Chapter Text
Gwen was sat on one of the lounge chairs in the airport with Ava on her lap fast asleep, after nearly two hours of driving to the airport, Gwen and Blake were also feeling the affects of not sleeping all night and getting up early. But Blake was happy that the phone call they had received had brought good news, knowing how worried and stressed Gwen had been; she was finally starting to relax. There was still so much that they needed to learn about each other, secrets they were still hiding unintentionally, but eventually they would come out, they had to, they both knew secrets were bad for any relationship and they had no plans of going their separate ways.
Blake had just re-joined Ava and Gwen at their seats, a coffee in each hand.
“Thank you, Blake.” Gwen almost whispered as she carefully took the to go cup off of him.
Blake sat down next to her, his free hand gently stroking Ava’s hair. Gwen took a deep breath before letting her head rest against Blake’s shoulder.
“Did you really drive all the way to Oklahoma?” Blake asked as he took hold of her hand.
“Yeah it took me about three and a half days with a few stop overs. I wasn’t meant to stop in Oklahoma, I wasn’t meant to spend a day looking around and then getting some much-needed rest. I definitely was not meant to spend that night in your bed after getting drunk.”
“Well if I haven’t told you this before; I’m very glad you did.”
Gwen placed a soft kiss to Blake’s shoulder before snuggling down and thinking about how different her life was going to be, compared to how she thought it would be a few weeks ago.
“So why didn’t you just get a flight?” Blake asked, intrigued on how they were brought together.
“I didn’t really have a final destination in mind, and I figured I’d need my car too.”
“That’s a fair answer. But now that he’s gone, are you staying in Ada or are we going to do the long-distance relationship?”
“Well I don’t think I can actually sleep in a bed without you being there. So, I’m definitely staying in Ada and maybe even at yours?”
“I would love nothing more, that is if you can handle me coming home from work at all hours?”
“Of course, I can, even though I figured I’d still be working some of the same shifts as you.”
“Then it’s agreed you’re moving in with us. Is there anything you need to bring back with you?”
“Yeah, there’s a few things at my parents. Clothes and sentimental things.”
“Okay, if you think we can get them packed while we are in Anaheim, we can get them shipped by UPS and I can get my mom to be in the house for when they arrive.”
“That sounds great Blake.”
“Announcement, terminal C three is now boarding, this flight is going to John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA)”
“This is it, Gwen, ready to go see your parents?”
“Yeah I am. I can’t wait for you to meet them.”
Blake stood up, expecting Gwen to hand over Ava but when she tried to reach down for her handbag while still holding the four year old, Blake knew she was content holding her and had no intention of passing her over. Blake instead reached for Ava’s bag and then Gwen’s before taking her hand and walking towards the gate.
Ava was seated next to the window, followed by Blake and finally Gwen. Ava had woken up halfway through the flight and was currently drawing a picture. Blake was holding Gwen’s hand over the arm rest as he thought about what her parents were like. She hadn’t really talked much about her life, but given the circumstances he understood why, and he knew that it was going to change now that they were starting a relationship without the worry of a mad stalker. Blake sighed and pulled Gwen’s hand to his mouth, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. He loved how she seemed so surprised by every show of affection he gave her, and the small smile that tugged on her lips after every kiss, it was like she had never experienced romance and he was the lucky one who got to show her the world of romance.
“Are you nervous?” Gwen asked as she looked at him.
“Of course, I am. I’m meeting your parents. That’s a big step for any relationship. I’m leaving Oklahoma for the first time in years and to be honest I never thought you would actually agree to go out with me, let alone us getting serious.”
“Why’s that Blake? You’re an amazing man and an even more amazing father.”
“Because you’re out of my league, I already have a child. And said child doesn’t usually like me sharing my attention. But with you she’s different, it’s like she knows you might be the one.”
“I am not out of your league Mr Shelton. I couldn’t imagine bringing a better man home to meet my family. And Ava is one smart princess.” Gwen chuckled.
“You realise after we get back to Oklahoma, you have to meet my mom and that most likely means during Sunday lunch, with my sister.”
“I have to admit I’m a bit nervous about meeting your parents.”
“Why would you be nervous?”
“Because everything is going so well; and if your mom doesn’t like me how would that affect our relationship?”
“Gwen, baby, she is going to love you. Once she sees how happy you make me and Ava there’s no question about it, she will love you. My mom may come across as scary, but she just doesn’t want her children to get hurt, especially after what happened with Miranda.”
“I get that, God help us when Ava starts dating.”
“We made an agreement; she’s not dating until she’s thirty.”
“That’s funny Blake. I had the same agreement with my dad and look at me now, twenty-two and practically living with you.”
“God help me.” Blake said shaking his head in disappointment, all while wearing a big smile.
“I was thinking since we are staying in a hotel and we’ve not had much sleep ourselves, what if we spent the rest of the day at the beach and then go to my parent’s house tomorrow?”
“I’ll do anything you want Gwen. This is your territory, me and Ava are happy to do it anyway you want.”
“Thank you, Blake.”
At the hotel, Blake had got Ava changed into a bright teal swimming costume, Gwen was in the bathroom putting on a Bikini and Blake was unpacking his and Ava’s things. Ava was on a phone call to her Meemaw, telling her how excited she was to be going to the beach and how Gwen had promised to go swimming with her and get her an ice cream.
Gwen came out of the bathroom wearing a multicoloured patterned bikini top, very short denim shorts and a long multicoloured kimono, Blake couldn’t help but lick his lips at the sight of her. He didn’t think it was possible to feel more attracted to her than he did the first night they met, but now looking at her as she stood in front of him in barely anything his attraction to her was practically running his body.
“I’m guessing by that look you approve of my outfit cowboy?” Gwen asked, nervously smiling at him.
“I just have one question.”
“Shoot.”
“This tan, is it all over or are there tan lines?”
“You’ll have to wait and see.”
Blake let out a low moan and stalked closer to her, one hand on her hip the other on her cheek as he brought their lips together in a deep kiss, only pulling away when her heard Ava’s chuckle get louder.
“Meemaw says she wants to talk to you Daddy.”
Blake took the phone and walked out on to the balcony, the radiating heat from the sun, doing nothing to help his already blushed skin caused by his arousal. Gwen was sat on the bed, her hair in her hands as she twisted it into a bun, which sat highly on her head.
“Gwen can you do my hair like that?” Ava asked pointing at Gwen’s head.
“Sure, thing baby, take a seat.”
When Blake had finished his conversation, he walked back into their room and smiled at how Ava was sat crossed legged exactly like Gwen, the largest smile on her face as Gwen finished up the little girl’s hair.
“You girls ready to go?” Blake asked.
Ava was up in a second and waiting by the door, excited to go play on the beach. Blake took Gwen’s hand as they walked out of the door together, her oversized beach bag dangling on the other arm. They parted ways once the reach the entrance of the hotel, Gwen took Ava to the beach, promising to snag some sunbeds and Blake went to the local shop; to grab sun cream and a some toys for Ava to use to build sandcastles as well as a few drinks.
When he found his way back to the beach, he found Gwen and Ava sat on the sand, Ava was sat covering Gwen’s feet in sand while Gwen was sat talking to her. When Ava saw her dad, she jumped up to him ready to take the toys off of him, but Blake held them out of her reach.
“Sun cream first.” Blake said and watched as Ava sat on the sun lounger leaving Gwen on the floor.
Blake placed everything on the floor, telling Gwen there was drinks in the bag, while he made sure to cover every inch of Ava’s skin in the factor fifty sun cream. When he was finished Ava helped him apply the sun cream to his arms and legs and face, laughing when there was too much on his shins that wouldn’t soak into his skin. When they were finished Gwen handed Ava the bucket and spade and watched as she walked a little bit away from the chairs, preparing for her masterpiece.
Blake offered Gwen a hand, which she took as he pulled her up from the sand.
“You need some too.” Blake said waving the cream in the air.
“I think I’ll be okay Blake.”
“I’m not taking any chances.” Blake said handing Gwen the sun cream.
Blake couldn’t tear his eyes away as Gwen propped one foot on the bed and began rubbing the cream in. He noticed she had taken off her shorts and kimono leaving all of her gloriously tanned skin on show, he felt the heat rise to his neck, and it wasn’t caused by the sun. Once she had finished, she handed Blake the bottle.
“Will you do my back?” She asked mischievously.
“Of course. Means I can find out about this all over tan”
Gwen chuckled and laid down on her front. Blake sat on the bed next to her and gingerly untied her bikini top.
“I’m didn’t think you would be this proficient when applying sun cream.” Gwen chuckled as she felt his large hand stroke over her bare back.
She let out a small moan when she felt the cream hit her back, Blake couldn’t deny how turned on he was in that moment, applying cream to such a beautiful woman. She continued to make small moans as he covered her back, when he was finally finished, he pressed a delicate kiss to her neck; forcing a small laugh to escape her.
“I remember the first time you rubbed my back, I was half way through doing yours when Luke burst in, I have to say I was never as glad as I was in that moment that I was wearing a bra.” Gwen replied smirking at Blake.
“Don’t remind me, if he had just burst in without Ava, I think I would have strangled him. I know we are best friends but, man is he a cockblock.”
“Oh, planning to get lucky that night?” Gwen replied cheekily.
“No, not unless… I-I… I meant that urm…”
“Relax Blake I’m just teasing you.”
“Good.” Blake said relaxing.
Ava ran towards the couple, her face bright and happy.
“Gwen will you come swim with me?” Ava asked.
“Wow I feel wounded.” Blake chimed in; secretly loving Ava wanted Gwen to spend time with her.
“How about we all go swimming?” Gwen asked.
Gwen covered her bag with a towel before taking Ava’s hand. Blake followed shortly after. By the time the water reached Blake’s knees it was nearing Ava’s neck. Blake scooped her up placing her on his shoulders as he ran further into the water, eventually his feet couldn’t touch the bottom, and he pulled Ava off of his shoulders, making sure she was okay before he let her go, watching as she was around. Gwen was last to join them, closing in on Blake. As she reached him her legs wrapped around his waist and her arms wrapped around his neck. She pressed a kiss to his cheek, before pressing one to his lips. Blake’s hands wrapped around Gwen’s waist before he threw her in the air, Gwen’s high pitch squeal filled his ears as she landed in the water a few inches away from him. Ava swam back over to the couple laughing at Gwen and Blake.
“My turn!” Ava shouted as Blake picked her up and launched her in the air.
Ava emerged from the water and swam over to Gwen. The spent a few seconds whispering before Gwen and Ava swam over to Blake. Ava distracted him by swimming into his arms and Gwen swam behind him, attaching herself to his back, like he was giving her a piggyback. At Gwen’s nod, Ava started tickling Blake’s neck and Gwen went for his waist. To anyone watching they looked like any other happy family.
By the time it got around to dinner time, the family was starving. Gwen remembered a small diner that her father used to take her too when they went to the beach. There was a play area for kids to entertain themselves while their food cooked. Blake and Gwen were sat at their table across from each other. Their hands linked as Blake’s thumb stroked over Gwen’s hand.
“I’ve had fun today.” Gwen said smiling at Blake.
“Me too, it’s been amazing.”
“How do you feel about getting some snacks and a film to watch tonight?”
“That sounds like a really good plan.”
“So, what did your mom want earlier?”
“Oh, she wanted to know if she was okay to have Ava stay at her house this weekend, since my niece and nephew are staying too. Which works out well since the second part of your birthday surprise happens on Saturday?”
“Second part?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“You are spoiling me Mr Shelton. First a trip to see my family on my birthday and now another surprise. A girl could get used to this,”
“Good, I hope you do get used to being spoilt you deserve it.”
Gwen was speechless, no one had treated her the way Blake was treating her, and she had only known him a week and a half. There was something wholesome about him and Ava, like a beacon calling her home. Gwen leaned across the table and gently kissed Blake, not wanting to get too carried away with the feel of his lips on hers.
Their moment was interrupted when the server brought their food over. Blake went to find Ava in the play centre and Gwen was left alone with her thoughts. She couldn’t believe how happy she was, and how much life had changed in the last few weeks. Being with Gavin was like a never-ending nightmare that she could never escape from but being with Blake and Ava made her feel like she was walking on sunshine permanently.
The trio enjoyed their meal and before long they were back in the hotel room. The hotel room consisted of two bedrooms. One with a double bed and one with a single bed. There was a small kitchen which consisted of a sink, a small two cup coffee machine, a small fridge, and a microwave. There was a living room with a television and a couch as well as an open balcony. The bathroom was small and consisted of a sink, shower, and toilet.
Blake had put the film on the television that Ava had picked out, knowing that she wouldn’t last through the whole film, Blake let Gwen pick out a movie to watch afterwards. She chose Pretty Woman, Blake remembered his sister being obsessed with this film, but he had never actually watched it, until that night. Halfway through Mulan Ava’s chosen film, Blake looked over at Ava and saw she was fast asleep, her head on Gwen’s lap, as Gwen’s hand slowly stroked her hair.
“Here I’ll put her to bed if you want to put your film on?” Blake asked slowly standing up.
“Yeah, sure.” Gwen replied, a bit sad at losing Ava’s comforting weight.
By the time Blake came back, Gwen had the new movie on and had set two mugs of coffee on the table, she was indulging herself with some chocolate, Blake saw the open packet on the table and took a piece, to which Gwen pouted at.
The movie had just finished as Blake began tidying up. Gwen headed to their bedroom, throwing on her light pink pyjama shorts and one of Blake’s grey t-shirts. Blake entered the room just as Gwen climbed into bed and stripped down to his boxers. He climbed in next to Gwen, making sure his phone was plugged in and his alarm set for the morning.
He pulled Gwen close and pressed a kiss to her lips as she snuggled closer to him. His fingers circling her waist after he snook her top up just enough to reveal skin.
“Happy Birthday baby!” Blake whispered.
“Thank you, Blake.”
Blake pulled Gwen tighter if that was possible and their lips met in a passionate kiss, both fighting for dominance until Gwen submitted and let Blake take charged, his hands rising higher on her body, his thumb grazing her rib as he deepened the kiss. Gwen used her weight to push Blake on to his back as she climbed on top of him straddling him. One hand holding her hair back the other on her hip as they continued to kiss. Blake’s tongue probed for entry of her mouth. There tongues battled in a century old dance.
“Daddy?” Came Ava’s little voice.
Gwen let out a gasp before quickly rolling off of Blake and chucking the cover on him to over his growing manhood. Just in time to cover up before Ava opened the door. Gwen knew that due to the awkward circumstances Blake needed a minute to cool off. Instead she took it upon herself to calm Ava down.
“Hey Princess, what’s wrong?” Gwen said as she crouched down next to Ava.
“I can’t sleep, I saw a monster.”
“How about I come help you scare that monster away?”
Gwen took Ava’s hand and led her back to her room. After showing her the empty wardrobe and showing that the bed was too low down for a monster to hide under. Gwen got Ava in bed, snuggled up with her favourite teddy Eddie. Gwen was sat on the bed next to Ava, her hand slowly stroking her arm as she started to sing a soothing song to her.
Hush little baby don't you cry
Momma's gonna love you all your life
And if you ever need a friend
Momma's right there till the very end
And if you're feeling down or weak
Momma's gonna give you all the strength you need
There's nothing in this world that I wouldn't do
For my little Future 'cause I love you
It all can get so out of control sometimes
You can lose your faith, you can lose your mind
Lose your grip, get stripped of your pride
Till you don't know how you're gonna stay alive
And this world can throw you over the track sometimes
Your friends can stab you in the back
Sometimes you just break down
When this life tries to wreck you, I protect you yeah
I got your back, I got you
I take your side, I lay my life down for you
I'll crawl over broken glass, I will stand in the flame
Take the bullet, take the blows, I would take all the pain
Anything, anything that you gotta get through
Hey, hey, I got you
Hey, hey, I got you
It all can push you over the edge sometimes
Make you wanna jump off the ledge sometimes
Make you wanna stand up and scream
Make you feel like there is no one listening
This world can put a hole in your soul sometimes
Put you at the end of your road
Sometimes you just break down
When this world tries to end you, I defend you yeah
I got your back, I got you
I take your side, I lay my life down for you
I'll crawl over broken glass, I will stand in the flame
Take the bullet, take the blows, I would take all the pain
Anything, anything that you gotta get through
Hey, hey, I got you
Hey, hey, I got you
Hey, hey, I got you
I'll be there to stop the bleeding
I'll be there to start the healing
I will give you what you're needing
I'll be right there
I got your back, I got you
I take your side, I lay my life down for you yeah
I'll crawl over broken glass, I will stand in the flame
Take the bullet, take the blows, I would take all the pain
Anything, anything that you gotta get through
Hey, hey, I got you
Hey, hey, I got you
I got your back, I got you
I take your side, I lay my life down for you
I'll crawl over broken glass, I will stand in the flame
Take the bullet, take the blows, I would take all the pain
Anything, anything that you gotta get through
Hey, hey, I got you
Hey, hey, I got you
Hey, hey, I got you
Hey, hey, I got you
Hey, hey, I got you
As Gwen finished the song Ava had her eyes shut tight, her head facing Gwen’s side of the bed as she began drifting off, she whispered to Gwen.
“I wish you were my mommy.”
Gwen didn’t reply, she simply placed a tender kiss on the little girls forehead before climbing out of the bed. When she re-joined Blake back in their room he was sat up, leaning against the headboard. Gwen climbed in next to him, as soon as her head hit his shoulder, he put his phone down and took her hand in his.
“Did she go down okay?” Blake whispered.
“She’s out like a light.”
“You’re really good with her.”
“Blake, she told me she wished I was her mom.”
“Oh, right. I’ll talk to her about it.” Something changing in his voice.
“Blake, I didn’t tell you to upset you. You’re an amazing father. I just think she’s seeing all these other little girls with mom’s having their hair done and going shopping together etcetera and she doesn’t have that and I’m not sure she really knows how to tell you that.”
“So, what are you suggesting Gwen?”
“I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. Especially since the last time I did something for Ava you didn’t approve of. But maybe me and her could go out shopping and have a girl’s trip.”
“No makeup.”
“No makeup, but where do you stand on nail varnish?”
“That I can handle.”
Gwen smiled at Blake before lowering herself down in bed. Blake joined her, spooning her close as he placed a kiss to her cheek.
“You’re going to make an amazing mother one day.”
“I owe it all to Ava. She’s an amazing little girl.”
“That she is.” Blake replied, smiling into Gwen’s hair as they drifted to sleep.