AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hey! What about me?” Maddox asked.
“A big sisteragain,” Savannah said, rolling her eyes.
I laughed. She was definitely getting ahead of herself. But one day,one day, I did want to marry Elle. I wanted to have more children with her. I wanted it all.
“What about you, Mads?” I turned to him, surprised by how quiet he was. “How are you feeling?”
He lifted a shoulder but didn’t say anything.
“Talk to me, bud,” I pleaded.
“Yeah.” Savannah nudged him. “What’s up? You love Ellie.”
“I know, but—” He heaved a great shuddering breath then started to cry. “I don’t want to lose her too.”
I immediately pulled him and Savannah to me. “I don’t ever want us to go through that kind of pain again. But it comes with loving someone. You both give me so much strength—more than you will ever know. I need to know you’re in this with me. Will you be brave with me?”
Savannah nodded, and then so did Maddox. I wiped their tears, and we talked some more about Ellie and Japan and their mom. It was one of the best conversations we’d had in a long time. And it was so nice to be in a place where we could talk with less pain and more love.
“Can we call Ellie?” Savannah asked.
I glanced at the world clock on my phone and shook my head. “It’s the middle of the night, and I’m sure she’s asleep. But we can definitely check in later.”
“And you’ll be on the phone too, right?”
I tilted my head. “Yeah. Why?”
“Just curious.”
“Can wepleasego get ice cream now?” Maddox asked, to which I laughed.
“Absolutely. Grab your shoes and jackets. We’re going to Lick!”
“Yes!” They both cheered.
We drove downtown, the streets lined with lights and decorations for the holidays. It was beautiful and charming, and I knew I would miss it. But I could always return. As I’d told Elle, it was time for a new adventure. A fresh start.
The kids bounced into the ice cream store ahead of me. When I entered, they were already sitting at the counter, chatting with the owner, Sandra. She waved to me, but her attention was glued to them.
“What can I get you?” she asked me when I took the stool next to Maddox. “Perhaps some mochi?” She winked.
I paused then laughed. The kidsmustbe excited about visiting Japan—they’d clearly already spilled the beans to Sandra. I only wondered what else they’d told her.
I ordered the current special—peppermint ice cream served taco-style in a chocolate waffle cone with chocolate sauce and sprinkled with crushed peppermints. For what was life without a little indulgence now and then.
After we finished our treats, we stopped in Bibliolater to complete our holiday shopping. Savannah wanted to get a book on tree houses for Aiden, and she picked some funky socks for River. We chatted with the owner—and Liam’s mom—Debbie, for a little bit before heading back out into the chilly air.
We were walking down the sidewalk when I saw Gloria approaching from the direction of Larkspur.Aw. Shit.
I wasn’t prepared to have this conversation with her, especially not so soon after having it with the children. I mean, I hadn’t even had the chance to tell Elle the good news, for chrissakes. But perhaps the universe was giving me the push I needed. Because I’d known all along that I’d have to deal with Gloria sooner or later.
“Hello,” she said to me, her expression cold.
“Mimi!” Maddox cheered, hugging her legs.
“Hi there.” She smiled down at him, softening as Savannah joined them for a hug. “I’ve missed you two.”
“We’ve missed you, Mimi,” Maddox said. “Will we get to come over for Christmas?”
