Prevailing Love

Chapter 27

"What time is Wyatt coming over to pick up the kids tonight?" Steffy asks picking up some of the kid's toys. "He should be here in a little while. I was going to have him pick them up from school, but with everything going on at the office and other stuff, I figured it would've just been easier for him to pick the kids up here."

"The kids are looking forward to it. They have been talking about it for two days now. They are especially excited that they get to sleep over at Uncle Wyatt's house. They never get to do it," Steffy smiles. "Kelly has already told me ten times that her and Wyatt are going night surfing after roasting marshmallows on the beach."

I laugh, "She's got it all planned out."

Steffy gives me another smile. "She definitely does. By the way, they both have a bag? Is it packed? I didn't even think about that until just now."

"It's taken care of. I packed Cooper's yesterday. Kelly packed her this morning before school and I just checked it awhile ago to make sure she was packing the correct things. You know sometimes Kelly likes making fashion statements with some of the clothes she wears. She very much is your daughter, Steffy."

Steffy smiles at my comment. "I can definitely tell that she is a little princess. She seems to have you wrapped tightly around her finger."

"I will freely admit that, just like her Mom does," I confess.

My phone buzzes from across the room.

"It's Wyatt, he's going to be here in about 10 minutes."

"I better go get the kids," Steffy says turning to walk up the stairs.

A few minutes later they the three of them come bouncing down the stairs. The kids are chatting up a storm with Steffy. Everyone is smiles.

"You guys are going to have a great time with Uncle Wyatt," Steffy smiles at them while releasing their hands. "Starting getting your sneakers on," Steffy prompts pointing to the sneakers at the door. She bends down next to them as if she is going to help them.

I watch her and the kids for a moment. She is making me so proud with the effort she is making with the kids. I see that's she is trying to put her heart into being their mom. I know it can't be easy. Even her attempts whether they are small or big, they don't work out or not are making me proud of her." I am so in awe of her.

"Stop giving Mommy a hard time," I chaste them as they start whining to Steffy about doing something.

"Daddy—" Kelly starts

"Enough, Kelly," I chaste again. "Uncle Wyatt should be here any minute.

On cue, there is a knock on the door. Steffy motions the kids to step back away from the door.

"Who is ready for an awesome night?" Wyatt says coming into the door, leaning down to hug the kids.

"Me! Me! Me!" Cooper says.

"Uncle Wyatt, can we still do marshmallows on the beach?"

"That's not all we are going to do," Wyatt confirms. "I have lots planned for us. Swimming, a fire on the beach, movie night, and scary ghost stories before bed. We are going to have the most fun you've ever had."

"Yay!!"

"Al right, Mr. Fun Uncle Wyatt," I say sarcastically while handing him the kid's bags. "Not too much fun. Let's not get crazy."

Steffy nudges me, "Liam, stop being a party-pooper. Let the kids have some fun," she chides, touching my arm.

"Yeah," Wyatt agrees, "Don't be such a party pooper, Liam."

"Just be good and listen," I add.

"We will," Kelly replies walking into my arms. I kiss her head and then ruffle her hair. "I love you, sweetie. Come here, Cooper," I prompt, motioning for him to come closer. I release Kelly as she moves onto Steffy for a hug.

"Be good, love you guys"

"We will," they say in unison taking Wyatt's hands, their backpacks hanging off Wyatt's shoulders.

A few minutes later after they have left, Wyatt sends me a text.

Wyatt: I hope someone gets lucky tonight (wink face)

I roll my eyes at my brother's not so subtle comment.

Me: (Face Palm)

Inwardly, I hope he's right, but I'm not expecting a lot. I figured low expectations means I can't be disappointed. My mind understands this, but I know that my heart has a hard time catching up to my heart.

I ignore Wyatt's comment.

Me: Thanks again for all your advice and help. Not to mention, thank you for taking the kids tonight.

Wyatt: Seriously, good luck tonight.

I smile at the phone before putting it down on the table.

"I'm going to go soak in the tub for a while," Steffy announces. "I'm beat. Those kids definitely give me a run for my money."

"They sure do. I am just going to pick up out here, then do some work on my laptop," I lie. "Yell, if you need anything."

Steffy closes the bedroom, coming out a few minutes later to head upstairs. I sigh in relief that she said she was going to soak in the tub for a bit. I wanted to surprise her with the set up, but I didn't know exactly how I was going to set it up without her seeing it or ruining the surprise.