Simon already hoped that Cherish would want to be his mother eventually. He had become increasingly unsure when she decided to move. He flicked his gaze between them. To him, there was no one else he could think of to be Jr.’s mother after Emily. Jr. loved the ever-living hell out of Cherish and had since day one, “You’re the only person after Emily, that I see being Jr.’s mom. You know that, have some confidence in yourself. I don’t want to push you into anything but somehow, I can’t imagine him without you.” He expressed.
Cherish was ecstatic. Simon wanted her to be the mother of his son. It would be easy for them to go through with Jr., but Jasmine would be harder. Todd could still be out there. There was no way he wasn't alive. He wasn't into hard drugs and he didn't drink much. Thankfully for the fact that Jasmine could have been a crack baby. He was just a shitty person who had probably knocked some other poor girl up by now; who knew.
He sighed as he rubbed the small of Jasmine’s back, “You were like an angel who came into my life and picked up the pieces. I really don’t know what I would have done. What Jr. and I would have done without you, Cherish.” He said honestly. Kissing Jasmine’s head, he pressed his cheek to her, “Being Jasmine’s real father would be a dream come true. I can’t tell you how many times I lay awake worried about the day you have to leave, and she goes with you.”
A look of relief washed over her face as she stood. Side by side they held their children in each other's arms; a first glance at the little family that would become official, “I’m sure mom and dad on both sides would love the sound of that. So, let’s do it. Let’s make our dreams come true.” She whispered.
Simon could see a flood of emotions ripple over her as she said something so wonderfully corny. He couldn’t help but fall right into her speech and felt as though this was a start. No matter what happened, they would always have a place in this life together. There was a deep bond between he and Cherish. She was beyond a friend and his best friend, a lover, and soulmate. The way he felt for her could not be placed into words. Without a shadow of a doubt, if anyone could make dreams happen, it was Cherish, “Lead the way.” He said with a soft smirk.
Stepping forward, she gently returned Jr. to the crib. Her hand gently pressed against Simon’s back and rubbed as he did the same with Jasmine. She couldn’t stop staring at their kids. They were amazing bundles of perfection. Cherish gave him a hug, “Thank you for giving our daughter a chance at a good life. I will forever be grateful to you.”
Simon’s arm automatically closed around Cherish’s bare back and held her in. Her gratitude was sincere. He wasn’t as humble. He knew what he’d done for them. Their daughter from the day they left the hospital. Even through the struggles, he’d do it all again, “You don’t have to be. You’ve already paid Jr. and I back more than money can give.” He whispered staring at her with a deep kindness. A tenderness only Emily had known before.
Pulling away, she stared in his face for longer than she should have. Licking her lips again, she backed away with a long sigh, “Let’s get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow.” She whispered.
Trailing out of the bedroom, she glanced back at him and waited. Nodding tiredly, he was exhausted but cleansed of his worries and pent up stress. Feeling better, he followed her back into their mess of a bed and fell asleep with her in his arms.
Chapter 19
June 1st
The moment sunlight drifted into their bedroom Cherish opened her eyes and lifted her head. Her hair was tossed to one side, she felt extremely lethargic, and her naked form was tangled in the sheets. With a quiet yawn, she turned her head and caught sight of Simon's bare back.
Memories of the previous night flooded back, and she felt a flicker of warmth in her core. But, that wasn't what consumed her thoughts most. Today was June 1st and their babies turned one. The biggest milestone they would cross in their young lives. Their party was in the afternoon, but there was something else Cherish felt the need to do before the festivities. For all of them.
Scooting closer, she rested her palm against his back and ran it down his shoulder, "Hey, Simon..." As he rolled onto his back and blinked up at her, Cherish leaned onto her side, "...good morning." She whispered.
Her voice was still in his ears when she came into focus. Simon saw her laying naked beside him and he hadn’t forgotten. A smile crossed him easily as he answered, “Good Morning.” His arm wrapped around her waist before turning and pushing his face into her neck. Kissing against her soft, tender flesh, he pulled her against him, “A great morning, actually.”
Cherish smiled softly as she leaned her head and pressed her cheek against his forehead. Her hand landed on his shoulder as she bit her bottom lip and crossed one leg over the other, “Yeah.” She whispered.
Simon had imagined the scenario for a while. A morning where he could wake up to her bare and open; together. He hadn’t felt so comfortable and unwilling to leave bed in a long time. If he had his way, he’d stay with her all day long. Pulling back once he had his fill of her, he released a soft grunt with a half stretch and turned his head to the door, “We should probably get up. We have
