Fate || BENNIFER

Things Left Unsaid

Jennifer's P.O.V

It was Monday morning, and Ben's kids were with his ex-wife for the week. On the surface, only having to push through the morning routine with two kids and a baby seemed easier. However, I knew this was just an illusion.

Our 14-month-old was now a toddler, and she had opinions and a strong desire for control. Her walking skills had improved, and her new favorite word was "no". Who would've told us that Grace's toddler phase would come so fast?

Max and Emme had to go to school like every other morning. Emme, dressed in her uniform, made her way to the kitchen. Max, on the other hand, trailed behind her in his rumpled pajamas, his small feet dragging along the floor, a funny upset expression on his face. Observing his disheveled appearance, I couldn't help but offer my assistance.

"Baby, do you need help to dress up?" I asked, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of my lips.

"I don't want to go to school." He replied remaining serious, his little face scrunched up in thought.

Ben, standing nearby, raised his eyebrows in a comical manner. And I had to conceal my amusement at Max's earnest tone.

"May I know the reason?" I asked.

"I just don't like it anymore." He responded without missing a beat, his voice filled with conviction.

"He's a teenager in a tiny body." Ben joked, a playful tone lacing his words.

"Why don't you like school?" I asked, trying to understand his perspective.

Max hesitated for a moment, contemplating his response.

"I have to sit for too long." He admitted, his voice carrying a hint of frustration.

"I get it, buddy." Ben chimed in, offering a glimmer of empathy.

"Don't you think your friends will miss you if you stop going to school?" I proposed.

"I guess." He shrugged his tiny shoulders.

"Do you want me to help you get dressed?" I offered, my motherly instinct ever-present.

"I can do it myself." He declared.

"Okay, go." I said.

I watched him ascend the stairs, and turning to Ben, I couldn't help but pout.

"He can do it himself." I stated, a twinge of melancholy evident in my tone, realizing that my baby was growing up before my very eyes.

"Do you think he's old enough to be my best man?" He joked.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.

"Having to stand still during the whole ceremony?" I replied, a playful tone in my voice.

But Ben sensed an opportunity to broach a more sensitive subject.

"Speaking of that..." He began, his voice trailing off as he looked intently at me.

Sensing his intention, I tried to evade the conversation, my words almost hurried.

"I should go see if Max needs help." I said, my eyes darting away from him.

Ben, however, was not willing to let the conversation be postponed any longer.

"I feel like suddenly you don't want to talk about the wedding." He confessed, his voice tinged with concern. "Is something wrong? Are you having second thoughts about getting married?"

"Nooo." I responded immediately and resolutely.

But my body language betrayed my unease. He took a step closer.

"Then why do you keep avoiding this conversation?" He asked, his eyes searching mine.

"I'm afraid of it happening again, having to cancel it." I admitted, my voice laced with vulnerability. "Let's call it PTSD. The last time we called it off a second time, we went our separate ways."

He gently cupped my face, his touch tender and comforting.

"I can guarantee you that is not going to happen again." He vowed, his voice filled with conviction. "We can call it off ten times, and I will still want to marry you."

I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of his touch on my skin.

"I'm sorry." I whispered. " I know I shouldn't hide these feeling from you. We shouldn't hide anything from each other."

"About that..." He began. "There's something you should know."

My eyes widened with curiosity, my gaze fixed on Ben.

"Yeah?" I prompted, eager to hear what he had to say.

But before he could utter another word, a voice interrupted our conversation, calling out from upstairs.

"Mommy! I need help with my shoes!" Max shouted.

A smile tugged at my lips, a part of me was grateful that Max still needed me.

"Mmmh... you know what? Maybe later." His expression softened.

"Okay." I replied.

I turned to walk away, my steps slow and hesitant. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something unsaid, something left hanging in the air between us. I stopped and turned back around to face Ben. As I approached him, I would've sworn I could see guilt etched on his face, and yet, I understood that it wasn't the moment.

Without a word, I reached out and gently cupped his face in my hands. I leaned in, my lips meeting his in a soft and lingering kiss.

"I love you." My voice barely above a whisper.

A mix of emotions seemed to play across Ben's face as my words hung in the air.

"I love you more." He declared.

Our eyes locked, there were things left unsaid, and silence before I turned to make my way upstairs.