by Eva Morian
Cherish picked up a plush dinosaur knowing it’d make Jasmine’s day. She turned her attention to Simon before her cheeks expanded at his appearance, “O-oh. You look wonderful. A picture of perfection for our boy. You’re going to do him proud, I can see it.” She said breaking into a grin. Walking over, she took the crown from his head and grabbed a blue one, “Let’s get these.” She muttered. She then held up the plush dinosaur dressed in pajamas, “Do you think the pumpkin will like this? Or should we go scarier?” She questioned before looking at the toy, “She’s so weird.” She whispered to herself.
Simon looked down, reached over, and ran his hand over the little night cap. The only thing he imagined was Jasmine fast asleep with him by her side. His eyes widened and his lip poked out, “I want this one. This will be daddy’s nap time gift.” He said after pulling himself together.
Cherish went ahead and placed him in the cart, “And why can’t it be mommy’s gift?” She teased before sighing. If they bought one, they had to buy another, “I’m going to get one for my boy.” She stated.
Simon cleared his throat before he pulled the blue crown from the cart and set it on her curly hair; suspended where it sat, “We should scour the older boys section. We can get Jasmine a snarling, ferocious beast.” He said grinning to himself far too proud of their daughter’s tough exterior and tastes. Jasmine may have looked the part of a girl, but in the end, she was a rough and tumble tomboy and her brother was the soft, sweet one.
Cherish’s eyes glanced upwards before her hand lifted to pat against the plastic, “It’s a beautiful crown but we both know that Jr. will want both. If only we had a girl who would want one.” She said while nodding to agree with his suggestion.
Leading the cart around, Simon nudged Cherish in the right direction with his hand along the small of her back. She arched an eyebrow and looked over at him. Her mouth, though, told on her. She couldn't stop the smile that fought to show. She was beyond pleased he touched her and felt as though they were a couple. Admittedly, she loved the whole idea, and, after the previous night, she was ready. All she had to do was tell him.
In the aisle of reds and blues, action figures, and sports cars, these were the toys they’d be familiar with in the years to come. Stopping in front of large Tonka trucks, Cherish flicked her glance around before a deep blue mass caught her attention across the aisle. Breaking away, she went straight for the three-hundred-dollar Mustang motorized vehicle; for two. She stared for a long time locked in an internal debate on if she willed to part with so much, but there wasn’t a discount large enough in the world to sway her.
Doing a double-take, Simon spun around and found Cherish standing there with longing in her eyes and could see the cogs in her mind turning. His lips tilted into a gentle smile before he crept over and leaned over her shoulder, “Hmm, that looks perfect doesn’t it? I bet Jasmine and Jr. would love to speed around in this.” He taunted. He knew the process she’d go through before making a big purchase. Simon set his hands over her arms and took on the role of the devil, “Three hundred isn’t that much to pay for their little smiles. I think this gift would make us parents of the year, don’t you?” He asked.
She sat back on her heels and rolled her lips in. Parents of the year? That sounded amazing, but she knew the kids wouldn’t understand what it was. She pushed her lips to the side, “Don’t you think we should wait until they’re a little older? I mean…it will still be here oh wait…” Remembering the place was due to close down, she knew this was the only way to get something that large for a discount. Huffing to herself, she chewed on her bottom lip. This man had already spent a whopping amount. She sucked her cheeks in, “I don’t know. I think I’m going to pass…” Turning to walk away, she had yet to take her gaze away and backtracked again, “…or what if we buy it and give it to them when they turn two or three? That way we’ve already bought a gift and won’t need another.” She muttered.
Simon rubbed along her shoulders, “Okay, fair enough, but what if a newer, better little speed mobile comes out next year? Wouldn’t it be a shame if we’ve already bought one?” He asked. He truly didn’t care, he just wanted to give the twins their cool present sooner rather than later. He crouched down and ran his hands over the curves and lines, “I don’t think I can hold back letting them drive it this year.” He rolled his lips in with guilt because he wanted the satisfaction of watching them scoot around, “It’s decided then.” He said.
There it was, that Gabot hardheadedness which somehow, someway, Jasmine inherited as well. Jr. was just as bad as his father, but Jasmine took the cake some days. Hauling the box on top of the cart, he began to roll towards the register and could imagine the kids’ faces when they got in. Cherish pressed her fingertips to her forehead while following him, “Simon, come on you’ve already spent enough money and we have a cart full of toys. Not to mention our parents and your friends are going to buy them stuff. And…” Losing her focus, she decided to let him have it. If he wanted to go broke for their babies, then she wouldn’t fight him.
There were posters of the backroom furniture lined along each register. Fridges, chairs, metal lockers, and tables were all for sale to make a quick, last buck for the failing company. Simon tapped on top of the large box and snapped his fingers, “Oh…” He glanced over his shoulder at her with a sharp gaze, “…I was thinking, since you skipped your birthday. We’re going out.” He said completely convinced and nodded as though it was set in stone, “I’m taking you out for your birthday tonight. On a date.” He felt a nervous flick in his core but followed through.
Her entire body felt flush as he specified what he wanted. A date with her. Inhaling a deep breath, Cherish bit on her bottom lip and looked away. She didn’t deny the thought as she usually would and instead cleared her throat, “A date? Is that right. So, you want to take me out on a date for my birthday? Is that my gift…” Stepping further with him, she tilted her head to the side slightly and rested her hand near his on the handle, “…Or did you have more in store after dinner?”
Her question made him pull his head up quickly. Catching on, he stared at her speechlessly, “Not what I had in mind, but it would definitely be a bonus.” He answered.
Seeing the sudden pique of interest in his eyes, their fingers laced together while she arched an eyebrow. She knew what he did and why he'd take an extra five minutes in the shower. He probably knew why she'd sneak off to the closet random times during the night when he woke up, "Desperate, are we?" She asked.
“You could say that.” He replied. Not exactly desperate but starved for physical interaction. She provided some in her own little ways. Those little gestures made a huge impression on him.
She then laughed it off and shook her head, “Because, you really don’t have to do that. The car is more than enough.” She expressed honestly.
His hand covered hers, “I know I don’t, but I want to.” He expressed honestly. How quickly he retorted caused her to hold her breath. He wanted to move things forward with Cherish; exponentially, “Does my date have any suggestion on where she wants to go? Or is that up to me?” he asked.
Once they finally arrived at the cashier, they loaded the table while she pressed her chin against his shoulder. She wrapped both arms around his and sighed softly, "I say surprise me." She murmured with a soft smile on her features. There was a bout of apprehension in the back of her mind, there wasn't any time to be scared. He was who she wanted.
Forever.
The grin which crossed him didn’t falter as he paid for their total. Rolling the cart out towards her vehicle, he folded the seats down and easily slid the items within. He dusted his hands off after shutting the trunk and leaned against the side, “I have somewhere secret in mind to take you. That is unless you think I’m going to kill you…” His eyes rolled to the side as he added, “…again.”
Pushing the cart out of the way, Cherish paused and tucked her eyebrows together. She thought back to when Simon drove her through the wo
ods for the view. She smirked a bit shaking her finger, "Mmmm no, no you already tried to scare me once. So, nice try." She expressed. Getting into the passenger seat, she dangled the key in his direction as she arched an eyebrow, "I get it. This was your master plan all along. To drive Rex." Smirking, she pulled the seatbelt over her body and waited. "So, go ahead and start him up."
Taking the keys, the grin on his face told on him as he placed the key in the ignition, looked at her, and started the SUV. Staring right back at him, Cherish felt the corner of her mouth tug upward. Rolling her lips in, she dramatically tossed her eyes to the side before she met his gaze again and grinned. Why did he have to be so adorable?
Adjusting everything around to his liking, he shook his head in awe while rubbing against the steering wheel, “Damn, this is a good car.” He whispered. Looking as though he was playing with a new toy, Cherish’s toy, he used the exemplary back up camera to maneuver. Clearly a fan of the steering because once they pulled out onto the road, he sighed out, “Oh yeah, that’s smooth handling.” He carried on for her entertainment.
Pulling up to the beach where the gulf water lapped along the shore, she stared ahead silently and appreciated the view. The color in the sky glowed in the late afternoon, the water left soft bubbles along the shore, and the wind rustled the trees behind them. What this man had opened her eyes to was amazing. Simon smirked, “Oh, and we’re on time too.” He whispered.
His comment caused her to double take as she got out of the car and hurried to his side. Taking her hand, he walked with her up to the sand before he stopped and leaned against a decorative rock by the entrance. He took off his shoes and pushed his socks deeper towards the toe. Completely unsure of what they waited for, she followed suit with him and slid off her flats. Catching a peek up at her, the way she was dressed, her hair, and expression caused him to pause, “I figured that long walks on the beach are a good place to be when you romance the woman you love.” He said.
Coming face to face with him once more, she felt her stomach plunge. Romance. She'd never experienced that, and he was quickly going to spoil her. As he said how he felt about her without hesitation, Cherish bit down on her bottom lip and smiled. Although they'd teased here to there about how they felt and used that word often, this felt serious; official.
With their shoes hooked into one hand and the others connecting them, she followed him onto the beach and smiled softly, "Love is a very powerful word, Simon. Keep it up and I may never leave." She said softly on the warm, gulf breeze.
He stood tall as a special feeling formed in the pit of his stomach, “That’s the plan.” He said approaching the shore with a cheesy wink. With a beautiful sight, he let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her back. Her arm found its way around his as well before she leaned into him. Though they were silent, the blossoming sensation between them was mutual. The wet sand between their toes was relaxing and pulled the stress he had from his shoulders, “This is perfect…” He said with his eyes on the chilled, rolling foam over their feet.
She held onto his side tightly and inhaled a deep breath, "Yeah, it really is."
Letting go of her, he ran ahead before turning and walking backwards. Her stomach was filled with butterflies while she held her hand out at him. He watched the way the wind blew her curled hair back and how her day dress pulled against her body. Her face was lit in the warm cascade of light from the sinking sun, “I think I get why they use these scenes in the movies.” He said with eyes just for her; genuinely happy.
Walking with one foot crossed in front of the other, she chuckled lightly, "I'm starting to see the appeal you have in modern movies now." She said.
Stopping, she slowly closed the distance between them. His nose brushed against hers while he pressed a hand to her hip. As she stared at him he felt a warm sensation flow through his body while her arms slowly draped over his shoulders. He felt every pull in the world to kiss her. Meeting her sweet brown eyes, he tilted his head. Just when she was going to ask him what he was looking at, she was taken off guard. Reaching up with a hold against the side of her face, they kissed.
Their lips caught up with one kiss after the other and the moment was a hallmark in his memories with her. She fell into the emotion with him and never had she such significance. This time the previous year she was miserable, pregnant, and with a man who cared more about himself than the family he created. Now, she was in the arms of a man she was utterly and completely in love with. A man who took her into his home, took in her daughter as his, and loved her no matter her flaws. She never wanted to let him go.
Simon’s heart felt full to the brim until he heard her stomach’s strained gurgles. As they broke apart, she began laughing through a clenched jaw before clearing her throat and looking at him, "I hope this surprise has food in it. Because I don't think sand is edible." She whispered.
Everything about her was charming. Her nervous little laugh touched his heart which caused him to laugh at her joke, “Neither do I. It’s up a little further. We’re almost there.” Then, he realized he’d never been before, “I think…” he added.
"Oh no we're lost." She muttered.
Leading her by the hand, he hoped to live many more years with it in his. Having a good feeling tonight would be the turn of their relationship, he was ready.
Approaching a little bistro restaurant, the façade was lit in strings of lights along the windows and a canopy overlooking the outdoor eatery. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw the place and glanced over the water. The views from the pier must've been amazing with the sunset.
Stopping at the glass entrance, they could see that the inside was white, clean, and modern with a homey touch. Not to mention it was busy with enough people to indicate the food was delicious, “Here we are.” He said. Holding her hand as she put her shoes back on, he helped her keep balance before he leaned against her in his own turn.
They stepped up the creaky steps together, "From the smell, I can tell it’s going to be good and expensive. Oh boy." She teased while he held the door open.
They were immediately greeted by the host smiling in their direction, “Hello, how many?” she asked. Simon gestured with two fingers while she nodded and tucked the menus beneath her arm, “Follow me.” She stated with a wave. She led them to one of the windowed seats and set the menus down, “I’ll leave you to decide what you want. What can I get you to drink in the meantime?” she questioned.
Taking a seat, Cherish smiled to herself while clasping her hands on the edge of the table. Leaning over, she glanced down at the menu and sucked on her teeth. Thinking that it was her birthday dinner, she was willing to splurge a bit and smiled up at the hostess, "Hot tea please." She stated. Looking to Simon, she took the reins and reached across for his hand.
He glanced down and felt his heart skip a beat. Usually he was the one who made moves on her. This was a new turn and it successfully flustered him. Simon tapped against the a few words, “Could we please get a bottle of champagne? It’s her birthday.” He said.
The hostess nodded as she looked to Cherish with surprise. She was met with an expression that matched her own, “Oh? Perfect! Our bottles are half price for birthdays and anniversaries.” She said.
Simon looked over their list and pointed one out with a unique name. A sweet, smooth white wine for Cherish, “This one please.” He said.
The hostess looked over before she nodded, “I’ll tell your waitress. She will be right with you.” she said turning away with a smile.
Turning his hand over, he held hers in acceptance, “Do you see anything you like?” he asked looking at the menu.
Her entire body tensed as she leaned over, "Simon, I'm only twenty or did you forget?" She hissed.
He tilted his head once he found something he wanted to try, “I think I’m going to have the scampi…” His thumb rubbed down the side of her hand. Thinking where the night would lead, he looked at her and gave a half smirk.
She puffed her cheeks up
with her nerves in a bundle. Cherish bit her bottom lip and glanced around suspiciously at the other patrons. They didn't pay her any attention, but she felt as though they all knew of her underage predicament, "Oh God, we are going to jail." She whispered before looking to the menu and gripping his hand.
Laughing, he shook his head and kept his voice down for her sake, “It’s not wrong to have a glass of wine or champagne on a special occasion. Don’t worry and act calm.” He whispered. This was a normal occurrence for him every Hanukkah, though the difference was that he was supervised by his parents, “I had a glass every year since my Bar Mitzvah.” He said.
“If we go to jail, when mom and dad bail me out, I’m leaving you in there.” She retorted.
Seeing her apprehension, he tightened his grip slightly, “You don’t have to drink it, but I promise no one will notice, “He looked around at the other guests. There was something taunting in his tone because Cherish was a legal adult and mother. There was little reason as to why the law had the restriction so high. At least in his eyes. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed against her knuckles looking at her over his glasses, “Did you decide on anything?” he asked.
As the atmosphere settled once more on their intimate moment, she slowly slipped her hand out of his grasp with a lingering smirk before turning the menu over, “I don’t know. What’s cheap?” she whispered glancing at him. Her brown gaze stared between her curls as she chuckled, “Kidding.” She whispered.
Turning her attention to browse seriously for a moment, she lowered her hand once more and stroked along his wrist, “I think I might get the poached salmon. That sounds tasty.” She replied flicking her gaze upwards. Noticing his stares, she looked from side to side before she bit her bottom lip and leaned in again; whispering, “Penny for your thoughts?”
