Saving You Losing Me

Chapter 49

CHAPTER 49

CLARA

W hen Atom leaves, there’s a void that only two people can fill and so I quickly shower and head into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

I’m nervous about today and even more nervous about telling my daughters they are getting a new daddy. The man they’ve only met once will soon become the most important man in our lives.

As I draw the drapes, I stare in amazement at the shiny new slide and trampoline that crowds beside the tire in the yard. Tears fill my eyes when I note the huge pink bows tied around them, and I really believe I have never been so happy.

“Mommy.”

Two small arms cling to my leg and I gaze down at my youngest daughter and smile.

“Good morning, honey. Run and get Sophia. I have a surprise for you both.”

She runs off shrieking, “Sophia!” at the top of her lungs and I laugh as I watch her go.

I am so happy. I haven’t felt this way since I first met Atom and I never want to hear anything but laughter in my home from now on. It’s as if I escaped a dark prison and only good things can happen now.

The girls rush inside the room and I point to the window.

“Look what Atom had delivered.”

They crowd against the windowpane and squeal with delight.

“Can we go and play, mommy? Please!” Maria asks, and I shake my head.

“After breakfast and you would be better dressed in something more suitable than your pajamas.”

I ruffle their hair and bending to my knees, I stare into their shining eyes.

“I have something to tell you that is, well–” I shrug but smile happily. “Mommy is getting married, um, today.”

Their eyes widen in shock.

“But you’re married to daddy.”

Sophia’s word are like knives in my heart and I take both their hands and whisper, “I am no longer married to daddy because he is in heaven and we are not.”

“So you must marry somebody else because he left us?” Sophia asks, her head cocked to one side.

I take a deep breath.

“Not really, but I want to.”

“Who?” Maria doesn’t really understand and I don’t believe Sophia knows much more and I pull them into my arms and say carefully, “Sometimes things happen in life that don’t come in the right order. You see, many years ago, before I met your daddy, I met Atom.”

Their eyes widen. “Atom.” They say in unison and Maria’s face breaks into a grin. “I like Atom.”

“Me too.” Sophia adds, and I nod. “So do I and he loves us all and wants to be a husband to me and a daddy to you.”

“That’s nice of him.” Sophia says solemnly, and I suppress my laughter at her words.

Sophia smiles. “He’s a very nice man.”

“He bought us the slide and the trampoline.” Maria adds, as if that makes him the nicest man on earth.

“He did, and he wants to make you happy and today is the beginning of that.”

“Will we live here?” Sophia asks, ever the practical one, and I smile.

“Do you want to stay here?”

They nod their heads vigorously.

“We love Candy and Diesel.” Sophia says with enthusiasm, and Maria grins.

“And Atom. We love him too.”

I laugh out loud at the fickleness of youth. Buy them a toy and they’re yours forever.

“He’s a good, kind man and will make a fantastic daddy.” My heart curls with pleasure at the thought of all my dreams coming true at once.

“Can we be your bridesmaids?” Sophia asks happily.

“Of course. Go and pick out your prettiest dresses because it’s happening today.”

“But what about the slide and the trampoline?” Maria’s face falls and I stand. “Let’s have breakfast, wash and change and we can spend some time in the yard first.”

They clap their hands and jump in the air, and my heart is overflowing with happiness. This is the life I want for them. It’s a little unorthodox, but it’s the only place I want to be. Finally, everything makes sense and I can’t wait to marry the man I love in a few hours’ time.

“Oh my God!” Candy is speechless as she joins us in the yard and I fill her in on what’s happening.

“I can’t believe it.”

She shakes her head as the girls bounce inside the trampoline enclosure, squealing with delight as they hold hands as they jump.

“You’re marrying Atom. Well knock me stupid, I never saw that one coming.”

She shakes her head. “Are you sure? I mean, he’s a surly asshole most of the time.”

I laugh out loud. “Is he? I never noticed.”

Candy shakes her head, apparently stunned by my news.

Then she recovers and says practically, “Then why are we here gassing? You must indulge yourself and prepare for the best day of your life.”

She jerks her head toward the girls.

“I’ll see to them. Go and make yourself into a princess. I’ll entertain them and find them some pretty dresses. Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

“Really?” I hug her hard. “Thank you.”

She blushes and a soft smile graces her lips.

“I’m so happy for you, Clara. For all of you and more than anything, I’m happy that you’re staying.”

“Me too.” We share a smile and after I explain to the girls, I head off with the hugest grin on my face.

This is the happiest day of my life and is the start of many more.