by Mary Smith
Me: Are you working out?
Nathan: Yes w/ Bas. Will be back in an hr or so.
Me: I’ll be waiting.
This gives me plenty of time. I quickly begin to wash up the veggies and get everything prepped. I measure it all out and check my time. I run down the hall to clean myself up. I really hadn’t done anything today, except go to Alden’s and the market, so it shouldn’t take long. I touch up my makeup, slip into a pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt. The tee may be a little snug, but I’m hoping he will at least notice me a bit more. We might be taking it slow but sometimes a girl likes attention.
I finish up the food just as he walks in.
“What’s all this?” He grins.
“Brunch. Have a seat.” I plate it all up and take it to the table, sitting down next to him.
“This looks delicious.”
“Thank you.” I have to get back up since I forgot some silverware. When I sit back down I say, “This is also an “I’m sorry” brunch.”
He glances at me with a sad expression.
“I’m like my brother more than I care to admit.” I roll my eyes. “I’m sorry for being pushy. You were right in putting me in my place and telling me to take it slow.”
“I didn’t put you in your place. I just…” He trails off. “This is all new to me, and I do want to date you.” He clears his throat. “I believe you and I can make a great couple. I’m just nervous.”
“I am too. I think we can handle it differently. I would like to date you as well. I believe we’ll make a great couple.” I put my hand on top of his. “One step at a time.”
“Sounds like a good plan.” He picks up his glass. “To one step.”
I toast him with mine. “To one step.”
The rest of our brunch is outstanding. We talk about his workout with Bas. I tell him about my morning with Alden. We clean up together and even decide to watch a movie together. Nathan let me pick this time. Since I’m a girl who loves romantic comedies, I pick one of my favorites… The Proposal. Of course, he’s never seen it, and he did laugh a few times.
I curl up closer to him, and he eases his arm around me and puts his hand on my upper thigh. I’m comfortable next to him. He’s not wrong about taking it slow. It feels right.
Buzz.
We both jump at the sound of the door buzzer going off. Nathan gets up and asks who it is.
“Teo.”
He rings him up and opens the door. “Hey, man.”
I sit up as Teo comes in and looks as if he’s been crying. “Are you okay?”
“No.” He turns to Nathan. “Mom died a few hours ago.”
“Oh, Teo.” He hugs his friend. “I’m so sorry.”
I stand up. “I’m very sorry too.”
“Thanks.” He steps back. “Could you check up on the house and stuff? We’re leaving in a couple of hours.”
“Anything for you,” Nathans says.
“Here’s the key. Thanks, Nate. I owe you.”
“No, you don’t. Whatever you need I’ve got you covered.” His voice is sincere.
“Thanks. I’ll let you know when we’re coming home.” They hug again before he leaves.
“Wow,” I say sitting back down. I knew his mom had a brain tumor because Alden told me, but still, it’s so sad.
“Sucks for him. His mom and he had really gotten close these past couple months.”
“At least he got some time with her.” I try to see the positive of it all.
“Very true.” He sat down next to me. “It’s still sad.”
“True.”
“Does it make you think about your father?”
I shrug. “Maybe for a second, but our situation is complicated. It’s too hard to describe my feelings for him. I’m mad, but he’s still my father. However, I don’t respect him at all. I don’t believe a man leaves his family.”
“I agree.”
The topic is a little too down for me. “Are you excited about your brothers coming tomorrow?”
“Yep. I only have one event planned for this week for the Bears and the rest of the time is theirs. I do hate they’re only staying one week though.”
I squeeze his thigh. “At least you get to see them.”
“Yes, I do.”
We sit there, cuddling together until the movie ends. I give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “This date has been fantastic. I’m going to go study.” I hop from the couch and head down the hall.
“Amara.”
I turn to see him coming toward me. Before I can ask what he needs he cups my face and kisses me. It’s firm and passionate leaving me breathless when we part.
“Thank you. Have fun studying.”
I’m not sure how I can focus after his lips were on mine, but I shut myself in my room and do my best.
I love my job. I don’t think any one client is the same, which makes my day much better. Seeing how they react to their tattoos makes me smile. Right now, from the front counter, I’m watching Mags creating a portrait for a man who just lost his dog after eighteen years. I teared up at his story.
As my day finishes, I’m nervous about heading home. Even though Nathan and I had an amazing date, today his brothers come for a visit. I’ve met his dad, but I know his brothers mean a lot to him.
Nathan: We’re having pizza tonight.
His text brings a smile to my face.
Me: Are your brothers there?
Nathan: Yes. Dad and Marie are staying for dinner and then going to Boston for the week.
Crap! Now I’m meeting the whole family. I take a deep breath as I get into my car. On my drive home, I practice my smile and laugh, in case they say something that I don’t find funny.
As I unlock the door, I hear a lot of laughter. It’s nice. When I open the door Nathan and his brothers are playing Mario Kart. His father and stepmother are sitting on the couch cackling right along with them. It’s like a modern-day Norman Rockwell of a blended family.
“Hi,” I say with a small wave, gaining their attention.
“Amara.” Alec stands and hugs me. “I want you to meet my wife Marie.”
She’s a slender woman with light brown hair and green eyes, who appears to be a few years younger than him. She’s quite lovely as she stands, coming over to me.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Her accent is much thicker than Alec’s and Nathan’s.
I shake her hand. “Great to meet you as well.”
“Boys.” Alec calls to the three of them still staring at the video game.
Nathan is the first to turn. “Hey.” He smiles and pauses the game. “Kom igen och träffa min vän.” Come on and meet my friend.
I never heard him talk in Swedish before. It’s sexy.
“Drew. Copper. This is my friend Amara. Amara, this is Drew and this is Copper.”
I say hello to them. As twins, they couldn’t be more different. Drew looks like Marie with her brown hair and green eyes. Copper looks like Alec and Nathan.
“Hallå,” they say in unison. Hello.
“Hi, boys.” I suddenly wonder if they can speak English. I hadn’t asked Nathan beforehand. “How are you? Did you enjoy your flight?”
“The pillow itched,” Drew answers.
I felt relief knowing they can communicate with me and I can with them.
“It was cloudy. I couldn’t see the ocean.” Copper pouts slightly.
“I like looking out the window too.” I tell him.
“Boys, we need to get ready to go to dinner.” Alec tells them all.
“Amara, my husband told me how delightful you are. I can’t wait to get to know you better.” Marie links elbows with me.
“Me too. Nathan talks fondly of you as well.” I smile.
“I do adore him.” She guides me to the couch. “Tell me about yourself.”
“Oh… well…” Why is this always the hardest question to answer? It’s not as if I don’t know me. “I recently graduated from nursing school and I am taking my state test
Friday.” A small surge of panic comes through me thinking how much closer it is. “My brother is teammates with Nathan, which is how we met. And I’m currently working at a tattoo parlor, which I love.”
“Are you American? I can’t quite place your accent.”
“No. I was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. I’ve only lived here the past couple years on a school and work visa.” I explain.
Marie launches into a story about how she came to America for several years working for a computer company. Like me, it’s only her brother and her mom. It’s something I can relate to.
“We’re ready.” Copper comes back into the living room. “We want pizza.”
“Yes. Pizza.” Drew adds jumping up and down.
“No.” Alec shakes his head. “If you two eat any more pizza you’re going to turn into one.”
“How about tacos?” Nathan suggests.
“Can we have nachos too?” Copper asks.
“Yes. Let’s get in the car.” Nathan grabs his keys.
He already planned for the boys and me to ride with him since Marie and Alec will be leaving to head to Boston. The boys were talking a mile a minute. They talk about school, hockey, and comics. Apparently Nathan mails them to the boys. There’s a smile on his face as he pulls into the restaurant parking lot.
As we all approach the doors I hear, “Aunt Amara.”
I turn to see Kace running toward me. The kid is fast and he wraps himself around my waist.
“Hey, Buddy.” I kiss the top of his head. I look up to see Nathan introducing Alden and Baylor to his family. I do the same for Kace and the boys. They become instant friends.
“Join us.” Alec tells them.
“We don’t want to intrude,” Baylor says kindly.
“You’re not. Come.” He smiles and holds the door open. “The more the merrier.”
There’s no point in arguing and we all shuffle into the restaurant. After we’re seated and order our drinks, I notice something. A small bruise on my thigh. It’s dark purple, and I try to remember when I got it.
“Aunt Amara, don’t you love tacos?” Kace asks.
“Heck yeah, I do.” I grin. I love when he calls me Aunt Amara.
The boys and I begin a conversation about our favorite foods and drinks. The only thing we all agree on is cauliflower is gross.
The entire time there is one thing I can say – it’s the best time. We’re all having fun, laughing, and talking. It’s great to see my brother in love. In all honesty, I thought he would never settle down. I figured he would have kids but spread out all over the United States and Canada.
My phone buzzes in my pocket as we began to walk out.
Mom: Your father will be here Wednesday.
I glance over at Alden and he’s looking at his phone. He’s not mad, he seems sad. I remember all the pressure I put on him when I had been sick. He became an adult much quicker than he should have.
“Are you okay?” Nathan rubs my back to gain my attention.
“I’m not sure.” I tell him honestly and show him the message from Mom.
Alden comes over to us. “I guess you saw.”
I nod. “I’m not sure how I feel knowing we’re going to see him the day after tomorrow.”
“When was the last time you saw him?” Nathan asks.
“Um…” I had to think for a second. “I believe my tenth birthday but before that was when I was eight.”
“Alden?”
“I got a letter when I was sixteen, but I tore it up without reading it. I can’t remember the last time I saw him. I guess for her birthday.” He sounds distant as if he’s trying to remember. “I guess we’ll see him soon.”
I blink away my tears as everyone else joins us. There are hugs and goodbyes as we all begin going our separate ways.
I can already feel this is going to be a long week.
Chapter Ten
Nathan
When I wake up, I can already hear the twins laughing. It brings a smile to my face to hear it. I love those boys a lot. I quickly get ready because I only have six days with them.
When I came out of my room, I find them at the kitchen table with Amara having a big breakfast.
“Good morning.” She smiles. “Come join us.”
“Det är gott,” Copper says. It is delicious.
“Det ser ut som det.” It looks like it. The food does look delicious and I know she spent a lot of time on it. She must have woken up early to start it. “Thank you, Amara.”
“You’re welcome.”
I sit down and pile the food onto a plate. Each bite is better than the last. I’m thankful for her. Even though she and I haven’t had another date… yet… I’m ready to have one with her. I have fun with her. She makes my day better the more time I spend with her.
“What are we going to do today?” Drew asks.
“I think we’ll go to the park and maybe play ball hockey.”
They both cheer loudly. I know how much they like being outside and playing. It’s supposed to be a nice day and hopefully, it won’t be too humid either. I know they want to be on the ice and play hockey but playing in the park and on roller blades is a close second.
After we finish breakfast, I tell the boys to help clean up.
“I hate dishes.” Drew moans.
“It doesn’t matter. If Amara cooks then it’s our job to clean up. If I cook then she cleans up. We split all of our duties of cleaning.”
“How come?” Copper questions.
“Because it’s not one person’s job to do all the housework. It’s the job of everyone who lives in the house.” I explain.
“Makes sense.” Drew nods and the three of us finish up everything.
As I tell the boys to get ready so we can go, Amara comes out looking gorgeous as ever in her white shorts and purple tank top. Her hair is up in a high ponytail.
“I’m going to work.” She picks up her purse and keys.
“Hey.” I gently pull her into the kitchen and give her a quick kiss. “Thank you for breakfast.”
Her cheeks heat up. “You’re welcome.” She kisses me this time for a little bit longer. “I’ll see you after work.”
I can’t help but check her out as she’s walking away. I take a deep breath and lick my lips, still tasting her. I can’t wait to spend some alone time with her.
This has been an amazing day. The boys and I have been at the park all day. We went to the nearby deli and had a spectacular lunch. However, they have more energy than I do and I’m becoming tired. I get them home and we all take a shower and change since we did sweat a lot.
We are playing Super Mario Party when Amara comes home.
“How’s your day guys?” She sits down on the couch since we’re all on the floor.
Drew and Copper quickly go into details about our day. Their smiles are contagious because my cheeks hurt from all the smiling I’m doing.
“Nathan, what do you have planned tonight?”
“Not sure. Why?” I turn off the game and face her.
“Baylor thought we could take the kids to Chuck E. Cheese?”
“What’s that?” Copper flops into the seat next to her.
“It’s a pizza place—”
“Pizza!” the twins yell.
“And they have games you can play.” She continues with a giggle.
“Sounds great. Let’s go!” I say.
“I’ll text Baylor.” She pulls out her phone and texts her.
I drive us all over there and meet Alden, Baylor, and Kace outside. My brothers are super excited to see him again. As we get inside, order, and find a table it’s hard to calm any of them down. They hadn’t even had sugar today.
“Okay, let me get you some tokens.” I tell the boys. Alden paid for the dinner, so it’s only fair that I pay for the games.
I watch them for a moment and then leave them alone. The space is open and I can see them from the table.
“Are you two nervous about tomorrow?” Bay
lor asks Alden and Amara.
“Hopefully I’m granted bail after I kill him.” Alden grumbles.
“We’re not killing Jack. We’re going to tell him off and then leave.” Amara counters.
“If you say so.” He rolls his eyes.
“I don’t think I’m nervous, but it’s been so long since we’ve seen him. I don’t know what to expect.” Amara shrugs sadly.
“Are you meeting your brother tomorrow as well?” I ask.
“No,” she answers. “We’re just talking to Jack.”
“Do you want to meet him?” Baylor questions them both.
“It’s weird, but we can’t fault the son because of what Jack did.” Amara sips her water.
“I’m sure you both will make a sound decision.” I try to make them see the brighter side of this – they have a half-brother. I can’t imagine my life without the twins. They mean a lot to me. “Having another sibling isn’t a huge deal. It’s actually quite cool.”
“I’m sure he’s a good kid.” Amara gives a small smile.
The boys come running back just as the pizzas arrive. I’m not sure how they’re all bouncing and hopping around but they are. They’re all talking about the game they played and won. As they polish off their own pizza, Alden and I finish the second one and Baylor and Amara have barely touched theirs. We let the boys play some more.
After another hour and more tokens than I can count, I gather up my brothers and we all head out. We say our goodbyes and I drive us home. The twins are falling asleep when I pull into my parking spot, I have to shake them awake. I can’t carry them both up but between Amara and me we get them onto the air mattress. They pass out right away.
“I’m tired but going to try to study,” Amara whispers, then kisses my cheek and heads down the hall to her room.
I follow her and when she’s about to close the door I stop it. “Amara, thank you for today.” I cup her face and kiss her soundly on the lips. Kissing her brings many different emotions to the surface, but I love it.
“I needed that.” She giggles.
“Me too.” I softly touch her lips one more time. “Go study and get some rest. I know tomorrow is going to be emotional for you. Please remember I’m here for you no matter what.” I know she’s nervous about seeing her father. I can see it in her eyes.
