It was almost dark when Zephyr decided to leave. Avery seems to tired so I agreed as well. I managed to have a little chat with Franco as well and he was just like his son. They have the same features and even that husky voice. Mandy was one good looking lady too. I'm sure she is also beautiful in her early years in life.

We were on the road on the way home while Avery is sleeping at the backseat. She probably got tired talking to everyone and lost all of her energy.

"My parents like her." Zephyr spoken referring to Avery. "I told you they won't judge you harshly."

"Yeah, guess I don't have that much experience with families." I joked, looking at the window as I watched the full moon sparkles at the night sky with lots of stars around it. "Did they know that I was coming?"

"Mom and Dad don't but my sisters knows." He answered, with a smile. "They would probably won't stop teasing me if they found out in family gatherings just like that."

"And I still couldn't believe that Mindy is a lesbian because she is so beautiful." I remarked, bending my knees as I raise my feet on the seat as I hugged them to my body. "Sorry but I will forget my manners."

Zephyr chuckled. "Do whatever you want. Be comfortable." He cleared his throat before asking another question. "Can I come to your apartment tomorrow? You have no work the entire day, right?"

I nodded. "I can't see what you see in my house that you like spending your time there? You're house is way more beautiful than mine."

"I see you and Avery so that's why I want to spend time with you two more in your place. I am alone in my house and have no one to so I rather come and visit you." He responded, smoothly.

I tried not to grin so I just playfully punched his arm. "Why don't you just sleep with me instead of coming back tomorrow?"

He seems to be so shock when he heard that question. "What? Are you inviting me?"

I quickly blushed when I realised what I just offered. It came out the other meaning. "No that! I mean, I'm sure it will be late when we got home so why don't you just stay the night in my place because maybe you're tired...and you're coming there tomorrow so...you know what I mean" I started mumbling in nervousness.

Zephyr started laughing at me as he watch me stutter and think of how to explain the real meaning of what I said. "I get it, Eleina."

"Then why are you laughing?"

"Because you're so cute when you asked things like that." He let out some small laughed as he talks. "Jeez, I can't help but want to kiss you."

I slapped his arm but this time, it's so hard. "Keep you're voice down, dummy. Avery is sleeping."

Zephyr bit down his lip to stop from laughing. "I love to stay in your place tonight but...I still respect you too much. Avery might be confused seeing me there and I am still courting you, remember?"

I inhaled and exhaled deeply. I thought he was going to accept it. But I do get his point. Avery might start asking question about what is the real score between me and Zephyr. Maybe, next time.

"How long do you plan to court me?" I raised an eyebrow, eying him.

Zephyr turned his head to me and touched the frown of my brows. "Just be patient, pretty. I know how much you wanted to finally claim me."

I scoffed at his remarks. "You wish, Zephyr. You have a lot of nerves saying that. I'm not desperate."

"Oh, I know. But soon you will." He winked at me as he took my hand again and locked it with his then kissed it. "But even if I'm courting you, you are still mine and no one is allowed to court you too."

Oh that dangerous tone is back. He sure is possessive when it comes to a topic like this. I just let out a soft laugh as I hide my blush.

We arrived home, it was almost midnight. Avery slept the whole ride while I stayed awake while talking to Zephyr. I didn't got bored, actually. It was really enjoying.

"Avery must be tired from talking to all of your family members." I joked, carefully trying to open the door where Avery as I tried to pick her up without waking her.

"Let me carry her." Zephyr softly told me as he slowly pulled me away from the car as he took my position to carry her.

He picked her up in his arms in a bridal style. I was the one who closed the door as we head up to the fourth floor. So I unlocked our wooden front door and went in. "Put her down on the bed." I pointed Avery's room as he silently did lay her on the fluffy mattress.

"There." Zephyr murmured quietly. "She is a heavy sleeper, eh?"

I nod, agreeing with him then I opened her night lamp before we tiptoed our way out to close her door.

Then there is that awkward silence enveloped between us as stood facing each other outside his door. The only thing you can hear from us are Zephyr's breathing and mine.

"Boy," I blurted out, letting out a sigh. "This day was sure is great. Thank you. And happy birthday."

He chuckled huskily. "I should be the one who is thanking you, Eleina. You made my day so happy."

"Nah, you're happy because you spend time with your family...having me with you is just a support." I humbly replied, biting my lower lip.

"Nope." Zephyr smiled, genuinely. "Because you just gave me the best gift in my entire life."

My eyebrows touched. "The keychain?" He liked it that much to be called the best gift? Is this guy teasing me or something?

"No, not that, dummy." He laughed a little loud then when he stopped, he playfully flicked my forehead. "The best gift that I received from you is the mutual feeling with you."

Oh. That made me speechless, my mind was unable to function. "I love you." A teasing grin formed from me as I gently place my arms around his shoulder to hug him. Since I'm a tall woman, I don't need to be in my tip toe at times like this. We are just in the perfect height for each other.

His lights up like he won in a casino game then grinned. "I love you." He whispered, pulling my waist closer to his as he leaned closer to me and touched his nose to mine.

I was the one who kissed him this time first. I don't know but my heart is jumping right now. Don't want anything to waste and spend it the most of it. For the first time, I never been this satisfied in my life. Having Avery coming into my life was the best but having someone like Zephyr makes it even better that best. If that was even possible.

I didn't know that there is many kinds of happiness. With Avery, it was a completion full of challenges but with Zephyr, I can't explain it. I haven't felt like this when I was with Vincent. Maybe what I felt towards that asshole was nothing but curiosity of what love is that I was searching from my family.

Now, I can't describe how thankful I am to be able to experience such joy.

"I love you, Eleina." Zephyr whispered again after our kiss. "I want to know you more."

"And we have lots of time to know more about each other." I whispered back. "We don't have to rush because I don't want this to end."

"Nothing will separate us, baby." He assured, kissing my forehead. "I will kill if someone does try."

I chuckled and kissed him once again on the his lips. How I wanted to make him mine as well but like I just said, we have lots of time so we don't have to rush things. He left this midnight and promised to come back this day again.

The smile on my face can't be erase as I feel like I'm still in cloud nine when I finally rest my head on my pillow. This is going to be a very peaceful sleep for sure.

When morning came, I was eating breakfast with Avery. I was actually having a peaceful sleep when she barged into my room and started jumping on my stomach asking if Zephyr is going to come.

She won't stop bragging me about seeing him.

So after we ate breakfast, Martha called me, inviting me to this picnic. There is still family picnic happening every Sunday at the park. I don't think something is wrong with that so I agreed. Avery also wanted to play with Lindsay. So I had the blanket already in my small basket, cooked foods we can, made some salad, and sandwich. So while we are waiting,  we sat down on the couch as we watch tv while cuddling. She was sitting between my legs as she rest her back on my torso. I can see how she watch tv show with curiosity. It's a cartoon story about a happy family.

"Momma, why do they always say that a family is happy when it's complete. Does that mean we are not happy because I don't have a Daddy, a sister, a bother and a dog?" Avery asked while raising her head to meet mine.

I was taken back by her question. Stupid tv shows.

"Erm...are you happy?" I asked her, softly.

"Of course, I'm happy. Because I have you." She answered.

"And I'm also happy because I have you. The two of us are family so we are a happy family." I told her, trying to let her understand it. "Not everything they say in tv are true. A family doesn't have to be complete just to be happy, remember that. As long as you love Momma and I love you, no one can destroy us."

"Yep, and I may not have a Daddy but I have Aunt Martha, Lindsay, Vivian, Jeng, Brian, Kyle and Zephyr." Avery started enumerating them while counting with her fingers. "I have more family than those in tv."

I suddenly burst out laughing making me kiss her forehead. I'm so grateful having such an understand and open minded child. In this, she is always thinking of the positive side and do not sulk at the negativities.

Suddenly, I remembered Zephyr might come. Maybe he wants to join us for a picnic. I grabbed my phone that was on the coffee table and called him.

"Hey, pretty. Miss me already?" His husky voice sounded so sexy on the phone.

I scoffed. "Haha, you wish!"

Zephyr laughed on the other line. "Wassup?"

"Are you coming here?"

"Yes, I am. Actually I am already on my way there. You need something?" He informed.

"My best friend and I are going to the park to have a picnic together with our kids. You want to join us?"

"Oh...erm...sure, why not." He replied. "Do you want me to get some foods?"

"No, I already packed some. But tell me if you want something and I will ran down to buy it." I told him.

"Oh no need, Eleina. Don't worry about me. I'll be there in five." He told me before I end the call. Now, I'm excited.

Exactly five minutes later, he arrived in my place and Avery was surprised at his visit, she squealed and jump towards him. Zephyr caught her in the air and wrapped his arms below his butt to hold him still to him.

"Hey, little one. Are you ready for the park?" He asked her that Avery nodded.

"You're coming with us?" She asked, with her eyes wide open.

"Of course. I won't miss a chance to be with you." He answered, pinching the bridge of her nose before placing him down on the door. Avery ran to her room for some unknown reason.

I smirked seeing their excitement. Zephyr smiled at me then strides to my direction. Since I'm sitting on the couch, he leaned down to place a quick kiss on my lips. "Hey pretty."

"Hey." I greeted back as he sat down next to me.

"Avery looks excited to go to the park." He mentioned.

"Um....my best friend, Martha had a daughter that has the same age as Avery and they were also best buddies."

"Oh, I see." He cleared his throat. "So, are we just going to meet them at the park or they will come here to get you? I brought my car so we can just drive there."

"Sure, I was actually just waiting for you." I stated, sheepishly before standing up to go get the basket that was on the table. "Avery, are you ready?"

"Yep!" Avery left the room and closed the door.

Zephyr took the basket from me and carried it downstairs to the car. I called Martha to inform her that we are on our way and they just arrive there and got us a place.

Arriving at the park, there are a lot of people who are having a picnic. Well, it is no surprise because it's Sunday. There are kids who are flying some kites, some are on the playground where there's a  seesaw, slides, swings, monkey bars and many more.

My eyes quickly caught where Martha and her family is. They are by the huge tree and their blanket is already arranged.

"There's your Aunt Martha and Uncle Justin." I pointed at them so Avery can see and she started running to them in speed. Probably excited to see Lindsay.

Zephyr didn't seem uneasy or something that we are meeting my friend and he came along with us. I want him to come but I don't think that Martha will mind that he is here. I took Zephyr's hand and intertwined our fingers as well walk towards them.

Zephyr smiled when we touched, squeezing my hand in return as we walk side by side.

Martha turned her head when she noticed me then grinned widely seeing me as her eyes quickly turned to Zephyr.

"Hey!" I went to hug her tightly. Justin was there behind her so we also gave each other a friendly hug.

"I'm glad you're able to come." Martha stated.

"Of course, we barely hang out like this." I told her, then walked back a bit. "Zephyr, this is my best friend Martha." I introduced him to her. "Martha, this is Zephyr."

Zephyr gave her a friendly smile. "Hi, nice to meet you." He offered her hand that she quickly accepted.

"The pleasure us all mine." Martha stated, "This is my husband, Justin." they exchanged some boy greetings. Justin was actually grilling something on the side and I think they are burgers.

They occupied the wooden table that you have to cross sit but Martha brought some small pillows that we can sit on. I brought out the blanket and spread it over the table to make sure that we eat on a clean surface. Zephyr went with Justin while I helped Martha prepare the packed meals we brought. I transfer them on a clean paper plate than having them serve in Thor plastic container.

Avery and Lindsay didn't push it yet to go to the playground because Martha told them that we are going to each first before they started playing.

"So, are you and Zephyr dating?" Martha asked, cheekily.

"Not yet." I whispered, biting my lip down. "He's courting me."

"Courting? You are both holding each other's hand. Girl, that is beyond a suitor can do." She stated, laughing.

"I know but we hold the same feeling." I blurted out to her.

Her eyes widen in surprise. "You mean, you mutually understand each other now?"

I nodded.

"Oh my God, honey!" Martha chanted looking so happy for me and hugged me tight. "I am so happy for you. You totally deserved this."

I chuckled and glanced at Zephyr through my shoulders as I lean my hands on the table. He was talking casually to Justin. Oh, I hope they get along.

"And he happily accepts Avery?"

I nodded. "Avery has gotten fond of him. She is very excited to spend time with Zephyr."

"Oh, that's so sweet." She grinned, clapping her hands. "I pray that you two will really last forever because you deserve a man that will accept you and Avery."

I agreed with her. "I really hope so, Martha. Because I don't want to get hurt again."

"I know."

"Burger coming through!" Justin beamed holding a plate full of grilled burgers as he set them on the able. "Hey, kids! Get in here already"

"Wow!" Both Avery and Lindsay got trilled seeing the meals served on the table.

We took our seat, me sitting between Avery and Zephyr while in front of us is Martha, Justin and Lindsay. The table was long so we aren't squishy but Zephyr makes me feel like that because he was sitting so close to me and had an arm at my lower back as his hand rests on my thigh. He is a little clingy, don't you think?

"Is it holiday or something? There are a lot of people gathered here just for a picnic." Zephyr wondered as his eyes roamed around the whole area of the park.

"It is always like this when it's Sunday." Martha answered, pouring us some apple juice in a cup. "You want apple or lemonade, Avery?"

"Lemonade, please."

"And you do this often?" He continued to ask.

"Martha and her family come here most Sundays with Avery." I replied.

"How about you?"

"Well, I used to have a work on Sunday before and Avery will come stay with them." I answered while assisting Avery to eat. "Stop playing with your food."

"This is actually fun and enjoying. Can't believe I'm missing this occasions." He breath out while muttering to himself.

"Daddy, can I play after I eat at the playground with Avery?" Lindsay looked up to her ask for permission.

"Sure. Just be careful and do not talk to strangers." He told her softly. "I'm glad you were able to come, Eleina. Martha has been dying to see tong since you barely see each other now."

"We always see each other when we walk the kids to school." Martha chuckled.

"Yeah, but Zephyr is now driving Avery to school then he will drive me to the diner."

"Oh." Martha hold her grin from coming. I know, she's shrieking inside because I know that look she just made. "Be careful when you are driving her to the right direction, Zephyr. I don't want my best friend to get lost again."

My eyebrows touched in confusion and let out a laugh. "What does that mean?"

"You have no need to worry. I have no intention of losing her." Zephyr replied, his tone was serious as his slowly turned to me with a satisfied smirk.

"Just make sure of it." Martha assured, leaning halfly on Justin.

Zephyr still had his arm behind me, and I placed my hand on top of his that was resting on my thigh. He gave me a smile before we started eating. The lunch passed by nicely. Zephyr seems to be getting comfortable with Justin and Martha. Well he is getting along with Justin because they were talking about cars since he is a car engineer
while Zephyr had tons of them. Their interests somehow clicks.

Avery was playing with Lindsay but it's been almost an hour since they went to play. They usually get back here went they are tired.

"Dude, want some?" Justin was searching through the cooler box they brought. He was referring to the bottle of beer.

"Sure." Zephyr replied, catching the bottle when he throw it at him. "Baby, are you alright?" He faced me.

"Yeah." I breathe out, smiling but a little uncomfortable. "I will just go check on Avery and Lindsay."

I stood up and head towards the playground. As I was striving towards it, I can clearly see their shadows just standing and talking to this young girl.

"Avery, Lindsay." I called as I got nearer. "Aren't you two tired? You've been playing too long now."

"Hi, Momma! We met a new friend!" She even waved for me to come closer. "This is Maylie."

The young girl smiled at me and waved. "I gave them some cupcakes that my Dad made."

"And they were very good, Aunt Eleina." Lindsay looked up to me.

"Really? Well, thank you for sharing some to my girls." I smiled kindly to her as I pat her head. "Where's your Daddy?"

"Oh, he is just there. I am having a picnic here with my Mom and Dad." She cheerfully stated with a grin, showing some gaps of her teeth. She seems a little familiar as I look closer to her face.

"Okay." I told her before taking Avery's and Lindsay's hand. "Come on, girls. You two needs to get rest."

"But, Momma? Can we stay longer? I am not tired. I want to play with Maylie more." Avery whined.

But her whining doesn't provoke me. If I said
no, then my decision is final. I just don't feel comfortable with this new kid. It feels like there is someone staring at me that is making me so uneasy.

"Daddy!" Maylie grinned seeing someone behind me. That must be her Father.

I turned around to leave, holding Avery's hand as my eyes widen seeing who the father that the child is referring to.

"Vincent?"

He seems to be surprised to see me as well as the little girl ran to him and gave him a hug. His posture seems to stiff as his cold eyes quickly travelled to my daughter that I was holding. Oh crap.

"Eleina, is this her?" He sounded so puzzled.

I placed Avery behind me and kept my mouth shut. "Lindsay and Avery, could you please go back to table with the others."

Luckily, they obliged quietly. I know Avery will be confused and Vincent might blurt out all of a sudden that will confuse my daughter. This is not the right time for her to know.

"Maylie, could you go back to your mother please." He told her and she childishly skipped away, leaving me with this asshole.

This is very awkward but I feel so annoyed right now. He wants to take my daughter away from me and now here he is with his own daughter! He already had his own family and he wants to take my own. Vincent is insane!

"I don't need it from you if that little girl is my daughter because she looks like me. She had my eyes." Vincent spoke like some evil psychopath. "You are making this harder for us, Eleina. I can give her a better and complete life. I need to meet her now."

I scoffed, offensively at him. "Don't just demand me like that. I am not going to be tired to tell you this, so listen up. You have no...even a little right to my daughter."

"Our daughter, Eleina. She wouldn't be in this world without me."

"But I raised her in this world without you!" I can't help but raise my voice. "And we are happy. And she will never leave my side. Ever!"

"Oh come on, you are poorer than a rat, you wench." He accused. "She's my daughter. My own flesh and blood. I will go march there and get here."

My temper quickly boiled as I stepped to block his way, shoving my index finger at his chest. "You don't know a single thing about me, Vincent. You have no right to degrade and think lowly of me. You don't have a single clue of what I've been through just so that my daughter had many clothing to wear,  have 3 meals a day and a nice bed to sleep peacefully. You should have been a part of her life a long time ago if you didn't throw me like trash when I told you I'm pregnant."

Vincent just tsked after what I said and remained cold. "Oh come on, Eleina. We both know that you are only after my money and comfort before. I never even loved you because you're broke girl."

"Damn you." I taunted, "You will never come near my daughter, you hear that? Fuck off." I was about to walk out but he harshly gripped on my arm tightly that caused me to flinch. This is how harsh he can get when he is already at his limit.

"This is not over yet, I will find you and see you in court and I will take her from you." He challenged, his eyes were very evil.

I tried to break my arm from him but I was saved when I heard his voice.

"Let her go." Zephyr's cold voice that holds power in its tone. He pushed Vincent away from me causing him to let go of my arm. His grip leaves a red mark on it. Zephyr's tall figure covered me as he stood in front of me.

Vincent lets out a devilish grin. "Oh, who is this, Eleina? You're sugar daddy?"

"Fuck you, Vincent." I roared. Good thing that there are no kids around to hear our swearing. There are kids but they are meters away.

"Well, I wouldn't be surprised. With that angelic face and you're tempting ass, you can fool anyone. I bet he already banged you a million times."

"You son of a—"

I was cut off when Zephyr moved to grip the collar of his shirt causing it to wrinkled badly. "Listen here, buddy. I don't want to cause a scene here especially in front of these children but if you say one more word that will offend my girl, I might forgot everything and kill you right now." He threatened darkly. His voice was so deep and scary.

Vincent just glared after that.

"Zephyr." I breathe out. I don't want them to fight because that will just ruin the whole thing here. I want Avery to know about this.

Zephyr finally lets go off his collar and pushed him on the muddy part of the ground. "Don't come near my family again."

My eyes widen hearing that word. My family?

I was taken back to that. He called me us a family. Okay, that kinda shook my off that Vincent here who is insulting my dignity as a person.

"Lets go." Zephyr pulled me back to my astonishment as he walked us away. I looked over to my shoulder at Vincent and I can that he is trying to remove himself from the mud. Serves him just right.

But then, I can feel Zephyr beside me and the tension between us. Is this about the My family thing? I know it was quite a shock but is that what he really things of us? Or he had wants to save me and Avery from Vincent?

Crap.

Things are happening worse and more surprising that I'm expecting it to be.

To be continued.

Sorry for the late update, everyone! I was so busy these past few days because of the incoming school year. Thank you so much for understanding. Don't forget to comment and vote. Help me get this story a success. Thank you and God bless! Have a nice day!