All That She Needs

Part 38 : Asha

This morning started slowly, just like the ones before. I stretched lazily across the bed and let out a loud yawn before finally getting up and walked out of the room. The rich scent of coffee guided me to the kitchen, where my sock-covered feet moved quietly over the hardwood floor. It was the last week of our holiday, and the days that had passed felt both full and fleeting, each one slipping by quickly.

My brothers had truly outdone themselves for this trip by renting a luxury chalet with six bedrooms, each featuring a fireplace and its own en-suite bathroom. There was also a small gym, a hot tub and a sauna, but the most standout feature was the floor-to-ceiling glass walls wrapped around the living space, with the breathtaking view of the Matterhorn that never failed to mesmerize me.

In the kitchen, I found Sandy humming softly as she prepared breakfast, the familiar sounds of sizzling and bubbling batter gave comfort and made me smile. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the space creating a perfect morning ambiance. When she spotted me, she walked over to the coffee maker to pour me a cup.

As I leaned against the counter sipping my coffee, I noticed she was already making breakfast quesadillas—Kayden's favorite—and in the middle of making fluffy pancakes for Chloe. The smell of melting cheese and sweet batter mingled in the air, making my stomach growl. As always, the adults would eat whatever the kids preferred, which sometimes made Max and Mason frowned, because if you let Chloe choose, then you would guarantee to have pancakes or toast for breakfast every morning and nothing else.

Going on holiday was a great decision for me and the kids. We spent our days enjoying fun activities, relaxing, and indulging in delicious food. I could already see Kayden and Chloe's cheeks looking a little fuller from eating their weight in food and treats each day. They seemed to have a good time and that made me verry happy.

I helped Sandy set the plates on the table, knowing the kids and my brothers would wake up soon and immediately demand breakfast. They had a full slate of activities planned for the day, eager to make the most of our last days with skiing. Meanwhile, I looked forward to strolling through the village with Sandy, indulging in shopping and sampling as many delightful desserts as possible. And of course, we would have lots of chocolate—oh my God, the chocolate. It was chocolate heaven here. 

And every time I bit one of those sweets, my mind would inevitably drift to Liam. And then I would check my phone again only to find no messages from him. I knew I was being unreasonable especially because I was the one who told him not to contact me.

So, instead, I would read his old messages, scrolling through the pictures he sent while on his business trip last time, looking at them over and over. I often wondered why it never bored me.

I kept wondering, would he still be waiting for me? Or had my indecisiveness finally worn him out?

Would he still see me the same way he did before? Twelve weeks was a long time—long enough for feelings to change, or even fade.

But I missed him. So much so that lately I would sleep early so that tomorrow would come soon and then we would be back home, and I would go to work and see him again.

Kayden was the first to pop into the kitchen, and he immediately sat at the long dining table, looking expectantly at Sandy. She planted her hands on her hips and gave him a pointed look—a silent reminder of her rule that the kids had to help out in some way. Whether it was cooking, setting the table, or rinsing dishes, everyone had to pitch in. The boy begrudgingly got up, grabbed the big platter of quesadillas in one hand and the plate of pancakes in the other from the counter, and brought them to the table before finally settling down to eat. I took a seat across from him, and Sandy sat beside me, and we all began our breakfast together.