SARAH’S POV
“Come on, girls! Daddy has agreed to take us all out for SHOPPING!” I announced, practically bouncing with excitement. Being with these kids for the past few days had made me feign enthusiasm, but sometimes it really made me eager to communicate with them. It was a conflicting emotion I had to deal with, and I think I was getting the hang of it.
As for Xavier, it made him feel like a complete father, filling a void he never knew existed.
I watched as the girls squealed in delight, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. Elizabeth jumped up from the couch, her little hands clapping together. “Yay! Daddy’s taking us shopping!”
Hayden, on the other hand, looked up at me with a mischievous grin. “Does this mean we get treats too?”
I chuckled, scooping Elizabeth into a hug. “Of course, baby girl! We’ll get all the treats you want.”
“Finally, I get to pick what I want to wear!” Harper rolled her eyes dramatically. Yeah, I knew it was Harper speaking, it was obvious from her attitude.
As I glanced at Xavier, who was watching us with a warm smile, I felt my heart swell with euphoria. I knew he felt grateful for my connection with his daughters; he didn’t have to say it; it was palpable in his eyes.
“Ready to splurge and make some memories?” I asked, looking at the girls.
Their excited cheers filled the room, and I knew this was just the beginning of an incredible adventure, and this time I was certain it wouldn’t ruin Xavier’s and my relationship.
As we headed out and hopped into the car, the girls’ excitement was contagious. Harper and Hayden chattered nonstop about the matching outfits they wanted to buy, while Elizabeth rattled off the list of colors she preferred, from ‘sparkly pink’ to ‘unicorn purple,’ her little face scrunched up in concentration. The twins chimed in occasionally, echoing Elizabeth’s choices or suggesting slight variations.
Whoa, being a mother is not an easy task at all.
Xavier smiled at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he sensed my slight frustration.
We arrived at the mall, and the girls dispersed like butterflies, flitting from store to store. Xavier and I trailed behind, enjoying the chaos. At a children’s clothing store, Hayden squealed over a sparkly tutu, and Elizabeth fell in love with a fluffy jacket. Harper, meanwhile, was in heaven amidst the rows of trendy teen clothes.
As we shopped, I couldn’t help but notice how naturally Xavier interacted with his daughters. He was patient, kind, and genuinely interested in their opinions. It was beautiful to see.
After a few hours, we took a break at the food court. Over pizza and ice cream, the girls chattered about their purchases, modeling their new clothes and accessories. Xavier and I exchanged a warm glance, and I knew this day would be etched in our memories forever.
“Best. Day. Ever!” Elizabeth exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
“Definitely,” Xavier agreed, smiling at me.
I smiled back, feeling grateful for this little family and the joy they brought him. I couldn’t believe this was the same man who had initially been gloomy when he moved in. I was genuinely happy for him.
As we finished our snack, Xavier reached for my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. The girls didn’t notice, too caught up in their own excitement. But I felt a flutter in my chest and winked at him.
“Thanks for today, Sarah,” Xavier said, his voice low and sincere. “You’ve made this day special for all of us.”
I smiled, squeezing his hand. “It’s my pleasure. Love…” I drawled, biting my lips, and he quickly understood my signal. This particular silent exchange had been going on between us for days now.
He then leaned in and whispered in my ear, “You know it’s not a good idea to flirt around the kids.”
I snorted and, without warning, planted a French kiss on his cheek. “I know I’ll tempt you in the bathtub; that’s my favorite spot.”
I saw the spark of desire ignite in his eyes. His face broke into a sly smile. “How about the pool?”
I giggled. The girls, oblivious to our flirtation, chattered excitedly as we approached the parking lot.
“No, I like the bathtub better.”
“Can we do it again tomorrow, Daddy?” Elizabeth interrupted, her eyes shining as she turned around to face us.
Xavier smiled and ruffled her hair. “Alright, tomorrow we’ll go to the park. But for now, let’s get you all home and tucked in.”
We walked hand-in-hand, trailing behind the girls. It felt natural, like we were a couple, the parents to the children; the only issue was that I looked quite young to be a mother.
I chuckled at the thought and dismissed it.
As we got to our car, we loaded it with bags and exhausted but happy children. The drive home was filled with giggles and chatter. But as we pulled into the driveway, Xavier turned to me as we weren’t quite settled in the front seat. “You know, I never thought I’d say this, but… I think I’m getting the hang of this dad thing.”
“Yeah, I’m quite surprised,” I teased, and Xavier chuckled.
“Who would’ve thought I’d be expertly navigating tantrums and tutus?”
I playfully rolled my eyes. “You’re not exactly an expert yet, but you’re getting there.”
The evening routine was a blur of bath time, storytelling, and goodnight kisses. Finally, the girls were tucked in, and the house grew quiet once again. The evening seemed to be the only time Xavier and I could spend quality time together, and neither of us was willing to miss the chance.
The moment we exited the children’s room, he whispered, grabbing my waist as he guided me down the hallway. “‘Bathroom.”
“Uh-huh,” I nodded, my heart racing in anticipation.
The moment we reached the bathroom, he kicked the door shut behind us and spun me around, pressing me against the wall.
His lips crashed onto mine, and I savored every contour of his lips. I breathed out, my hands tangling in his hair as he pressed his hardness against my breasts.
He deepened the kiss, his hands exploring every curve of my body.
As our lips parted and we gasped for air, with one swift motion, he lifted me onto the bathtub, his hands cradling my hips. Soft water droplets danced across my skin, mingling with his warm touch. Our clothes disappeared, shed in haste, as we surrendered to our passion.
His lips claimed mine once more, our bodies entwined like vines. The steamy bathroom atmosphere wrapped around us, a sensual cocoon. I felt cherished, melting into his touch.