It really felt like we had a new family. A strong one.
“Right, then. Kylie, why don’t you take him toward the refreshment section and refill the fridge?” Nana asked.
Kylie and Vince nodded in unison, going to the station together with a little too much excitement. It caused me to laugh. They were the perfect duo, a great team. My smile faded as another thought ran through my head, one that touched my heart deeply. They were like a mother and son, and anyone who didn’t know our story would believe that to be the truth.
I turned to Mrs. Tomms, leaning over the pastry stand as I looked at what was in the display. “How are you?”
“I’m good. I’m wondering how you are today.” She gave me a knowing smile. “Feeling more like the kind of man I would be proud to call my own?”
“I do. I’m sorry for everything. I love Kylie so damn much, and I messed up. I was just scared of loving and losing again, but I should have followed my heart. I hope you’ll forgive me for hurting your daughter.” My heart was racing, but I had to get all this shit off my chest. I needed Kylie’s mother in my corner. She’d soon be my mother, the only one I had.
“I do forgive you.” She smiled over at me. “You look happier, more full of life.”
I stood up straight, listening to what she might have to say. Kylie’s mother knew her more than anyone else. She had loved her so much. Seeing her daughter loving Vince as if he were her own, she had treated my son as his grandson by blood.
“I’m beyond happy and Vince is too, thanks to you and your beautiful daughter. She’s the light of my life.” I slipped my hands into my pockets and moved between my feet as nerves tore up my insides. I wanted her mom to like me, but I had some rebuilding to do for sure.
“Well, I thank you too. She’s become a complete woman. I can’t believe how Kylie has changed since you two got back together. I had never seen her this happy and content in her adult life, and it’s because of you and Vince.” I felt my heart swell in my chest as she continued. “She truly loves you. I know you are well aware of that, but I just wanted to let you know how I see things from my perspective. You don’t know how devastated she was when you two parted ways.” She took a red velvet cupcake from the rack, handing it to me. “But that’s in the past now. We have the future to look forward to.”
“Thank you for everything, Mrs. Tomms. You have become a mother figure to me and my son too. I owe you a lot of things, and my relationship with Kylie would not be as strong as it is now without your support.” I was grateful for her unending help. She was truly a part of my new found family.
She looked at me with blissful eyes, her smile bright and gleeful. “There’s nothing to thank me for, Hunter. Anyone my daughter loves, I love too. You are like a son to me, and Vince is my grandson whether he likes it or not! You know how much I enjoy reading books with him.” She looked at me and then turned her attention to the two. I followed her gaze, watching Kylie and Vince finish their task together.
They shared a high five as they walked toward us. The smiles on their faces were enough to melt my heart. Everything was perfect.
“What are you grinning about, Hunter Yonnie?” Kylie asked and stopped in front of me, plucking the red velvet cake from my hand. “See something you like?”
“Nope.” I wrapped my arms around her, not caring who was watching. “I don’t see something I like. I see someone I love.” I leaned in and kissed her.
The sound of her mother and my son gagging was enough to cause all of us to laugh. My family was officially together, and we’d never break apart again. Not if I had something to say about it.
Epilogue
Two Years Later
Kylie
“So, why did you take the day off? It’s the start of the week, and you’re skipping work?” I asked Hunter as we reached the lake where we fished every week. It had become a regular trip for us to come and visit this scenic spot, being one with nature under the beauty of the bright skies and green trees.
He looked at me with a genuine smile, pulling up the car to park it near the dock. “It’s a beautiful day, and I just realized, why not come to the lake and go fishing?” He opened the door and got out of the car.
I followed his lead as Vince got out as well, taking the things from the car’s compartment and helping his father to carry the things we brought for the trip.
Vince had grown into a responsible, diligent kid with a bright mind and healthy body. He performed exceedingly well in school, excelling in everything he did. He was commended by his teachers for his outstanding intellectual performance and a vast range of skills. He was the kind of kid who everyone found a joy to be with.
I still couldn’t believe how time flew by so fast. I could still recall how he ran toward the dock every time we come to this place. Now, he was still the same enthusiastic kid, but he opted to help his dad in carrying stuff.
“Thanks, Vince. You’re doing great.” I tried to encourage him.
His big, green eyes were sparkling before me, warming me up like the sun might. “I don’t want you to carry stuff, Kylie. You are the queen, and we need to pamper the Royal Highness.” He bowed before me, pretending to be a loyal knight to his queen.
I had patted his back before he ran toward the dock. It was a sunny day today, the beautiful lake clear and radiant under the sun’s rays. My sightseeing was soon stopped by the ring of my phone.
As I scrambled through my bag to find it, Hunter walked past me. He smiled at me sweetly as he dropped the tackle box near Vince. I signaled for him to wait as I picked up my phone, finally answering it on the third ring.
It was Bailey’s voice that greeted me a good morning. She never called unless it was urgent and important. “Hey, Kylie? Where are you? I need you around here!” Upon hearing her agitated voice, I remembered we had something to do together.
“Oh! I forgot to text you, Bailey. Hunter and Vince pulled me out today for a surprise trip here to the lake. I’m sor