The way he looks down at me makes me feel cherished and, might I say, loved? I know using that word isn’t something to use lightly, especially so early, but it’s the feeling I get from him. After this past week, and then today, and seeing him with my kids, I know he’s in this completely. My kids don’t scare him, he’s a natural around them, and lets Hope warm up to him at her pace, without any complaint.
“Why the tears?” he asks, and wipes one away. I didn’t even realize I was crying, but here I am, tears leaking out of my eyes.
“I have no idea, to be honest with you. I was just thinking how lucky I am to have met you and how good you are with my kids. I promise, they’re good ones.”
“I promise you, I’m the lucky one.”
“I don’t know about that. I think this is one thing we’re going to have to agree to disagree on.” I smile at him.
“Or we can agree we’re both lucky,” he suggests.
“Sure,” I agree easily.
“That’s what I like to hear. Now, back to proving I’m not a figment of your imagination.” He smirks and covers my body with his. Our time in his bed was frantic and quick, this time he’s able to take longer, rocking my world with multiple orgasms until we’re both exhausted and ready for sleep.
“To answer your question earlier, no figment of my imagination could have just done all of that. You’re very real, and, hopefully, all mine.”
“I’m not going anywhere, not unless you kick me out of your bed and life. You’re stuck with me as we figure this all out together.”
“I like that idea,” I tell him as I snuggle in close and let sleep take me.
EPILOGUE
Garrett
6 months later
I race around the house,Hope in my hands as I pretend she’s an airplane, her giggles filling the air as she encourages me to move faster.
“I can’t go faster or else I might drop you, silly girl,” I tell her as we come to a stop in the living room. “I can’t drop precious cargo.”
“That was fun, again!” she says, twirling in a circle.
“Give me a few minutes, I’m tired.” I plop down on the couch and pull her into my lap. She curls right up against me, and it melts my heart. This little girl has stolen my heart, just as much as her mother has the last six months. It took her about a week to completely warm up to me and get used to me being around more and more. The past month or so, I’ve almost moved in. I’m here almost every night after work. On the weekends, we sometimes go stay at my house and get together with my family. They’ve all taken Lacey and the kids in with open arms. My mom especially loves having two more little kids to spoil and be grandma to.
“Well, aren’t the two of you just the sweetest ever,” Lacey says as she joins us in the living room.
“She wore me out playing airplane,” I tell her as she sits on the cushion next to us.
“My Garrett,” Hope tells her mom as she pushes her away slightly. I can’t help but chuckle at her greediness over me.
“Watch it, sister, he was mine, first,” Lacey tells her.
“Now, now, ladies, no need to fight over me. I can be both of yours. You have to share me with Mommy,” I tell Hope. Her only reply is to stick her bottom lip out in a pout. I tickle her side, and that turns that frown back into a smile as she squirms and laughs in my lap.
I lean over and give Lacey a quick kiss. “You’re still my number one girl,” I tell her.
“Careful she doesn’t hear that, she might fight me for real.” Lacey chuckles and she isn’t wrong. I’ve become Hope’s favorite person, lately. She’ll come to me before her mom, sometimes.
“Can we open presents yet?” Benjamin asks as he joins us. His eyes always go straight to the Christmas tree and all the wrapped things underneath it.
“Not yet, buddy. Tomorrow is Christmas morning, and we can, then. You might be lucky and get to open a few tonight when we go over to Debbie and Allen’s house, but I make no promises,” Lacey tells him
“I’ve been told there will be presents,” I interject.
“Presents?!” Hope sits back up in my lap.
“Later, baby,” I tell her, smiling at her excitement.