Since the moment she emerged from her car, I wanted her. I could feel it in my bones. Aurora was something special, and I wasn’t about to let her go.Ever.
The next morning,the kids woke me up bright and early, excited for the gingerbread house decoration day, a tradition we kept up every year. The three of us made pancakes for breakfast and I kept the kids on the quiet side, explaining to them our guest was sleeping.
“Can we bring Aurora breakfast in bed?” Auggie asked, his kind face looking up at me.
“Yes!” Lola chimed in, agreeing with whatever her older brother said. I loved how they were best friends, and I hoped it always stayed that way between them.
“Are we a hotel now or something?” I teased, even though I thought it was a good idea.
“Daddy! I like hotels.” Lola said, her expression serious.
“I do, too, sweetheart.”
Ten minutes later, the kids and I made a tray for Aurora, filling it with pancakes, a mug of coffee, a cup of orange juice, and a small single stem vase filled with a red rose in water, I carried the tray down the back hallway, both kids in tow.
When I reached her door, it was quiet inside and I didn’t want to wake her. But looking back at my kids’ faces, with their excited smiles and happy dances, I couldn’t say no.
I knocked on the door softly and at first, heard nothing, followed by a quiet, “Coming!”
The door swung open and there Aurora stood, bright eyed and bushy tailed, a look of shock on her face. With her hair pulled back and her face scrubbed clean, she looked even more beautiful than she did last night. “Well, good morning! This is a surprise, finding you all here.”
“Morning, Aurora! We brought you breakfast in bed!” Auggie said before thrusting the tray at her with a huge grin on his face.
“Wow! I must be a great house guest then, hm?” Aurora stepped back and waved us inside.
“Yes, you are. Daddy said so!” Lola said as she hopped along.
Aurora snuck a glance at me and I smiled knowingly, not afraid to show her how I felt. She must’ve felt it in our kiss last night, how could she not?
Aurora took the tray from Auggie and set it on the dresser. “Thanks for breakfast, guys. You are so sweet.”
“Are you going to decorate our gingerbread houses with us today?” Auggie asked eagerly.
I chuckled. “Okay, I think that’s enough questions for now. Why don’t we let Aurora eat her breakfast and relax.”
“I don’t mind the questions.” Aurora sat on the bed and patted both sides, the kids immediately jumping up and sitting beside her.
“Be careful what you say. They’ll never stop.” I grinned. “But yeah, after we put the houses together, we decorate them. My family will be by later and we all decorate together. You’re welcome to join.”
“Thanks, but I’m going to try to get my car unstuck today.”
“I’ll help with whatever you need. My truck has a plow, but unfortunately no tow on it. I’ll plow us out and then I’ll call the tow guy in town. Meet me downstairs when you’re ready.”
“Thanks. I appreciate the help.”
“C’mon kids, we’ve got to clean up before everyone comes over and dig us out. Follow me.”
“Thanks again!” Aurora said as the kids scrambled off the bed. But Lola hung behind and held her arms open.
“May I have a hug please, Aurora?” Lola said, her adorable voice causing my heart to melt.
Aurora’s entire face brightened. “Of course you can!” I watched as she hugged my daughter close and my damn heart splattered on the floor in front of me, melting into a big puddle of goo.
Fuck, this woman is going to turn me into a melty mess. Just like my kids already do.
“I want a hug now too!” Auggie said as he ran back over and got his own hug.
“We’re a hugging kind of family.” I said with a laugh. “I hope you don’t mind.”
