Page 10 of Outlaw Heartstrings

Ellen

Waking slowly, Ellen stretched luxuriously, the stretch of every muscle telling her that last night hadn’t been a dream. But she was alone. Stretching out a hand, she found Liam’s side of the bed still slightly warm, which meant he hadn’t been gone long.

Rolling to the side of the bed, she stretched again, then quickly dressed and tidied the room, a token to her normal routine. A glance at her phone told her she was behind in her schedule, and LouCiel should have already been pounding at the door. Maybe she slept in too?

She cracked the door and peeked out to see the one just down the hall was also open. On the off chance LouCiel was quietly playing in her room, Ellen took the two steps to reach the entrance and stealthily leaned her head around the doorframe to see inside.

Liam was crouched behind where LouCiel sat on her stool. She was prattling on about something, only a word here and there loud enough for Ellen to catch. Liam was sweeping a brush through one half of LouCiel’s hair, the other already caught up in a pigtail.

“Tell me if I hurt you, Lucy.” Liam’s murmur made LouCiel shake her head, thwarting his efforts.

Instead of scolding her like Ellen likely would have done, he laughed softly and started the process again.

It took a couple more tries, but eventually, he finished and LouCiel sprang off the stool like a pogo stick, twirling and throwing her arms around his neck, nearly unbalancing him in the process.

“T’ank yous,” her little girl crowed, the uneven pigtails bouncing with every movement. “T’ank yous berry much.”

“It’s beautiful. And you’re very welcome. Now, let’s go get you some breakfast, princess.” Liam groaned dramatically as he rose to his feet, LouCiel still in his arms. “And I need some coffee.”

Ellen leaned into the room with a wave. “Morning, you two.”

“Mommy!” LouCiel didn’t release her hold on Liam’s neck. “He fixed my hairs. Said he couldn’t, but then he did it all by himself.” LouCiel’s head shook violently, and she nearly slammed against Liam’s jaw before he could react. “Me pretty.”

“Yes you are.” Ellen stepped closer. “You could have woken me.” With emotions from the night before still flooding through her and the scene she’d just witnessed, Ellen couldn’t imagine hiding this, any of it, from the people she loved.

Rolling to her toes, she placed a kiss on the underside of Liam’s jaw. “But I appreciate the extra sleep.”

An arm slipped around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. LouCiel shifted to one hip as he drew them into a three-way hug.

“My pleasure, darlin’.”

She smiled against his shirt, sharing a look across his strong chest with LouCiel whose mouth fell open dramatically, then morphed into the biggest smile the child could manage.

“I likes dis.” Her little girl snuggled closer, curling against Liam so her head rested on his shoulder. “Dis is nice.”

“Yeah, it is,” Liam agreed with a laugh rumbling through his chest, the happy vibrations making Ellen smile wider. “But I still need coffee.”

“Priorities, I know.” Ellen pulled back and held her hands up. “Come here, monster. We’ll give Liam a break and let him get his caffeine fix.”

“Nope.” LouCiel’s arms visibly tightened around Liam’s neck. “Me fines ri here.”

“Breakfast, right, princess?” Liam winked at Ellen as she stepped away, shaking her head. “Gotta feed my girls.”

Ellen’s breath caught in her chest as that statement warmed her inside and out. Her voice wavered as she forced out, “Sounds like a plan.” His girls.

At Liam’s questioning glance, she shook her head and shot him a beaming smile that seemed to reassure him.

His warm hand settled at the small of her back, steering her towards the hallway and kitchen.

The possessive action acted to reassure her too, reminding Ellen she wasn’t alone in this brand-new exploration of what could be between them.

That led to an almost perfect Christmas Eve.

Snow started midmorning, and Ricky built a fire in the living room, the massive fireplace mantle filled with pictures of the family.

Liam was attentive, staying close, interacting with LouCiel in ways that made Ellen’s eyes sting with tears.

She caught Ricky and Marilyn exchanging dopey smiling glances several times.

It wasn’t until Ricky went to plug in the Christmas tree that Marilyn caught Ellen in the kitchen, making cider and hot chocolate for them all, that she had a moment alone with her mother-in-law.

“I like him for you.” Marilyn was blunt as was her way, and for once, Ellen was glad she didn’t beat around the bush. “I like him for Lucy. Hell, I just like him. He’s good with Ricky, too, and that’s a feat. Boy’s a keeper, my girl.”

Marilyn’s arms encircled her, and Ellen turned to embrace her in return.

“I like him.” Ellen let herself voice the thoughts that had been racing through her head all day. “It’s so fast, but it feels like forever at the same time.”

“You’re like me in a lotta ways, daughter-in-love. When you know, you know, and there’s no amount of talking or fussing that’s gonna change what your heart says.” Marilyn’s arms tightened possessively. “Did you tell him you’re never leaving us?”

Nodding and laughing, Ellen choked out, “I did, and he immediately told me exactly how he can make that happen. It’s perfect. He’s perfect. And so sweet to LouCiel.”

“He sees her as her own person, not a childish extension of you. That’s not something that can be faked. I get the sense he likes us all, individually. Likes you more, obviously.” Marilyn pinched her ass, and Ellen squeaked and pulled away. “You get you a little somethin’ somethin’ last night?”

Ellen’s face heated, and Marilyn laughed at her intoxicated giggle. “Maybe, but that’s not something I’m going to share.”

“Not one to kiss and tell? I like it. Smart girl.” Marilyn’s hands gripped hers as the smile faded from her lips.

“This is me, standing here in our family home and telling you that this is a good thing, Ellen. This is something Ricky and I both support, as long as it’s what you want.

I’m sure Ricky’s going to give him the ‘hurt our girl and you’ll never be found’ speech soon, but I wanted you to know we’re happy for you. ”

“I love that about you both. I’m so lucky to have you in my life…in LouCiel’s life. I just love you.”

“Sucks that Jerry died. Sucks harder he never got to really experience what being a daddy is about. Sucks for you and sucks for Lucy. I’m not saying Irish will ever take his place, but I think there’s a new place here that fits him just right.

What doesn’t suck is that you might get a second chance at love.

That doesn’t suck.” Marilyn shook her hands and leaned in, placing a kiss on Ellen’s forehead.

“And it doesn’t suck that he’s fine to look at either. ”

“Marilyn!” Ellen was surprised into a laugh. “But you aren’t wrong on any of those points.”

“I’m old, but I still got eyes.” Marilyn gave her a sly glance. “Just don’t tell my old man.”

“I’d never rat you out.” Ellen kept her eyes wide, foiling the tears that threatened. “We’d better finish the hot chocolate, or someone’s going to check on us.”

Returning to the living room was like walking into a fantasy.

The tree blinked and flashed, fire clucking quietly to itself on the hearth, and her heart and soul was cuddled on Liam’s lap, gaze turned up to his face adoringly.

He was in the middle of a story, complete with movements and sound effects, and LouCiel was eating it up.

As Ellen came closer, she heard the name Rudolph and realized instead of a motorcycle trip tale, he was giving her a Christmas memory.

Liam looked up, and without missing a beat, held out the arm opposite where he held LouCiel tightly. Ellen snuggled in beside him on the couch, his arm lightly across her shoulders as she fell just a little harder for this man.

***

Irish

Lucy’s nose had been plastered to the front window as soon as full dark had fallen, looking for Santa.

A few minutes after she’d been ushered off to bed with promises of being woken if anyone laid eyes on the jolly old elf, Ellen and Marilyn had pulled a box of prewrapped presents out of the older couple’s bedroom.

Liam found himself with batteries and a screwdriver in hand, putting the final touches on a simple remote-control car.

Being included in the traditions, even in a small way, touched him, and it was with gruff thanks he returned the toy and controller to Ricky.

The man gave him a wry grin and a knock on his shoulder with a muttered, “You’ll get used to it. ”

Once everything was arranged to Marilyn’s satisfaction, she snapped her fingers in Ricky’s direction and demanded, “Drinks.”

“Ma’am, yes, ma’am.” Ricky popped a salute that spoke of military experience and made his way towards the sideboard, where there were bottles and glasses on the top shelf. “Whatever the love of my life desires.”

Liam watched the interaction between the couple with amusement when Ellen’s arm slipped around his waist, fingers of her other hand twining with his. She lifted his arm around her own shoulders and looked up at him with a smile.

“Fair warning. These two are my best examples of marital bliss, so buckle up, bucko.” She squinted her eyes at him in mock threat. “Marky are couple goals.”

“Marky?” He questioned reflexively before the fact it was a shipped name registered.

“Oh, Marilyn plus Ricky equals Marky. Got it.” He pulled her tight against his side, relishing the way she fit there.

“So, you want a snarky, half-seriously-in-love, half-want-to-kill-each-other, tolerant, affectionate relationship?”

“Exactly.” She sighed softly and tipped her head to rest against his shoulder. Marilyn and Ricky had continued sparring, warring now over the ratio of ice to scotch needed. “Watch, she’ll take over in three, two—”

“Good God, Richard Trinity DeShed, one would think you’re looking to be rescued from the worst possible torture with how slow you are pouring drinks tonight.” Marilyn edged Ricky to the side with a bump of her hip. “Let me.”

“Told ya,” Ellen whispered through a giggle. “Hashtag couple goals.”

“Do you want a drink?” Liam noticed the older couple had only prepared two glasses, presumably for themselves.” Ellen shook her head, hair sliding across his arm. “Then let’s be honest with ourselves and acknowledge that we’re both tired. I think it’s time for bed, darlin’.”

“All in favor, say aye.” Ellen was laughing as she raised a hand. “Aye.”

“Aye,” echoed from across the room, and Liam glanced up to see both Marilyn and Ricky smiling at them.

“Night, kids.” Marilyn’s smile widened. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Doesn’t leave much.” Ricky frowned. “Maybe don’t listen to my ole lady.”

“You’re no fun.” Marilyn grumped at Ricky and lifted her glass in a toast. “Seriously, though. To new beginnings.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Ricky brought his glass to his mouth and made good on the statement. “See you in the morning, Irish, daughter-in-love.”

“See you tomorrow. Wake me if LouCiel gets to you first.” Ellen blew a kiss at the couple, and Ricky mimed catching it and plastering it over his heart. “Love you guys.”

“Love you both,” Marilyn shot back with a toss of her head. “Liam, too. You’re basically family now. Rest easy, son.”

Before he could recover from that, Ellen had them turned around and headed towards her bedroom.

“She meant that,” he mused as he closed the door, already sliding his vest off to deal with it respectfully. “That’s crazy.”

“That’s Marilyn.” Ellen’s smile turned fond. “She’s honestly the best.”

“She and Ricky both.” Liam marveled.