Since Christmas, Simon had seen her differently. She’d grown from the woman who cared for Jr., to his best friend, to the person he didn’t know he needed, and now, he truly hoped for more. The love he felt for Cherish and Emily were different but just as comforting. He knew, deep down, his late wife would’ve been happy he’d found someone who loved their son and took care of him just as she did once upon a time.
Since sharing their first kiss, there was a connection he waited to pursue, but had to follow through their promise. To Simon, Cherish was the perfect woman. Her personality was incredible, her looks were ideal, and she seemed to genuinely care about his son and him; not with what he could buy for her. He didn’t have to think about how to act or what to say. He just did. This wasn’t just a sexual craving. He found he’d touch and openly flirt with her, even though they’d agreed not to cross the line. After what happened to she and Jasmine the previous night, he knew life was too precious and could change in the blink of an eye. He was no longer afraid, and he felt Cherish thought the same way.
Simon Gabot’s heart was truly in love again.
Pulling up to a Toys R Us, Cherish exited the car and was instantly greeted with Simon by her side. The large yellow banner across the storefront donned the phrase, “GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE.” This not only appeased her with discounts, but also Simon and his unyielding need to have quality products. A match made in heaven.
Cherish’s brown eyes stared into his blue ones and his fingers played against hers. Simon gave her a look, one that read he intended to keep her hand. His fingers slipped between hers and gripped tightly. A slow, soft smirk began to pull across her features as she wrapped her fingers knowingly in his and followed him into the store.
They were instantly hit with bargain bins and discounted toys by the entrance which demanded her attention, but Simon dragged her back to the retail priced toys. The sales were a paltry fifteen percent off, but a first birthday only came once for the two precious loves of her life. For that, Cherish was in a generous mood.
To be alone with her felt amazing. Feeling closer to her than ever, he milled down the aisles before he back tracked and trekked further. He pulled her along with him, released her hand, and wandered with her in a relaxed manner. They pulled a few learning toys, an ugly monster for Jasmine, and a cutesy doe-eyed plush for Jr. Simon thoroughly enjoyed himself and he was ready for big event with his kids. Even though there was the dark spot of Emily’s death approaching, he didn’t fear. With Cherish and the babies by his side, he knew he’d be able to push through.
Rounding the corner of another aisle, they were met with an entire section with different variations of pink. Tutus, dresses, gloves, capes, wands, and tiaras were piled in bins and on the racks. A smile tugged at the corner of Simon’s lips as he grabbed a large, beauty queen crown adorned with hot pink feathers and plastic diamonds. Putting the crown on, he tilted his head upwards in a far off and dramatic pose, “How’s this? Do you think I capture Jr.’s good side?”
Cherish picked up a plush dinosaur knowing it’d make Jasmine’s day. She turned her attention to Simon before her cheeks expanded at his appearance, “O-oh. You look wonderful. A picture of perfection for our boy. You’re going to do him proud, I can see it.” She said breaking into a grin. Walking over, she took the crown from his head and grabbed a blue one, “Let’s get these.” She muttered. She then held up the plush dinosaur dressed in pajamas, “Do you think the pumpkin will like this? Or should we go scarier?” She questioned before looking at the toy, “She’s so weird.” She whispered to herself.
Simon looked down, reached over, and ran his hand over the little night cap. The only thing he imagined was Jasmine fast asleep with him by her side. His eyes widened and his lip poked out, “I want this one. This will be daddy’s nap time gift.” He said after pulling himself together.
Cherish went ahead and placed him in the cart, “And why can’t it be mommy’s gift?” She teased before sighing. If they bought one, they had to buy another, “I’m going to get one for my boy.” She stated.
Simon cleared his throat before he pulled the blue crown from the cart and set it on her curly hair; suspended where it sat, “We should scour the older boys section. We can get Jasmine a snarling, ferocious beast.” He said grinning to himself far too proud of their daughter’s tough exterior and tastes. Jasmine may have looked the part of a girl, but in the end, she was a rough and tumble tomboy and her brother was the soft, sweet one.
Cherish’s eyes glanced upwards before her hand lifted to pat against the plastic, “It’s a beautiful crown but we both know that Jr. will want both. If only we had a girl who would want one.” She said while nodding to agree with his suggestion.
Leading the cart around, Simon nudged Cherish in the right direction with his hand along the small of her back. She arched an eyebrow and looked over at him. Her mouth, though, told on her. She couldn't stop the smile that fought
