"Look guys, look how beautiful it is here" you said, pulling up to the cabin Matt rented out for the family for Christmas.
When he mentioned Vermont, you were surprised he didn't want to drag the kids on a long trip to spend the holiday with his family after your family. After your divorce last summer, you were ready to split up the time with the kids for things like birthdays and Christmas. But Matt had a different idea, and you weren't opposed to it. You could suck it up and act like a family for the kids.
Being a worried parent, you called ahead an hour or two to let the company know you were arriving with the kids. Matt said he'd be there at the same time. But when you pulled up, you only saw one car in the driveway. After parking the car, you got out at the same time your wild six year old son pushed open his own door, hitting you.
"Sorry, mommy" he said, stepping out of the car. You reached for his arm before he slipped on the wet snow.
"Just be careful, Grayson" you told him and he nodded. "I'm going to get your sister from the other side, hold my hand and please don't run around" you told him, earning a nod back.
Well, Madison Mary Sturniolo, was turning one this Christmas, but she would always be your baby. She made a whimpering noise when you picked her up, causing you to grab her blanket and wrap her up. You shut the car door and hoped the front door was open so your kids wouldn't freeze out here.
"Welcome, Mrs Sturniolo!" The head of the cabin company smiles as you walked through the door. You didn't correct him, you were dealing with it for months now and you were tired of it.
"Hello" you smiled at him. "Oof!" You mumbled as Grayson pulled your arm, looking at the cool stuff around the house.
"Pretty exciting, huh?" He smiled, watching Grayson jump on to the couch. "Mr Sturniolo is arriving later?" He asked, looking back at you.
"Uh, yeah" you said, unaware of his whereabouts.
The owner went on about things you should know about the place. Showing you how to work the crazy built in touch system that worked the lights, speakers and heating for the whole cabin. Madison started fussing, so you put her down and watch as she slowly walks to where her brother was. Which made you walk away over your him and take the remotes from him.
"Sorry"
"It's okay. I should go now anyway. Enjoy your stay and I'll be a phone call away if you have any questions" he said, before letting himself out.
Madison started to cry, Grayson started yelling about his stomach hurting. And all you could do was step up and be the Mom you'd grown into being. If someone told you eight years ago you'd have two beautiful kids and be raising them alone, you wouldn't believe them. You never saw yourself as a Mom, but then you met Matt and that changed.
Grayson was an accident, two years into a relationship and you had a small bump growing fast. Fast forward six years later and it fell apart. All good things come to an end, right?
"Grayson, please. Just one picture for Mommy" you said as he started to run away from where his sister was sitting on the bench in the yard. After brunch, you changed them into warmer clothes, snow pants and jackets that Matt bought months ago.
"I want to go" Grayson whined, pulling away from your hold.
"Fine" you sighed and let him go. He yelled, running through the snow in the yard. Watching him, you smiled at how happy he was.
After fun outside, the kids were tired. Grayson passed out on the couch, hand still in a bowl of cereal you gave him, but Madison was more fussy to put to sleep. You set up a bed of pillows and blankets on the floor by the fire and her eyes closed soon enough. The place was incredible. You just hoped Matt would show up soon to enjoy the holiday with his kids.
