by Eva Morian
Cherish slowly glanced down at the long, little girl who kicked her feet and wailed from the chill in the house. Nodding, she left Miriam to her and slowly dragged her water-logged body into the bedroom.
Margaret rushed up to her son who was in the middle of grabbing Jr. She panted out loud while the fear and stress she’d felt in the last couple of hours showed on her features, “W-Where are they?” she asked.
Jr. fussed in his arms as he looked over and nodded towards the house, “Inside changing.” He answered. He hesitated before he stepped to his mother and cut her off from chasing them, “Do you think you could watch and feed Jr.? I need to talk to Cherish…” He handed his grumpy boy to his mother before pulling away and ducking back into the rain.
“Of course.” She whispered to her son before she smiling in Jr.’s face, “Hello there my big boy! Did you wake up? Hm? It’s way past your bedtime.” She cooed. Once she entered the house, Simon Sr. went and grabbed one of the jars of baby food for his wife. Margaret paced towards the thermostat and turned off the air conditioning to give Jasmine, Cherish, and Simon a chance to warm up.
Chilled to the bone, Cherish already had her top and bra off in the bathroom. She peeled her jeans away before she stepped out of them and turned the shower on. Holding herself with her palms on her shoulders, she sat down on the edge of the tub and waited for the water to heat. The paint job she’d gotten on her toes was messed up and the stress that had melted away was back; beyond what she felt before. The ends of her curls dripped with chilled water down her arms as she stared at the floor blankly.
Going to the bedroom, Simon gave a small knock against the door and stepped in, “My parents have Jr.” he explained before she asked. He quietly shut the door behind him as he silently stripped out of his wet clothes to his underwear; on the verge of apologizing to her.
Nodding softly, she stared at him and felt a pang of guilt stab her side. Looking away, her shoulders began to shudder as she shook her head and pressed a hand to her cheek, “I’m so sorry. I-I’m so sorry. I…I hurt you and—and ma-made you worry and…” Unable to finish her sentence, she pressed both hands over her face and hid from his gaze.
That same sensation of guilt resonated through Simon before he crossed the room and closed the space between them. Reaching down, he grabbed her wrists and gently fought against her. He led her onto her feet and pulled her chin up to face him. She looked up into his features with a defeated expression. He leaned in and held her close with his lips pressed to her forehead. The way he treated her made it clear he wanted nothing more but to soothe and comfort her, “It’s okay. I shouldn’t have gotten so mad. You didn’t mean for this to happen. I’m just…so relieved that you’re safe. You two mean so much to me. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” he whispered against the soft skin above her brows.
Forgoing the fact that she was naked, in nothing but her underwear, Cherish stared up at him with tears in her eyes as she listened to him practically pour his heart out, from the deepest relief of pain, to her. He looked in her eyes. They were so sad and tired. Sighing, he kissed her soft lips and she kissed him back without restraint before she followed up with a second one.
They broke away before he grabbed the side of her face and pressed his forehead to hers; shutting his eyes, “We’ll fix it tomorrow. Don’t worry about it anymore.”
She gripped his wrist in her hand and accepted his help, “Alright.” She whispered vowing to no longer fight him. The point had been proven that safety came above all.
They stood there in a lover’s embrace and appreciated the fact they were together. After a couple of minutes, she broke away from him with a shudder. Her skin was coated in goosebumps and she could feel the heat from the water on her back, “I’m…going to take a shower, now. I’ll be down for Jr. soon.” She looked down and sighed, “Thank you Simon, I love you and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” She whispered.
“Oh…” Her confession caught him. He wasn’t sure if she meant it in the same way he did the night back at the lodge but hearing her say it had him flustered. Backstepping towards the door, he waved, “Love you…too. I’m…going to, I mean, I’ll wait out here for you.” he whispered. For someone who was naturally charismatic and fluent in the courtroom, he wasn’t quite as smooth when it came to her. Cherish smiled slightly at him as she and waited for him to shut the door before she finished undressing.
Standing in the bedroom, he felt strangely hot despite having the shivers. He stripped all the way down and put on his pajama pants as well as a sweater. The cold damp sensation under his dry, warm clothes had been one of his favorites when he came inside from Colorado. Getting the bed ready, he planned to go down with her early, and so was Jr. When he opened the bedroom door to check on them, his mother was leaving the twins’ room after putting Jr. down in his crib.
She paused as he updated her, “She’s fine. I think we’re going to call it a night.” He said kissing her cheek.
Understanding that they needed to work through whatever happened, she was just glad the newest members of their family were alive and well, “We’ll be staying here for the night in the guest rooms if you need us.” She said.
Simon nodded to his mother before he whispered his goodnights and retreated into the bedroom. Shutting off the lights, he fell back on the mattress and finally relaxed. He stared at the door which held the woman he loved far more than he dared admit and felt well again. He repeated those three powerful words to himself while he waited for her to join him.
Chapter 17
From the previous night’s experience, Simon wasn’t going to let Cherish get away another minute without a safe car for her and the babies. The moment they woke up, he groggily told her to get her things because they were headed to the dealership. Their parents were still asleep as they got dressed, fed the babies, and loaded the family into his vehicle. The grandfathers had already cleaned out the trunk and car, while the grandmothers cleaned the interior to the best of their abilities.
Once at the dealership, BMW of course, Simon told the salesman exactly what they were looking for. A vehicle with high safety ratings, durable, long lasting, space for the kids to grow, and, most of all, he specified that he wanted a brand-new car. Simon Gabot was no longer playing around.
He was drawn toward and lingered on the midsize SUV BMW X5 which was certain luxury, big enough and had an abundance of safety features. He felt the 9.4/10 rating was reliable and geeked out at the specs. Which poor Cherish had to endure with one little girl trying to break out of the stroller, and Jr. following suit.
The vehicle included night vision for the rear-view camera, adjustable spot lights for better visibility, a driving assistant professional which helped with steering and lane control assistance, lane changing assistance, emergency stop assistance, local hazard warnings, and active side collision protection; to name a few. That was aside from the overwhelmingly great crash test ratings. This was a newer and better car than his own which was perfect.
Just as she promised herself, Cherish stayed silent the entire time he went back and forth with the vulture who wanted to take as much as he could. Every time Simon looked at her, she glanced away and allowed him to make all the decisions. Even when it came down to pricing, internally she felt a piece of her soul shrivel up and flutter away, but externally, she kept silent; stoic.
Simon didn’t want to bother Cherish fretting about paying it off with interest. No, he bought it off on the spot and her name was put on the deed.
After keeping the desperate babies occupied and signed far too much documentation, Cherish was a new car owner. Sleek, black and more shine than she knew to deal with, by the time she was handed the keys, she was finished. Not only that, but to her, eighty-thousand dollars blew her brains away. Now, she didn't trust herself to drive it and shook her head several times when she had to get in.
It was a steep price, but worth every penny in Simon’s mind. He didn’t want a repeat of the other ni
ght ever again. Finally, much to his embarrassment, she got into the car and sat there awkwardly. The seats, they were nice and melted against her back. The steering wheel didn't stick to her palms and the buttons...
Oh, she was in love.
Driving home with him following behind, once she, ever so slowly, pulled into the driveway, the parents were still there. Opening the side door, the first person out was Margaret. She stared at Cherish's newest baby with a gaping mouth. As Cherish turned off the car and got out, Margaret left the step and placed both hands on her hips. She waited until Simon had opened his door and held out her hand, "How much was that?! I told you to let us go half!! Your father is in there collecting money from Jack because he bet YOU would spend over fifty thousand!" She exclaimed.
Cherish, still shell shocked and stunned, closed the door gently behind herself and opened the back of Simon's car; his didn't even measure to hers now, "My soul!" She finally said; the first words since they’d arrived at the dealership. The last word Simon heard before that was, "No." That was her answer when he said he wanted to "just check" out the BMW's. She knew better but no one could talk to a Gabot man when he made up his mind.
In a way their shock amused him. The way his mother chided placed a little grin on Simon’s face as he unloaded the kids with Cherish’s help, “I know what you told me, Ma.” He replied. Hoisting Jr. up, he carried him against his chest shutting the door, “And I did, it’s a good car that’s going to last long for the kids. Tell dad not to worry about it.” he said. It was a large bite out of his budget, but he wanted to be responsible for Cherish.
Walking around the car, he appeared near her side, “But deep down. It feels great doesn’t it? You love it.” He said knowing she enjoyed the ride. She may not have wanted to admit it, but even she couldn’t resist the joy of driving a brand-new car and his taunting grin told it all, “Go on.” He urged.
Cherish dully stared up at him and tried her hardest not to smile. He knew her far too well, but like hell she would let him be right. She then glanced away and straight towards the neighbor’s house; ignoring his impish gaze, “I plead the fifth.” She stated.
Simon Sr. exited and approached, “Hey! Is that what you got? Let me guess, it wasn’t her first choice.” He said. Shaking his head with amusement, he looked straight at Cherish, “You shouldn’t always give him what he wants. You’ll spoil him.” He said taking Jasmine.
Launched into her grandpa’s hold, Jasmine’s entire face lit up as she held out her arms, “Yay!” she shrieked.
Jr. looked from his grandfather to his mommy, from his mommy to Margaret and puckered his lips, “Gee. Gee.” He said before he kicked against Simon’s side.
Margaret grinned from ear to ear while she scooped him up, “Do you want me? Of course, you do!” She said kissing his cheek and snuggling him.
Cherish scratched against her scalp, “I wanted to go to a used car place, but I already knew the stiff talking to I’d get if I opened my mouth. We both know he’s going to test drive it for the rest of the week when I don’t work.” She replied with a knowing smirk.
Simon crossed his arms loosely, “She can consider it her birthday gift when it comes around.” He said unaware that she already turned twenty.
Margaret arched an eyebrow before she exchanged a look with her husband and cleared her throat. Already knowing what she was up to, Cherish sucked her cheeks in while Margaret pointed, “Well, son, I would say you’re a few months too late. You see, sweet, loving, wonderful Cherish here? Her birthday already passed. The gall!” She exclaimed while shifting Jr. from one hip to the other.
“Already passed?” Simon asked tilting his head and turning to face Cherish.
Inhaling a deep breath, she could almost feel the heat from Simon’s gaze and turned her head away purposefully. That made her look guiltier than ever.
Narrowing his eyes, he made a point to tap his glasses low on his nose, so she could see clear as day the glare he gave her, “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked. Though, he knew the answer. With a sigh he pushed his glasses up and gestured towards her car, “Well, happy birthday I guess.” He stated in a soured tone, but he’d get over it.
Simon Sr. decided it’d be better for Cherish and his son to get going. Putting his hand over Jasmine’s ear, she looked up at him curiously with her mouth agape before she grabbed his fingers and tried to pull them off, “You should get going. You have a party to plan.” He urged. Wanting them to get into a car together and hash out whatever they needed, he was using the tactic he and Margaret would do until they got home and hammered it out; literally.
Margaret sighed as she looked between the babies, “I can’t believe it’s almost been a year…”
The corner of Simon’s lip twitched because he didn’t need to be told twice, “Alright, bye!” He was eager to get into the new car with Cherish in the driver’s seat. On the surface he may have let that little bit about her birthday go, but he wasn’t about to forget.
Cherish held out the keys for him to take and cleared her throat, “Thank you.” she whispered. Knowing Miriam and Jack wanted to get at the kids, they never fought to take a few hours to themselves. Since their first outing, they took whatever the parents offered and came out better parents themselves.
Margaret turned her back and paced away, “Bye! Have fun! We love you both! Enjoy! Use protection!” she exclaimed.
Cherish rolled her eyes shut before she pressed a hand over her mouth and shook her head. Following Simon to the garage, she dangled the keys, “You don’t want to drive? I mean everyone should experience it at least once.” She expressed.
Her offer caused a coy smile to flash across his features before he put his hand up and refused like a gentleman, “No, no. This is your car, your baby. You can have it all to yourself…for now.” There was the catch. He was being nice, but the moment the wow effect wore off, he was going to drive everywhere, “Besides, I don’t want to make old Betsy jealous yet.” Already referring to his car as the old and beat up one, he got into her dream mobile and instantly relaxed.
Cherish laughed out loud while shaking her head, “You’re ridiculous!” she exclaimed. She turned the car on and checked her mirrors several times in a paranoid manner. Afterwards she stared at the camera for far too long before they were finally on their way; slowly at that. Given an afternoon without crying, grunting, and babbling, the silence in her car was beyond satisfying and Cherish didn’t want to ruin the moment with talking. Now, they could focus on purchasing the finishing touches for the babies’ first birthday.
One years old.
Their children would make the milestone within six weeks and that set a pit of joy and despair in her stomach. No parent was ready for their children to grow up so soon. That weekend would also mark the one-year anniversary Simon took Cherish into his home, Todd walking out of her life, and the anniversary of Emily’s passing. Those three days held a lot of sentimental value and feelings for them.
Since Christmas, Simon had seen her differently. She’d grown from the woman who cared for Jr., to his best friend, to the person he didn’t know he needed, and now, he truly hoped for more. The love he felt for Cherish and Emily were different but just as comforting. He knew, deep down, his late wife would’ve been happy he’d found someone who loved their son and took care of him just as she did once upon a time.
Since sharing their first kiss, there was a connection he waited to pursue, but had to follow through their promise. To Simon, Cherish was the perfect woman. Her personality was incredible, her looks were ideal, and she seemed to genuinely care about his son and him; not with what he could buy for her. He didn’t have to think about how to act or what to say. He just did. This wasn’t just a sexual craving. He found he’d touch and openly flirt with her, even though they’d agreed not to cross the line. After what happened to she and Jasmine the previous night, he knew life was too precious and could change in the blink of an eye. He was no longer afraid, and he felt Cherish thought the
same way.
Simon Gabot’s heart was truly in love again.
Pulling up to a Toys R Us, Cherish exited the car and was instantly greeted with Simon by her side. The large yellow banner across the storefront donned the phrase, “GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE.” This not only appeased her with discounts, but also Simon and his unyielding need to have quality products. A match made in heaven.
Cherish’s brown eyes stared into his blue ones and his fingers played against hers. Simon gave her a look, one that read he intended to keep her hand. His fingers slipped between hers and gripped tightly. A slow, soft smirk began to pull across her features as she wrapped her fingers knowingly in his and followed him into the store.
They were instantly hit with bargain bins and discounted toys by the entrance which demanded her attention, but Simon dragged her back to the retail priced toys. The sales were a paltry fifteen percent off, but a first birthday only came once for the two precious loves of her life. For that, Cherish was in a generous mood.
To be alone with her felt amazing. Feeling closer to her than ever, he milled down the aisles before he back tracked and trekked further. He pulled her along with him, released her hand, and wandered with her in a relaxed manner. They pulled a few learning toys, an ugly monster for Jasmine, and a cutesy doe-eyed plush for Jr. Simon thoroughly enjoyed himself and he was ready for big event with his kids. Even though there was the dark spot of Emily’s death approaching, he didn’t fear. With Cherish and the babies by his side, he knew he’d be able to push through.
Rounding the corner of another aisle, they were met with an entire section with different variations of pink. Tutus, dresses, gloves, capes, wands, and tiaras were piled in bins and on the racks. A smile tugged at the corner of Simon’s lips as he grabbed a large, beauty queen crown adorned with hot pink feathers and plastic diamonds. Putting the crown on, he tilted his head upwards in a far off and dramatic pose, “How’s this? Do you think I capture Jr.’s good side?”
