He was left unsatisfied and it only made him want the vacation to be great for her first holiday. Deep down, he wanted her to experience all the great traditions he got to do as a child.
Margaret squeezed her son’s shoulder before she slipped into the aisle and opened the compartments for their carry-on bags, “Well, I don’t know about you guys, but peanuts can only do so much and I’m starving!” she expressed.
Cherish unhooked her seatbelt and lifted Jr. with a nod, “I have to pee more than anything else.” She said.
Jack pointed towards the back, “Why didn’t you just go during the flight?” he asked.
Miriam nudged her husband gently while Cherish licked her lips and smiled, “I was too busy wondering when we’d fall out of the sky to move, but now I’d love to make a stop.” She answered with a laugh.
After gathering their items, they exited the plane and made their way into Denver International Airport. Margaret hooked her arms onto Miriam and waved to the boys, “You all handle the bags, Miriam and I will get the keys to our rental!” she called.
Cherish sucked in a deep breath before handing Jr. to Simon and giving a wave, “I’ll meet up with you guys in a minute! I have to go!” she announced hurrying off and disappearing into the crowd.
Simon stood with the twins in his arms while he waited with the other men for their luggage and car seats. They each held a significant weight now; especially his boy. Simon Sr., on the other hand, went ahead and gathered their bags with Jack’s help.
Margaret signed off for a large van, alike to the one they returned in Florida, before she took her wallet and left with Miriam. The latter glanced meekly at the stronger and louder mother and gave her a simple tug on the arm. She wasn't flashy or someone who went out of the way to speak about how she felt; especially with a group. Margaret slowed her pace as Miriam said what she needed, "Thank you for this. It’s been hard for Jack and me these past months. We didn't know what to expect from you all once we returned home but you and your family have done everything to include us. To see Jr. and Jasmine is such a treat."
Margaret inhaled a deep breath before she turned fully towards Miriam and gave her a strong hug, "You and Jack are our family. You are Simon's parents just like us. You both are lovely people. We want to surround ourselves and include you in everything that happens with those babies and our son. Don't you ever forget that." She expressed. Miriam's face flushed red as she nodded and wiped her eyes.
Once the car seats were off the baggage carousel, Simon placed the babies into their carriers and strapped them in. Setting each by the bags, he kept an eye on them.
The wives waited a few minutes for Miriam to regain her composure before they rounded the corner and met the men. Miriam stood beside her husband while Margaret arched an eyebrow and spoke to her son, "Where is Cherish?" She asked.
In an instant, Simon started to worry as he looked around in a circle, “She’s in the bathroom, but it’s been a while.” He muttered wondering if she was lost. He then motioned to the babies, “Watch them, I’m going to find her.” He said.
Margaret arched a brow, “I think she’s a big girl…” Simon disregarded his mother and paced away while following the signs towards the nearest bathroom, “…son. And he’s gone.” She muttered looking to the others.
For a moment, Simon felt a pit of panic flourish in his core when he didn’t see her at the first stop. His heart began to sink. Blowing out, he kept an eye out for her curly headed dome.
Cherish tossed a damp paper towel into the trash. She slipped past the long line before she started towards the baggage claim via the signs. Halfway from where the parents waited, she saw Simon’s tall gait and an over worried expression in hyper drive. She tilted her head and approached him, “What’s causing that look on your face?” she asked rubbing her arms.
Catching him off guard, Simon’s breath caught before he finally sighed out in relief. He placed a hand on his chest, “I couldn’t find you. You were gone a long time.” He breathlessly blurted out.
Cherish narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked from one person to the other, "Well. I had to go to the bathroom which meant one of two things. Either the line was long or, I had to take a crap. Thankfully it was the line. I wasn't the only woman who was too scared to use the bathroom on the plane." She explained.
Simon laughed at his own nerves and shook his head, “I’m too old for this.” He sighed.
Cherish closed one eye, reached up, and pulled a bit of his hair from his face, "There aren't any gray hairs yet. So, you're not that old, I'm afraid. Twenty-seven." She stated with a laugh.
He slid his eyes at her, “It’s how old I feel that counts.” He corrected. Knowing that she was cold, he took off the jacket over his sweater and placed it on her shoulders, “You look like you’re about to freeze to death. Let’s get back.” He said.
Cherish leaned her head forward, pulled the sleeves of his jacket on, and smiled at him. The jacket was oversized on her and it showed with how the sleeves swallowed her hands, "Thanks. Was it that noticeable?" She asked.
He wrapped an arm over her shoulders and rubbed her briefly, “Beyond obvious.” He answered.
Following him back,
