Page 94 of Mister Mom

“Hey, gorgeous.”

“I hadn’t even said hello yet.”

“I can hear the tears. Why don’t you go open your door?”

I drop the phone and run. Then the reality of what is happening slows my pace. I stop in front of the hallway mirror. I look like the working mom of two who thought she’d be staying in alone nursing a broken heart that I am.

I thread my fingers through my hair, pucker my cheeks, and with one last kiss in the mirror, I head toward the door.

Vance is there with a basket full of junk food—pretzels, chips, liquorice and chocolate. Lying right in the middle of the basket is the script.

“Please reconsider taking the role,” he says.

“Yes.” I nod my head in case my verbal agreement isn’t enough.

“Yes?” he questions, a slow smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Yes.”

“As in a thumbs-up emoji?” He places the basket down on the stoop.

“As in a smiling face with heart eyes emoji.”

His head slowly rises. “Are we talking about the part or us?” His voice is soft like a whisper.

“I thought you were asking for forgiveness?” Heat whips up my neck, right into my face.

“I am. But I didn’t want to assume. God, are you telling me I can put my arms around you right now?” He reaches out but then he shoves his hands in his pockets.

“They should make a combo hugging and kissing face with closed eyes emoji.” I smile and he approaches me.

“Sounds like I need to upload the adult emojis onto your phone.” His palms land on each side of my face and he brings his body up flush against mine.

“There’s such a thing?” I ask.

“We’ll talk about it later.” He bends down.

“After what?”

He inhales a deep breath. “After I show you in great detail all the meanings of the adult emojis.”

He walks me back into the house and his lips capture mine as the door slams shut behind us. Having his lips on mine again feels so right, as if he’s giving me back the oxygen I need to breath properly.

He pulls away and a small sound of displeasure escapes me. I don’t want to lose this feeling.

“I love you, Layla, and I’m sorry I screwed up, but what you need to believe is that I’m ready to learn from my mistakes. No more lies by omission. You have my word. I won’t do anything to hurt you or the kids. I’m done hurting the people I love. I won’t survive losing you all again.”

My eyes started watering when he first said he loved me, but the mention of my kids in his declaration of love has the tears rolling down my cheeks. He uses his thumbs to wipe them away.

“I love you, too, Vance. I’ve been so unhappy without you.”

“Aw, babe, don’t cry.” He looks behind him into the house and then swings his head back in my direction. “Where are the kids?” he asks. “I want to apologize to them, too.”

“They’re away for the weekend with Carver.”

Something close to relief passes through his gaze. “I’m excited to see them again, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say how fucking happy I am for us to have some adult time together.”

I chuckle. “Oh, and what exactly did you have in mind?”

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