10 years later [Tayvin AU]

part 2

ADAM POV

When we got to our apartment, luckily only a short cab ride away, Lottie dragged Taylor to her room to show her the Lego castle we built for her tiny teddy bears, while I went to start on dinner.
About 10 minutes later, Lottie and Taylor came bounding into the kitchen.

"Dadddddddy! Can I have a cooooooookkiiieee?" Lottie said, giving me her perfect puppy dog eyes.
"Lotttttiiiiiieee! Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes, so no. How about you choose a movie to watch after dinner?" I replied, effectively getting Lottie out of the kitchen. "Would you like a drink? I have a bottle of wine somewhere..... Otherwise I have diet coke, lemonade, juice?" I offered Taylor.
"A diet coke would be great! Thanks! Wow, dinner smells incredible!" Taylor replied as I walked toward the fridge.
"It's just couscous with curried vegetables. But thanks." I replied handing her her drink.
"You have a great apartment...." Taylor commented as she looked at the photos I have hanging everywhere. I guess being a photographer has led to me having a lot of photos of Lottie over the years.

"Thanks! I've lived here since before Lottie was born. My umm...well.... Lottie's mom started to decorate it when she was pregnant." I replied, looking down. "I almost didn't stay here after the accident.....but I couldn't leave.... Too many memories."

Taylor looked confused and shocked, but sad at the same time.

"Ummm.... When did Lottie's mom ummm..." Taylor started
"We had a car accident when she was pregnant with Lottie, and luckily Lottie and I survived, but Amy was taken off life support a week later, just after they had delivered Lottie." I replied, holding the counter for support.
"I'm so sorry Adam. I...." Taylor started, obviously not sure what to say.
"Despite the circumstances, we have a wonderful life. Lottie will always know about her mom, but I'm trying to move on gradually. It's been almost 5 years now." I replied, shaking my head slightly and smiling at her and squeezing her hand as I carried the food to the table. "Let's eat!"

TAYLOR POV

Listening to Adam speak about Lottie's mom made my heart break. He had gone through so much, but seemed so positive about everything.

After we ate dinner and Lottie told me about going to the zoo, which they apparently do almost every weekend, we sat down on the sofa to watch a cartoon movie about zebras going to the moon. Lottie insisted that me and Adam sat to either side of her.

"Well she's out for the night!" Adam whispered over Lottie's head as she lay with her head on his chest. "I'll just take her to her room."

I sat looking at the photos around the living room until Adam came back downstairs.
"Do you want a coffee or tea?" Adam asked from the doorway.
"Um..I should probably head home...." I replied
"Oh....OK...." Adam replied, his smile falling slightly.
"It was great to see you again Adam! And to meet Lottie, you are doing such a great job with her!! Enjoy the zoo!" I said as I made my way to the door.

My hand was on the handle when I felt Adam spin me towards him. He stepped towards me and I stepped back, right against the front door. I felt him move forward towards me and saw his eyes flick toward me lips and back up to me eyes. Suddenly his lips were on mine. I was surprised at first but immediately responded to his kiss. He pulled away and stepped back.
I reached my hand up to touch my lips automatically and felt warmth creepping up my cheeks.

"I've wanted to do that for almost 10 years." Adam said, smiling lazily.
"I've wanted you to do that for almost 11 years to be honest....." I whispered, not thinking before I replied, and wishing I hadn't said that.
"Can I see you again?" Adam asked, eyes pleading with me.
"I'd really like that....." I replied, smiling.
"Come to the zoo tomorrow....and for dinner again. Please...." Adam asked.
"I'll see you two tomorrow outside the north zoo gates at 10am." I said wrapping my arms quickly around his broad chest then going back towards the front door and opening it before he could react.
"See you tomorrow Tay!" Adam said grinning as I walked to the elevator.

Walking down the street I felt like I was on cloud nine.
Who would have ever thought that the musical geek would get the best looking guy at school?
They always say the best things happen when you least expect them, and I never expected to see Adam again, let alone for him to remember me or basically proclaim his love for me.
Recently I've avoided men and dating after a string of heartbreaks and let downs....but all of the sudden I felt open to it again, although I wouldn't let my guard down this time.... Especially as there is an adorable little girl involved.