Both kids realize he’s here at the same time and they rush toward us. “Hey, I didn’t know you’d be here today. Is your brother with you?” Of course, Isaac would be worried about that.
“Not today. He had basketball practice this morning.” He glances around to make sure we don’t have an audience. “But there is something I want to talk to y’all about. I heard your mom told you we’re dating.” Both kids nod. “What I failed to do is ask if it’s okay. I know y’all are older, but you need to know I’m in love with your mom and I don’t plan on going anywhere. I’d love to get to know both of you better.”
“Gross.” Isaac groans. “We did not need to know that.”
Maybe he didn’t, but I can see the small smile on Abby’s face. She needed to know that he was serious about me and them. I’m still reeling over his confession. He told my children he loves me.
“I’m sorry, I’ll try to keep the PDA to a minimum. But I do want to get to know y’all better.” He hands the flowers to Abby and she gives him a quick hug before stepping back. “So, I got the four of us tickets to a baseball game in a few weeks. And we have tickets to a volleyball game in Dallas.”
“Really?” Both kids say in unison.
“Absolutely.”
“Thank you.” Abby gives him another hug before returning to her dad to tell him all about it. Isaac gives him a nod and runs back to his teammates.
“So, you love me?” I move beside him and lean my head on his shoulder.
“I think that goes without saying.”
“Good to know.” Turning until I’m in front of him, I wrap my arms around his neck. “Because despite my best efforts, I’m pretty sure I love you, too.”
He doesn’t hesitate. He pulls me closer to him and his lips crash into mine. This right here feels perfect. Like we were always meant to be.
“Hey,” Isaac calls out, and we pull apart. “You said no PDA.”
“Sorry,” Eric yells back. To me, he whispers, “we’ll continue that when we’re alone.”
“I’ll tell my dad he has kid duty tonight and not to expect me until late.”
“Good idea.” His hand slides down to mine and I lead him back toward the bleachers. There will be obstacles in the future, but I have no doubt we’ll overcome them.
Epilogue
It’s beena shaky couple of months. Not because the kids aren’t happy to have me around. But because school has started up again and the stay-at-home moms are at the bar again. Not drinking, but getting some time out of the house with their friends. I don't’ think they realize it’s a lot cheaper if they just go to each other’s houses, but that’s not my business. Luckily, I don’t have to deal with it again until tomorrow.
Today is going to be a fantastic day, though. The state fair is open and all of us are going. Not just me, Joan, and the kids. Keith and her dad will be going along with my mom and brother. It’s a family affair and the first time all of us will be in the same space at the same time.
Joan and the kids are staying at my house tonight since they don’t have school tomorrow, and Joan doesn’t have to work. I’ve already told Angie I won’t be at the staff meeting in the morning, and she didn’t give me hell for it. I guess they are as invested in this working as I am.
The kids are in my spare room, arguing about who knows what. Sometimes I think they like to annoy each other to see who gives in first. Joan is in the kitchen, packing a bag.
“What are you doing? We aren’t moving to the fair.” I lift up a bottle of sunscreen.
“Just taking some essentials. It’s hot outside and the sun can be a beating.”
“This is your baseball game kit, isn’t it?”
“Yep. And have you seen me sunburnt from it?”
“Well, there was—” She cuts my words off with a kiss.
“I was frazzled that day. It’s not my fault.” She throws everything into a small backpack, and moves it to her shoulders. “Are y’all ready?”
They run out of the room in response, pushing each other out of the way. I lean down to Joan’s ear, “Will they fight like this the whole time?”
“You have a little brother, what do you think?” Damn, it’s going to be a long day. It’ll be worth it, though. “In the car guys.”
They pile in the backseat of my car, and I open the car door for Joan. Once she’s inside, I close the door and round the car to get behind the wheel. “Any chance you want to practice driving?” My eyes meet Isaac’s in the review.
