Simon was nearly asleep before his eyes snapped open. His stomach did a flip and his hold around her tensed, “Uh…” Without saying anything, he slipped away, sat up, and slid from the bed. Shuffling around in the darkness, he returned with sweatpants and curled back into her again, “Of course I am.” He muttered.
She rolled her eyes before she buried her face into the pillow and laughed, “Uhuh. Of course, you are.” She echoed in response. Her hand fell over his as she settled in again and shut her eyes, “Goodnight, Simon.” She whispered under her breath.
“Goodnight.”
He couldn’t stop the heavy beating in his chest. He had his eyes shut and his face dipped against the back of her shoulder. With her in his arms, he knew it wasn’t normal, but he was willing to feign ignorance and indulge in her for as long as she allowed.
Chapter 13
Waking up earlier than the parents the next morning, Cherish snuck out of Simon’s bedroom and went towards the kids’ room. She peered within and stared across the way at the two cribs where they still slept. That was unheard of. Florida was two hours ahead in time and usually they would be awake by 8 A.M. Here it was, 7 A.M. in Colorado and they had yet to lift their little heads.
Good.
Taking advantage of the situation, Cherish shut the door behind her and crept into her bedroom. Rubbing her arms, she hurried to the bathroom with the intent of taking a hot shower to warm up. Their desires to go skiing after breakfast didn’t make sense to her. Without warm enough jackets, she didn’t want to go out unprepared. Now, she had to spend all day in the unforgiving cold. Somewhere, deep down inside her stomach, she felt as though she wouldn’t return home with all her fingers intact. Getting the water as hot as she could, she stripped down and tied up her hair before she stepping into the large glass shower; washing.
Slowly, Simon managed to get himself out of bed. Rubbing his eyes, he inhaled a deep breath and paused mid-stretch. He realized Cherish wasn’t there and it was much later in the morning than he was used to. Getting out of bed quickly, he followed the same path as she did and opened the door to their room. Finding them still asleep, he could hear Cherish’s shower running and decided she had the right idea.
Not long after the duo upstairs, Jack had gotten up with Miriam and the others. They were soon cooking breakfast as he went upstairs for the babies to feed them. Miriam and he weren’t fans of the cold long term either and wanted to take an opportunity to be alone with them. Their plans were to watch them while everyone else skied and wanted to make sure that they were full and bundled tight.
Once Simon was finished with his shower and had gotten dressed, he went to Cherish’s room. He rapped his knuckles against the door, opened it and, peered inside, “Do you need some help?” he asked stepping in.
Jack stalled at the sight of Simon sneaking in before he quietly went to wake the babies. Sitting up, Jasmine rubbed her eyes while Jr. laid there and stared upwards. Picking them up, he hurried down the steps and cleared his throat to gain Margaret and Miriam’s attention, “I think our boy is a little too eager this morning.” He said.
Margaret flipped a pancake, “Which boy? Because Jr. looks quite peaceful.” She stated.
Jack shook his head before he pointed towards the second floor and mouthed, “Simon.”
Margaret’s mouth dropped all while Miriam looked between Simon Sr. and her husband, “Now, let’s not jump to any conclusions everyone. We know how Simon likes to protect and look out for Cherish.” She stated. Nodding, Miriam agreed with Margaret only for Simon’s mother to continue, “But let’s hope they relieve some stress while they’re up there.”
Miriam sighed out loud, “For God’s sake!” she replied.
Wrapped in a towel, Cherish sighed as she pulled on a pant leg and rubbed the material between her fingers. Everything she owned felt so thin compared to the wintery hell that awaited her just beyond those walls. She glanced back at Simon and shook her head, “If by help you mean, finding a store in town so I can purchase something actually warm in this climate, then yes, you can help. Give me all your money.” She replied. Met with his chuckle, she tightened her grip on the top of the towel and pulled out one of her jackets, “Look at this. I don’t think your sweater and this jacket is going to protect me.” She sighed tossing it on the bed. Placing a hand to her cheek, she then looked to Simon, “I might have to stay indoors with Jack, Miriam, and the kids.” She admitted.
Simon shook his head right away. There was no way she was going to bail on her first time to play in snow and see Colorado. Not on his watch. She would get to experience the whole thing. “Oh no, you’re going to know what it means to ski on powder. Here, get dressed, put on my sweaters and I’ll find the rest.” He replied backing away and rushing downstairs.
Just as they were sitting down to eat, the entire kitchen fell silent as Simon came down no more than two minutes after Jack. Margaret looked to her husband and leaned over, "My god I really hope it wasn't that quick." She whispered worriedly.
Passing the kitchen, Simon opened the closet by the front door and stepped within. There were snow suits, thick winter coats, gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves for the guests to borrow
