I love hearing them talk.
“Mommy’s not sad anymore. She doesn’t cry, and she’s happier. You make her happy, and you make me happy.”
Clayton and I start laughing. I tug on his side and pull him over, so he sits on my lap.
“Smile, you guys!” Leigh pulls out her phone and snaps a picture of us. “This is so cute. The three of you are so perfect.”
My mom looks over and smiles. “I agree.” She comes and sits down at the table. “I have something to talk to you about.”
“Sure, mom. What’s going on?”
She smiles before speaking. “I’m going to move out and move in with Dana, Jesse, and Axel. Honey, your life is coming together, and I’m so proud of you. I think it’s time you build your family, and I can help Dana and Jesse.”
I’m not sure how to feel. I hate the idea of my mom leaving, but I understand what she’s saying. “Mom, that’s great.”
“Aw, Grandma. You’re leaving me?”
Alex leaves my lap and goes to my mom.
“I’m never leaving you. It’ll only be for a little while so I can help watch your cousin. You have Mommy and Daddy. This will be okay.”
“Yeah. My camp teacher said we have to share, so I guess I’ll share you with Axel.”
Everyone starts laughing, and I feel Clayton reaching over and grabbing my hand. I turn and look at him.
“I love you,” he whispers.
“I love you too.”
I can’t sleep. It’s another restless night. My mind is circling around the idea of my mom not being here with us and Clayton moving in. Alex loves the idea, and I think we’re going in the right direction.
I glance at the clock – six a.m.
The light sun rays shine into the room, and I turn on my side and see Clayton peacefully sleeping. The drama at work is slowly coming to an end. Instead of being sued, they’re counter suing, and things are looking good.
I lay on the bed for a few more minutes before trying to get up. Clayton reaches over and pulls me to him. This causes me to laugh, and I bury my head into his chest. His lips touch my forehead, and I lift my head, seeing his sleepy look, and tracing a trail along his cheeks and to his lips.
“I want to wake up to you every morning.” He smiles and leans in to kiss me. “This is perfect. There’s a reason you’re in my arms right now. I don’t want to do anything that’ll cause any problems for us. I’m not going to mess up anything, Ashley. Please know that.”
“I know. I want everything to go well for us.” I lean back down on his chest and let out a breath. “You really need to sleep. Are things okay?”
I hear Clayton breathe out and sigh. “It’s a shit show. It’s getting better. Having you and Alex by my side makes things better.”
I listen to his heart beating and close my eyes, relishing this moment of feeling beyond love and so safe. This is how I want to spend the rest of my life. A few minutes pass and I hear Clayton lightly snoring.
“I love you.” Slowly, I get out of bed so I don’t wake up Clayton and head to the kitchen to get the coffee made and breakfast started.
It’s my first day off in a few days, and my body is sore, and it aches. As much as I love being a nurse and helping my tiny humans, these are the days I look forward to.
I head to the kitchen and see my mom standing at the stove cooking breakfast. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, honey.” She turns to look at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Oh. Same old, same old.” I blow up my breath to get the hairs out of my face. “I’m surprised you’re here. Did something happen?”
She finishes cooking her eggs and plates it and gets whatever’s cooking on the stove. My stomach rumbles when I see it’s a tater tot casserole. How can something so simple be so delicious?
“Jesse’s parents are spending the weekend there, so I decided to start the move after they leave so they have ample time with Axel.”
I nod. “Ah, gotcha.” I grab a cup of coffee and sit back down at the table.
“I think me moving out is a good idea, and you and Clayton have the chance to start your lives. You’re a very smart woman, Ashley. I know life hasn’t been easy for you. You’ve come a long way, and