Chapter Two

5 Years later...

Gemma woke up and couldn't believe her baby girl was starting school that day! Time had really gone by so fast and Skye, her beautiful daughter, was growing up to be an amazing little girl. With her dark hair and deep blue eyes. Eyes that Gemma would forever be reminded of. A person she had never met, yet he would always be Skye's "biological father". Even if he was just the sperm donor...

So much had happened in the last 5 years and Gemma could not be happier. She had met Kyle about a year ago. Sweet, amazing Kyle. Gemma could not help but smile just thinking about him. She sometimes felt like she was dreaming. Kyle with his light hair and green eyes. He always had a few hungry eyes on him from other women whenever they went out. He worked out often and looked after himself. He was very easy on the eye, and he had that way of looking at Gemma that made her go all warm and tingly inside. Whenever he held her, she knew everything will be ok and that no matter what, he will be there. He always made her feel special, like she was the only girl in the world. He really was a one in a million kind of guy. And he was all hers, for now... Gemma always had this uneasy feeling in the back of her mind, she was maybe to happy, or things was going to well. She knew she deserved happiness and that she was the best Mom she could be to Skye. But the thought was always there ‘He is not her biological father’ …

He had accepted Skye who absolutely adored him. They got along so well, but neither one of them knew the truth, about how Skye had come to be. Skye had asked once or twice about where her own Daddy was when she had seen the other children with their fathers at crèche. Gemma tried to avoid a straight answer as far as she could, but she knew she wouldn't be able to avoid it forever... She could almost hear the unspoken questions in Skye’s voice the older she got. She was so innocent and did not ask to be here, yet there has not been one day that Gemma regret what she did! Yes, there are days that it’s a bit harder, but then there were days that felt like she and her daughter could conquer the world. She knew it would not be easy being a single parent and her best friend, has been amazing and such a pillar. She has filled in so many ways and she has helped raised Skye and had a very big part in this amazing little girl she has become.

Kyle thought Skye's father was a one-night stand, but Gemma couldn't bear the thought of telling him that she had selected a random stranger from a catalogue to be the sperm donor. She didn't want to take the chance of him maybe seeing her differently, of possibly losing him. Gemma had really come to love him in the last few months as he really was an amazing man. He did not have to step up the way he did, but he has made so many days easier, just being part of their lives.

Gemma got out of bed and took a warm shower. While the hot water ran over her, she thought how good life was, how lucky and blessed she was. Maybe one day Kyle would even ask her to marry him, making them all a real family… What a sweet thought that was. Gemma got out and wrapped a big towel tightly around her. She stepped into her walk-in closet and chose a light blue suite with some high heels. She had to look extra professional today as she will be meeting their new CEO… She did her make up carefully and took a second look at herself before leaving her room to make double sure eveything was just right. 

"Skye, baby, we need to get ready for school." Gemma called down the hall as she heard her daughter scuffling around in her room.

Gemma walked to her daughters’ room and helped her dress and make sure she had everything. She almost had tears in her eyes as she brushed Skye’s hair and made a high ponytail.

"Mommy, are you ok?” Skye turned around and had a worried look on her small little face.

“Yes baby, Mommy just can’t believe you are starting school already! It felt like just the other day I brought you home from the hospital.” Gemma said with such tenderness in her voice.

“Oh Mommy, it’s ok! I am all grown up now and I have to go to school, so that I can learn and be clever like you are.” Skye was always very caring and never wanted anyone to cry or get hurt.

“Yes, you are, my princess.” Gemma smiled and gave her a big kiss on her head.

“Now come on, porridge time.”

Skye was running down the passageway, making a skip here and there from sheer excitement.

"After you have eaten your porridge, sweetie, we need to leave."

"Ok, Mommy. I will eat everything this morning, I promise! I really can't wait to go to school!"

Gemma could not help but smile at her babbling daughter with her gorgeous face. She looked so much like him... His features were so strong, Skye had the same dark hair and those deep blue eyes, those eyes that seems to be looking right through you… That was exactly what Gemma had wanted, and that was why she had chosen him as the donor. She just never thought his features would be so strong! But she had the most beautiful little girl, inside and out.

Gemma made herself a steaming hot coffee and went outside to feed the dogs while Skye ate her breakfast. She has always been an animal lover, and when Skye was about three years old, she decided it was time for two Labradors and it has been love at first sight when she brought them home. She will never forget that look on her daughter’s face, pure pleasure, and excitement. Everything that childhood should be about.

"Mommy, I've finished eating! Can we go now, please?" Skye's voice pulled Gemma from her deep thoughts.

"Quickly go brush your teeth and then we are all set and ready to go!"

Gemma made sure they had everything as she locked the house. They got into the car and drove to school, with a very excited little girl that didn't stop talking throughout the journey. Gemma could not help but think how proud she was of her daughter. On their way to school the phone rang. It was Kyle.

"Good morning, Kyle." Gemma answered

"Good morning, my two beautiful ladies. And how are you this morning?" Kyle's friendly voice came over the phone.

"Good morning, Uncle Kyle! I'm going to school, and I can't wait! Are you going to meet us there and go in with me on my first day?" Skye was so excited that if she hadn't been strapped in in her car seat, she would've jumped up and down.

"Yes, my angel, I am already here and waiting for you and your Mommy."

"Oh goody, thank you, Uncle Kyle! Can't wait to see you!"

"We're almost at the school." Gemma tried to get in a word or two before Skye babbled on again.

"Ok, will see you both in a few minutes, drive safely." Kyle said before he hung up the phone.

"We are here sweetie. Are you ready?" Gemma asked Skye as she parked the car.

"Yes, Mommy, I am ready!"

Gemma looked up and saw Kyle walking over to the car and opened the car door for Skye and unstrapped her from her car seat. It felt right him being here and being a part of this big day. Skye threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on his cheek. Kyle laughed and hugged her tightly.

"Hi, my angel, you look very pretty!"

"Thank you, Uncle Kyle, I ate all my porridge as well this morning and got dressed all by myself." Skye said with a big grin on her sparkling little face.

"Morning" Gemma kissed Kyle and went to fetch Skye's school bag from the car.

"Morning, babes" Kyle returned the kiss and smiled at both the girls.

"Are you both ready? Shall we go?" Kyle asked as he took the school bag from Gemma.

"Yes, let's do this!" And the three of them started walking towards the school, hand in hand.

Gemma was so proud of her precious, bright daughter as she and Kyle walked on either side of Skye. She felt complete and utter joy on this very special day! How could she be so lucky to have such a beautiful daughter and such a gorgeous man? A lot has changed in the last few years, and all for the better. She has grown so much herself and learned so much from Skye. Everyday there was something new to be thankful for.

As they came to the school entrance, there was a teacher waiting for them.

"Good morning" the teacher said and looked at Skye with a warm smile.

"Good morning!" Skye replied cheerfully.

"And what is your name?" the teacher asked.

"I am Skye Leroy and I am five years old. This is my first day and I am very excited to be here!"

The teacher could not help but laugh.

"Such a bubbly little girl! You can say goodbye to Mommy and Daddy, I will take you to your classroom."

"Bye Mommy and Uncle Kyle! You must have a nice day and don't miss me too much. I will be ok! See you later!"

And before Skye could go with the teacher, Gemma grabbed her in a tight hug and planted kisses all over her face.

"Not now, Mommy, not here in front of everyone!" Skye tried to pull away.

"Mommy is just so proud of you and I am going to miss you so much!" Gemma tried very hard to hold back her tears, realising how much her daughter had grown up. The time had rushed by so quickly...

"Ok, Mommy! That's enough kisses for now! I need to go, otherwise I am going to be late!"

Gemma could not help but laugh and gave Skye one last hug before she disappeared into the school, holding the teachers hand.

"You ok, babe?" Kyle asked, as he took Gemma's hand, squeezed it, and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"I will be, thanks" And Gemma stepped into his arms as the masculine smell of his aftershave and cologne that she so loved, soothed her as she felt his loving embrace. She always felt better when he held her, she felt save in his arms. They walked back to the cars holdings hands and Gemma’s heart was overflowing with joy and love.

"Sorry we can’t go for a quick coffee; I need to get to work. We have a few meetings today and another big, potential client that I need to prepare for."

Kyle was a lawyer for a firm called Brandson and Co. He had been working there for 10 years and had made partner last year, just after they had met. Gemma's Company had wanted some financials and legal contracts looked over and re-evaluated and that was when they got Kyle's firm involved. As fate would have it, Kyle himself wanted to make sure the project run smoothly, and they spend a lot of hours and late nights together. They both were very hard working and knew what they wanted in life and worked hard for it. They just clicked and as they say, the rest was history.

"Yes, I also need to get going. I promised Nicky I would meet up with her for coffee before we got to the office."

"Let me know when you're at work safely. I'll check in later" Kyle took her in his arms and kissed her good-bye. Before letting her go, he gave her bum a quick and firm squeeze. He'd never been afraid to show her affection in public and she loved it. Gemma always wanted more every time he kissed her. He had that effect on her and this time was no different from the rest. It was a very good sign that after a year they still had that sexual attraction and could not get enough of each other.

"See you later, babes" And with that he was gone.

Gemma got into her car and drove to the office. There was a coffee shop in their building where she and Nicky often met up for coffee.

"Good morning. And how did it go with Skye at school this morning?" Nicky asked enquiringly as Gemma joined her at a table in the far corner of the coffee shop.

"Morning. She was very excited and could not wait. I was the one that had to hold back the tears! She is growing up too fast Nicky" Gemma said ordering a cappuccino. The waiter smiled and winked at her. He had always had a crush on her, but she just was not that into him. He was a sweet good looking guy, but not Gemma's type at all.

"And I guess Kyle was also there?" Nicky asked with a twinkle in her eye.

"Yes, he was" Gemma smiled at the thought of how they had felt like a family this morning.

"I am very glad you met him, Gemma. He is good for you, and we won't mention how absolutely gorgeous he is. And that body..."

"Hey, he's mine" Gemma laughed, giving Nicky a playful pinch.

"I am just saying as your best friend, you did good this time!"

"Yeah, yeah! And how is James?"

"He's good. Can you believe we've been together for seven months already?"

"He has been your longest relationship in the last few years! Looks like we both found ourselves some good men this time." Gemma said as she took a sip.

“We most definitely did! Do you remember that weird guy I met online last year? He sends me a nonstop friend request on f******k. I think he might be stalking me or something.” Nicky said, and Gemma could hear she sounded a little worried.

“Are you serious? Nicky, I am sorry to hear. I thought he got the message after last time. Maybe it’s time you tell James about him.”

“Are you kidding me? Then I need to tell James about what happened, and I really do not want him to know Gemma.”

“Ok, ok. But promise me when he starts pithing up at your door again or something like that, you will go to the cops?”  Gemma said, feeling very worried about her friend and having a uneasy feeling.

“I will, I promise. Now enough about that, we still on for our double date on Friday?”

"Yes, I'm sure that'll be fine. I'll just double check with Kyle later today and confirm. And please remind me to arrange for Jackie to come and look after Skye that evening."

"Ok, will do. We must most probably get to the office; we're meeting the new CEO today"

Both Gemma and Nicky worked for Fenns Inc., one of the biggest accounting firms in New York. They have been working there for a good few years and Gemma has worked her way up. She started as an accountant at the beginning and has proven herself over the years. She was promoted to Finance Manager two years ago and are running the whole financial department. All her hard work paid off.

"Yes, don’t remind me. I know change is good, but I still don’t understand why they had to sell. We are doing so well, and everything has been running smoothly. Just my own personal thoughts. But let's go. Before we're late."

They both got up and walked to the elevator.