Not ever.
Summer
Ethan holds the door open for me as I step inside Lily and Josh’s home. We decided to tell Mia together, and if she doesn’t like the idea, we won’t go through with it.
“Mommy! Efan! Look! Grace and I made a snowman out of paper cups!” Mia tugs at my hand and guides me into the living room.
“Hey, Summer.” Grace stands and wraps me in a hug, then Ethan. I spot the snowman and can’t help smiling.“I love it!”
I scoop Mia into my arms and press a kiss to her cheek.“You’re so good at these crafts. I think I might even want one for my coffee shop.”
Mia’s eyes light up.“Really, Mommy?”
“Of course! It’s beautiful.”
Ethan steps closer.“I think I want one in my living room too,” he says, winking at Mia. Her little lips form an adorable“o.”
“Mia, Mommy needs to ask you something.” I settle onto the couch with Mia on my lap. Ethan sits next to us. Grace seems to understand and quietly slips out of the living room.
“Mia,” I begin, taking her tiny hand in mine.“I want you to be really, really honest when I ask you this, okay?”
She nods.
“What would you think if we went to live with Ethan?”
Mia’s eyes widen.“At Efan’s house?” She smiles.
“Yes,” I nod.
She turns to Ethan.“Forever?”
He nods.“Forever and ever.”
Mia looks back at me.“Like a real family?”
A fist squeezes at my heart as I glance at Ethan, who beams and nods.
“Yes, pumpkin. Like a real family. Would you like that?”
Mia squeals, hugging me tightly. Then she spins and throws herself into Ethan’s arms, making him grin.
“Can we go now?” she asks.
Ethan laughs.“How about we take all your things tomorrow?”
Mia’s smile falters.“What about Oma and Opa?” My chest warms at her concern.
“Oma and Opa will live right next door, and you can visit them anytime you want.”
Her grin returns.“Can I take my teddy with me?”
Ethan kisses her cheek.“You can bring anything you want.”
Mia nods, then wiggles free from my lap and races to the kitchen. Moments later, her voice rings out:“Oma! Oma! I’m going to live with Efan and Mommy!”
Ethan and I exchange smiles, hearts full.
He slides my hand into his and pulls me close. I rest my head against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. My nerves calm.
