Guarded heart

Chapter 29 BBQ time

CHRIS POV

Emma won the first game like me and Lisa planned. That girl was so happy that me a d Lisa also let her win the third game. It definitely made Emma's day. She told everyone at sprinkles she won us both twice. I won the second game by a few, points it was a close game. I've no doubt if Lisa wasn't in a cast and could move better without any help she would of won me hands down. But a bet is a bet and Lisa lost so she brought us all ice cream.

We even played a few arcade games before we left the bowling alley. But Emma was surprisingly not that bothered by them like I thought she might of been.

I've definitely had a lovely day with Lisa and Emma. They both made me smile and laugh alot. Emma is definitely like her mummy a cutie but strong willed in being competive that's for sure.

We then stopped by mine so I could pack a bag just incase like Summer had said. Nathan was there and I left him to chat with Lisa and Emma while I packed a over night bag.

Nathan is definitely doing alot better and it's good to see my best mate happy again. Before we left Nathan had a word with me in the kitchen saying he was going back to his flat now he was better within himself. I told him he knew he was always welcome if needed and I understood he missed his own surroundings. He said he had left a some beers in the fridge as a thankyou to which I told him that's our next get together sorted then but he could supply the pizza to. He quizzed me on Lisa a little but I said I'd messaging g him later with a update because I promised Emma she would make her family BBQ. Nathan just laughed as he patted me on the back saying to have fun and it was good to see me happier than usual these days.

And that's what I was thinking about in the drive over to Summer and Seans that I have been happier these days and that's because of Lisa.

I'm glad she is willing to take a chance on us on a relationship and I just pray and hope I don't do anything to mess it up ever. Lisa sure is a treasure and that's how I will treat her like my own treasure that needs to be looked after correctly.

Upon arriving to Summer and Seans house Summer answered the door smiling at us.

"Well I hope you all had fun. Now Emma tell aunty Summer where did you go?" Summer says picking Emma up into her arms.

"Hi" I say.

"We definitely had fun" Lisa says.

"Hmm mmm I can tell you all look happy. Chris I hope you brought a over night bag with you" Summer says

"It's in the car just incase" I say.

"Okay, Lisa can show you the way to the garden. I'm taking Emma on with me she can tell me all about your day" Summer says

"We went bowling and then to sprinkles and then to Chris's House and Nathan was there. He made a orange juice and gave me some penny's for sweets" Emma says as Summer starts carrying her away.

"lead the way then" I say turning to smile at Lisa.

"This place is like home from home to me and Emma. After Emma was born I spent every Weekend here we both have our own rooms. Emma even had a nursery Summer was like a second mum in guidance on being a mum. And Sean and Ryan treat Emma as if they were there's not just there niece. Even luke adores Emma's like his own. They were gutted when I got my own place and I still stay here alot. We still have our own rooms and I have a feeling Summer is up to something I doubt your be in the guest room where the usual guest rooms are I have a feeling your be near mine and Emma's room" Lisa says.

"You think Summer is still playing match maker?" I ask laughing as I follow Lisa through this huge place and it's stunning inside as well.

"Yes, no doubt she is grilling Emma on the sly way to figure out how things are going between us" Lisa says.

"Do you want everyone to know we are together but taking things slow?" I ask.

"I don't mind, what about you?" Lisa asks.

"I told you I'd be proud to tell the world your my women but your running the show" I say.

"I know, but isn't a relationship where you take each others feelings into consideration? Wouldn't it make me a bad person and partner if I didn't ask?" Lisa says stopping in her tracks.

I place my hand over Lisas hand.

"Your right, but I happy with whatever you choose. So you do what you feel is right" I say then I place a kiss on Lisas cheek.

"Okay be prepared to be grilled by my family" Lisa says then she starts to continue to show me the way.

"You know I have had a great day today. I've also got a few weeks of work and I'm hoping you and Emma will join me in some more fun days together if your both okay with that" I say.

"We would like that. What other fun days do you want to do?" Lisa asks

"Aunty Lisa!" Dennis shouts.

"Hey mate, where are you going?" Lisa asks.

"To the toilet, then I'm going to win daddy in a race although I don't think I will win uncle Ryan or Mick" Dennis says.

"Is Katy, Michelle and Hahley her with there family's?" Lisa says.

"Yes" Dennis says as he runs off.

"Looks like your meet the whole gang tonight then" Lisa says.

"Sound like fun" I say as we reach the backdoors and I look outside to see all the lady's are huddled at a patio set with a little baby being cuddled by Katy if I remember correctly. Then all the men are racing the kids.

LISA'S POV

"About time you showed up" Katy says

"We are here now. I didn't know you all were coming though" I say.

"Yeah well we all know how you need something fun today so we sorted the BBQ so we could have a evening" Hahley says.

"Yeah, looks like we were beaten to that idea though" Michelle says.

"Well it was a fun day" Chris says waving to them.

"Come on Chris come join us" Luke shouts out.

"Looks like your wanted" I say

"I will be back soon race's look like fun" Chris says.

"Have fun" I say.

"You want me to help you to the table first?" Chris asks.

"I'm good. You go ahead otherwise the women will no doubt grill you" I say.

"I will take your word for it" Chris says then he runs over to the lads to join in the kids races. Summer pulls a chair out for me as I near the table so I can sit down.

"Okay spill, how's things going with you and Chris?" Katy says.

"Good" I say

"Did the mighty I don't need anyone Lisa just say good and smile about it?" Michelle says.

"Oh hush and pass me Lewis already. I've missed the baby cuddles" I say smiling.

"So when's the next date night?" Katy asks as Michelle passes me Lewis.

"I'm not sure, but I agreed to spend a few more days with him with Emma as he has some time off work" I say.

"Hmm mmm, and how come he managed to get you out the house yesterday? What did you do?" Hahley asks.

"That bloke challenged me and you know me I won't be proven wrong! And then he brought us dinner and we had a picnic dinner in the forest. It was going lovely until I had to take his confidence down a notch let's just say he ended up with a football in his crown jewels before we ended up going to punch a punching bag" I say.

"That's brutal" Katy says.

"Yeah, that does sound painful" Summer says screwing her face up and I can't help laughing and even Hahley laughs.

"How did you manage to tackle a punching bag with a cast?" Hahley asks confused.

"Chris was my support in holding me up. It felt good to still be able to throw punches while imagining it was that thing" I say with distateste in my mouth.

"And your feeling better today?" Summer asks.

"You know what it's weird I do feel better but there's something different as well. It's hard to explain" I say taking a glance at Chris and seeing he has picked up katys little girl who is two to run with in the race.

"I'd say that different feeling is something do with Chris" Katy says.

"I agree. You all let me fall to the floor after I kick the hell out of a punching bag! Yet Chris didn't let me fall no he caught me and held me until I fell asleep. It was different. Your all cruel" I say

"That's called having someone showing you love and support when you need it" Michelle says

"Yeah and boy sounds like you liked feeling that" Katy adds.

"You think so?" I say

"Yeah, it's clear that man loves you already. A little birdy told me that he has had a crush on you for a long time. They reckon Chris has fallen in love with you" Summer says.

"I know, Chris told me that already. But I know I like Chris alot I'm just not sure if you can call it love. What does love actually feel like?" I ask.

"Your figure it out but I have a feeling your falling head over heels in love with Chris" Summer says.

"Totally" Katy says agreeing with Summer.

"Don't be afraid to fall in love. I reckon Chris is good for you and if he does end up a bad cookie you know I will hurt him even worse" Hahley says

"I know, that's one of the reasons why I'm willing to try. Because although you all have driven me crazy these last few weeks trying to play match makers ect I know that you all would have my back if things went pair shaped again. But I agree I think Chris is a good cookie" I say.

"That's our girl, it's about time you" Katy says

"That's leads me to something I want to ask Hahley in private" I say.

"What's up? What's happened?" Hahley says looking concerned.

"Here Summer take Lewis a second I promise its nothing bad. But well I don't want to sound stupid infront of you all and you all know Hahley has been through what I've been through" I say.

"You know we wouldn't think your stupid" Summer say taking Lewis from me.

"Yeah, if anything we might even be able to help to. Come on us girls are always in everything together just tell us all we swear not to judge or laugh or think your stupid" Katy says taking my hand.

"I promise to" Michelle says.

"Okay well listen carefully and don't go being big mouths all the men are just over there" I say lowering my voice and all the girls huddle closer to me.

"Well I was really scared that kissing, and doing other things would freak me out and through me back to the past. But me and Chris have well kissed and i don't know why I was scared it wasn't anything like you know what. If anything I loved it. Hahley will it be the same with everything else when the time comes?" I ask.

All the girls start screaming happily the men look over and I swear I could go red in the face." Shh, there all looking" I say.

"Sorry we are just so happy for you" Summer says.

"The answer is I don't know. Something could trigger you to that place it may not I can't promise everything will work out the same. Just be ready and if it does trigger bad memories that's okay take a step back and don't let it scare you away from Chris. I'm sure he will understand" Hahley says quietly.

"Plus we are all a call away to help you if that happened. Just enjoy everything and try not to over think it" Katy says.

"Okay what's going on here? Is one of you pregnant again?" luke shouts.

"Nope! And we are not telling you?" Summer shouts back.

"Baby girl I thought we were friends" He says faking a hurt expression.

"We are but it's top secret" Katy says laughing.

"We are all watching you like hawks something is happening and we won't rest until we find out" Mick says.

"Yeah, Chris trust me these women only ever scream like that when someone is pregnant! Now we all need to find out which one of our women is pregnant" Logan says.

"Well it ain't mine" Sean says.

"Not mine either" Logan says.

"Mick you got something to share?" Ryan asks.

"Nope Hahley is definitely not pregnant we have a baby already maybe a year or two" Mick says and all us women are laughing at them as they are now surrounding us

Ryan and Sean both look at each other then from me to Chris.

"Oh no you don't! Are you seriously even letting that thought cross your mind. Wow and I thought you knew me better!" I say crossing my arms giving them both stern looks as the girls laugh at me.

"She is not pregnant. No one is pregnant but you can all mind your own business for now" Michelle says.

"Yeah we can get excited over other things you know" Katy says.

"Dude, you and my sister more than dating aren't you?" Ryan says turning to look at Chris. Chris looks at me and I can tell he is sayi g you run this show not me by the raised eyebrow.

"Lisa?" Sean asks.

"Nothing serious it's early days but yes we are official" I say and Chris smiles as the girls scream again.

"You didn't tell us that!" Summer says.

"You sly fox" Hahley says laughing

"What you think I'd just kiss anyone?" I say laughing

"That's what you were screaming about because they kissed?" luke say laughing.

"Yeah have you met Lisa? That was bigger news than any pregnancy announcement" Katy says.

"Good point" logan says.

"Look after her otherwise you have all of us to deal with" Mick says patting Chris on the shoulder.

"Trust me Mick and I will happily join her brothers in taking your ass Down if you hurt Lisa" Logan says.

"Step in line behind me and Summer" Hahley says mocking the boys.

"Alright you all play nicely. You all nagged enough for me to find someone don't go scaring the bloke off on day one" I say rolling my eyes at them all

"Don't worry, I don't scare that easily my little fire cracker" Chris says

"Fire cracker?" Luke says.

"Yes as of last night she is a little fire cracker. A fire in the pit of their stomach while she cracked that punchbag like her life depended on it" Chris says coming to take a seat next to me as he takes my hand in his.

"That's cute, different to the usual pet names" Michelle says.

"When is the BBQ food being cooked?" I ask changing the subject.

"Now, they had there fun it's time they got crackering with the cooking" Summer says.

"That included you romeo" luke says looking at Chris.

"Romeo?" I question.

"He has to be some kind of Romeo to win you over that's for sure" Luke says.

"Good point" Sean says

"Have fun" I say to Chris.

"I will" Chris say kissing my cheek as he gets up to go join the lads in cooking.

"Omg I never thought is see the day" Summer says excited.

"I haven't told mum and dad yet" I say

"Okay I won't say anything but, I can't promise your brothers won't" Summer says.

"I know I will tell them when I speak with them next" I say.

"There be happy with the news" Katy says.

"Yeah for sure your mum really wants this an dyour dad likes Chris as well" Summer say.

"I just hope I made the right choice taking a chance in doing something out of my comfort zone. But I don't know why Chris just makes me want to take chances. He challenges me without pushing boundaries and I have fun with Chris. I also enjoy spending time with him" I say

CHRIS POV

It was good getting to know Lisas brothers a little more. It was also good getting to know Logan and Mick as well. From what I've gathered any group gatherings id be seeing them at if Lisa is there. They said the girls are mega close and that they tell each other everything.

We all took turns Cooking the food and enjoyed a few beers. It reminded me of the bbqs with the fire crew and there family's that happen regularly just a smaller crowd. I can't wait to rock up with Lisa to the next one of Lisa will go with me. Some of the older wife's that look out for me like a son since my mum past away have been trying to get me a women for a few years now so Im sure they will be happy to see me rock up with Lisa.

The women had set up some cushions on the floor for the kids with plates full of foods.

The women where now sat around a fire pit on outdoor sofa loungers as we finished off the cooking and joined the lady's. I took a seat next to Lisa with a hotdog on a plate.

"Having fun?" Lisa asks as she rest her head against my shoulder. I wrap a arm around Lisas shoulder smiling.

"Yes, you had a good day?" I ask

"Yes a great day" I say

"Mummy Dennis has fallen asleep" Skylar shouts out.

"I will take him to bed" Sean says getting up.

"That boy loves his sleep" Summer says

"That reminds me I should have Lewis settled down in the nursery is the baby monitor still set up?" Hahley asks.

"Yeah, it's all ready to go" Summer says

"Don't worry love I will take Lewis you have a rest" Mick says.

"Robert will be here soon can you keep an ear out for him" Michelle says

"Sure" Mick says

"Robert is Michelle partner. He is a surgeon" Lisa says.

"Yes, and Robert was the person Lisa least trusted for a long time" Summer says.

"He is alright. It wasn't personal I just didn't trust doctors for a long time" Lisa says.

RING RING RING RIN

I look at me phone and see it's Bobby

"Hey Bobby" I say answering the phone.

"Chris I don't know how to tell you this buy your dad visited your mums grave today. Some broke the headstone and he has shut himself away in the office. I don't know what to do" Bobby says.

"What? Why didn't he ring me and tell me?" I ask

"He wants to have it fixed before you find out. He knows it would upset you. But in not sure how to get through to your dad" Bobby says as I stand up and walk away to the side. Having a tear in my eye.

"Of course I'd be angry that is my mums grave. I will have it fixed but as for my dad I will ring him now" I say

"Okay, I will stay make sure he is okay tonight. But maybe speaking with you will help" Bobby says.

"Yeah, thanks for letting me know" I say.

"If you need to chat just hollar" Bobby says.

"Thanks" I say

"Anytime take it easy" Bobby says then he hangs up.

I close my eyes as I take a few deeps breaths. My dad never got over my mum she was his whole world. I thought he might of tried dating again but he hasn't been interested my mum still claims his heart as much as still claims a big hold of my heart as my mum. I can't do much for her since she past away but me and my dad always make sure her grave is full of flowers and tidy. I briefly stopped by there a few days back and it was good then. I told my mum all about Lisa and Emma. The grave was all fine then. So I can only imagine how upset my dad is because I'm raging just hearing it, yet my dad saw it in person.

"You okay?" Ryan asks walking towards me.

"I need to speak with my dad someone has destroyed my mums grave. It might take a while is there somewhere I can take this call in private?" I ask.

"Sure follow me" Ryan says.

I follow Ryan and find myself in a games room. Now this room looks like fun I think to myself as Ryan pours me a whiskey from the bar. "Here have this I will leave the bottle on the bar incase you need more. I can only imagine how you must be feeling right now. Take your time and if you need to leave then we can arrange that. But I do want your car keys. Its a common rule here we look after others" Ryan says.

"Thanks. You can take my keys but I wouldn't drink drive I've seen how that ends to many times" I say passing the keys over.

"I'm sure you have. I shall tell the others it's work related so you don't have to feel pressured in why you disappeared for abit. Take your time" Ryan says

"Thanks" I say.

Once Ryan has left I ring my dad.

RING RING RING RING RING RING RING R

"Hello" my dad says answering the phone.

"Bobby rang me" I say.

"He told you?" my dad says sounding angry.

"Yes and I'd rather know though. Dad of course I'm angry someone has done that to mums grave but I'm still your son and I want to be there for you as much as you want to protect me. We both miss mum dearly and I shall help fix up the grave. I will also ask around see of we can find out who did this but it's was probably drunks or youths it's usually the case" I say.

"Your mum was a good women she would be proud of you son I know I am. Your a good person just like me and your mum taught you to be. I work hard and I'm a good person to so Im angry people done this to us when we will probably help them unknowingly one day between the two of us with our careers" my dad says.

"I know that, but all we can do is correct there mistakes. Plus mum wouldn't want us to be sad so let's have a angry day and move forward tomorrow shall we?" I say

"Your right. Now tell me what have you been up to these past few days" my dad says changing the subject.

"I got myself a women" I say smiling thinking of Lisa.

"I'm glad things are going well. Make sure you bring Lisa and Emma by soon. It will be good to see them again. If your mum was here she was be so happy and begging for grandchildren" My dad says and laugh at that.

"I don't think we are ready for baby's just yet. But I'm sure Emma can keep you on your toes in the meantime" I say.

"That little girl has a character on her she definitely liven up the fire station the other week. Such a good girl" My dad says

"You should of seen her face winning bowling today is was brilliant" I say.

"Bowling aye?" my dad says

"Yes, Lisa had a rough day yesterday so I wanted to do something to cheer her up today" I say.

"You really fell for Lisa didn't you?" my dad says.

"I sure did" I say.

"I reckon in a few years there will be a wedding invite going out. I've never seen you smile the way you do at Lisa. You remind me of how I would look at your mum. Its somethings special son" My dad says.

"Thanks dad. You might just be right" I say.

"I will pop by tomorrow. I will see if Lisa and Emma would like to join me if you want?" I say.

"I'd like that" my dad says.

"Okay I will ask Lisa and let you know buy either way I will pop by and see you" I say.

"Okay well I'm stuck to my eyeballs in paperwork so I'm going to go" my dad says

"Dad go make a cuppa first and take five minutes. Mum wouldn't want you over worked and I don't like seeing you over worked. I still need my dad you know" I say.

"Okay son. Onky because you asked and not because Bobby rang you" my dad says.

"Thanks dad. Have a good evening" I say

"Night son" my dad says.

"Night dad" I say then I hang up.