Chapter Text
Rain drummed down onto the dry pavement; people ran for shelter from the small shower that descended from the heavens. A young woman ran into a small bar; a neon red ‘open’ sign shining away. She removed her hood and looked around at the bar. There wasn’t many seats available. A man was stood on a makeshift stage giving the audience a bad rendition of I will always love you.
She took a seat on a bar stool, her fingers nervously combing through her wet hair.
“What can I get you?” Came a deep voice.
“Urm… What do you have?”
“Anything you want, I can probably make.”
Gwen looked at the balding man and froze.
“Daz, I’ll sort this side. Go get Ryan of the stage before we lose customers.” A second husky voice called. “Sorry about him. He’s more forceful with customers, makes the minors leave.”
“O-Oh. It’s okay.”
“So, what are you having?”
“I-I don’t know.”
“Okay… Do you like fruity drinks?” Came his voice.
His voice rubbed against her in all the right ways. A simple nod of her head had the bar tender ducking down and pulling out a cider. Opening it he placed it on the bar and grabbed a straw and popped it in the drink.
“T-Thanks.”
“No problem. I’m Blake”
“Well how much do I owe you Blake?”
“Five dollars and your name” Blake replied smoothly.
“Gwen… My names Gwen.” She replied offering him a small smile.
She handed him over the money and turned to watch the stage. She saw the man Blake, had called Daz helping the singer off the stage. She turned to look at Blake and saw him smile as a woman twice his age came up to the bar.
“Are you singing tonight Blake?” She asked.
“I might. Don’t want to embarrass myself though.”
“You’ve never bothered about that before” she replied eyeing him suspiciously.
“I know but I-I have a reason tonight.”
Gwen caught Blake nodding his head in her direction from the corner of her eye.
The older woman smiled at Blake.
“You know, a girl loves a man that can sing.”
“Maybe you’re right, Kerry”
Gwen took a sip of her drink before turning her attention back to the stage. Daz was looking at Blake signalling him for something. Shortly after Blake was making his way towards the stage. He sat down on a stool Daz had positioned and started strumming on his guitar. He was looking at the audience, scanning the many familiar faces as he got into the zone. His eyes locked with Gwen’s as he changed the chords he was playing on his guitar beginning his song.
His soothing voice echoed from the speakers dotted around the room, as he began to sing:
I've been a walking heartache
I've made a mess of me
The person that I've been lately
Ain't who I wanna be
But you stay here right beside me
Watch as the storm goes through
And I need you
'Cause God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I've lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it's true
God gave me you, gave me you
His eyes left Gwen’s as he looked over at Daz and then at the woman, Kerry, who had been asking him to sing. His eyes came back to Gwen’s as he sang the next few verses.
There's more here than what were seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me
You'll always be love's great martyr
And I'll be the flattered fool
And I need you, yeah
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I've lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it's true
God gave me you
On my own I'm only
Half of what I could be
I can't do without you
We are stitched together
And what love has tethered
I pray we never undo
'Cause God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
And for when I think I've lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it's true
God gave me you, gave me you
He gave me you
Gwen was transfixed, by his voice; it was like he was speaking to her soul. Gwen could feel her cheeks flushing with colour as she watched the man sing his heart out.
When the song drifted to an end Blake bowed, before heading off the stage and back to the bar. He was serving a few guys at the bar; while the next singer set up. Gwen turned towards him and watched as he sped through the drink orders, taking the money then handing out change. Gwen hadn’t realized how much of her drink she had drunk; until she started making slurping noises through the straw. Blake eyed her before handing her another full bottle. Gwen reached into her purse to hand him more money but he ignored it and went back to serving the rest of the customers.
Gwen felt this weird feeling like she had always belonged in this town. It was like she was meant to meet this man. She was in the right place. She had a sense of belonging. But maybe that was the alcohol speaking.
The crowd eventually died down at the bar and Blake came over to where Gwen was perched. He took two shot glasses down from the top shelf and poured two shots of Sambuca. Gwen eyed him suspiciously.
“It’s a ritual. Newbies in town take a shot.” Blake said pushing the small glass towards her.
“How do you know I’m staying?”
“People don’t come here for a holiday, a lot come for a fresh start or a simpler life away from the city.”
He picked up his own shot and waited until Gwen relented and picked up her own glass. On the count of three they both shot the liquor back; Gwen could feel the burn in her throat, hot and strong. Blake didn’t seem affected by it but, if he was a bar tender he probably wasn’t.
“So… What’s a girl like you doing here?” Blake asked taking the glass and two empty bottles from Gwen.
“I’m not sure your boss, would like you suggesting I shouldn’t be in a bar like this.” Gwen teased.
“Somehow I don’t think he’ll mind.”
“Well, as you guessed I’m new in town I’m staying at a hotel at the moment and wanted to get out. It started raining so I came here. What about yourself?”
“Born and raised here. Never felt the need to leave. Not anymore at least. When I was younger it’s all I wanted.”
“What changed?”
“I realised what I had and didn’t want to lose it.”
Gwen nodded and reached into her purse placing a twenty-dollar bill on the bar.
“I want as many as I can buy with that.”
“Are you sure? I mean can you handle that many?” Blake questioned.
“I’m sure. Come on cowboy….”
Gwen could already feel the effects of the previous two drinks, plus the shot. She was regretting the decision for another four but she wanted to prove herself to Blake for some reason. She needed to do it.
Blake shrugged and pulled out another drink. Before he gave her the alcohol he held out his hand expectantly.
“I just payed you.” Gwen said raising her eyebrow.
“I want your car keys. Then you can have the booze.”
Gwen relented and handed her car keys over. She wouldn’t tell him the car had broken down three times since she got in town. That’s dodgy salesmen for you. Gwen sighed and took another sip of her drink.
Blake had kept a close eye on her all through the night. Making sure the bachelors of the town kept their distance on the slightly drunk new comer. He was getting ready to close-up for the night when his buddy Luke came in.
“Hey man, didn’t think you were coming back until tomorrow.”
“I wasn’t but Caroline missed me so I came back early. Just came to see if you were free for a get together tomorrow. The kid friendly kind.”
“Yeah, I’m free, I’ll see if Ava is up for it.”
“Sounds good to me. You know there’s a slacker behind you, right?”
“Yeah, she’s new in town. I’m going to take her to my place so she can get some rest.”
“I’m not sure Ava is going to like that.”
“What’s the worst that can happen?”
“Hmm, we’ll see.” Luke said turning to leave.
Blake sighed and looked back at Gwen. She was fast asleep on the stool. Ava wasn’t going to like this. At least she wouldn’t know until the morning. Blake flicked the lights off and scooped Gwen into his arms bridle style. Her head furrowed into his neck and her hand fisted his shirt. She acted so tough and yet seeing her like this she seemed so fragile. He couldn’t even think about her been stuck in a hotel.
Blake pulled up outside his ranch and saw the lights on. He looked at his phone and saw it was past midnight. Usually he’s back way before twelve but tonight was an exception. He looked at Gwen snuggled up in the back of his truck with his old blanket. Blake climbed out of the truck and felt the cool night breeze brush his skin. He manged to get Gwen out of the car without disturbing her and entered the house. He saw Sarah passed out on the couch and smiled at the sight. Ava must have worn her out. Blake started up the stairs and saw the landing light off. He made his way to his bedroom and saw the bed empty. He was shocked that Ava wasn’t curled up in bed like she usually was. He gently laid Gwen down on the comforter before heading downstairs and locking up. He placed a blanket over Sarah and checked the other two rooms. He found Ava fast asleep in bed and smiled at her before closing the door and heading back to his room. He managed to manoeuvre Gwen into the bed and stripped down to his boxers and t-shirt. He climbed in bed next to Gwen, careful not to knock her as he switched the lamp off. He closed his eyes and relaxed into the mattress letting sleep take over his body.
The next morning Blake woke up at seven, he had a head on his chest and a hand on his heart that didn’t belong to him. Blake’s mind was a bit fuzzy but it cleared up when he realised the woman next to him was the woman from the bar. Her hair a golden colour in early morning sun. He slowly climbed out of bed and pulled some trousers on before heading downstairs to make breakfast.
He made pancakes with bacon and fresh coffee. By the time it was ready, Sarah had arisen from the couch. Ava was still asleep along with Gwen from the sounds of it.
“Hey Mr Shelton. Sorry I fell asleep.” Sarah said as she sat on a stool at the kitchen island.
“It’s okay, I was late coming home. I text your Dad last night and let him know you were crashing here. There’s some money on the table for you too.”
“Thank you.”
“You staying for breakfast?”
“Sure. I wouldn’t miss your pancakes for the life of me.”
Blake chuckled and started dishing up some pancakes.
Gwen woke up, her head was banging and her body ached. She looked around the room and realised she had no idea where she was. She looked under the cover at her body and a flood of relief swam through her once she saw her clothes on. When she looked up again she saw a little girl stood next to the bed. Her small arms were crossed and her foot occasionally tapping the floor.
“Who are you?” The girl asked.
“Gwen” She croaked out.
“Why are you in my Daddy’s bed?” The young girl asked.
“I’m not really sure.” Gwen replied looking around trying to remember what happened.
All she could remember was drinking at the bar and feeling tired as she waited for Blake to come back and carry on their conversation. Gwen glanced around again and saw a plaid shirt screwed up on the floor.
“DADDY!” The little girl screamed causing Gwen to wince, her hands coming up to hold her head.
Gwen could hear heavy footsteps climbing the stairs and then Blake was stood in the door frame.
Blake? He has a daughter? Is he married? Did I flirt with a married man? Oh, my God! Gwen thought as she watched Blake scoop the little girl up.
“Ava, this is my friend Gwen… She probably has a headache this morning so you need to be a bit quieter okay?”
The little girl nodded and hid her head in Blake’s shoulder. Blake took the opportunity to look at Gwen, she looked lost and confused.
“Come on, let’s have breakfast and I’ll explain.” Blake said waiting for Gwen to climb out of bed.
Once he got downstairs he pulled out a chair for Gwen and slid Ava into her chair. He placed a plate of pancakes in front of each of them and added a few slices of bacon to Ava’s plate. He looked at Gwen in offering but she gently shook her head; she looked over at Sarah then back at Blake.
“Sarah’s not mine.” Blake chuckled noticing the expression on her face.
“Nope. I’m going to head off Mr Shelton. Let my Dad know when you want me to babysit next.”
“Thank you, Sarah.”
Blake showed Sarah out, when he returned to the kitchen Gwen and Ava were staring at each other. They had both finished their food and were sat in an awkward silence.
“Let’s go to the living room.”
Gwen followed Blake and Ava, sitting on the couch as Blake held a suddenly shy Ava on his lap.
“You got pretty drunk last night and passed out. There wasn’t anyone I could call for you, so I brought you back here. I would have slept on the couch but Sarah was already fast asleep so I put you in my bed and woke up this morning next to you a bit foggy myself.”
“Wait, so me being laid on a man wasn’t a dream?”
“Afraid not I don’t have a bed in the playroom.”
“And your wife?”
“I’m not married it’s just me and Ava, right Ava?”
“Yep Daddy.”
Ava climbed off Blake’s lap and went and found her doll. She brought it back over to the couch and Blake pulled her up onto his lap, expecting her to stay there; instead she moved closer to Gwen.
“This is my dolly, Kayla.”
Gwen looked at the dolly, the blonde hair wrapped in what was meant to be plait.
“Wow, she’s pretty just like you. Did you do her hair?”
“No Daddy did. Can you do her hair? Daddy made it look messy” The four-year-old asked.
Gwen looked up at Blake and saw him watching the interaction. Usually Ava was a tyrant whenever Blake brought a woman home but with Gwen she was happy and bubbly. Gwen undid the doll’s hair and started to do a French plait. Ava sat mesmerised watching Gwen’s hands as she played with the doll.
Ava turned to look at her Dad.
“I want Gwen to do my hair!” She said running off upstairs to grab her brush.
“Sorry about her. She’s not usually this bubbly around women” Blake stated.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind.”
“You don’t have to do her hair. I can do it, I’ve been watching how to videos on YouTube.”
Gwen chuckled and looked into Blake’s aqua blue eyes.
“It’s the least I can do. I mean you let me crash at your place”
Blake was about to say something when Ava came running up to Gwen thrusting the brush into her hands. Ava plonked herself down on the floor between Gwen’s legs and waited for Gwen to start. Gwen couldn’t help but smiling at the little girl.
“Uncle Luke invited us to a barbeque tonight Ava. Do you feel like going?”
“Can Gwen come?”
Blake looked at Gwen trying to gouge her reaction.
“If she wants to come.” Blake said locking eyes with Gwen.
“Please Gwen…. Please.” The little girl begged.
“Sure, I mean if you are certain that Luke won’t mind.”
“Not at all darlin’.” Blake replied smiling at the woman.
Gwen had just finished plaiting Ava’s hair when the little girl jumped up and ran to the mirror. Her little hand feeling the two plaits going down either side of her head. She ran back to her dad and looked him in the eyes.
“Daddy can Gwen do my hair every day?”
“No, baby. Maybe she’ll teach me some styles though.” Blake replied looking over at the blonde woman.
“Sure.”
“Gwen, come look at my room!” Ava shouted grabbing Gwen’s hand and pulling her towards the stairs.
Blake chuckled at his daughter’s enthusiasm. She had really taken a liking to Gwen. While the girls were gone, Blake took out his phone and shot a text over to Luke letting him know he was bringing a plus one that night.
Blake traced the girls’ footsteps and found them sat in Ava’s room. She had handed Gwen a doll and they were both sat cross legged on the floor playing with Barbies.
“Ava, you’re going to have to let Miss Gwen go, she probably has things to do.” Blake said watching the girls.
Gwen smiled down at the doll, her cheeks turning a deep rogue.
“No. I don’t want her to go. Please don’t go.” Ava said, her bottom lip protruding in a deathly pout.
“Maybe, I can come back another day. And you’ll see me tonight.” Gwen supplied.
Ava nodded as she stood up and walked over to Gwen. The little girl wrapped her arms around Gwen and held her tight. Gwen did the same, savouring the comfort she got from the little girl’s gesture.
“Hey Ava, we have to take her home anyway so don’t get too upset.” Blake said leading the way downstairs. “Sorry about her. She’s never been this clingy. But she’s really taken a liking to you.”
“I like her too. Her dad’s not that bad either.” Gwen teased.
Blake had just pulled up outside the only hotel in town. Gwen was prepared to climb out of Blake’s truck when he spoke up.
“Do you want me to collect you tonight? You don’t have to come. But I don’t mind collecting you.” Blake asked.
“Would you mind picking me up? My cars broke.”
“Broke how?”
“Won’t start.”
“Daddy fixes cars.” Ava’s small voice came from the back seat.
“I can take a look if you want.” Blake questioned.
“I don’t want to bother you. I can just call a tow or something.”
“The nearest mechanic is in the next town. I don’t mind.”
“O-okay. Yeah.” Gwen nodded.
Blake got out of the truck and reached in the back to pull Ava out. He set her on the floor and watched as she ran to the reception area of the hotel.
Gwen led Blake to her car and watched as he popped the hood.
“I’m going to get changed… Are you okay? Do you need my keys?”
Blake pulled out her car keys and dangled them in the air.
“Wow you really did look after me last night.”
Blake let out a deep chuckle as Gwen went to get changed. Gwen came out a few minutes and saw Ava sat on the floor drawing patterns into the dust. Gwen had changed into denim shorts with a tank top. She sat next to Ava and watched Blake. His muscles rippled under his shirt as he moved.
“Do you like my Daddy?” Ava asked out of the blue.
“Yeah, I do.” Gwen replied.
“Can I tell you a secret?”
“Sure…”
The little girl stood up and put her mouth to Gwen’s ear as she whispered.
“Daddy says he likes you. But I’m not meant to tell you.” Ava said pulling away giggling.
Gwen couldn’t stop smiling as she looked back over at Blake. She had no idea what he was doing but there was a lot of banging and probably a lot of swearing under his breath. Not long later, the receptionist at the hotel came out with three glasses.
“Hey guys thought you could use some homemade lemonade.” She said sweetly.
“Thanks Viv.” Came Blake’s voice as he walked over to them.
“No problem, you know what Chuck’s like with his lemonade. Loves to make the stuff from scratch.”
Ava and Gwen accepted the drinks and continued to draw in the sand while Blake fixed Gwen’s car.
About an hour later, Blake walked over to the two girls.
“Okay the cars fixed. Next time you should go to an official salesman.”
“Noted. What should I wear tonight?”
“That’s fine, there’s going to be a big bonfire so you should stay warm.” Blake replied scooping Ava up and popping her on his shoulders. Ava’s girly giggle echoed through the air.
“We’ll come get you around six. Say bye Ava.”
The little girl waved furiously at Gwen as Blake set her in her car seat. Gwen waved back and watched as Blake drove away. She couldn’t wipe the goofy smile off her face.