaning your room I know you didn't finish cleaning." Jolene sighed letting go of Vincent reluctantly before running off to finish her room quickly.

"You. Sit." Iris's voice sharp. "Doll I can explain." Vincent held his hands up.  "What business did you have telling my daughter she could call you her father?" She said with her arms crossed.

Vincent sighed knowing his excuse would be pathetic. "She was so sad hun! Telling me about your sh*t ex not wanting her, and how her little Italian friends all had fathers then she looked up at me with those little eyes crying. And I couldn't handle it. Ya got the same eyes and I caved!" He panicked.

Iris just stood there with her eyes narrowed at him. "You didn't have the right to do that Vince. That's something big for Jolene and for you to tell her that, then be absent for three years, is not fair." Vincent knew she was upset and he was in the wrong. But that little part of him knew he and Iris would marry and he would truly be her father then.

"That's not something she will take lightly Vincent." She tapped her foot impatiently.

"I understand, I'm sorry for overstepping my boundaries. I'll let Jolene know." He said hesitantly. Iris groaned and rolled her eyes at him walking away to the kitchen. Vincent got on her tail. "What did I do now?!" He aspirated.

"Well you can't take it back now!" Iris threw her hands in the air. "It would crush her even more Vince. Just know you're in the dog house for the next three days."  Iris said before walking away from him.

"Come on Iris I'm only here for three days!" He whined after her.