pieces | ethma

SNEAK PEEK 1/3

"I'll Take Care of You"
Ethma
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Ethan

My hand laced with Emma's as I drove us and her son Sammy back to her house.

We had spent nearly all day at the park, and it was a blast. Once it started to get dark out, we drove home, and Sammy fell asleep on the way.

Emma got her two year old out of the car seat before taking him into the house and putting him to bed upstairs.

I waited for her to come back downstairs, standing in the dim kitchen light. I smiled to myself as I thought about how much fun we had today.

Although I'm still getting to know Sammy, I can already feel how important to me he's going to be. Seeing Emma be his mother has been the most amazing experience, and I already would do anything for the little guy.

Emma came into the kitchen, greeting me with a smile. "Sorry. Sometimes it's hard to get his pajamas on when he's already asleep."

Gently grabbing her hand, I pulled her into a tight hug, resting my chin on the top of her head. "Today was perfect, Emma."

"I'm glad you had fun," she said, hugging me back. "Sammy adores you."

Looking down at her, the moment turned more serious. "I would do anything for that kid," I told her.

Tears formed in her eyes as she smiled up at me. "Ethan, you have no idea how much that means to me. It means a lot."

"You both mean a lot to me," I said.

"Back when I was with Sammy's dad, before Sammy was even born, he told me that no one would ever want to be with me because I was having a kid. He didn't want to be a part of Sammy's life, and he belittled me for becoming a mother. He told me I'd never find someone who would accept both Sammy and I."

"Look," I said, wiping her tears away with my thumbs. "Don't listen to that bullshit. Why do you think I'm standing here right now? Because I want to be. I want to be with you, and I most definitely want to be a part of Sammy's life. You both deserve to have someone that will love you for the amazing mom that you are, and I truly believe that I can be that person. I can, and I will."

Emma raised onto her tiptoes, pressing a kiss to my lips. Our mouths molded together as I kissed her back, our tongues dancing together as our souls connected.

Pulling away, I looked into her beautiful blue eyes. "Emma, it means the world to me that you even let me meet him. You made the right decision. I'm not going to get scared or leave. I'm right here, where I want to be. I won't let you down."

Emma buried her nose into my neck as we stayed there just holding each other. "I love you, Ethan," she said. "A lot."

"I love you too, Emma. A lot."

"Thank you for being so good to me and Sammy. It means the world to me."

"It means the world to me too," I said.

The two of us went in the living room, so we could watch tv and cuddle for a bit before I had to go home. Both of us had to work in the morning, and I hadn't yet spent the night at her house while Sammy was there. Baby steps are important when it comes to dating someone with a child.

"Thank you again for spending time with us today," she told me as we stood at the front door.

"It was a lot of fun," I said.

Emma smiled, reaching onto her tiptoes and giving me a peck on the lips. "It was really fun."

"What time is your lunch break tomorrow?"

"1:30."

"Perfect," I said. "I'll bring you lunch tomorrow. Sound good?"

"Sounds amazing. Thank you."

I leaned down and pecked her lips again. "Ugh, I don't wanna leave you."

Emma giggled. "You'll have me all to yourself tomorrow. You'll be fine."

"You're right," I said, kissing her again. "I love you. Thank you for letting me hang out with Sam the man today."

"Thanks for hanging out with us," she said. "See you tomorrow. I love you too."

"Goodnight," I whispered, stealing one final kiss.

"Goodnight," she said.

I walked out the front door and down the porch steps, getting into my car and waving to Emma who was still at the front door.

I started driving away, but she stayed there until I was gone.

Today was the perfect day. The best part is that it only goes up from here.