40. Bethany
Chapter 40
Bethany
JULY
I t’s been a week of ups and downs. The trip to Texas was better than I expected. The kids, all of them, loved the ranch. My dad even took Mollie and Kellie for a ride on his more gentle horses. We took the four wheelers out as a family to explore. Even camped out near the back pond just because we could.
Our flight landed thirty minutes ago. We just loaded the SUV and are getting ready to head home to our separate houses and that’s no longer what I want. Which is why once everyone is buckled, I look at our blended crew of misfits and say, “So what do you kids think about us all living in one home?”
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?”
Her warmth floods through me, a joyous sob escaping my lips as I hug her tiny frame. “Because I’d like that very much.”
“Good. Then that’s what I’m gonna call you. Kellie can call you Momma, too.” She wiggles in my arms so she can continue roasting her hotdog. “Adults are so weird.”
My fingers find her ribs and her breath hitches into a delightful giggle. “I’m not weird. I’m just happy. And Kellie doesn’t have to call me Momma if she doesn’t want to. It’s up to her what she calls me.”
I understand Kellie’s situation is different. She remembers her mother. The last thing I want is for her to think I’m trying to replace what she lost.
Despite her nonchalant shrug, her teary gaze betrays her true emotions. “I’m cool with it. If you’re cool with it.”
“Cool with what?” Nolan’s deep voice echoes around us. “Why are you two crying?”
Mollie drops her stick in my lap and runs to her father, jumping into his arms, fully trusting him to catch her. “No more calling Miss Beth, Miss Beth. We decided we’re gonna call her Momma. Right, Momma?”
The air crackles with unspoken emotions, thick and heavy, until Finn, unable to bear it any longer, breaks it. “And Felix and I are gonna start calling you Pops.”
There isn’t a dry eye left. Tears stream down our faces, not from sadness, but from uncontrollable laughter that has us all doubled over.