Page 24 of Everything I Want

The view is gorgeous. The mountains spike up around the farm, the sun setting over their snow covered tips. We glide smoothly over the fresh snow. Scott reaches down and pulls out the thermos and container he brought.

“I have hot chocolate, and some of Mack’s chocolate fudge cake,” he smiles.

“Is it the raspberry hot chocolate?” I ask, smiling at him.

“From the diner, of course.”

I kiss his cheek at his thoughtfulness for getting two of my favorite things. He pours us each a to go cup of hot chocolate with the diner’s logo on the outside. Then he pulls out two forks from the container of cake.

“Only one piece?” I pout.

“I promise you can have the bigger half.” He hands me a fork.

We eat in silence, taking in the views. When we finish, Scott puts everything back in a bag. He looks at me and chuckles.

“You have a little chocolate -” He leans down and kisses my lips, licking at the corner, “right there.” He leans back and grins.

My cheeks blush at the unexpected contact. I really hope Lacey isn’t coming home tonight.

December 21st

Lorelei

Scott:I can’t wait to see you tonight for ice skating. Are you ready for all the kids to get together?

“Girls, we need to go, move it!” I yell up the stairs. All the girls are in Lacey’s room talking to Willow on the phone, and my heart could just burst.

We have been having a rough time with my youngest daughter, Willow. She won’t tell me what is going on with her and it’s killing me to trust the girls to handle it until Willow is ready for her mama.

“Chill out, Mom. We won’t be late to gomeetyour boyfriend’s sons, we promise,” Lacey says coming down the stairs.

“Wait, hold on, you’re meeting his kids? This is serious Mom!” Willow jokes from the phone.

“Oh hush girls. You know them. It’s not like they’re mysteries. Now, let’s get a move on,” I open the door.

I hear Addy whispering to Willow behind me, “Mom is a little sensitive about Scott. We like to give her a hard time but he’s pretty great.” My heart swells knowing that they approve of my relationship.

Colton and Preston are already at the lake with Oliver. When we get to the lake the girls go off in search of them and we agree to meet at the concession stand. I head over to find Scott, but instead I find his sons, with an older woman who must be their mother. Looks like I will be meeting her today.

Strong arms come around my waist, and a beard tickles the back of my neck. “Hello there, beautiful lady.” I lean back into the arms that belong to the voice.

“Hi there.” I place a kiss on Scott’s cheek. “It looks like your boys are over there, and not too happy about it.” I point in the direction of Keith and Jason.

“Oh shit, I’m sorry. I’ll be right back.”

I place my hand on his arm, “They’ll figure it out. And if she wants to join us here, she’s more than welcome,” he smiles at me and takes my hand.

My girls come over to us with Preston, Colton, and Oliver.

“Keith. Jason. Come on boys, come meet Lorelei’s family!” Scott yells over to them.

The boys jog over to where we are and official introductions are made with all the girls, Preston, Colton and Oliver. Keith and Jason are a few years younger than Willow so none of my girls were ever really in the same social circle as them.

Of course, they already know Preston well, and shockingly, Jason knows Oliver too. It turns out he volunteers at the elementary school, unbeknownst to even Scott. He even looks a little embarrassed to be found out when Oliver runs over to give him a hug.

Before Scott’s ex-wife gets the chance to come over, Keith and Jason pull us all over to the skating rink so we can enjoy the day.

Preston and Colton help me onto the ice, and hold me up until they think I’m sturdy enough. I’m not the best skater, never have been, and usually I avoid it.

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