Burning Love

Eli

AN-Hello lovelies, I'm doing something a little different in this chapter because halfway through I change POV's, but I felt it was necessary when I was writing it. Also ^^^^ that picture is basically how I picture Chris in this chapter lol

Hope you enjoy! Comment or rate, or both, if you so feel like it! <3

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For the past 5 years I have only had 3 truly important men in my life. My grandad who is like my best friend, my dad who is my hero and comforter, and Eli who is is my rock. So letting Chris in is a big deal to me.

The day I found out I was having a boy I cried tears of both joy and sadness. I was so happy for the chance of raising a sweet little mama's boy, but I was scared he would look too much like his dad.

The day he was born was the happiest day of my life, and my world completely changed the moment I got to hold him in my arms for the first time. He was a carbon copy of me, still is, but with Michael's blonde hair. He was and still is my perfect little boy.

From that moment on, it has been us against the world. I have taken the role of both mom and dad while still having positive male role models around him from my dad and grandad.

I have been there for my little boy for every "booboo" that could only get better with a Band-Aid and ice cream, every t-ball game, soccer game, dance class, piano lesson and doctor's appointment he has had. Some practices I may have needed help from my family, but I always made sure to tell him.

I have never felt worried or nervous in my life in regards to Eli since his birth. But right now, sitting across from him at our usual booth at the pizza place waiting for Chris to join us, I am a nervous wreck.

After becoming official last Saturday, Chris and me talked about how to tell Eli. I have not had a boyfriend since having him, so I'm not sure how he will react. So Chris came up with the idea of talking to him together during our pizza night.

As we sit there, Eli is talking up a storm about his day, but my mind is preoccupied on other things. I'm brought back when I feel someone sit next to me and squeeze my hand under the table.

"Chris! What are you doing here?" Eli excitedly says.

"Hey little man! I'm here to join you and your mom for dinner!" Chris answers almost exactly matching Eli's excitement.

I look over at Chris and exhale a small breath. "Hey, what took you so long?"

"I'm sorry, I got a bit behind on the last call of my shift." He gently says noticing my slight anxiety.

Eli sits up even more excited at the mention of Chris having had a call. "What was the call about?"

Chris chuckles and starts talking a little bit about the call with Eli, very obviously leaving out certain details. I watch their interaction with a small smile. The way they are talking with each other helps to set me more at ease about the impending conversation.

After we order, the table is enveloped by easy conversation and laughter. It makes my heart extremely happy to see them bonding the way they are, and makes me think there's nothing to worry about.

Once we are done eating our pizza, I clear my throat to get the boys attention, and look over at Eli with a small nervous smile.

"Um, Eli, you know how lately some Saturdays you've been staying the night with your grandmom and PopPop?" I ask and get a nod in return. I look over at Chris and he gives me his beautiful smile with a nod and supportive squeeze of my hand.

"Well, that's because I have been going out on dates. That's why Chris is here, he's my boyfriend. We're together, and we wanted to let you know together." I gently say waiting for Eli's reaction.

Eli smiles widely. "Are you going to marry my mom?!"

I look at him wide eyed while Chris exhales a laugh. "Um, not exactly buddy. You see, I just started dating your mom, so it's too soon to talk about getting married."

Eli looks down a little disappointedly before Chris adds, "But maybe later in the future I might."

I look at Chris with a flabbergasted expression which makes him laugh. Eli smiles widely at us as I try to compose myself again. I stand up and excuse myself as I head to the bathroom to calm down a bit.

Chris's POV

I watch as Frankie heads to the bathroom before I look back at Eli with a small smile as I scratch the back of my neck.

"I hope you're not upset about this Eli. You are the most important person in your mom's life and I don't want to upset you." I honestly say to the little boy.

"I'm not upset! You're super cool, so I'm glad you're with my mom! Just don't hurt her." He says nonchalantly.

I look him straight in his green eyes that are a mirror of his mom's. "I promise you right now Eli, I have no intentions of hurting your mom. I like her, and you for that matter, a lot."

"Okay, good. Does that mean you're going to be my dad?" He says excitedly making me choke on the soda I was just taking a drink from.

After my coughing calms and I can breathe again, I look at his hopeful eyes. "Well, like I said earlier buddy, this relationship is very new, but maybe in the future I could be."

He softly smiles while nodding his head in understanding. Frankie returns to the table as Eli and me are laughing over silly jokes he is telling me. She smiles brightly at us as she sat back down next to me.

After I paid, I walked them out to their car. Before Eli gets in the car I tell him all about our plans for the next day, something I also suggested to get to know him better. "I'm taking you and your mom to a farmer's market in Boston and then to the Franklin Park Zoo. How does that sound?"

"It sounds awesome! Thanks Chris!" He gives me a big hug before getting in the car.

I helped him into his seat and closed his door before walking over to Frankie's side. She's leaning against her car and smiles as she looks up at me before grabbing my shirt and pulling me into a passionate kiss. I bring my hands to her hips pulling her closer to me while deepening the kiss before we hear a small "ew." We laugh as we break apart and look at Eli.

She looks back at me before giving me a soft peck. "Thank you for tonight. Sorry for my little freak out, I just wasn't expecting that to be what he would ask first." She exhales a small laugh.

I laugh too as I wrap my arms around her. "It's alright, I understand. It caught me a little by surprise too. But I think he doesn't mind, he's really a great kid Frankie."

She blushes catching on to the compliment. "Thank you."

I pull her in for one last soft kiss. "I'll see you guys bright and early in the morning. I'll take you out for breakfast before hitting the road."

I wave goodbye as I watch them drive off. I know I have only known Frankie a short time, but I can't help how I'm already feeling for her and Eli both. I head home with a smile on my face and excitement coursing through me for the next day.