Page 87 of Bleeding Hearts

Nolan hasn’t once brought it up since he asked me to move in with him in my kitchen, but I know he’s been on pins and needles about it. “You serious?”

I’d known the moment he walked out the door that night what needed to happen. I hadn’t gotten the chance to tell him before hell rained down on me. This would be a first for me. Living with a man, or really anyone besides my own kids, since my early twenties. It was sure to be interesting, but I was ready, more than ready, to take this step. And I wasn’t even scared.

“Yep. My house is bigger, so I thought the third room upstairs would be great for Kellie. Since we don’t need the guest room anymore, we’ll make it Mollie’s.” I reposition myself to face them. “How does that sound?”

“We can rearrange the basement so Mollie can have a play area down there with us.” Finn rubs his hands together like he’s been planning this.

“That’s a great idea.”

Mollie’s feet dance with glee, each kick a burst of pure happiness. “Can I paint my room pink?”

Finn taps her leg to get her attention. “I’ll help you paint it pink, munchkin.”

“Then I vote, yes!” she squeals and claps her hands.

While a buzz of excitement fills the car, Kellie remains quiet. I’ve come to learn she’s more reserved.

“Everything, okay Kellie?” Reaching behind me, I touch her leg. “This only works if it’s what we all want.”

She nods, a slight smile playing on her lips, and then softly speaks her thoughts. “Are you two going to get married?”

Nolan is quick to respond, “One step at a time. Let’s see how things go.”

“You don’t want to marry me?” With a slight lift of my eyebrow and a hint of mischief, I play devil’s advocate.

With a frown pulling at the corners of his mouth, he lowers his chin. “Wait? Are you saying you want to marry me?”

I shrug and roll my eyes. “Maybe you should grow a pair and ask.”

The boys cackle from the third row. Mollie giggles. And Kellie smiles like I’ve never seen her smile before. And it all feels perfect. Absolutely perfect.

“Maybe I will,” Nolan grumbles as he throws the vehicle into gear and drives us home.

“Finn,please go grab the roasting sticks from inside,” I instruct, balancing a tray of hotdogs. “Girls, turn the water off and let’s eat. Your dad should be home soon.”

We’ve been roommates for a few weeks. Adapting has been easier with our summer schedule. My classes are on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and because Nolan’s schedule is sporadic, we’ve had to depend on the boys to help. Mollie is the only one who needs a sitter since she’s five. Kellie could do it, especially for the four hours I’m gone, but it’s been good for the boys. It’s taught them the responsibility of caring for another person, navigating the charming but sometimes manipulative tactics of a little girl.

As soon as Finn brings me the sticks, I open the hotdogs and hand each kid one, “Make sure you’re careful.” I tell Mollie when I pass her one. “Maybe I can help you.”

“Okay.” She’s the easiest-going child I’ve ever met. “But I don’t like mine black, just warm.”

Kellie sits in the chair next to us and places hers over a flame. “What’s the point of roasting them if you don’t cook them? You might as well just eat it raw.”

With a soft thud, Felix settles into the seat beside her. “Mom doesn’t like hers black, either. But I’m with you. I like mine well done.”

Mollie holds her stick so high I’m not so sure the flames will even warm it. “Miss Beth.”

“Yes, sweetie.” Positioning myself next to her, I smile warmly.

“Do I have to keep calling you Miss Beth now that we live together?” She spins and almost slaps Finn in the face with her hotdog. “Sorry, bro.”

That’s her new thing. She’s started calling the boys bro, short for brother, because that’s what they call each other.

“It’s cool, sis.” Reaching over, he playfully tousles her hair. “If you don’t call Mom, Miss Beth, what would you call her?”

I didn’t ask because I wasn’t sure I could handle her answer.

She waves her hotdog over the fire as she thinks. “I think I’d like to call her Momma. Can I call you Momma?” Her sweet little eyes turn to look at me and she frowns. “Why are you crying?”

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