Eager to make my boys happy, I planned to cook something extra special. An old recipe my mom used to make for the holidays. It was a little lavish, but it would be worth it. After getting it all together, I poked my head into Vince’s room and let out a soft sigh. The little guy was on his back, his arms and legs spread out across the bed. He was so freaking precious.
The delicious aroma of the dish baking in
the oven lingered around the house. My mouth watered and stomach grumbled as I breathed in deeply and walked back into the kitchen.
Just as I took the baked French toast from the oven, I heard someone approaching. Vince came to the kitchen, his hair a mess and his eyes sleepy from just waking up. He was rubbing his eyes when I looked at him. His cute little mouth popped opened in surprise. He shook his head and wiped his eyes again as if trying to shake off the remnants of a dream.
“Kylie?” His little voice broke, killing me.
“Is that how you welcome me back to your house, little superhero?” I opened my arms and knelt down, getting ready for a warm reunion.
“No way!” he screamed happily, his little arms flung open as he ran to me and jumped into my arms. “Are you done with your work, Kylie? Are you finally coming back? Daddy said you were working a lot, but, man, did I miss you so much.”
“Yes, I’m coming back. I won’t ever leave you again, Vince. I missed you so much. Thanks for taking care of your daddy for me.” I kissed his cheek and memorized the moment as he clung to me, snuggling against my neck.
“Looks like I’m late for breakfast.” Hunter came to the kitchen to witness our blissful reunion. “Smells delicious, baby.”
“Dad!” Vince wiggled out of my arms and ran to his father, dragging him back toward me and wrapping his arms around both of our thighs. “We are finally complete again! I am so happy!”
I pulled apart from the embrace, recalling what I was cooking. “Since I missed you two, I’m treating you as the kings of this house. I’ll serve you with the best breakfast ever. Just sit and relax. I’ll set up the table for the first meal of the day.”
I finished my dish and prepared the table as they watched me with curiosity. It made me feel pretty, important, loved.
“This woke me up! This smell!” Vince was exclaiming his joy upon seeing the gooey baked French toast.
Hunter chuckled. “Vince, calm down. You’re going to blow a gasket in that head of yours.”
“Sorry, Daddy. I just got too excited about my favorite dish. Everything’s our favorite!” The excitement in his expression and voice was unquestionable.
I laughed and took my seat between then. “Well, eat up and tell me what you’ve been up to this last week while I was working.”
Hunter slid his hand over the top of mine and squeezed my fingers, the thankfulness in his eyes unraveled me. He was beyond handsome and having thought that we were over before we really began was more than I could bear.
The meal went on with us listening to Vince’s stories. I’d missed this kid. After telling us how many books he finished reading and coloring, Hunter interrupted him.
“Buddy, are you up for a great fishing trip today?” Hunter asked.
Vince nodded with intense enthusiasm, eager to commit to his father’s plan. He turned to me, a big grin drawn on his innocent face. “I want all three of us to go back to the lake and fish. It’s one of my wishes, and now that Kylie’s back, it can finally come true again!”
I looked at Hunter while I held his son’s hand. I turned to Vince, reminding him of what I had said moments ago.
“Don’t worry, Vince. From now on, we can go to the lake and fish anytime you want. I’m sorry I was gone. I’ll make it up to you and your Dad. You two are the most important men in my life.”
He was grinning at me, his face lit up in happiness. I did not know if the kid understood the depth of my words, but I knew Hunter did.
He looked at me with a contented smile, a sweet, satisfied one that melted my heart. “And you’re the most important thing in ours.”
*
After the three of us cleaned up the kitchen and prepared for the fishing trip, we got on the road and headed to the lake. I sat in the passenger’s seat, Vince insisting on me sitting beside his father. He was grinning brightly all throughout the journey, very much energized about what the day was to offer now that we were all back together again.
“Daddy, can you turn on the radio?”
“Yep. Here’s your favorite station.” Hunter reached up and turned on the radio, sneaking a glance my way and smiling like he liked what he saw.
Lust raced through me. I’d forgiven him completely. It was a misunderstanding, and he was scared. Of course, he acted like an ass. Anyone would.
In a few seconds, Hunter’s songs serenaded the entire car. Unexpected as it was, his playlist included some oldies country love songs. It felt light and renewed.