feeling his presence, every second ♡︎

-9-

Today was Lynda's birthday and I invited Ben to come celebrate with us. This is the first time him and I have been out into an area that isn't paparazzi-free. I'm truly not ashamed of my relationship with Ben and I never have been but I'm scared of what the media will depict us as. I'm scared of what can happen after we go public. You wanna hear something spontaneous? I think Ben Affleck is my best friend. I've always known that he was my soulmate and you can see that but for me to admit that he's my best friend is something different.

My life has changed so much since he came back into my life. He met my kids and they love him. He treats them like their own too. My mom has always loved him and she admits it. There has never been a moment in life where Lupe hasn't said "I've always loved Ben."

Even when I was in other relationships. That women has no shame, gotta love her for it. I couldn't ask for anything else in life in this very moment.

As we were getting ready, I could tell Ben was nervous so as the supportive girlfriend, I asked him. "What's wrong, baby?" He finished tying his tie before he answered. "Do you think your sisters hate me?" Okay do they? Have they made a negative comment to him that I'm not aware of? "No, what makes you think that?"

"Baby, we've gotten together on and off three times. I don't know about them but I know I'm going to be here for a long time. I just want to make sure they at least tolerate me." I don't know if this was sweet or what? "No, they love you because they see that I love you and they see that I'm happy, that I'm the happiest I've been in a while."

He nodded and smiled. "I think that's the first time you've said I love you to me this time around, right?" I rolled my eyes playfully and laughed. "I didn't know you lived off those little things?" He looked smitten. And to think these were all things I hated. Way back, this wasn't really my cup of tea. Like I said, Ben Affleck changed everything for me.

We made sure Emme and Max were ready and left to the resturant. On the way there, Emme and Max had a conversation with Ben about a certain cat they all wanted. "I don't know, Mom. I think a cat would be a GREAT addition to this family." Ben looked at me as if he was confirming what Max was saying with his eyes. "Max is right. We can even name him Hendrix. It literally can't get better than that.

"I don't want to get a cat. It's gonna leave." I couldn't see why we should get a cat. It was honest great to see 3 of the most important people in my life having a good time together. "I think it's time to get a cat." They were extremely persistent about this cat and I just couldn't wait until we got to the resturant so I could hear the end of this. "Ben, I don't want a cat that's just going to leave hair everywhere.Why do you think we have dogs that don't shed?" Not that I would be the one cleaning it but I still don't want the housekeepers to clean it either.

"I don't know? Allergies maybe?" We had a good time laughing about this, the 4 of us did. When we got the resturant we were greeted to lots of balloons and a table which the whole family sat at. My mom immediately got up and headed straight for Ben. She hugged him so tight. "Hi Ben." She had the biggest smile I had ever seen. She came and hugged me after Ben. "I thought I was your daughter, Lupe?" I said sarcastically which made Ben laugh as he pulled me in by the waist.

About 15 minutes later came a guy pushing a cart with the most beautiful flowers I had ever seen. The guy handed a bouquet to each woman and kid in the family. Each card has something different on it. Mine read:

Nunca me dejes, mi amor
-Ben

I looked at him with a huge smile on my face. I couldn't believe he had gone out of his way to get everyone flowers. Also, not just any flowers, he had gotten everyone their favorite flower. I looked over a Emme and Max's cards which both read.

I love you, I'll always be here for you.
-Ben

Then my mom started crying a showed me hers.

Thank you for always believing in me, I got her back.
-Ben

I leaned in and kissed him Words couldn't even describe how grateful I was for him. For the way he loved my kids unconditionally. For the way he treated my family and the list goes on. I saw Emme, Max and Lucy walk up and hug Ben.

I felt as if they were home, just like I am.