Blake walked into the kitchen early morning on Friday, already dressed for work. The scent of fresh coffee filled the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of pancakes and bacon.
“Good morning daddy,” Tyson and his brother, who were already at the table, greeted their dad chorused. Their voices were muffled by the food in their mouths .
“Good morning, tigers,” Blake greeted them with a smile. “Are you happy Mommy is coming back today?”
Tasha was away in Berkeley to pack up the house and bring down the few things she would not be giving out.
He took his seat at the head of the table. He had missed Tasha so much despite the fact that they spoke on the phone all the time. The six days she had been away were like six years to him.
“Yes Daddy,” it was Jayce that first spoke. I have missed her so much.”
“Me too,” his elder brother said. “I miss mommy, I’m happy she’s coming back today.”
A warm sensation rose in his chest at the sight of his boys telling him they couldn’t wait to see their mother.
“Are we going to meet her when we come back from school?” Jayce asked, dropping his fork onto his plate.
Norma came over to set his breakfast before him. The plate was piled high with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a stack of golden pancakes, still steaming.
“No,” he shook his head. “Her flight is at eleven am and it’s going to be five and a half before they get here in New York.” He explained to the boys.
“It’s okay,” Tyson said. “We will be expecting her.”
Blake smiled at them and began to eat. The children finished their food, and their nanny whisked them away to get them ready for school.
Blake checked his wristwatch as he sipped his coffee. He had a lazy morning. His first meeting for the day was at twelve noon. He finished up his breakfast and glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall. “Six weeks before our wedding,” he thought to himself, and smiled. He stood up and wished Norma a good day.
“You too, Mr. Carter,” the middle-aged man said.
Blake walked out through the kitchen door. The door clicking shut behind him.
Jeff came out of the car on seeing his boss and opened the car door for him.
“Thanks Jeff,” Blake said and climbed into the back of his sleek car. Jeff shut the door and returned to the driver’s seat.
Blake sank into the plush leather seat as the car pulled away. He reached into his pocket and brought out his phone. Blake dialed Tasha’s number. He set his head on the headrest, eagerly awaiting to hear her voice.
“Hey, lover,” her cherry voice floated into his ear. He felt so happy, even though that was the second time he would be calling her that morning.
“Hey you too,” he chuckled. “How is it going?” Has the realtor come by to get the house key?”
“Yes, she has,” she told him.
“That’s fine,” he said. “When are you going to leave for the airport?”
“Soon.” He heard the closing up of cabinet doors from the other end. “I still have a lot of time before my ride gets here.”
“Tasha, darling, I can’t wait to see you later,” Blake said with a smile in his voice.
“Me too,” she purred. “I have missed you sorely. I never knew I could stay away for six days.”
Tasha’s warm response filled his ears, and he felt a surge of excitement, knowing that she would be back in his arms soon.
“The boys are so excited, too.”
“I know.”
“Lest I forget,” he cleared his throat. “I booked dinner for 8:00pm. Will you be up to it? I can’t make it earlier because I have meetings till seven pm.”
“Sure,” she giggled. “I will make it. It’s alright.”
“Let me allow you to go and have your bath.”
“I will call you when I get to the airport.”
“Okay, love you. I will be expecting your call.”
“Love you too, babe,” he said and disconnected the line.
As the car weaved through New York city streets, Blake’s mind wandered to the memories of the day he first set his eyes on her back in Cleverwood, Buffalo. It was her first day at work and they were having their bi-weekly academic staff meeting. He couldn’t stop looking at her when the head of the department introduced her to other members of staff.
He quickly went to introduce himself to her as soon as the meeting ended. He didn’t want anyone to beat him to it. Looking back now, Blake knew they were meant to navigate life together. He was just foolish to let her go once.
His mind was filled with joy at having Tasha back in his life. He appreciates all he shared with Tasha; the late-night conversations, the spontaneous adventures, and the quiet moments they cherished together. Despite his success and wealth, it was Tasha who truly completed him and made his life whole.
Finally, Jeff drove the car through the gates of the Carter Industries headquarters.
******
After Tasha took her bath, she walked around the house from one room to the other. She blinked back tears as the memories she made in the house rushed back at her. Tasha had bought the house when Tyson was just two months old. She walked downstairs with her suitcase.
It was in that house that she raised her champion son. The living room, once a canvas for their shared laughter and adventures, now felt strangely empty. The worn rug, where Tyson had taken his first steps, the chipped coffee table where they’d built elaborate Lego castles, the faded couch where they’d snuggled up to watch movies together.
It was in that house that she mourned the break-up of several relationships. And it was in it that house that she made the journey to sort out help from Blake.
Living in that house, living in Berkeley for eight years, had been worthwhile, and it was time to move.
Tasha walked into the kitchen and laid her hands on the kitchen table. She exhaled. It was then she heard the honk of her ride outside. Tasha cleaned her tears and smiled. Though the weight of change hung heavy in the air. Tasha’s heart soared with joy as she knew she had found a new chapter where her heart belonged.
With that knowledge, she put off the house lights and walked out to return to her new beginning.