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He skips off to bed like he hasn’t a care in the world when he’s completely rocked mine. The poor kid has had way too much exposure to death and dying. Getting the kids settled is a bit of a project since they’re hopped up on Christmas, excitement and sugar and all sleeping in the same room, which Sophia says is a slumber party. Thankfully, they’re tired from a long day, so their shenanigans don’t last for long.
“Phew,” Iris says after we leave their room and head for ours. “I thought that was going to take longer.”
Mimi and Stan said good night and retired to their room on the other side of the house with orders to text if we need anything.
“The last time I was here, I stayed in this room alone.” I hook an arm around her waist and bring her in for a kiss. “This is so much better.”
“This was such a lovely evening. I adore them.”
“I knew you would—and vice versa. I haven’t seen them smile and laugh like they did tonight since before.”
“I was thinking all night how crazy it all is, how we never would’ve met them without two epic tragedies.”
“While I’d never wish the losses we’ve suffered on anyone, sometimes I feel sorry for people who don’t know how lucky they are every minute of every day they get with the people they love.”
“That’s so true,” she says. “I like to think I was grateful for all my many blessings before I lost Mike, but my gratitude is different now. It’s sharper and more immediate. I see it as it’s happening rather than realizing later that something was rather wonderful.”
“Yes, that’s it exactly.”
“How lucky we are to have found each other in all the madness.”
I pull the floral blouse over her head and reach behind her to free her bra. “So very, very lucky.”
“I need a shower,” she says.
“Let’s take one together.”
“It’s okay for us to do that here? You’re okay with that?”
“I was thinking earlier that Nat and the girls were never here. This wasn’t one of our places, even if Mimi and Stan were our people. Does that make any sense?”
“It does. Nat’s parents live here, but Nat and the girls don’t.”
“Yes.”
“You’ll tell me if anything feels off to you?”
“I will. I promise.”
“It’s very important to me that I be respectful of her and the girls always, but especially when we’re with her parents.”
“You’re nothing but respectful. I want you to just relax and enjoy every minute of this time away from it all.”
“I can do that,” she says with the sexy smile I love as she turns to lead the way into the adjoining bathroom that has a big, tiled, walk-in shower. “This house is gorgeous.”
“It really is. They wanted plenty of room for friends and family to visit any time we wanted.”
“I’m going to want to come back here—often.”
“They’d love that.”
We step into the shower and stand under the warm water, wrapped up in each other and this new life we’re creating for ourselves and her kids, one small step at a time. Today was a big step, and I’m relieved that it went so well.
“Thank you for introducing me to your special people.”
“Thank you for coming. I know it’s a big deal to ask you to meet Nat’s parents.”
“They made it easy.”
