Guarded heart

Chapter 35 late night phone calls

CHRIS POV

"Wake up sleepy head" I hear say in my ear and it sounded super loud.

"Why" I ask.

"Because it's five to seven in the morning and your promised Lisa ice cream and waffles now I want them. So get up" Nathan says

"Alright" I say running my eyes then I see that Lisa isn't cuddled up with me.

"Where is Lisa?" I ask.

"Katy and Lisa went to get ready before getting the kids ready" Nathan says.

"Lucky for you I've just got back from mine and yours with some fresh clothes" Nathan says

"Thanks" I say

"Don't just sit there. Get up and get the rest up" Nathan says as I see Luke and Ryan cuddled up asleep. Mick and summer is asleep. Im guessing Sean is getting his little ones ready since summer is asleep. Michelle and Robert seem to be up as well.

"Wakey Wakey waffles and Ice creams await" Nathan shouts and I glare at him.

"What? Someone had to do it" Nathan says shrugging and I shake my head smiling.

"Aww it's to early" luke says.

"I know boo, but remember it's for Lisa" Ryan says

"Where is everyone else?" Summer asks sitting up

"Getting ready already" Nathan says.

"We should also get ready" Mick says stretching.

"You heard the man people. Let's go already" Nathan says.

"I liked you last night now your to cheery for my liking" Luke says.

"Aww sugar pudding" Ryan says standing up an dholding his hand out for luke.

"Who wants coffee or tea?" Katy says standing in the door way.

"A women after my heart" Summer says.

LISA'S POV

"Emma get the door for mummy" I say looking at my little princess now she is all dressed in a cute matching pink jumpsuit to me as Emma's request. Then she wanted matching curly hair like me so I made that happen to.

"Okay mummy" Emma says opening the door and running out as I hobble my way out the room.

"Chris what do you think of me and mummy?" Emma says so I already know Chris is in the landing before I've reached the door.

"Well where is your mummy?" I hear Chris says.

"Look" Emma says and I can imagine here little hand pointing towards the door

"Mummy is in there?" Chris asks.

"Yes, you smell different today" Emma says.

"That's because Nathan brought the wrong aftershave" I hear Chris say as I reach the door frame. And he see he has picked Emma up and he is wearing black trousers with a blue shirt and few buttons undone.

"Well I think we have twins in different decades" Chris says as he clocks his eyes on me.

"Yes, I wanted to match mummy what do you think?" Emma asks.

"You both look beautifully cute" Chris says

"Where is everyone else?" I ask.

"Well if you looked around fully your see that me and luke are right here" Ryan says and I turn my head to see there stood there watching us all.

"Uncle Ryan, uncle Luke mummy said we are all going for waffles and ice cream breakfast is it true?" Emma asks.

"It sure is baby girl. You want to come with us or mummy?" Luke says.

"Mummy can I go with Uncle Luke and Uncle Ryan please?" Emma says.

"Of course you can" I say smiling at Emma.

"Okay give me my baby girl" Luke says holding his arms out for Emma and Emma throws herself into lukes arms.

"Traitor" I say laughing

"Your still the best mummy" Emma says.

"I best be otherwise I will have uncle Sean bring the tickle claw out" I say

"No don't do that" Emma says.

"Emma we are having ice cream and waffles for breakfast" Skylar says coming out the spare room with Dennis in Sean arms and Summer behind Skylar.

"Aunty Lisa dad said I can't wear my fireman trainers" Dennis pouts as Ryan picks Skylar up.

"Well that's because there at home" Summer says and I make a o with my mouth to Summer.

"Well yes we are going for waffle Skylar and Dennis how about a milkshake to make you feel better?" I say

"You know Dennis if your really lucky today and it's okay with mummy and daddy I can arrange for you to use a real firemans hose" Chris says.

"No, I want to do that" Emma says pouting.

"Your ditched me for your uncle luke. But lucky for you I don't hold grudges and I can arrange for it so you all have a turn" Chris says.

"Phew" Emma says dramatically and I glare at luke.

"Don't blame me if she picks up on my little quirks" Luke says

"Alright let's go get breakfast" I say and I wait for everyone to move along so I don't slow them down. But Chris always stands still letting everyone pass by as well and waits until I made my way to him before he speaks.

"Emma isn't the only person who ditched me" Chris says

"What?" I ask confused stopping in my tracks. Chris wraps his arms around me and says "I woke up all alone this morning" before he kisses he swiftly.

"Oh, I had to get Emma ready and I'm always up for ice cream" I say smiling.

"You look amazing today" Chris says then kisses my cheek before he steps to the side letting me go and waits for me to continue to walk well hobble.

"Thanks" I say as I start again

"For what?" Chris asks.

"Staying when I look ugly and broken" I say.

"I'm not going anyway. But your not ugly or broken, Im going to make it my mission to get you to see that" Chris says as we reach the stairs.

"Good luck with that, everyone else had tried for years" I say.

"Ah, but there not me and I don't give up" Chris says as he waits for me to first on the stairs. Then I go to take the first step down. "Well" I start to say before squealing as Chris picks me from behind.

"Just hold the crutches. We have ice cream to get to quickly" Chris whispers in my ears as he starts to carry me down the stairs.

"And I'm the one slowly everyone down when I was on of the first ones up?" I ask.

"No, we still have time it was just an excuse to hold you close again" Chris says and I find myself smiling at his sweet words.

"Keep talking like that and I might let you kiss me again today" I say

"Are you flirting with me?" Chris asks sounding shocked. As leans against the wall holding me close still.

"Maybe, so what if I am?" I ask feeling bold and shocking myself.

"Then you should keep doing it. I like it alot" Chris says before he kisses my neck

"Okay, I don't need to see that. Summer sent me to make sure Lisa wasn't struggling on there's" Sean says coming out the front room disturbing a moment I was enjoying.

"We all need to leave in five minutes" Chris says as he helps me find my balance on my crutches.

CHRIS POV.

We all arrived at the fire station five minutes late but we still made it for waffles and ice cream.

"What's all this?" Bobby says as I get out the car and start to walk around to open the door for Lisa.

"Friend for breakfast" I say.

"I see that but why the sudden last minute?" Bobby asks.

"Everyone needs cheering up lately and well we all know layla makes the best waffles and ice creams going. Plus she already said it was fine" I say opening the door for Lisa.

"Hey Lisa" Bobby says as I hold my hands out for Lisa.

"Hey Bobby, is Steve around I know Emma will be happy to see him again" Lisa says as she takes my hands and I help her stand up out the car.

"Yeah, he seems super excited about all the extra guests this morning" Bobby says as I lift Lisa up into my arms as she wraps one leg around my waist with her arms around my neck and looks at me with a raised eyebrow.

"You don't need the crutches for breakfast, I can be your legs" I say winking at Lisa.

"Well I only have one leg of use what's the deal having none" Lisa says smiling at me.

"Uncle Ryan if mummy is being carried then I want to be carried as well" I hear Emma says and I can't help laughing as I look at Emma who is pouting.

"Did I hear a little Emma wants to be carried?" I hear Steve say and I turn to see Steve walking out the fire station.

"Steve" Emma shouts running over to Steve to say hi.

"Good morning Emma, you ready for waffles and ice cream?" Steve says picking Emma up and turning around to walk back in without greeting anyone.

"Yes, and Chris said we can use the fire hoses, can we?" I hear Emma says

"Did he now?" Bobby says.

"Of course you can. I can show you myself" I hear Steve say.

"Oh come on your be fine after breakfast grumpy" Chris says.

"What is this a mother's meeting or are we going to eat already?" Katy says.

"Lead the way Chris" Bobby says and we all pile into the fire station.

"Aunty Lisa, can you make my hair match yours and Emma's later please?" Skylar says

"Yeah of course I can" I say as we make our way upstairs.

"Mummy you have to do yours the same as we need matching outfits as well" Skylar says

"Oh, okay then" Summer says.

"Your welcome Summer" I say laughing.

"Don't go laughing just yet otherwise I will buy you and Emma matching dresses" Summer says.

"Don't be mean" Hahley says

"Yes, more women for breakfast" I hear and I turn to see Layla is stood at the top of the stairs.

"Hey Layla" I say.

"I'd hug you but it seems Chris is hogging you" Layla says

"You need a hand with anything?" Michelle says

"I'm all good. Come on in and find seats ready for breakfast" Layla says

"Chris it Seems your family gatherings are getting massive" Steve says

"Sorry about that, but although we are not all blood related we are all family and tight knit family at that" Logan says

"Don't be silly. The more the merrier plus we all family in the fire station everyone's family's comes together as huge family. I know it's the same at the police station" Steve says

"Yo Chris, if you end up marrying Lisa one day it's going to be half London at the wedding" Chad says and I feel myself blush as I hide my face into Chris neck

"I don't think we are near wedding talks yet Chad" Chris says laughing.

"You saying my sister ain't worth marrying?" Ryan says

"No, I didn't say that" Chris says

"He was messing with you" Sean says.

"Benny is the one who needs to be thinking weddings" Bobby says

"Don't start on me. Have a word with Clive" Benny says

"Leave me out of it" Clive says.

"I don't care who gets married next I just want a wedding to attend to its been a while" Steve says.

"Okay breakfast is ready come and get it one at a time" Layla says.

CHRIS POV

breakfast went well and everyone got to know each other a little more as well as laughed at the children's questions about the fire station. I tried to convince them the police station was way collier along with Nathan but we were out numbered with the fireman and the kids found the fire station way cooler. Much to the firemans delight who then not only let the kids dress up as fireman, use the hose they also slide down the firemans pole carrying the children. However no one got a look in with Emma except my dad.

Id done the daily gift which was hair straighteners from GHD company. Lisa had a photo of us all eating breakfast holding them taken minus the children before she had a group photo with the children taken. Then she uploaded the one without the children for today's update tagging the fire station, police station, and everyone in attendance in the post. Everyone's phones went crazy within seconds and everyone seemed really shocked how crazy people were on social media over it still.

We were all getting ready to go when a call came in and it was then a rushed bye as they all shouted bye running for the fire engines as we all kept out there ways before heading to our own cars.

Emma and Skylar both decided to go with Ryan and Sean in the cars while Dennis wanted to come with me and Lisa.

By 11am we were all sat on the beach having fun.

Me and Nathan dived straight into the water since he brought our swimming trunks.

"So how are you holding up?" Nathan asks as we make some distance from everyone.

"I'm good" I say

"Don't lie to me man" Nathan says

"Well obviously I'm still pissed about my mums grave and I'm worried about Lisa but I don't know when I see Lisa smile then I smile" I say.

"I noticed and that's why your bend over backwards to make that women happy" Nathan says

"I don't know why but I just find her amazing always have you know that" I say.

"I know I'm glad your winning her round because I think she is as good for you as you are for her" Nathan says.

"What about you how are you holding up?" I ask.

"I'm good I had a few rough weeks but you and your dad helped like always and I'm glad to be back at work. I'm good now" Nathan says

"I'm glad to here that" I say.

"You know I over heard Sarah talking last night before I came into the gym. She has spoken with nearly everyone at work and there determined to stop by that assholes family's regularly to keep them in line and keep tabs on them behind callums back" Nathan says

"We don't need a law suit against us though" I say

"Don't worry there just going to keep a watchful eye and only say something if needed" Nathan says

"Okay so long as it doesn't get anyone in trouble." I say

"Well it's not even the fact everyone can see you two getting close it's purely because alot of few remember walking in and seeing how summer was after both attacks. That's the main thing behind it even though we all look after everyone's family's if needed you can see it's more. So you stay back from it and just look after Lisa we have everything else in hand" Nathan says.

"Okay, anything else I need to know?" I ask

"Nope we are all good" Nathan says.

"Good because I have payback to dish out" I say starting to swim back to shore

"Who is payback on?" Chris asks.

"Lisa" I say laughing

"I don't know what for but this I have to see" Nathan says catching me up.

LISA'S POV

Ryan, Sean and Luke had taken all the kids to grab lunch for everyone while e eryone else was either swimming or sunbathing. Me I was sun bathing with my eyes closed soaking up the sun for a moment.

"Incoming" I hear Chris shout as I open my eyes I see Chris diving for me soaking wet and I screach "What are you doing?" as Chris lands on me with his arms out so he doesn't squash me taking his own weight.

"Payback" Chris says shaking his head and his hair gets me all wet.

"Ah, your crazy" I shout laughing and keep my eyes closed until I feel the water stop falling on my face.

"Crazy? Hmm yeah about you" Chris says then he kisses me quickly.

"And that's me cashing in that kiss you promised me this morning" Chris says smiling down at me.

"I dont know what your on about" I say laughing.

"Maybe you need reminding then?" Chris says as he kisses my cheek then sits to the side of me pulling me to him on my side as he cuddles me close getting me soaking wet.

"Watch the cast" I say pulling my leg back slightly.

"Don't worry I'm not going to get your cast wet but the rest of you is fair game since you got me soaked so many times already" Chris says.

"That reminds me I've yet to find a fish pond for you" I say laughing

"You wouldn't Chris says as his face slowly comes closer to mine.

"I would" I say laughing.

"What if I refuse to kiss you ever again?" Chris says inches away from my mouth

"I think you would cave before me" I say just before Chris locks lips with mine in a lustful steamy kiss that has my toes curling and my arms wrapping around his next.

"Reporters" Nathan shouts breaking me and Chris away from each other to look around. We see a bloke with a camera running down the beach.

"What did he want?" Chris says

"He snapped a picture of you two. Want me to get him?" Nathan asks.

"Well at least this time it's not about the suffering I went through" I say going to sit up but Chris pulls me back to him.

"I will go chase him down if you want me to. I told callum our love life wouldn't become the point of social media" Chris says looking at me.

"It's fine. Like I said at least it's something better than before" I say.

"You should beat him to it by doing your own photo post" Hahley says

"I'd rather not playing there petty games" I say

"Well I think it's a great idea to at least get pictures for ourself" Chris says grabbing my phone and getting the camera up.

"Say cheese" Chris says as we look into the camera. "Cheese" I say but Chris kisses my cheek while snapping the photo.

"Alright lover boy, tone it down before the kids come over. Sean just messaged there pulling up with Kfc" Summer says.

"Good I'm starving" I say

"Really you ate only a few hours ago" Chris asks.

"Stress eating" Katy shouts out.

"Don't judge a women who likes to eat. At least I'm not a salad date the lads moan about" Lisa says

"Very true, there the worst" Nathan says

"Okay, I won't moan" Chris says as we sit up.

CHRIS POV

After we all had lunch we spent time building sandcastle with the kids. We had group photos done. Races along the beach with Lisa being the judge who won them. Then for dinner we had fish and chips on the beach before a ice cream for pudding. Then everyone went there separate ways homes.

I dropped Lisa and Emma home. Emma fell asleep in the car so I carried Emma to bed for Lisa before we shared a cuppa. I made sure I had a cuddle and kiss before I went home for the night and all the way home I couldn't help thinking how today was a better day filled with fun for everyone. I liked how close everyone is in Lisas family and friends group it was lovely to see and reminded me of the fire station and police station groups.

As I got out the shower I could hear

RING RING RING RING RI

Lisa calling

"Hey" I say answering the phone.

"hi" Lisa says

"You okay?" I ask.

"Yeah, I just wanted to ring you" Lisa says

"Why's that?" I ask laying down on my bed with just a towel around me.

"Is it weird I miss you already?" Lisa asks.

"No, I miss you to" I say.

"Really?" Lisa ask.

"Yes, really" I say.

"Then why didn't you ring me if you were missing me?" Lisa asks.

"You wanted me to ring you?" I ask.

"No, yes. I don't know" Lisa says and she sounds so cute.

"I was in the shower, that's why I couldn't ring you" I say making a mentle note to ring Lisa when we are apart in future.

"I must sound clingy" Lisa says.

"You don't. I like that you miss me as well" I say.

"Really?" Lisa asks sounding excited but maybe nervous as well.

"I'm not use to this, it's still a little strange" Lisa says.

"What's that?" I ask wondering what this women of mine is thinking

"You know having someone to miss. It's all new to me. I like it but it feels strange as well" Lisa says.

"That's okay, it just tells me how much you really like me" I say

"I don't know what to say" Lisa says

"What do you want to talk about?" I ask.

"I don't mind, I just like talking with you" Lisa says

"I like talking with you as well. What have you been up to in the what whole two hours we have been apart?" I ask.

"I had a shower now I'm laid in bed talking with you" Lisa says.

"I did the same, although I'm going to miss holding you close to me tonight" I say.

"Im surpised how fast I went from being nervous when you caught me in your arms from falling to start with to beinh so comfortable when we cuddle now. I didn't think I'd ever feel comfortable cuddled up to anyone ever again" Lisa says

"That's a good thing though" I say

"It is, I don't why but you just make me feel at ease" Lisa says.

"Well I'd be worried if you didn't feel at ease" I say

"You know what I mean. What I'm trying to say is I didn't want anyone to come into my life. I didn't want a relationship but I'm glad you came in my life like a mini whirlwind" Lisa says.

"I love you to" I say

"I think I love you to but Im still a little scared to face that thought" Lisa says.

"Why?" I ask.

"Because if I admit I love someone then the wall I build around my heart could be knocked down. Then that could lead to heartbreak and devastation again" Lisa whispers

"Your guarding your heart, but let me tell you I'm going to knock down that wall only and protect it myself by only ever showing you love" I say.

"I thought as much, but there's still this little doubt" Lisa says.

"That's okay, and it's understandable. I will wait and be patient, because that's what you do for the person you love" I say

"Thankyou" Lisa says.

"You don't have to thank me. I don't want your thanks, I only want to see you happy" I say.

"I know, you show that everyday" Lisa says

"Then I know I'm doing something right if you can see that" I say.

"I can't promise, I will be perfect. I can't promise I won't have bitchy moments that could test you because I struggle with adjusting at times. But I can pray your forgive my horrid moments and I can promise I will continue to try even when I have my self doubts" Lisa says.

"I don't need you to be perfect and I promise I will forgive anything moments you have of self doubt while I stand by your side waiting for you to be ready for whatever is to come because I really do love you already. And I really do want you for a life time already" I say.

"I believe you will. But right now I'm just taking one step at a time" Lisa says.

"I know and that's is completely fine because each step of the way I will be glady take with you" I say as I hear Lisa Yawninb down the phone.

"I should let you get some sleep" I say.

"Please don't, keep talking to me. Please, even if I fall asleep hearing your voice its better than being left to my own thoughts trying to process the last few days. I don't want to over think and dwell on things. Your a good distraction for me" Lisa says

"Then I will talk to you until I hear you snoring" I say laughing

"I do not snore!" Lisa says

"You do" I say teasing Lisa.

"I don't, if anyone snores it's you your louder than elephants" Lisa says laughing

"Be greatful I'm not there to silence you saying such things" I say

"Silence me you wouldn't" Lisa says

"I would, I hold you close while I kiss your sweet lips until you forget such thoughts" I say laughing still.

"I wouldn't mind that" Lisa says.

"I can't wait to see you tomorrow and put that into practice" I say.

"Chris" Lisa says yawning

"Yes my love?" I say

"This pillow isn't as good of a cuddle as you" Lisa says yawning

"That's a relieve because I don't need a pillow as comperation" I say smiling

"Hmm you don't have to worry about that" Lisa says sounding very sleepy.

"You should go to sleep. Stop talking and just listen to me my voice as you fall into a wonderful sleep dreaming of me. I will dream of you and we can meet in our dreams. Just not at any pond because I won't become the fish. No somewhere where the sun is warm and wind blows through your hair" I say before taking a break and listening. And I think she has fallen asleep.

"Good night Lisa my little fire cracker. Sleep well and I will see you tomorrow. I can't wait to see your smiling face that makes my heart want to burst with happiness. I can't wait to see your sparkling eyes look at me with love because I already know you love me even if you don't know it yourself. Your eyes tell me my sweet beautiful women" I say before yawning myself