More Than A Vow

Chapter 47 Boxing Day

At about eleven Tessa's alarm went off. Argh, she thought I hate mornings. Then she realized what she was doing today, and it brought a smile to her face. She dragged her body off the bed, put put the bed away, and headed for the shower. All spruced up she headed for the house she once shared with Mariah and the girls. Luckily she managed to book a cab late last night after she forgot she'd got rid of her car when she moved to La. She arrived at the front door a few minutes before twelve. 

Mariah had woken about nine, she was so excited to see Tessa when she'd got back on Christmas day she'd gone straight to her mom's to pick up the girls and to tell them how thing's had gone with Tessa. The girls were thrilled, but Mariah warned them it was very early days, and not to get too excited. At least we had managed to be Seville Mariah had told Sharon. I didn't realize just how much I miss her in my life until I saw her open the door. Mariah had tear's in her eyes. Sharon grabbed her hands, I have every faith this is going to go well she said. Mariah smiled at her mom. I do hope so she said. Once up she'd got ready and then made herself and the girls some breakfast of waffles. The girls were manic with the thought their moms would finally be spending some time together, even if they wouldn't be on their own. 

Sharon had told Mariah to pop into the coffee shop on their way home for some hot chocolate. "mom" I can't promise anything ok? Tessa may just do the walk and nothing else. I'm not going to push this I want this to finally last forever, not just until the next problem come's along and we fall out again. I know that we're meant to be and I think Tessa does too because neither of us has tried to find new partner's in the last year that we've been apart. I don't want anyone else, I never have and I hope Tessa feels the same? So I'm just going to take it as it comes and if she gets back on that plane on New Year's Day, I don't think that will be the end either. My heart is only hers always has been, since the first day I saw her outside Crimson. Well have a nice day all of you and I might see you later? Love you, Love you too mom. 

There was a knock on the door, she's on time thought Mariah. The girls rushed over to answer it, "mommy" They both shouted Tessa gave them a big hug. Hi! said Tessa. Do you want to go now? asked Mariah Yeah sure! I'll drive us said, Crystal. She love's driving uh ? said Tessa Yeah ever since she passed and got her car, she might not have told you but she did part-time jobs after school to put towards a car, and then Sharon and I topped it up. Why didn't you ask me ? said Tessa I could have bought her one. Well said Mariah As nice as that would have been, I want them to realize we are not going to spoil them, and if they want something I've told them they have to earn at least half towards it. Oh ok, that sound's very well thought out, but Mariah we can afford it. Tessa, I know that, but you and I built all this working hard, I just don't think we should hand it to them on a plate.

They need to know you can have hard knocks on the way, dust yourself off, and survive them. Ok said Crystal great discussion but can we go now, please? Sorry girl's yes let's go. When they got to the car the girl's automatically got in the front, which meant their moms had to get in the back. It was a small car, so they felt very squashed in. They went to Chancellor park and had a lovely couple of hours walking around. When they got back to the car, Mariah asked Tessa if she'd like to go for a coffee while the girls had hot chocolate? If you don't that's fine said Mariah. We can just go home and have the lunch that I and the girls got ready. Coffee sound's really good said Tessa I've not had one of your mom's coffees in a while. Tessa smiled "Crystal" Take us to grandma's coffee shop.

Off they sped. The girls were laughing and joking when they entered, Sharon looked up. Oh my babies she said you're here! How's it going? She whispered to the girls. Good we think, they replied as Tessa and Mariah walked in. Sharon rushed over and bear-hugged Tessa. Nice to see you she said. Same here said, Tessa. Oh and before I forget, think's for the wonderful Christmas dinner it was yum. They both smiled at one another. Well, where are you going to sit said, Sharon? I guess our usual spot on the patio Tessa said turning to Mariah for approval Mariah nodded. Right well, two soy lattes and two hot chocolates coming up said Sharon.

When they'd finished it was nearly 3pm Mariah looked at Tessa and said are you getting hungry? Oh, I'm beyond hungry she said. Ok, the girls were going home for food. They kissed Sharon goodbye and left. When they got home, the girls laid the table while Mariah prepped the salad and steaks with Tessa's help. Dinner was wonderful they were ravenous. Crystal and Carrie cleared up and then they went to their rooms to let their moms have a bit of time without them. I'll take you home when your ready said, Crystal. Ok said Tessa It won't be late. Tessa settled down on one of the sofas, she could see the lake all lit up in the distance. Do you want a coffee and take a stroll down to the lake? asked Mariah  Is it not too cold for that ? said Tessa I guess your right said Mariah disappointed.

Around 9pm Tessa called up the stairs for Crystal to drive her back to the condo. Do you want me to drive you? Mariah asked instead of Crystal. "Mariah" It's been a lovely day and thanks for inviting me to spend time with you and the girls, It's been the best Christmas present, she gave her a peck on the cheek before waving and headed for Crystal's car. She pulled up outside the condo. Thanks for the lift sweetheart. Thanks for spending the day with us and mom said Crystal. We hope to do it more often, Crystal smiled. Honey, I still can't promise you or your sister anything at this point ok? I've had a lovely day and it was wonderful spending time with your mom again. But I have to take time ok?  All I want to express to you and your sister is I love your mom very much, she's my one true love I don't want anyone else. Ok, mommy, Crystal had the biggest smile as Tessa got out of the car. I love you! I love you too sweetheart and blew her a kiss as she disappeared into the building.