Bonus Chapter
Zac
We are finally home from our weekend at the B&B. Aurora and Jace kept things simple. It was relaxed, fun even, and for that I am thankful. Presley relaxed, which she rarely does. It’s been a battle between her and I from the start, she’s always on the go. Seeing her calm, laughing with her feet kicked back while we all sat around a campfire and laughed made me happy
Craig walked Aurora down the aisle and gave her away. Like most times, Sonya and Craig kept the kids, so we young adults could be kids . I still laugh when he tells us that. I know he’s only trying to give us the time to enjoy ourselves, but the truth is most of us stopped being kids before we were ten.
But the man is constantly reminding us that it’s never too late to go back and live all the moments you missed out on. The man means so much to all of us, and Sonya too. They are the parents most of us never had. In my case they’ve given me back the kind of love that I’ve missed so desperately after my parents were taken much too soon.
I glance over at Presley and Grayson, both sitting on the couch at my side. A smile instantly tugs at my mouth. My heart feels like it’s being squeezed.
The love I feel for these two, it’s consuming. They quickly became my world. The two I’d do anything for and die to protect. They are my future, the keys to my happiness, a dream I never truly knew I had until the opportunity unfolded right before me. They are the piece of a puzzle I had no idea I was solving.
I notice the way Grayson is watching the movie but continues to look over at his mom on occasion. Almost like he’s trying to figure something out but is too afraid to ask for help. His head tips as he looks down and then back up to her, pausing for a moment before looking back at the television. Slowly he nibbles on the popcorn only to repeat the movements all over again.
“What’s up, bud?” I ask, struggling with seeing him in this state.
Glancing back at me, his eyes widen.
“You got something on your mind?” He nods slowly. “You can tell us.”
Grayson turns back to Presley and she gives him a reassuring nod. Then slowly his little hand moves toward her stomach and he lays it over her protruding belly. Grayson jumps surprised giggling which only makes Presley laugh too.
“You feel the baby?” she asks him and he nods.
“Wild isn’t it?” I know it is for me, still after watching it day after day get closer and become more real. Grayson glances back at me, still smiling and he floors me with his question.
“How did the baby get in there?” He is so serious and full of curiosity. If this was anyone else’s kid, I’d think it was hilarious, but he is ours. I love him like my own so in my eyes, he is my son.
Clearing my throat when a piece of popcorn feels like it gets lodged there, Presley starts to laugh. Quickly covering her mouth to keep from spitting out her water, she turns her head to the side, but I see her body still shaking with laughter.
“Uh.” What do you say to a four year old that will make sense? Shit I need to get better at this. I learned about sex and how babies were made from some teenager in one of my foster homes that showed us all magazines and dirty videos. Yep, I said it, I learned about sex watching porn.
Running my hand nervously through my hair I look to Presley for help. “You wanna take this?”
“I think you need the practice.” She shrugs, smiling so big her cheeks have to ache. She is loving this.
“Believe me you do not want me explaining procreation to him. That shit will end badly and he’ll be going to daycare drawing diagrams. You’ll get calls, not only from the school but from very angry parents.”
“You can do it without diagrams,” she says laughing.
“No I can’t.” I shrug. “I won’t. I learned how it all worked from watching P O R N.” Standing I throw my hands upward and spin around like I’m momentarily lost. Frankly I feel lost.
“P O R N, seriously?”
“Yes Presley, I was a foster kid, no one took the time to teach me.”
This relaxing Sunday afternoon went south, so fast. “He’s four, I don’t even know how to start that conversation. I need a beer.” I walk off. Hearing the giggles of her and Grayson trailing behind me makes me aware I can’t just walk away from this.
Opening up the fridge gives me a perfect idea.
“Hey bud you want some ice cream?”
He starts nodding his head enthusiastically and Presley smirks at me.
“Distraction.” I nod proudly. “It’s the route I am taking today. Love it or hate it woman, I’m not ready for the other type of life lesson. Sugar in this case is good, it’s deserved.”
I grab three bowls off the shelf and place them out on the countertop. Grayson climbs up onto the stool that we have for him so he can help. Handing him one scooper I take the other and pull the lids off the two different kinds of ice cream we have.
I’m well aware that I am over-serving, but damn we needed a major detour.
“Take this and go sit at the table.” I give Gray the bowl with the smallest amount and he climbs down and hurries off.
Sliding the other across to Presley she stares at me. “What?”
“I didn’t want ice cream.” She arches her brow at me in the curious way of hers.
“Take it, eat it.” I pick up my own and take a bite. “It helps,” I mumble and suddenly she bursts out laughing and I sag in defeat.
Next time, I’ll do better.
Who the fuck am I kidding? Next time, I’m loading his ass up and taking him to the nearest toy store. Sex explanation to a four-year-old, no fucking way. I’m already creating a story in my head that has magical fairies and storks that deliver a basket with babies. A little fairy dust, a growing baby, and viola, done.
Now I need a nap.