Empty Spaces

Two weeks later

The weeks had gone quickly since they had settled into routine. Bella didn't care that her room was smaller then the rest, she had been so excited about everything that she thought it was all just perfect, having stated she had never had her own room before. It had taken some of the weight off Matt's shoulders, he didn't know how he'd feel if they girl thought the room was to small or that it wasn't enough but she showed it was, the expression over her face evident.

The last two weeks were some of the best and most challenging of Sylvie's life. She had enrolled Bella in school and taken for her a walk through, they had agreed that due to her history she'd only go 4 times a week for now and the other they would keep her home on their day off. Sylvie and Matt had gotten comfortable with each other, they hadn't had anymore almost kiss moments but their touches would linger and their gazes lasted a little longer as they worked together in taking care of Bella. They were still sharing a bed, waking up in each others arms more often than not but they never spoke about it, unsure how the other felt.

They had the day off and decided that it'd be a great day to head to the park for a picnic, just the three of them. The weather had warmed up and it seemed like the perfect time to get out and soak up the sun. Sylvie was wear a blue flowing summer dress that tied at her shoulders, Bella was wearing something similar but had bike shorts on underneath so she was exposed if she did flips on the playground and Matt was in a casual shirt and shorts.

The picnic blanket and basket was packed and set by the front door as Sylvie slipped on her shoes and grabbed her sunglasses. "Bella, Matt, are you ready?" She called out, setting her glasses on top of her head to hold her lightly curled hair in place. She smiled as the pair walked out together hand in hand and over to her.

"All ready, teeth brushed, hair done, ready to go play." Matt said, feeling proud of himself. He had put Bellas hair into a pony tail and then ended it with a braid, something he had never done before and although it was simple he was happy. He was learning how to do hair at night while watching YouTube as the rest of the house slept.

"Matt did my hair Sylvie! Does it look pretty?" The young girl asked, looking up at Sylvie for approval. It was something she had done often, loving the praise she had gotten from the couple. It was something she was starting to get use to, never having it before.

Sylvie faked a gasp as she looked over the hair, bending down to inspect it closer. "It looks beautiful! Almost better than when I do it!" She exclaimed, a big grin settling on her face as she looked past Bella and back to Matt who was also smiling proudly. "Cmon lets go, before we don't get a good spot!"

And like that they were off, Sylvie holding Bellas hand while Matt grabbed their things and they headed out the door. They all filed into the car and headed off to the park, arriving quickly and getting set up within 10 minutes of arriving. Sylvie had set out the blanket and uncovered the foot before taking a seat across from Matt, Bella sitting to the side of them eager to go play.

"Can I go play now??? Pleaseeeeeeee." The young girl begged, rocking back and forth on on her knees. They had come to the park multiple times since coming into their care, but it never stopped being exciting for her.

The pair smiled, the excitement in the girl bringing joy to both of them as they watched her. Sylvie spoke first, knowing if she didn't they'd have no hope in getting the girl back over to eat. "How about you eat your sandwich first? Then you'll be all full and be able to play longer." The blonde explained, the answer easily accepted by the girl as she grabbed a sandwich slice and began eating, Sylvie did the same and they ate in silence for a few minutes before Bella looked up expectantly and ran off once she had received a nod from Matt. They were in clear view of the playground so they let her go play, only a handful of other kids there to so it was easy to keep track of her.

Sylvie finished her sandwich just in time for Matt to hand her a cup half full with juice, they had decided it was better then bringing coke as Bella wouldn't be able to drink it so this was the compromise. "Thank you." She said softly, taking a sip before she let it rest against her leg. "This weather is a nice change to what we've had."

Matt nodded in agreement, taking a sip from his own cup before looking at her. "It is, I'm glad we have the day off to enjoy it." He stated, looking back over at the playground. "Couldn't think of a better way to spend it other than with my two favourite girls."

Sylvie felt her cheeks heat up and she looked down to try hide her blush, it didn't help. Her pale skin made proof of the way she flustered over his words. She looked up and smiled at him, he was still looking at the playground and if she didn't know any better she'd think he was a little embarrassed by his statement.

"You're my favourite people too." She stated, trying to ease some of the shame off his shoulders. It worked, he looked at her with a grin that spoke more than words could. Her eyes drifted to his lips and then back up at his, his doing the same. She leaned in slightly, trying to gage his reaction but all he did was lean in too.

Finally, after weeks of anticipation and waiting their lips met. She didn't imagine for his lips to feel so soft, she tilted her head to the side a bit to allow him to deepen the kiss which he did. Slipping his tongue out into inviting lips as they kissed passionately, only stopping once they heard their names being called. She pulled back slightly flushed, a shy grin on her lips as she looked down and giggled before looking over towards where their names were being called.

Bella was hanging upside down on the monkey bars and waving vigorously at them, seeming slightly oblivious to the action that had happened moments before. Both Sylvie and Matt both waved back and laughed, watching the girl flip down before running over for a drink which Matt happily handed her.

Just as she got back another woman with her small pooch approached them, a calm smile on her face as she spoke. "Sorry for interrupting, I just wanted to say you have a beautiful family." They thanked her and then the lady left, leaving them slightly bewildered at the revelation.

They turned to look at each before laughing softly, Matt shrugged slightly bringing his cup to his lips but spoke before he took a sip. "We are a pretty beautiful family."

The rest of the evening went by smoothly, Bella played some more and the adults joked and kept things light. Agreeing to talk more once they got home but they could tell something shifted between them, something good.