5 Reasons To Love Again

Chapter 37

Jake was such a flirt, I thought while he kissed me. Hearing the sizzling sounds of the sausage cooking made me break off the kiss.

"That's one kiss!" I said while smiling. "You can get the butter and syrup. Put them out on the table for everyone."

He groaned and let go of me. "Yes ma'am!" he said with a salute and went to the fridge.

I laughed as I opened the waffle iron to pour in the batter. Soon the food was all ready and everyone sat down to eat.

"So Jake, what did you have planned for Delphine today?" Wyatt asked him.

"I'm thinking of taking them to Folly Beach. It's warm today so it should be perfect!"

Lexine's eyes got big at the word beach and even I got excited. "We haven't been to the beach since California!" I said.

"Then it's settled!" Jake said with a wink at me then Lexine. It made her giggle. I giggled too. Wyatt and Brady smiled indulgently at us.

"Who knew that giggles were so nice to hear all the time?" Brady said. Wyatt agreed.

We finished eating breakfast and the guys cleaned up the kitchen as usual. I went upstairs with Lexine to grab some things for today at the beach. We packed a tote bag with sunblock, flip flops and a couple of towels. I also grabbed some lightweight jackets in case there was a cool breeze later. I switched purses to a crossbody and we took all that downstairs.

"There's my girls!" Jake exclaimed when we got back to the living room. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, we are Jake!" I said smiling at him. Lexine ran over to him and tugged on his hand. He laughed and picked her up. Brady and Wyatt came out of the kitchen. I went over to them and gave them both a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Have fun today!" Brady said after kissing my cheek back.

"Don't forget, it's my turn tomorrow." Wyatt whispered in my ear and ran his hand down my hair. I smiled and poked him on the chest. "Don't worry, I won't."

"OK, lets get going!" Jake said enthusiastically.

"Oh, wait! One more thing! I'll be right back." I said and ran into the kitchen. I had a Ziplock bag in my hand when I came back out.

"What is that for?" asked Jake with a puzzled look.

"Obviously you have never been to the beach with a little girl. Shells of course!" I said laughing.

"Oh, I forgot how you are always a prepared mom! That's a good idea."

I grabbed our tote and jackets and we headed out the front door to the family car. I remembered that it was only days ago when Jake took us to the grocery store in this car and had to smile at the memory.

"What put that pretty smile on your face?" asked Jake as he backed the car up.

"I was just remembering the day you took us to the store in this car. It seems longer than just days."

"That really wasn't that long ago was it? Wait, longer than just days? Is that good or bad."

"Good of course! It feels like I have known you guys for longer than about a week."

He pulled up to a stoplight, reached out his hand to my face and caressed my cheek. "When you feel like you've known someone longer than you have, it's because you are comfortable and happy with them. Like we are a family. I just know that all of us feel like that too. I remember the first time I saw you at Bob's Diner. Sitting in the booth with Brady, looking so lost and shy." Directing his voice towards the backseat he continued. "Then later a little head pops up from under the table and I saw the cutest little girl ever!" Lexine giggled.