Page 90 of As the Years Pass
I laugh, and turn off the water before grabbing her old mug and putting some mix in it so Emmet can have hot chocolate too.
“Marshmallows?” I ask.
“Absolutely.”
“Did you put some in mine?” Judy asks.
“Of course. And none in Ian’s and mine.”
“Good choice,” Emmet says to her. She grins at him, and it melts my heart. “You know what else is good in hot chocolate?”
“What?” she asks.
“Cinnamon.”
“That sounds yummy! Daddy, I want that in mine too.”
I finish making the hot chocolate, smiling to myself, and Emmet helps me carry them into the living room. I place them on the coasters on the coffee table. I put milk in Ian’s and Judy’s, so they wouldn’t be so hot. Ian’s has a straw to help him drink it, since he hasn’t quite mastered a cup yet, but likes using a mug like me.
“What are we watching?” Emmet asks as he sits on the couch. Judy moves over to cuddle up to his side. He looks up at me, and I see the happiness in his eyes. Emmet was made to have kids, just like his parents. The look on his face makes me want to cry, but not out of sadness. This is easily the best thing I’ve ever seen in my whole life. My kids like the man I love. Could anything be better?
Emmet grew up around hundreds of kids because his parents fostered them for years. It’s how I met him in the first place. The day my parents died, unexpectedly in a car crash, I was sent to a foster home because they couldn’t get in touch with my other family. I stayed with the Durants for a few weeks before things got settled with my aunt and uncle. It was the worst time of my life, but somehow also one of the best. Of course I hate that my parents died, it still hurts every day, but without that event, I never would have met Emmet. Sometimes I wonder if my parents sent him to me, knowing he was exactly what I needed.
“Beast!” Ian shouts, answering Emmet’s question.
“Beauty and the Beast,” Judy corrects.
“I didn’t know there was a live action,” Emmet answers.
“It’s pretty good,” I say, sitting on the other side of Judy.
After Ian sucks down his warm chocolate, he hops on the couch between me and Judy, putting the kids squished in the middle, and me and Emmet on the end.
I guess I’m spending Valentine’s Day with Emmet after all. We’re not doing much of anything, but it’s the best Valentine’s I’ve ever had.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Emmet
“I can’t believe he’s sitting so still,” Adam whispers to me.
I smile as I watch Ian and Judy sitting on the carpet, near a dozen other kids. They’re listening to one of the librarians tell a story about a magical moose, and Ian is enthralled. I’m not sure if it’s the story or the way she’s telling it, because, honestly, even I’m invested in this moose.
“It’s a good story,” I say.
Adam nudges me with his elbow, and I turn to him.
There’s so much happiness shining in his eyes. I have the urge to lean in and kiss him, but I won’t do that. He’s not ready yet. I’m impatient, extremely so, but I understand these are his kids and this is a big change, so I’m trying not to let it get to my head. Things are going well and I can’t ruin it over my insecurities. I’mchoosing to trust him, so I need to trust him. This isn’t like last time. He told me that. There are different circumstances now, and it’s the only reason he hasn’t said anything yet.
But because I can’t kiss him, I wink and watch him melt.
“I hate when you do that,” he pouts, turning to face the kids.
He doesn’t hate it. He likes it. Way too much. It’s my secret weapon that I enjoy using, just to tease him, especially when we’re out in public and he can’t do anything about it.
He never was a patient person. He’s always been needy and demanding, and I’ve always loved those two things about him. He’s vocal about what he wants, open too. At least, with me he is. When he has a safe space where no judgment is guaranteed.
I don’t give a fuck what people think about me and my life, so I’ve always been outspoken and open with what I want.
