Graham
Two weeks have passedsince Emery and I made the decision to remain in Strawberry Falls. Two weeks of newly-married bliss. For the first time in my life, it feels like every piece of the puzzle fits together perfectly, and fuck…I’m so in love with my family. With my wife and my girls. Even Ma has been smiling more, eating more, and looking better every day. I don’t know if it’s because of the wedding and having us there, but hell, I’ll take it. We’re moving in the right direction, and I’m hoping at her next appointment her scans will look better.
I’ve spent the last two weeks putting a plan in action, one that is a little fucking crazy, and yet…here we are.
Honestly, I think Emery would be surprised if Ididn’tdo something like this.
“Charlotte, Quinn, listen to your daddy, okay? This is going to be a very important moment, and it’s up to us three to make sure it goes right.”
I’m loading them into their car seats in the back of my brand-new Range Rover that we just drove two hours to pick up. Ma’s old truck, as much as I love it and its sentimental value… well, it just isn’t big enough or safe enough for my girls. So, we got an upgrade that I can breathe easier about, knowing they're riding around in it.
Of course, neither of my girls respond to me, not that I expected them to, but I like talking to them as if they actually understand what I’m saying.
They’re my little best friends. And honestly…I’m a little fucking nervous about this. The past couple of months, my life has consisted of grand gestures and spontaneous decisions. Even though they have all worked out exactly as I had hoped… it’s still a bit terrifying.
“Daddy’s done something a little crazy, and I know that probably doesn’t surprise you, but he’s a little nervous about it, so he could really use your support.”
Quinn giggles, the floppy pink bow on her head shaking with her laughter. They’re wearing matching baby pink bows and I’m proud that I picked out these outfits and bows by my damn self. I’m learning that every outfit has to have an accessory, and today, we went with pink bows that are half as big as their heads. I’m such a fucking girl dad, and I love this shit.
Charlotte just looks at me like I’m crazy, baring her one lonesome tooth on the top.
Fuck, it’s so cute. Every time she grins, my heart patters against my chest like a sap. I can’t help it.
Listen, if these girls ask me to get them something, it’s theirs. No questions. I’ll be the dad to the most spoiled babies on Earth, and I don’t give two shits. This is my job, to spoil my girls with whatever the hell they want and love them endlessly. I don't care what it makes me; I’ll give in every damn time. Unless they want boyfriends, and then absolutely fucking not. Never. I’ll have to put my foot down there.
Basically, when they’re teenagers…well, we’re screwed.
“Now, as soon as Mama gets here, we’ll take off. I’ve got a surprise for her. Not sure what she’s gonna say, but let’s hope like hell. Oops, sorry heck, that she loves it because I’m excited as hell to give it to her.”
I finish buckling them both in, making sure the mirrors on the back of the seats are adjusted correctly, then shut the doors. I lean against the black SUV, my hands shoved in my pockets, ankles crossed, and wait for my girl.
Per usual, she keeps me waiting fifteen minutes longer than planned, but good thing I know her because I already accounted for it. By the time she strolls out the front door, dark hair billowing behind her, a small grin on her face…I’m so angsty my palms are clammy.
“Sorry, God, I was trying to tame my hair, but it just kept falling every time I would curl it with the curling iron an-”
I cut her off, pulling her to me and sealing my lips over hers, swallowing the surprised sigh that leaves her mouth. She melts against me, her hands coming up to entwine in my hair as I kiss her. After a few moments, I pull back and smile, letting my eyes drift over her.
She’s so beautiful.
“What was that for?” she asks breathlessly. Her cheeks are rosy, from my kiss or the weather I’m not sure, but she’s perfect. Her face is free of makeup, aside from a bit of mascara on her eyes and my favorite cherry lip gloss. She’s wearing a loose white t-shirt paired with my favorite pair of jean cut-offs and old sneakers.
She doesn’t have to dress up in anything but those old shorts and a t-shirt, and she’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. My wife.
“Couldn’t help myself, baby, you look good enough to eat. Maybe we should go back inside.” I grab her hand and tug her along, pretending to walk back toward the house. When I meet resistance, I glance back at her, and she giggles.
“God, I love you.”
“And I love you. Now, get your fine ass in that car… time for your surprise.”
I pat her ass playfully and open the passenger door, helping her inside, then shutting it behind her. Walking over to my side, I open the driver’s door and slide behind the wheel, putting the Rover in drive.
The entire ride to our first stop, part one of the surprise I’ve been working on for the past two weeks, I hold Emery’s hand as she excitedly looks out the window, pointing out familiar spots in town. I realize now, more than ever, how much has changed in the last year. How much I’ve changed.
I’m aware that I’m not the same man I used to be, and that becoming a husband and a father changed me… in the best ways. I don’t get credit for the changes I’ve made, though. No, that’s solely on my girls.
But I notice it. I think of things differently. Like home.
Once it was the place I couldn't wait to escape from. I remember the day I entered the draft, and how hard I prayed that someone, hell anyone, would pick me up. Offer me a chance out of here. It didn’t even matter who, I was going to take it.