AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Willow climbed onto Tess’s lap and Morgan sat between her and Silas all nestled in.
“We’re going to be a real family,” her youngest daughter murmured.
“I never thought we’d be lucky enough to have the two best dads in the whole world,” Morgan added.
“I’m going to be a dad.” His bewildered expression made Tess smile.
“I’m going to be a dad.” He jumped up and swept both girls into his arms, dancing around with them while he sang, “I’m going to be a dad,” and the girls sang, “You’re going to beourdad!”
Laughing, Tess joined in and then Silas pulled her close, somehow managing to get his arms around all three of them.
“I already know that this is going to be the best job I’ve ever had.”
EPILOGUE
Good morning, beautiful.” Silas greeted her at the entrance to the kitchen with her cup of coffee in his hand.
“Morning.” Tess slid her arms around him and gave him a kiss, completing her new favorite early morning ritual.
“Pancakes are on.” He handed her the mug and then hurried back to the stove and picked up a spatula.
Tess sat on a stool at the island, watching him work while she drank her coffee. She loved watching Silas in the kitchen. He took his new job as breakfast chef quite seriously. Every morning she admired this view—her husband in his joggers and a thermal shirt, his hair still spikey and mussed from sleep, his tanned skin still sun kissed from their destination Hawaiian wedding.
They’d spent a whole week in Maui with only their closest family members and friends. Her parents had kept the girls in their condo and she and Silas had luxuriated during lazy mornings in bed and early nights in their own private spa tub. They indulged in sleep and food and sex and some fun island excursions. But it turned out he was pretty good at lying on a beach when he was with her too.
Since arriving home, they’d settled into a routine that she loved too. Mornings where they woke in each other’s arms and worked together to get the girls off to school before they each went about their work for the day.
“Mom, can you check my math?” Morgan shuffled into the kitchen first, maneuvering her folder out of her backpack.
“Sure.” Time to stop admiring the view and jump into action. Tess filled the girls’ glasses with orange juice first and then joined her daughter at the table.
“I smell pancakes!” Willow bounded into the kitchen next and went directly to the stove to stand next to Silas. “And they have chocolate chips!”
Every once in a while, Silas snuck a little extra treat into the pancakes.
“Can I flip puhleeeaasse?” her younger daughter begged.
“Right after I flip you.” Silas captured her in his arms and turned her upside down while she giggled.
“Your math is perfect.” Tess handed Morgan’s workbook back to her. “You’re doing so well in school, honey.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She shoved the workbook back into her bag and then Silas and Willow served the pancakes.
They all ate together while the girls told them some of the details about their upcoming school day, and then there was a mad rush to pack them up so they wouldn’t miss the bus.
“Lunches.” Silas got their insulated bags out of the refrigerator and the girls stuffed them into their backpacks.
Together, they walked out the front door and down the driveway, with Tess and Silas hand in hand.
As per usual, the bus got to the end of the drive before they did.
“Love you, girls.” It didn’t matter how late they were running, Silas always gathered them in for a hug and kissed their foreheads.
“Love you too, Daddy,” they called in unison.
Tess snuck in her hugs and kisses too and then Morgan and Willow disappeared onto the bus.
“Whew. That never gets old.” Silas slipped his arm around her. “Time for a shower?”
