Page 25 of Her Sweetest Desires
“Yes, sir.” I smiled at them and led us away from the car.
Whenever we were out with the children, Truce always walked a few steps behind us.
“I know we have desserts at the house, but I’m not leaving here without a funnel cake or some funnel cake fries.”
I licked my lips like the fat girl I was.
For the next three hours, my little family marveled at the many attractions, the pretty lights, and Christmas music. I was surprised to see so many people, but I remembered that noteveryone had someone to spend the holiday with. It was cool for them to come to a place and not be lonely, even if they were alone. By the time we made it back to the car, both boys were knocked out, and Truce was responsible for holding up me and carrying TJ. On the way home, I joined our babies in slumber and felt bad when I woke up to Truce pulling me out of the car.
My feet barely hit the ground before he lifted me up.
“Big ass baby. That’s why she’s so spoiled,” I heard Mommy say from a distance.
I buried my face into Truce’s neck, and he chuckled.
“Wait, what about the boys. Let me help you get them out.”
“I love you, Sweets, but I would have secured them inside before coming to get you. Senior got TJ, and Ma got Tristian. They’re good.”
I nodded and rested my head back on his shoulder.
We’d showered after our session earlier, but since we’d been outside, I needed another one. Truce set me on my feet in the bathroom, and I ran some water in the tub. I was pooped, but I needed to bathe my babies too.
It didn’t take long to get us all clean and climb into bed.
“Are you going back down with everyone?”
“Yeah, for a few hours.”
“Okay, I love you.”
Truce smirked, leaned over me, and kissed my lips.
I watched him walk away, and smiled. Today had been emotionally rough, but I made it through without total fail. This would probably be the last family gathering I’d host because having this many people in our home was overwhelming.
There was a peace that surrounded me, though, so I knew Nannie was smiling down on us.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.
“Come in.”
I looked over at TJ to make sure we hadn’t woken him back up.”
“Are these sheets clean?” Mommy asked as she climbed into the bed.
I laughed louder than intended.
“Don’t get put out with your sister, ma’am.”
Mommy scoffed and laid her head on my shoulder.
We sat in silence, simply enjoying each other’s presence. She had managed to convince Daddy to stay over Tuesday and Wednesday, but they were leaving tonight. Now that the production was over, Daddy was over it. She lifted from my shoulder to look at me and moved some of my hair from my face.
I smiled at her but frowned when I saw unshed tears in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
“You handled hosting this family so beautifully. Last night and this morning were rough for you, but no one blames you. I appreciate you for making room for Mama at dinner. It hurt to see a picture there instead, but I know I felt her spirit tonight. She’s so proud of you, baby. The only girl, hell, her only girl. Everything you did, she bragged on and wouldn’t shut up about all your accomplishments.” We laughed. “You were worried things wouldn’t be right because she wasn’t here physically, but after was all said and done, you had no reason to be.”
“Thank you, Mommy. I needed to hear that.”
I hugged her tight to my body and cried on her shoulder.
“I know.” She sniffled and pulled back. “Truce has his ways, but so do I.”
I laughed and pinched her elbow. We sat up and reminisced for a while until her husband came looking for her. When Truce finally came to bed, I felt lighter and proud of myself.
With the love of my husband and family, I’d successfully made it through what had to be one of the hardest days.
THE END
