"Pancakes?" I asked as I reached for a box. Apparently, he made sure the kitchen was stocked for us seeing as we were probably not leaving until we absolutely had to.

"And peanut b.u.t.ter toast?" he mocked coming up behind me wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Of course." I smiled.

We enjoyed an amazing late breakfast and snuggled up against each other by the fireplace. It was absolutely perfect. I never wanted to leave his side. I love this man so much.

We woke up late the following morning legs wrapped around each other. "You are a bed hog." He whispered in my ear as we woke up.

"Mmm... sorry about that. Not used to muscular men in my bed," I teased back in his ear. I've slept in a queen size bed for the last four years by myself. Having Drake in my bed after all this time was great, but apparently, I wasn't so good at sharing.

Liam used to sleep on the right side of the bed and I the left. After he pa.s.sed away, I used to sleep on his side since the bed sheets still smelled like him. Finally, my mother made me wash the sheets and I slowly maneuvered my sleeping body into the middle of the bed.

We finally managed to get out of bed and decided to go for a small hike in the woods since it was actually sunny out. Drake didn't seem the outdoorsy type, but he impressed me when he took the lead and walked us down the path.

"This is so refreshing up here! I can't believe how gorgeous it is." I looked over the lake on top of a hill. It was chilly but the sun heated my face as I stood and just soaked up the view.

Wow... incredible!

"It's amazing isn't it?" Drake came up behind me wrapping his solid arms around me. "That's why my dad bought it," he said as he pointed out to the water.

"You own this place?" I asked taken back. Should've figured.

"Yep. I haven't been here in a year or two, but I'm hoping with you, we can be here much more often." He smiled as he leaned down for a kiss. I smiled at him in agreement. Definitely, want to come back here.

We got back to the cabin later in the afternoon and cuddled up on the couch to warm up next to the fire. After we were warmed up, I decided I wanted to cook for Drake; a real meal this time, no mac and cheese. I wanted to show him my cooking skills.

"So, can I make you dinner tonight?" I asked turning into his side. We skipped lunch and I wanted to make sure he was well fed tonight.

"I would love that. What do you want to make?"

"I don't know. I'll have to look through the cupboards." I kissed his lips and got off the couch. "You stay right here. No peeking!" I ordered.

After searching the kitchen, I decided I would make my special chicken cordon bleu. It was a favorite of mine and easy to make. Michael and Stella loved it, so I was sure Drake would too.

After an hour of being in the kitchen and finalizing everything, I went in to find Drake to tell him he could finally come in. The couch where he was sitting when I left was empty. I looked around and didn't see him in the living area. I searched for him upstairs, and as I got to the second floor, I could hear his voice. He was mad, no make that p.i.s.sed! He was on the phone and he was yelling.

"Unacceptable! I gave you a week! Do you need another reminder of what will happen if you don't get this done? I swear," he paused for a moment letting the other person get a word in. "48 hours, you hear? You get 48 hours. That's it!" I heard his phone beep and the conversation ended. I quietly walked down back the stairs hoping he didn't hear me. I wasn't sure what that was about, but hearing Drake yell like that gave me goose b.u.mps. He was intimidating most definitely, but add that to his raged voice and it was the scariest thing I've ever seen. Drake was never like that with me, but knowing he could be like that with others worried me.

A few minutes later, Drake came down the stairs displaying a bright smile. He swooped in and hugged me tightly. He kissed me sweetly and gazed into my eyes. "Smells delicious sweetheart," he smiled and kissed me again.

"I hope you like chicken cordon bleu and asparagus," I managed to say through a smile. Who was this man? Better yet, who was that man I heard upstairs?

"I will always love anything you make baby." We sat down and had light conversation as he told me many times how delicious it was. Hearing his enjoyment made me forget about what happened up the stairs and I was able to enjoy being there with him again. It's probably just work stuff. Nothing to worry about, Molly.

Since that was our last night in the cabin together, we decided to go in the whirlpool tub together and relax. It was so soothing to just sit in there with Drake while the jets shuffled the hot water around. I leaned my back into his chest and laid my head down on his shoulder. It was complete bliss. He was complete bliss.

The next morning, we made sure to mark our love in every room possible. We made our way to the kitchen island and Drake lifted me up sitting me down while he stood in between my legs. He ripped my shirt off, and kissed my throat moving down my neck. He placed tender kisses down my chest and around my stomach. It was like he couldn't get enough of me. And I couldn't get enough of him.

I whipped his belt off and unb.u.t.toned his jeans. I pulled them down with my feet and let him sink into me.

"I love you Molly Woods. Please don't ever forget that," he said seriously as I moaned into his mouth.

"Never. I love you too."

Being with Drake was like nothing I've ever experienced before. When I was with him, the world made sense. He wanted to protect and love me. He was so gentle and kind with me and knowing he was not with other people showed that he was only that way for me, that he wanted to be like that for me.

Drake had become my lifeline over the past several weeks. I didn't realize it at the time, but after spending time with him this weekend, I knew I never wanted to be a part from him. I knew I was madly and completely in love with this man who was gentle, sweet, and pa.s.sionate.

"Sweetheart, are you packed and ready? The chopper will be here in fifteen," Drake called up the stairs.

"Coming!" I called back as I reached the stairs. I was sad this weekend was going to be over, but was happy to have had it.

"I have something for you before we leave." He reached into his pocket and handed me a black jewelry box. Another box?

"What's this?" I gave him a puzzling look. He was always giving me surprises but I truly hadn't expected him to give me anything after already giving me this weekend.

"Open it," he smiled and placed it in my hand.

I slowly opened it and my eyes shot wide open. My heart raced and my hand sprung to cover my heart. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. It had so much meaning and it was unbelievable that Drake remembered the symbolism.

Tears started to swell, down my cheeks, as I couldn't believe again what an amazing man I had. Could he even be real?

"Sweetheart, do you like it?" Drake asked a little nervously as he watched my expression.

"Oh my G.o.d, Drake... I love it! So much! I can't believe you - " I looked up to his eyes. " - remembered. I mean I know it wasn't that long ago, but it just means so much to me to know you would do something like this," I gushed. He took it from the box and wrapped it around my neck. He smiled and kissed my neck as he was finished clasping it.

He turned me around and smiled bright as the anchor symbol laid just perfectly against my collarbone. It was white gold with diamonds across the anchor. It was the most beautiful gift I could ever ask for. Knowing Drake felt the same way about what it represented meant the world to me. He meant the world to me.

I grabbed his face and kissed him hard. This man was incredible. And he was mine.

"I absolutely love it Drake! Thank you so so much!" I kissed him again not wanting to let him go.

"I wanted you to know that the love we have is rare. It's unsinkable no matter what happens. I will always be your anchor when things get hard. Our love is steadfast baby. I want you to always be reminded of that. Hope and love baby." He smiled at me and kissed me once more. "You are mine, Molly."

We heard the chopper above and sadly knew our little weekend getaway was over. He grabbed my hand linking it with his and kissed it with a huge grin. This was an absolutely perfect weekend. He is perfect.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

"Ugh, is it Monday already?" I moaned into Drake's chest. We had arrived back late last night and although I could barely keep my eyes open, I needed Drake as soon as we arrived back here.

"I'm afraid so baby. I have to be in by nine." He kissed me and leaned off the bed. He went to shower and I covered my head back up with the comforter.

"Mommy?" Stella crept through the doorway.

"Baby! Come here!" She ran to the bedside and I scooped her up for a hug. "I missed you so much sweetie!" I held her tighter.

"Mommy, too tight!" she whimpered.

"Sorry, I am just so happy to see my baby girl." I released her and kissed her forehead. She was already in bed by the time we arrived home last night and I didn't want to wake her.

"I missed you too mommy. Uncle Michael and I had a blast this weekend! We watched cartoons, ate junk food, and he even let me have a soda!" She whispered the last part like it was a secret. I laughed and was happy she had a good time. I felt guilty for leaving her, but I knew she would have fun with Michael.

"It's time to get ready for school sweetie. Mommy has to get into the shower yet and you need to eat." I grabbed her hand and she followed me into the kitchen where Drake was already pouring a cup of coffee in only a towel. He was still wet from his shower as the water was falling down his hair and back. I about melted right then and there.

Stella squeezed my hand and brought me back. "Ummm... Drake honey?" I asked hoping he would see that I had Stella with me.

He quickly turned around with a bright smile but as soon as he saw Stella, embarra.s.sment hit his face. "Oh I'm so sorry. I'll go get dressed," he announced as he slowly backed out of the kitchen.

I prepared breakfast and poured my coffee. I was going to need all the energy I could get today. I was so exhausted, but flashing my mind back to our wonderful weekend, it was all worth it. So worth it.

"Is Drake my new daddy?" Stella asked as she propped herself up on the barstool. My eyes widened as I tried to think of what to say. She knew Drake was mommy's friend, but we were never intimate in front of her.

"What makes you ask that sweetie?" I blushed a little hoping she wasn't expecting a yes or no answer.

"Because he is here all the time. He sleeps over and eats breakfast with us. Isn't that what daddies do?" she asked innocently. I felt so bad that she hadn't experienced her real father but I'm sure by now her friends talk about their mommies and daddies and I'm sure she had questions.

"Yes sometimes sweetie. Drake is mommy's special friend so that's why he is here a lot. Do you want him to be your daddy?" I asked curiously, as to how she would respond.

"Would he take me places?" She shoved a piece of waffle in her mouth. "Like the museum, the park, and to Mackenzie's?" G.o.d, this little girl is the best. Her answer made my smile widen, as she believed what daddies did.

"I'm sure he would sweetheart. But daddies do a lot more than that." I sat on the barstool across from her watching her expressions. "Are you sad you don't have a daddy?" I asked quietly hoping to not upset her. We have never had this conversation before. She was turning five this year, so I knew she would soon have questions, but I just didn't know what she could understand at her age.

"No mommy, I'm not sad. I have you and Uncle Michael!" she squealed.

"I'm glad sweetie. But maybe, someday, you'd like Drake to be your daddy?" I asked hoping she would.

"Yeah. I like him," is all she said as she continued to finish her waffle. I smiled at how innocent she was and how not having Liam here hadn't affected her. I was so thankful for Michael knowing that he had done his best to replace that void in anyway he could.

I turned to put her dishes into the sink when I saw Drake leaning against the doorway, arms crossed just watching us. He was so amazingly s.e.xy standing there, but my face went pale as I realized he probably heard our whole conversation. G.o.d, I hope I didn't just freak him the f.u.c.k out.

He smiled and started walking up to me. His eyes locked mine and he kissed me deeply for the first time in front of Stella. He broke the kiss when he heard her giggling.

"That is what daddies do, Stella." He smiled as she was still giggling. My eyes got big as I watched for her reaction. Stella smiled and hopped off the barstool skipping out of the kitchen. Holy s.h.i.t did I love this man.

The week flew by as I continued my internship and cla.s.ses. Travis was always by my side making sure Blakely and no one else hara.s.sed me. He took on the big brother role very seriously and I loved him for that. He definitely played the daddy role as well telling me I needed to start getting some sleep after the third day of coming to my internship looking like a zombie.

I punched his arm softly as he lectured me about my sleeping habits. I'm sure he knew exactly what was keeping me up at night.

"Stop being so bossy," I protested throwing a towel at him. "I don't look that bad do I?"

"Umm... darlin', you have bags under your eyes," he fired back.

"Shut up! I do not." I totally do.

"I'm just worried about you that's all. You need to stay focused so that when we start doing rounds, you're completely in the game." Rounds were coming up soon where we would finally experience being in the Riverside Restaurant kitchen cooking with the other chefs and cooking for customers. This wasn't just any restaurant though. They have a high reputation and expectations of their food. It would be a lot of pressure to not f.u.c.k it up especially if I was hoping to get hired on after graduation.

"I know I know. I promise you, I will get some sleep, okay? Now let's get back to work."

It was finally the end of a very exhausting week and I couldn't wait to get home to Stella and Michael. I wanted to order pizza and just stay in for the night. Michael had been busy with his blog and his new beau, Troy all week.

"Hi baby girl!" I yelled as I saw Stella off the school bus at the corner. She ran in for a hug and I squeezed her tightly. Gees her smile was seriously the best thing ever. Even with a long week, she made it all worth it. "How was your day?" I asked as we started walking back to the apartment.

"Great mom! I was hoping I could sleep over at Mackenzie's tonight?" She looked up at me with begging eyes.

"Sleepover?" I sounded worried. She's never had a sleepover before.

"Yeah, Mackenzie's mom said she could have a couple friends over for her birthday. So, can I? I have her number so you can call." She dug a piece of paper with her number scratched on it.

I wanted to tell her my plans to stay in and order pizza with her, but her little eyes were just too much to say no. "Okay sweetie. I'll call her mom when we get home."

An hour later, Stella was packed, suitcase and sleeping bag in hand. "Ready mom!" she yelled practically running to the door. I held back crying until I was back in the cab returning to my apartment alone. I couldn't believe my baby girl wasn't going to be sleeping in our home tonight. It was like a part of me was missing. I starting sobbing and felt like a fool in front of the cab driver, but I didn't care. It was my baby's first sleepover.

As I unlocked the key to my apartment, I collapsed on the loveseat wallowing in depression. I knew I was probably overreacting but I was so worried about her. I knew Mackenzie's family would take good care of her, but I still felt empty not knowing what she was doing. The fact that she was probably having a blast with her friends kept me from completely losing it.

"Baby, are you all right?" Drake asked as I answered my phone sniffing and wiping away my tears.

"Yeah..." I laughed slightly. "Stella is at her first sleepover tonight and I'm just sad about it. She's growing up so fast." I sniffed again trying to get it together.

"Aww baby, I'm sure she's having fun. Don't worry, okay? I wish I could come keep you company but dad and I have a dinner meeting tonight."

"That's okay honey." I frowned.

"Can I see you after? I can stop by tonight," he offered.

"Sure if you want to." We said our goodbyes and I went into Stella's room and lied on her bed.

An hour later, my phone rang again and I was confused as I saw Travis' name.

"h.e.l.lo?" I asked puzzled.

"Hey! Whatcha doing tonight?" He sounds perky.

"Wallowing in the fact that Stella is at her first sleepover and doesn't need her mommy anymore," I really laid it on that time. Hold it together Molly.

"Okay... get up. We're going out," he said a.s.sertively.

"What? No, I'm fine. I'll be fine, don't worry," I lied.

"Oh come on! Jacob went to his grandparents for the night and you need a night out. Come on. I'll come pick you up in a half hour. Get ready," and with that he hung up the phone.