North, Dakota

3-Just Because She's Mommy

Dakota POV
I walk into the house from work that Saturday and see Brendan, sitting by Eli at the table, as they play Candy Land.

"Hey, I'm home."

Eli runs to me and screams, "Mom!"

I hug him back and walk over to Brendan, "Hello, Beautiful."

I smile and kiss him, "Hello, Handsome."

Eli covers his eyes and we laugh, "Okay. It's safe Eli."

He giggles and goes back to playing the game, "Do you wanna play, Mom?"

I shake my head, "How about you and Bren finish up the game, while I cook something to eat?"

Eli nods and Brendan turns back to him, "Okay, Little Man. You're going down!"

I laugh and return to the kitchen where I start to make some hamburgers. About thirty minutes later I complete all the food and tell them to come eat.

After, we eat Eli comes back with a small box, "Here you go."

I take it and smile, "Eli... What's this for?"

He smiles and I open it, "No reason. Just because you're mommy."

I look at the necklace that has a heart with a D in the middle as a charm, "It's beautiful, Eli."

He smiles and skips to his bedroom for his pajamas. I walk over to Brendan and hug him, "Thank you."

He smiles and wraps his arms around me, "You're welcome."

I pull back and he gives me a small kiss before pulling away, "Go on and take a shower. I'll tuck Eli in."

I kiss him once more, "Thank you."

He smiles and goes to Eli's room as I walk into the bathroom. A few minutes later I hear a knock on the door, "Come in."

Brendan walks in with my phone, "It's your boss."

I motion for him to bring it to me and does, "Yes, Sir."

Brendan stays in there waiting for my phone, "Dakota. The report we told you we needed Thursday is now needed Monday, before you come in. There's a meeting that I have to present it in, in order to get you that promotion."

I love my job, but I hate it sometimes, "Okay, Sir. I'll have it then."

I hand Brendan back my phone and take his hand; He puts it down and pulls his necklace of, "You sure?"

I nod and he pulls off his shirt, "Okay, then."

I'm lying by Brendan on the bed, "Dakota?"

I look over and he smiles, "Are you okay?"

I nod and he kisses my neck, "Are you sure?"

I start to say yes, but it comes out as a slight moan, "Bren can I tell you something?"

He raises up and nods, "Sure. What's up?"

I sit up and look down at the floor, "Uh... I... Um... Elli.... Uh... Mr. Buckley is Eli's... Dad."

His face drops a little and he nods, "Okay."

I see him get up and pull his shirt on, "So, when were you going to tell me this!? That Eli has met his Dad. When were you going to tell me that you a fling with him? Or was it more than just a one time thing?!"

I look down again, "Bren. I didn't wanna tell you because I was afraid of how you'd act."

He comes closer, then steps back, "That doesn't answer the question. Was it more than just a fling?"

I look down and a stray tear falls down my cheek as I try not to say yes.

Brendan looks at me, "He was, wasn't he?"

I nod and the tears start falling a little faster, "And you still love him."

I look up, "I love you too, though."

He comes over to me and pulls me into a hug, "But you aren't 'in love' with me."

I shrug and he pulls back, "Dakota are you in love with him?"

I nod a little and he smiles, "Then go to him. Be happy."

I look up, "Really? You aren't mad?"

He shakes his head, "I want what is best for you and Eli. And if you aren't in love with me, I want you to be with the person, that you are in love with."

I smile and hug him, "I hope you find somebody who is truly and totally in love with you. You are an amazing guy and I hope... No, I know you'll land an amazing girl who you want to spend the rest of your life with."

He pulls away and smiles, "Be good, Dakota."

He kisses me one last time, "I will."

I watch as he walks out of my bedroom and I know the hardest part of this will happen, when Eli wakes up in the morning.