Page 11 of Finally, Our Forever

Maci Kate

“I’m hungry,” Bennett whispers in my ear, shocking me awake.

Grunting, I turn my head and grab my phone from the nightstand. Checking the time, I see that it’s already 8:30. I guess the little guy waited long enough.

“Grab a cereal bar.”

“No. I don’t want that.”

Oh, no he didn’t. He needs to get through this phase quick, because I’m going to start losing my mind if he keeps telling me no. Taking a breath, I gather as much patience I can and reply.

“Buddy, what did we talk about yesterday? You can’t tell me no when I tell you to do something.”

Bennett, still standing next to my bed, looks down at his feet. “Sorry, Momma. Can I have something else, please?”

Throwing my legs over the bed, I get up and make my way to the door, rubbing the top of his head. “That’s better. What would you like instead?”

I walk towards the kitchen with my minion following close behind. I turn the coffee pot on, thanking God I was smart enough to prepare it last night. I’m still sleepy from talking with Reece last night.

“Pancakes!” Bennett yells right next to me, and I flinch.

“Dude, it’s too early to be that loud,” I whisper to him and make my sad face.

He giggles and pats my hand. “Momma,” he whispers now, “please make some pancakes.”

I nod, and we start getting the ingredients together. Once it is all in the bowl, I give Bennett the whisk and tell him to stir it up. Hearing my phone chirp, I turn and walk back to my room.

“Stir it up, chef. Be back in a minute.”

When I get to my room, I hear my phone chirp again. Rolling my eyes, I wonder who is bugging me this early in the morning. When I unlock my screen, I see two text messages. One from Reece—yes, I changed his contact name last night—and one from David, the stupid man who can’t take a hint.

Reece: Good morning, beautiful girl.

Aww, that’s the first time he’s ever called me beautiful.

David: Hey, you want to grab lunch today? Maybe take Bennett to the park or something?

I text Reece first.

Maci Kate: Well, hello there. Pleasant dreams?

Reece: Very. How about you?

Maci Kate: I was having a great dream until the monster wanted pancakes. Lol.

Reece: Lol, well, boys love their pancakes!

Maci Kate: Apparently. He went all Hulk smash on me when I tried to give him a cereal bar.

Reece: Aww, did momma bear lay down the law?

Maci Kate: Momma bear ‘bout lost her shit when ‘no’ popped out of his mouth. I’m hoping this is just a phase.

Reece: He seemed like a great kid yesterday. You’re doing a great job with him.

Before I can reply to Reece, I get another message from David, damn him.

David: So, what do you think?

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