Chapter 35 #2
Ivy beamed as she skipped over to Bebe, carrying balloons and a small gift bag. Bebe’s eyes lit up as Ivy handed her the items.
“These are for you,” Ivy said proudly. “Is your scar like the red-haired girl in Madeline?”
“I don’t know. I can’t see it—it’s covered with a bandage,” Bebe replied, giggling.
Bebe opened the gift, revealing new pajamas, a Squishmallow, and a BFF necklace. Her face lit up as she hugged Ivy tentatively.
I turned my attention to Will, who was watching the girls with a smile.
“That was really thoughtful of you,” I said, stepping closer to him.
He shrugged modestly. “Ivy picked everything out. She’s very particular when it comes to her best friend.”
“Very generous,” I said softly, catching his gaze. “Their friendship is so pure. Do you think it’ll stay that way?”
Will’s hand brushed mine, sending chills up my spine. “I think they’d love to be sisters,” he said quietly.
The depth of his words caught me off guard, but I didn’t let myself overthink it. For now, I focused on the warmth of the moment.
The girls decided to watch “Spirit,” and Will and I excused ourselves to the kitchen, where Meredith was setting out the sushi Will had brought.
“Okay, lovebirds, dinner is ready,” Meredith teased, arranging the rolls on a platter.
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t start, Mer.”
Will grinned. “I don’t mind. I’ve been called worse.”
Meredith gave him a sly look. “Oh, I’m just getting warmed up.”
We all sat down at the island, the soft hum of the movie playing in the background. Meredith poured us glasses of wine, her playful energy filling the room as she leaned into teasing me.
“So, Will,” she said, leaning forward on her elbows. “How’s life in the Parker household?”
Will chuckled, taking a sip of his wine. “Between Madison’s high school drama, Ivy’s very specific tastes in everything, and Carter and Chase turning everything into a sports or Nintendo competition, it’s never dull,” Will said with a grin.
Sounds like you’ve got your hands full,” Meredith said, raising her glass. “Cheers to surviving it all.”
Will clinked his glass to hers. “Cheers to that.”
I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them banter. Will’s ease with Meredith felt like a glimpse of what life could be—blended, comfortable, and light.
After a while, Meredith excused herself to check on the girls. As she left the room, I got up to warm some soup for Bebe, just in case she wanted to eat later.
Will followed me to the stove, leaning against the counter as I stirred the pot. “This is nice,” he said softly.
“What is?” I asked, glancing over my shoulder at him.
“Being here,” he said. “With you. With your family. It feels… right.”
The sincerity in his voice made my breath hitch. I looked at him, his eyes steady on mine, and for a moment, the room seemed to shrink around us.
“I wish I could kiss you,” he whispered, his voice low and intimate.
A shiver ran through me as his words brushed against the air between us. “Me too”.
Before the moment could deepen, Meredith’s voice called from the living room. “Hey, no funny business in there! If you two need a room, go quick, I’ve got the girls covered!”
“Meredith!” I called back, my voice half-laughing, half-exasperated. “I’m heating up soup!”
Will smirked, leaning in just a fraction closer. “She’s not wrong, though.”
I shook my head, turning back to the stove. “Don’t push your luck, Parker.”
Meredith eventually wandered back into the kitchen, setting her phone on the counter with a knowing smirk. “The girls are in there giggling non-stop. ‘Spirit’ must be a comedy now.”
Will chuckled, glancing toward the living room. “Ivy loves narrating that movie. She’s probably explaining every scene to Bebe right now.”
Meredith leaned casually against the counter, eyeing the sushi on the platter. “So, Nat, what’s it like having a boyfriend who brings dinner and a daughter with perfect gift-giving skills?”
Will raised an eyebrow, his smirk teasing. “Boyfriend, huh? That’s official now?”
I shot Meredith a look, though my cheeks warmed at the word. “Don’t encourage her,” I said.
Meredith grinned, unbothered by my protest. “Too late. You two are so smitten, it’s painful to watch.”
Will leaned toward me slightly, a playful glint in his eye. “Painful, huh? Guess I’m doing something right.”
I rolled my eyes, ignoring the flutter in my chest. “Why don’t we talk about your smitten status?” I countered, turning the spotlight onto Meredith. “How’s Jasper’s soup delivery? Thoughtful or flirtatious?”
Meredith groaned dramatically, tossing her hands up. “Oh, please. He’s just being nice. The man can’t help that he’s a great cook and a good guy.”
Will exchanged a look with me, his grin widening. “Definitely flirtatious,” he said, nodding in agreement. “What about my guy, Evan? Is he still in the running?”
“Quiet, both of you!” Meredith said, though her laughter broke through. “You’re not funny.”
“Not even a little?” I teased.
She grabbed a dish towel and tossed it in my direction. “I hate you both,” she muttered.
After finishing the sushi and wine with Will and Meredith, I grabbed the bowls of soup from the stove. “I’ll bring these out to the girls,” I said, carrying them into the living room where Bebe and Ivy were curled up under blankets.
“Bebe, honey, here’s some soup,” I said, setting the bowl on the coffee table. “Just take small sips, okay?”
Bebe nodded, her small hands reaching for the spoon. “Thanks, Mommy.”
I set another bowl in front of Ivy, who gave me a big smile. “Thank you, Miss Natalie!”
“You’re welcome,” I said, brushing a strand of hair off Bebe’s forehead. “
“They’re good out there,” I said, returning to the kitchen with the tray.
“Bebe looks good,” he said, his voice soft. “You’re doing a great job, Nat.”
Thanks,” I said quietly, leaning against the counter. His words, simple as they were, felt grounding.
Meredith joined us a moment later, refilling her wine and leaning casually against the counter across from us.
Before we could start another conversation, Will glanced at his phone and sighed. “I should probably head out. Madison’s watching her brothers tonight, and I told her she could have her boyfriend over at eight if she held down the fort.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Her boyfriend? That word is being tossed around a lot tonight.”
He groaned, shaking his head. “Yep. I’m dreading it, but I figured it’s better than her sneaking him in when I’m not there.”
I laughed softly. “Parenting teenagers sounds… exciting.”
“Let’s go with exhausting,” he said with a faint grin.
He turned back into the living room and crouched beside Ivy. “Ready to head out, kiddo?” he asked gently.
Ivy pouted dramatically but nodded. “Okay, Daddy.” She turned to Bebe and gave her a gentle hug. “Feel better. I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay,” Bebe said, her voice soft but happy.
I walked them to the door, letting Ivy step out first. Will lingered for a moment, turning back toward me.
“Good luck with the boyfriend,” I teased lightly, crossing my arms.
He laughed, “I’ll need it.”
With one last look, he and Ivy disappeared into the evening, leaving me feeling both full and wistful.
Once Will and Ivy had gone, I returned to the living room to check on Bebe. She was still curled up on the couch, the blanket pulled tightly around her.
“Hey, sweetie,” I said softly, crouching beside her. “Time for bed.” I carefully scooped her into my arms. She rested her head on my shoulder, her body warm and surprisingly light. I could feel how tired she was as her little arms looped around my neck.
When we reached her room, I eased her down onto her bed, adjusting her pillow and tucking the blanket snugly around her. Her favorite stuffed animal was already waiting on the pillow, and I set it gently in her arms.
I leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I love you, Bebe. Good night.”
“Love you too, Mommy,” she said sleepily, her eyes already drifting closed.
Downstairs, Meredith was waiting on the couch, two wine glasses already filled.
I plopped down beside her, letting out a long breath. “Could you just move in?”
She laughed, handing me a glass.
“You really are a gem.”
“We’ve always been each other’s rock,” she said, her big doe eyes soft, a small smile tugging at her lips.
I gave a small nod. “Through it all.”
She tilted her head, giving me a knowing look. “Talk about smitten kitten—you are so far gone with Will. How are you going to tell all the kids?”
I sighed, swirling the wine in my glass. “I don’t know. Now’s not the time. Maybe after the holidays. It’s the kids’ first Christmas after the divorce…”
“Okay, excuses,” Meredith interrupted, raising an eyebrow. “Your kids will be fine. They’ve already met Brooke. You’re just worried about that teenager, aren’t you? She’s got you all freaked out.”
I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “Madison is… complicated. I just don’t want to push things too fast and make it harder on her, or on any of the kids. It has to feel like the right time.”
Meredith gave me a long look before setting her glass down. “You’ve got a good heart, Nat. But don’t let fear stop you from being happy. Will seems like he’s ready to handle whatever comes your way. And honestly? I think your kids are, too.”
I leaned back against the couch, letting her words sink in. “I hope you’re right.”
She smiled, leaning her head on my shoulder. “Trust me on this. You might get that picture perfect life with someone who you really love this time.”
I leaned back letting her words sink in. Is it possible to have a picture-perfect life with a blended family?
We sat there in companionable silence for a moment before Meredith started to sing.
“L is for the way you look at me,” she sang softly.
I laughed, joining in quietly. “O is for the only one I see…”
We sang the rest of the chorus together, our voices low so we didn’t wake Bebe.
Meredith tilted her glass toward mine with a grin. “To being smitten. And to figuring it all out.”
“To figuring it out,” I agreed, clinking my glass with hers.