The Elaborate Parent Trap

Chapter Fourteen

"Hey, baby," Chris answered her phone, grinning as she saw his name on the screen.

"Still love hearing you call me that," Matt replied and Chris could hear the smile in his voice. "But I need a favour." He sighed.

"Oh? What's up?" Chris asked.

"We had something come up at the studio and with the lawyers. I won't be out of here in time to get River. Can you pick him up? I already called the school and explained it to them." Matt explained to her.

"Yeah of course I can. Should I feed him dinner?" Chris asked.

"If you don't mind. I'm so sorry for springing this on you. I may be home just in time to get him for dinner but, just in case." Matt sighed.

"Don't apologize. Shit happens and I honestly adore River. He's always so sweet. I'll make enough for you so you can eat when you come to pick him up, how's that sound?" Chris offered.

"You don't have to do that babe," Matt told her.

"Yeah, but I will." Chris countered.

"I'll see you later, okay? I gotta get back." Matt sighed.

"Okay, call or text if you need me okay?" Chris told him.

Matt agreed and they hung up, just in time for Chris to pack up her things. Once she had her things, she and Kate bid one another goodbye and Chris locked up the shop before getting into her truck. She made her way to the school and went down to the kid's classroom. When Jade saw her, she yelled out and ran for her, but what surprised her was when River yelled out "CHRIS!" and ran for her as well.

"Het you two. Ready to get going?" She smiled.

The kids nodded and grabbed their things, each of them grasping one of her hands as they made their way out to the truck. Chris got them loaded into the back before beginning the drive home. The three of them rocked out in the car to some eighties rock and by the time they got home, the kids were happily chatting. When they arrived Chris set them up in the dining room to do their homework while she went into the kitchen to work on some sketches.

The kids finished their homework and began to play in the living room when Chris realized she needed to start supper. She decided to make breaded chicken breasts with potatoes and mixed veggies after okaying the meal with River who thankfully was not a picky eater.

She hooked her Spotify to her google home in the kitchen and her tunes began to play. The kids soon migrated into the kitchen and Jade asked if they could dance. Chris put on some good dancing tunes and finally convinced River to join them. Chris gave each child a wooden spoon to use as a microphone.

As they were singing and dancing around the kitchen waiting for dinner to cook, they didn't hear Matt knocking on the door. He could hear the music playing so he carefully opened the door and let himself inside. The sight that greeted him made his heart skip. Chris and River were dancing while Jade sang to them, then Chris danced with Jade while River sang. Matt watched the scene unfold and couldn't help but feel a weight lifted from his shoulders. Matt had been worried and couldn't stop himself from wondering if this could work and if she would be ready to accept River along with him, but this only confirmed she would. He could see that she loved his son and that made her even more attractive to him.

She looked so carefree and happy in this moment, and Matt was loving it. But those beautiful eyes met his and she grinned. "Come join us!" She called laughing as she spun Jade in a circle.

Matt laughed and walked over lifting Jade and dancing with her as Chris turned to River and did the same. Sadly, dinner was ready all too soon.

Matt took the kids to wash up before dinner as Chris got the food plated for them. She set all the plates in the dining room and everyone sat down to eat. Conversation flowed easily between the four of them as Jade and River told Matt all about their day and when dinner ended, it was time for Matt and River to head home.

"Do they have to go Mommy?" Jade whined.

"Don't whine. And yes, you both have school in the morning, and you need a bath missy." Chris explained.

Jade pouted and River looked upset, so Matt got down to talk to them. "Guys, come here." He ushered telling them to come closer. "Maybe, if you guys are really good tomorrow, I know Echo was asking if she could steal you both for a movie night and sleepover this weekend."

"Really?!" River asked happily.

Matt nodded his head and the kids grinned happily. "Alright Jade, go upstairs and get your jammies out and ready and a towel in the bathroom," Chris instructed and the small girl ran off to do as told.

"Bye Chris." River said happily hugging her.

"Bye sweet boy." Chris smiled.

River ran outside to Matt's truck, leaving him standing there looking at her with a wide dimpled smile. Chris was about to ask him what was wrong and why was he staring but he grabbed her waist and pulled her into a kiss. She was surprised by the action and caught herself from falling by placing her hands against the hardness of his chest. Matt's other hand cupped the back of her head, and his lips plundered hers.

He pulled away and grinned at her leaving her standing in her doorway shocked, but so happy. She watched him leave, waving goodbye as he got River into the truck and finally drove away. Once his truck had disappeared, Chris shut the door and pressed her back against the wood. She couldn't stop the grin on her face as she took a deep breath trying not to squeal with happiness. Chris made her way upstairs and got Jadelyn into the bath, once she was clean, she brushed her hair and got her tucked up into bed with her barbie movie playing in the background.

Chris was about to leave the room when her daughter's little voice stopped her. "Mommy? Do you think you and Matt will be together like the movies?" She asked.

"I hope so bug... I hope so." Chris smiled.

Chris made her way downstairs and made herself a tea before making her way into the living room. She grabbed her cellphone and sat down unlocking the small device to see a text from Matt.

Matt:

Tell me you're free tomorrow?

Christina:

That I am. What do you have in mind?

Matt:

No idea, I just want to spend the day with you. I'll come pick Jade up in the morning and take the kids to school.

Christina:
You don't have to do that Matt...

Matt:

I'm going to. You need a break, all you have to do is make sure she'd ready to go.

Christina:

Fine, I won't argue... This time. 😉

Chris and Matt continued to text until it was nearly midnight. She finally made her way upstairs to bed, slipping into a camisole and a pair of sleep shorts. She snuggled down into bed and felt herself smiling. Everything with Matt felt different, it is was scary, but it was exciting. She couldn't wait to see how this would go, but she only hoped, that he wouldn't break her and Jade's hearts.