Soon the food was brought out and everyone ate a feast of macaroni salad, potato salad, grilled chicken, fish, and ribs. Knowing that they were on a time restraint with the babies and their naptimes, presents were next. Jasmine pulled and yanked on her wrapping paper with strength and rowdiness in Simon’s lap. She pulled out an ugly, scary looking doll and hugged it close out of love.
Cherish helped Jr. open his presents and out came a princess crown, one they’d chosen for him, and he looked amazed by the brilliant pink hue. Even though they’d both were given clothes and toys, they were mostly amazed by the paper and the boxes they came in. There also wasn’t a gift from Susan as she’d claimed; Cherish kept an eye out for it.
The cake was the final item on the list needing to be ticked off for the kids before the party would wind down. They were set up in front of their themed cakes with glittery 1 candles lit up at the ready. Simon was on one knee taking pictures and videos while Cherish kept their hands down from touching the fire. She laughed a little bit under her breath while she and Simon exchanged a soft gaze to one another. They made it to this moment bruised but intact. Smiling to himself, this meant the world to him and he was happy to capture the exact moments.
Before the singing started, Jr. already shoved his hand in the soft cake and stuffed handfuls into his mouth. Cherish encouraged Jasmine to touch the cake and, after a few times, she finally pressed her hand down. She hated the sensation and it showed with the way she l shook the icing off. She then settled with pinching the iced fluffs and sticking her fingers into her mouth.
About an hour later, they’d cleaned the kids up and changed them into their bathing suits. As they crawled around in the kiddie pool to clean off, Cherish grabbed Jack a beer. One of the poker buddies slid up to Simon and Jim, "So....are you going to introduce us to the future Mrs.?" He asked with an antagonizing grin.
Simon looked in his direction before he made a second glance at Jim. Usually, he and Cherish were so used to their children’s love and affection towards one another they didn’t think about it, but Jim and his mother’s warning, he quickly changed his tune, “Maybe in the future. I’m not rushing things honestly.” He answered.
Jim wasn’t impressed and held a blank expression, “You’re not rushing, but she’s been living with you and Jr from day one. Where Emily used to eat, live, and sleep.” He snipped.
The group fell silent looking between the men. Simon had heard that argument far too many times over the last year. He’d grown tired of the constant explanation. Plus, he no longer cared what others outside of his relationship with Cherish and their parents thought, “Stick around a little longer and you’ll understand, Jim. I’m sorry about how you feel, but that’s all I have to say right now.” He replied causing Jim’s mood to sour further.
After a few more hours in the Florida sun, enough time had passed where it’d grown dark. People began leaving and made their rounds saying goodbyes which were followed with gracious thank yous. The stragglers who stayed behind helped Jim, Simon Sr., and Jack clean up the backyard. Miriam and Margaret were busy giving the babies their evening baths while Cherish put away the leftovers in the kitchen. She had yet to realize Jim was a part of the family because she hadn’t been introduced. Though, he didn’t want to in the first place.
Not wanting to make a scene with anybody outside of the family, Cherish included, Jim had already summed it up in his mind that he’d wait until Simon and she had left to discuss everything with his aunt and uncle. Imani rubbed her hands together before she gave Simon a hug and waved to the others, “I’ll call Cherish and we’ll meet up later, alright? See you guys later! The party was a success.” She said leaving.
Susan had waited until the majority of the people had left and Simon’s distraction was out of the room. She approached him with a polite smile clasping her hands together, “Well Simon, I’m sure you didn’t realize I was here, but I just want to say that this was a wonderful party. Simon Jr. looked completely engaged and happy. Thank you for the open invitation at the office.” She said with a soft smile. Simon was glad Susan wasn’t acting strange. In fact, she was being nice and amiable. Glancing at Cherish through the double doors, she narrowed her eyes slightly before her attention returned to him, “Also, I know you don’t go in on Mondays, but I was wondering if you’d do me the biggest favor. I’m completely swamped with some of my clients and I think I’ll need some help going over the fine details. Could you could come into the office say…around noon on Monday?” she questioned.
He wasn’t looking forward to do it. Still, he was professional, and would help out a co-worker in need, “I don’t think I have anything else planned. So, I’m sure I can go. I’ll call you if I need to cancel. Thank you for coming Susan.” He said.
Susan bit her bottom lip and tucked hair behind her ear, “Oh, thank you Simon. I-I really appreciate it.” she whispered.
Suppressing a yawn, he took his glasses off and rubbed his eye before glancing back
