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I’d returned from Japan a week ago, and I’d been rehearsing what I’d say ever since. Navigating this conversation with my kids was more nerve-racking than any investor pitch I’d made, even when everything had been on the line. I saw now that I could’ve handled losing the house, losing the company. But I couldn’t lose Elle.
Elle and I had talked about it during my visit, and we’d decided I should tell the kids on my own. Mostly at her insistence. She didn’t want Maddox and Savannah to feel pressured to make a decision while she was listening in.
It spoke to her love for my children that she was so determined to consider their feelings and heed their wishes. Even if I had a feeling it was completely unnecessary. At least, I hoped so. Hence, my nerves.
I smoothed my hands down my thighs.
How would they feel about my relationship with Elle?
What if they didn’t want to move?
What if they thought I was trying to replace their mom?
When I’d talked to my mom about it, she’d assured me she thought the kids would be happy. She was definitely happy for me, and it was a relief to no longer keep this huge secret.
Maddox furrowed his brow. “Are we in trouble?”
“No, buddy.” I patted the couch cushion beside me. While I’d considered taking them for a walk to have this conversation, I wanted to be able to see their expressions.
Savannah plopped down on the other side of me then stilled. “Is everyone okay?” she asked, her sweet voice rising with panic. “Is someone dying?”
Oh god. I should’ve thought about that. The last time we’d sat down to have a serious conversation, it had been to tell them about Tessa’s surgery. And while Savannah had been making progress with her anxiety—thanks in large part to her trauma counseling—she still worried more than most kids her age. It was understandable, but I should’ve considered that this might have triggered some of those fears.
“Actually, I have good news,” I said, infusing my voice with enthusiasm while hoping to allay her concerns. I grabbed both her and Maddox’s hands. “Good news and some decisions for you to make. Well, for us to make, as a family.”
“What kind of decisions?” Maddox asked, a hint of hesitancy to his tone.I get it, bud. I don’t like change either.
“Well, we need to figure out our plans for the summer. What would you guys think about going to Japan?”
“Really?” Savannah asked, grinning. “We’d get to see Ellie?”
“She’d be teaching still, but yes. We’d get to see her for the whole summer.”
Savannah gaped at me. “Thewholesummer?”
“If that’s okay,” I said, worried she’d be disappointed about missing camp. Missing her friends.
“That’s awesome!” she squealed, bouncing on the couch.
“Will we stay with her?” Maddox asked.
“If that’s okay with both of you. Though I’d need to find a place that’s big enough.”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Maddox chanted as he punched his little fists in the air.
“We’re going to Japan,” Savannah singsonged before climbing on the coffee table to dance. I laughed, relieved by their acceptance and enthusiasm.
I wasn’t going to tell them about world school yet. I didn’t want to put that kind of pressure on them. But their reaction thus far was definitely encouraging.
Elle and I had decided to focus on the summer and see how that went. We’d agreed that if the kids were game for a summer in Japan, we’d rent out the house for the time being. Tourists flocked to the AV during the summer months, eager to explore the wine region’s best-kept secret.
I was sure we’d have no problem renting out the house, and it was an elegant solution, as she’d suggested. I’d laughed at that, reminded of how well our last “elegant solution” had worked out. She’d come to live with me after being deported from Australia. And it had completely changed both our lives.
“There’s more,” I said once they’d calmed down a little.
“More?” Maddox asked, tilting his head. “Like what?”
“I, um—” I cleared my throat. “I want to talk to you about my relationship with Ellie.”
