Second Chance - Choni

Part 3

Cheryl's POV

The next few days were some of the longest ones I've ever experienced. I tried to make an appearance to take or pick up Sasha from school but every time that I tried we would get a call. Sasha has filled me in on how excited Anthony is to come and see the station. I just hope is mother is just as excited.

"Come on Bug, we have to head to the station." I say softly to my daughter who is still sleeping in her princess bed.

Sasha rolls over and yawns while fluttering her eyes open. Her blue eyes stare into my identical ones as a smile graces her lips.

"Today's Saturday!" She says sitting up quickly in bed.

"Anthony and his Mommy are coming to see the fire house!" Sasha says jumping up from her bed and moving quickly to get dressed. I laugh lightly as she almost falls over trying to pull on her jeans.

"Momma, don't laugh!" She whines and I stand up with a smile gracing my lips.

"I'm sorry Bug." I say helping her find a shirt to wear.

I help her pull it on and we look for her socks and shoes. Sasha then moves to her bathroom to brush her teeth and do her morning business. I decide to head downstairs and grab her something to eat on the way to the station.

I'm already dressed in my blue jeans and baby blue v-neck. I actually have the day off for once so I'm going to take advantage of it. Sasha and I are going to spend the whole day together.

Soon enough Sasha comes down the stairs and meets me in the kitchen. I hand her favorite pop tart to her and a bottle of water. She thanks me and we both make our way out the front door.

I help Sasha up into my truck and buckle her into her booster seat. I then climb in and we take off towards the station.

We arrive at the station shortly and the two of us head inside. I didn't notice Toni's SUV here yet so we have a little bit of time. I go ahead and open the garage door and Sasha and I take a seat at a nearby table. The firehouse dog Hot Dog lays next to her as she pets his head.

I pulled out my cell phone to see if I have any text messages and I have a couple from my mother. I should probably go and see her soon.

"Anthony!" I hear Sasha yell.

I look up to see my daughter running to the little boy. Hot Dog moves to my side and I pet his head. Soon enough Anthony's mother Toni rounds the corner and my breath hitches at the sight of her.

She's wearing skinny jeans with brown boots, along with an off the shoulder brown shirt. Her hairs down in its natural curls and her makeup only enhances her natural beauty.

"Cheryl!" I hear Anthony yell and I snap out of my trance. I watch the small boy run to me along with my daughter. I smile at the brown eyed boy as he rushes to my side.

"Look I lost a tooth today!" He says pointing to his missing tooth all excited.

"That's awesome bud! Now the tooth fairy will come and visit you tonight." I say smiling at him before making brief eye contact with his mother who was smiling at us.

I stand to my feet and look down at the smaller woman.

"It's good to see you again." I say showing my dimples.

She smiles at me softly while looking into my eyes making me feel some type of way.

"It's good to see you too." She says and I feel the blush form on my cheeks and I don't even know why.

Why do I have to be awkward?

"Momma can we show them the firehouse now?" Sasha says with a hand on her hip and I smile shaking my head yes.

Sasha and Anthony run ahead of us with Hot Dog at their side.

"So how has the rest of your week been?" I ask stuffing my hands into my jean pockets as we follow the kids through the firehouse.

"It's been pretty good, a lot of cleanings, but I did get to perform surgery one day so that was fun." She says causing me to smile at how happy she seems about her work.

"What about you, I know your job must be so stressful." She says as we round a corner and see the kids looking at all the old pictures of firemen who have worked at this station.

"Well it's been an eventful week, but coming home to see her smiling face makes it all worth it." I say looking at my daughter who is pointing to a picture I know all too well.

"This right here is my Grandpa Clifford." Sasha says smiling brightly at a picture of my dad.

"I never got to meet him, Momma said he died in a fire when she was little like me." Sasha says and I feel Toni's eyes on me. It's awkward silence until Sasha speaks again adding more awkwardness.

"My Mommy died too when I was little. I was just a baby though." She says casually and I lick my lips avoiding Toni's curious, yet soft eyes.

"Hey Sasha, why don't you and Anthony go feed Hot Dog. It's time for his breakfast." I say and the two run off hand in hand leaving Toni and me alone. I run a hand through my hair, letting out a deep sigh.

"I'm sorry about that." I say turning to see Toni looking at me softly. She takes a step forward and places a hand on my bicep.

"Hey, no it's okay. Don't be sorry. If you ever want to talk more about all of this, I'd be happy to listen." She says looking into my eyes.

"Thanks Toni. I don't think I'm quite ready to talk about it yet, but when I am I'll let you know." I say and she gives me a small smile.

She removes her hand from my arm but I grow bold and grab her hand within my own.

She looks at our hands before meeting my eyes.

"I was wondering if you'd like to grab dinner sometime?" I ask hopeful she will say yes.

She looks at me for a moment and I realize I don't even know if she's actually single.

"I'm sorry I should have asked if you were married or if you were seeing someone. I just assumed..." she cuts off my rambling with a giggle followed by a heartwarming smile.

"I'm definitely single, you just caught me off guard. But I'd love to go to dinner with you." She says and I feel a smile spread across my face as my eyes shine brightly.

A strand of her hair falls in her face and I move my free hand up to tuck it behind her ear. Her breath hitches at the action as her mouth hangs slightly agape.

When I pull my hand away her eyes meet my own and the air becomes a lot tenser. I feel her fingers caress my other hand and I can't help but give her a genuine smile.

"We should probably check on the kids." She says and I nod my head agreeing with her. As much as I don't want to, I let go of her hand I immediately miss the warmth of her touch.

I let her walk ahead of me as we go to find out what our kids are getting into. But I can't wipe the smile that's on my face.

Because I have a date with Toni, the most beautiful woman I've ever laid my eyes upon.