Page 103 of Hawk
Chapter 33
Hawk
Spending last nightwith the kids and Stella was better than I could have imagined. We joined the club for dinner, like everyone did, then we left before the party got started and headed back to the cabin. Hailey and Jacob stopped by for a little while, and we played games until I saw the kids were getting sleepy. Then Hailey and Jacob left with Jasmine and it was just the four of us.
Matthew and Anna already loved Stella, and when it was time for bed, the kids crawled in between Stella and me, then they were out like a light. Zeus slept on his pillow at the foot of the bed, and Stella and I held hands above the kids’ sleeping heads. Matthew curled up next to me, and Anna was tucked against Stella, like we’d done this a million times.
When the sun was peeking through the blinds, I felt Stella get out on her side and I slowly slid out and followed her into the living room.
Walking up behind her, I pulled her back against my front and hugged her to me as I asked, “Did you sleep okay with the bed hogs taking up most of the bed?”
She turned and wrapped her arms around my neck as she replied, “I slept great. You’ve got some amazing kids, Colton.”
I was afraid she felt like she was getting pulled into a readymade family, so I guided her to the couch and took her hands into mine as we faced each other.
“Are you sure you’re okay with all this? I mean, you just got here and you’re already taking on the kids and all the drama I’ve got happening.”
She offered me a smile as she explained, “I love the kids and I love you. I know it’s quick, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. You’re a package deal, and I . . . I feel like I’m pushing my way into your happy family.”
“We’re only happy because you’re here.” I leaned over and kissed her. “If you’re not ready for all this, I completely understand.”
“Do you not want me to be a part of all this?” she asked, and I could see her eyes growing watery.
“I want you in every way you’ll let me, and you’re not pushing your way in. I opened the door and invited you.” I paused and said, “Hailey seems to be okay with all this.”
“She and I talked and she’s happy for me. She knows I’ll be a part of her life, but she has Jacob and knows I’ve got you.”
“And all the trouble with Araneta?” I inquired, hoping my bitch of an ex-wife wasn’t a dealbreaker for her.
“She’d be better off staying wherever she is and leaving those sweet children alone. She had her chance to be a mother and threw it all away. Her loss is my gain,” she said, and I kissed her again.
“You’re amazing, you know that, right?”
“I’m just me.”
Stella had such a rough past and wasn’t used to compliments, so I vowed to praise her every chance I got. The kids already loved her as much as I did, so hopefully, she would eventually put the last memories into a locked box and forget about the heartache she’d endured.
“And you’re more than I deserve, but I’m not letting you go,” I remarked, and the smile she gave me lit up the room.
The sound of small feet on the floor sounded into the living room and we both turned to see Matthew rubbing his eyes as he walked into the room. Zeus was following him like he did all night, and when he walked around the couch, he sat next to Stella and rested his head against her shoulder.
Stella lifted her arm, and he snuggled closer to her as she gently stroked his messy hair.
“How did you sleep?” she asked, and he yawned before answering.
“I slept good, but when I woke up, I thought you were gone.”
She looked at me with pain in her eyes as she spoke to him, still rubbing his head. “I’m not going anywhere, Matthew. I love all of you so much already, and the thought of not having you around hurts my heart.”
“Really?” he asked as he looked up at her.
“Really. I promise that I’m not in this for a few days. I’m in this forever.”
She looked at me and smiled as Matthew wrapped his arms around her middle and hugged himself closer. They were so similar, and I’d never seen him so affectionate with anyone but me. She was already a mother to him, and I needed to make it official. A wedding ring on her finger and my last name as hers would seal the deal. I would love for her to adopt the kids, but that may have been asking too much, too soon.
“Would you like to help me take Zeus outside and feed him breakfast?” Stella asked Matthew, and he nodded his head against her chest.
“Go get some shoes on and you can help Ms. Stella,” I instructed, and he stood from the couch and walked into his bedroom.
