Once the second video was over, Cherish was half asleep but couldn’t help but open her eyes fully at Simon’s chuckles. Laughter, even though temporary from the inevitable mourning, was still good. Most people weren’t so lucky to laugh at such a time when stress was high. Simon stood up and brought their dirtied dishes to the sink. Yawning widely, he returned and turned off the TV, “Okay, I think it’s time to get some sleep before these guys wake up.” He said.
Cherish rubbed her face and sat at the edge of the sofa. She rubbed her knees with a nod, “Alright.” She answered looking to the crib.
Simon held his hands out and took a firm hold of her arms before he pulled her to her feet, “Don’t worry about getting them, I will.” He stated.
Giving him a nod, Cherish grabbed the bags from the table and allowed Simon to help her to the bedroom, “Thank you for that.” She said pulling away. She needed a quick shower and a clean up before bed.
That left Simon to lock up the house before they’d say goodnight. He made sure she would be fine before he went downstairs and transferred both children to the crib in the master. He went around the house and made sure all doors were locked before setting the alarm. Simon dragged his feet up the stairs with a yawn as he made his way into the bedroom. Shutting the door, he took off his shirt and socks and retreated into the walk-in closet for his pajamas. Back to the bed, he left the bedside lamp on and crawled into his side with an exhausted sigh.
Returning to the bedroom, Cherish didn’t think as she climbed into the bed beside him and got comfortable. They were both on opposite edges but found that with two children it was better to sleep in the same room. It was amazing how a shower, new underwear, and proper pads could make a woman feel.
Simon caught a tired glance at her, “Did I get the right things? Do you like them?” His deep, groggy voice asked.
Cherish draped her arms over her stomach and turned her head to him. By the time she answered, he was already asleep, “Yes. Thank you very much, Simon. The underwear fits let’s get some sleep.” She said anyway.
As soon as she shut the light off, Jasmine began to shift in the crib. Her turn with a full diaper had come. Sighing, the light clicked back on, “After they fall back asleep.” Cherish whispered. The only thing that came from Simon was a light snore. Smiling at him weakly, she then pushed herself out of bed, “I’ve got her.” She whispered to herself. Leaving him to sleep, she tended to her daughter.
Tomorrow would be another day full of surprises.
Chapter 3
Having another fun-filled night with the babies, Cherish slept like a rock whenever she had the chance. Simon tried to take care of Jasmine and Jr. but after his son fought the bottle, he gave in and woke her. That’s where Jr. stayed attached for the remainder of the night. Which left Simon by himself to care for Jasmine when she’d begin to whimper in the crib. With a pat against his back from Cherish, he dragged himself out of bed and tended to her.
By the time morning rolled around, the alarm blared on Simon’s cell phone. Jolting, he sighed to himself and hung his head in a daze. He was incredibly tired even though he had a few scattered hours of sleep. Shutting the alarm off, he laid there in dazed confusion. He’d dreamt of Emily and for the first time in six days, he smiled without worries. Rolling over, he felt Emily’s weight and warmth in the sheets beside him. His arms found their way around her waist as he nestled his face into her shoulder and drew her close to him. For a moment, he felt whole again. Her death had been a nightmare he’d finally woken from.
With Jr. in her arm and Simon’s around her, Cherish felt completely and utterly at ease. Once again in the dark she’d lost herself in the fantasy of being in a perfect home, with the perfect husband, and perfect children to love.
The moment his lips stole a kiss against her shoulder, Simon paused. Emily didn’t smell the same. She was fuller in his arms, her hair was full of puffy curls against his cheek, and her ass was big enough to press into his morning problem. Blinking, it all came back to him in a sickened twist and he quickly scooted away, “I’m sorry.” He apologized under his breath.
The fantasy melted away when Simon’s voice met with her ears and not Todd’s. He had become just as disillusioned in his thoughts as she was. Fumbling for his glasses on the night stand, he wiped the sand from his eyes before he placed them on and stared down at her, “I’ll get the kids ready.” He whispered.
Cherish silently opened her eyes and stared at the window while his weight shifted the bed. She heard him whisper gently to Jasmine and tended to her while she glanced down at the sleepy little boy. With a sad smile, she leaned over and kissed his head. Sitting up in bed, Cherish pushed hair away from her face, “Okay.” She answered.
Moving Jr. to sleep in the center of the bed, she stood and sighed. She grabbed the small bag with her belongings and picked up the last outfit. One of three that she had yet to wear. Underwear and a pad came next before she shuffled into the bathroom, “I’m
