Jr.’s bright blue eyes went from one parent to the other before he too grew nervous. Which meant he wanted the comfort of mommy now that her arms were free. Jasmine had her turn and now it was his.
Simon wiped off his fingers before he reached over and took her. Jr. soon followed in the same pattern in Cherish’s arms now. Simon made a quick move and held a wet napkin out to her. He then turned his glance down to Jasmine who stared up at him with her sweet, tanned face. He handed his little girl a green bean before eyeing Cherish, “Don’t you think an hour is too far away?” he asked.
“It is.” She whispered to herself. Being clung by the sweetest little boy in the world, she glanced down into those big, blue eyes who loved her with every ounce of his body. She wrapped her arms and hugged him tightly into her form.
From the corner of her eye, Cherish caught the sight of Jasmine and Simon. Her little girl clapped her hands while he fed her, “Mmmm!” She hummed while nibbling the bean. With one in each hand, Jasmine leaned away from Simon and stared up at him, “Da-dee.” She whispered taking another bite.
Cherish sighed sadly to herself. She couldn’t leave. If the circumstances were different, she wouldn’t. The way Simon cuddled into Jasmine was a weight over her shoulders; literally, “Thank you.” She whispered to Simon as he paid for their meal. Grabbing the large baby bag, she and her family exited the restaurant.
Cherish held onto Jr. tightly and walked slightly ahead. Jr. stared back at his father and sister while they made their way through the heat for Target. As Simon grabbed a cart, Cherish randomly kissed Jr. on the cheeks as they entered the shop and made their way towards the back for the aisle of breast pumps.
Simon, automatically, could tell something was off with Cherish. She would always kiss Jr. out of her own affection, but his cheek was wet now. Her nervous habit came through, but he remained silent and followed her.
Naturally, Cherish went for the one where she’d have to pump by hand, also known as the cheapest, “Thirty dollars. Hm.” She contemplated aloud.
Simon eyed the nicer, sixty-dollar brands with a built-in motorized, suctioned pump to easily pull the milk without uneven pressure or effort. He tapped his finger on the box and read the specifications approaching her, “Does this one look good to you?” he asked with a warmth in his tone.
His gaze lingered on her a bit longer than usual as she decided. He knew he’d spent a lot more on her than she usually would allow him. At times, he’d let her have her way even if it meant he’d need to purchase a replacement in the future. All he wanted was Cherish’s happiness because she truly deserved to be joyful. He wanted her to feel at home with him and ultimately decide to stay. He loved this woman more than he could stand and only wanted to be with her. Simon needed to convince her once and for all she belonged exactly where she was.
By his side.
Cherish rolled Jr. from one side to the other and grabbed the one she wanted. Leaning into his space, she read the specs on the side before shrugging lightly to herself. “Well this one is cheaper but, the parts don’t look as sturdy, you know? But, I’m thinking that since Jr. is eating more food and only the milk at night and mornings, this one might be better.” She reasoned kissing on Jr.’s cheek again, “I’m not having more children any time soon. So, I’m guessing this one is good.” She concluded. “What were you looking at?” She asked.
Jasmine leaned over to grab her brother’s nose and managed to knock Jr. from his stare. With his attention gained, Jr. grabbed her small hand before lowering it from his face.
Cherish made a good point. If she wasn’t going to get pregnant again, which would be over his dead body if with someone else, then Jr. was supposed to be almost done with breast feeding. So, he agreed. He did a double take behind himself at the pump and waved his hand, “Don’t worry about it. You’re right, mine would be too much. This one is just fine.” He said as he placed the box into the cart with the food.
Heading towards the registers, he paused and glanced back at her with a grin, “Oh and don’t try to pay me back for this. You know how I am.” He teasingly added.
Cherish narrowed her eyes as she followed Simon through the checkout and back for the car. She gave him a smug smile because, even though he bought it, he would wake up with that money back in his pocket or wallet. The beauty was he wouldn’t even realize he’d been repaid. He would just be happy to find money. It worked every time.
Despite their opposite standpoint of Cherish moving, the day had been good.
Cherish buckled Jr. next to Jasmine, who stared at her brother with big, wide eyes and a smile. She then slid into the front seat with Simon, pulled the seatbelt on, and cleared her throat, “Where to now?” She asked.
Simon arched his neck and looked at her. Starting up the car, he thought about home but wanted to leave the option open. He leaned into her view, “Anywhere you’d like my dear.” He said pointing out, “It’s sweltering outside so I hope it has air conditioning. You’ve got me all weekend.” He added quickly.
Cherish agreed it was hot outside; even for her. By the look of Jasmine and Jr.’s reddened cheeks from the store to the car, she had the perfect plan, “We haven’t seen mom and dad in a couple days. I’m sure they’d love to
