Juliet & Romeo

8. Forever & Always.

Romeo

( 10 years later )

Quietly closing the front door behind me, I felt the familiar feeling of relief wash over me – I’m home.

This past week I had spent most of the days wasting time in the meeting rooms of the Montague Family Company, making deals with important businessmen, as I’m one of two owners – the other being my uncle, Stefan Montague. Tomorrow would be my last meeting of the month, as my presence in the office isn’t really needed – I do my work from home.

“Woohoo! Dad’s home!”

“Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!”

In the next moment I was tackled almost all the way to the ground by my adorable little angels – Daniel, my eight-year-old son, and Natalie, my 5-year-old daughter.

“Dad, I got an A in Maths test today!” – The sapphire-blue eyes of my dear boy reflected the excitement with which coursed through Daniel as he all but jumped on the spot.

“That’s awesome, Daniel. Can I see it?” – I asked, as the feeling of happiness washed over me. I’m so proud of my ‘little’ family.

“Daddy!” – Natalie tugged me on my shirt, until I crouched in front of her, and then hugged me tightly, hiding her pretty little face in my neck.

Hearing my little angel sob and feeling her bitter tears on my skin, I grew worried. Who dared to hurt my little girl?

“Honey, what is it?”

“Cameron called me ugly!”

Holding her little face in my palms, I looked into her eyes, and wiping away the tears from her rosy cheeks, I tell her – “I think Cameron is just blind. You’re beautiful, like your Mommy.”

Natalie smiles and I can already image how someday that smile will bewitch one man, just like Juliet’s smile mesmerized me. Still does.

“Mommy is beautiful…” – Natalie murmurs in wonder, her wide eyes bright.

“Of course she is, and you look just like her.” – Just like my Juliet. Except for the green eyes and the dark locks…

“Really?” – Her voice no louder than a breathless whisper.

Widening my eyes and bringing a hand up to my chest, I pretend to be deeply wounded by her question, as I replied in a ‘hurt’ voice – “You think I will lie to you?”

Natalie giggled then. I love that sound.           

“By the way, Angel, where is Mommy?”

 “She’s in the living room. I think she was sorting through the birthday invitations from school.” – Natalie replied, and then reached for the candy jar, frowning when she realised she wasn’t tall enough to reach it.

“Here you go, Angel” – I picked up the jar and let Natalie have her pick.

Standing in the doorway of our ‘mansion’ living room, I watched as my wife sort out the invitations from the private school where our children go. Sitting cross-legged on the warm-orange carpet, in a light-blue tunic with black leggings, her hair flowing down in lazy waves, Juliet looked absolutely stunning.

I walked up towards her, sat behind her with my legs cradling her body and hugged her to my chest and lovingly placed my hands on her swelling belly. As I felt our baby kicking into my palms, I leaned in to kiss Juliet’s cheek. Oh, how much I love you.

Juliet leaned back into me and turned her face for the proper kiss… on the lips… mmmm…

“I missed you, honey.” – She breathed out against my lips.

“I missed you, too, darlin’.” – I couldn’t help but steal another kiss from her sweet lips…

“How was your day?”

“Boring. Yours?” – Another kiss.

 “Mmm…busy. Do you really have to go back tomorrow?”

“Uhh, nah, they can live without me. Unlike you.” – More kisses. 

“Unlike me.” – A moan. “Ten years and it’s still there. Just like that first night.”

Burrowing my face in her silky hair and breathing in her familiar and loving scent of rose blooms and melted caramel, I whispered “It will always be there. I promise. I love you.”

“I love you. Forever.”

“Forever and always.”