Catch and Release

Three's Company, More?

The tiny family had finally found peace. Athena sat with her mug of coffee warming her hands, as she gazed at the morning sun. Athena had made her night, her life really. She looked to the bed where the woman was laid out after their night of fun. This woman and all her many ways made it great to be around her. She loved her. They loved each other. 

Had she been told that her life would change so soon, she'd of laughed in the person's face. Athena was happy. Sure she lost somethings along the way, but if it's no good let it go, right? In the distance, she could hear her son rising to being his day. She listened as the tiny feet padded their way into the room. "Mommy?" came the soft, sleep filled voice.

"Yes baby?"

"Can I lay with you and Momma? "

"Sure baby. Go ahead and get in the bed and i'll be right back." 

She watched as her little boy scaled his way into the bed next to Jesse. She looked and wonder if they could add more. LJ was so much like Jesse already, what could a few more do. She wanted more kids. She wanted to grow her family. It was going to happen. 

After ridding herself of the mug, she returned to her bedroom to find Jesse looking at her. No words were said as Jesse watched Athena make her way to the bed. Athena laid down next to the slumbering boy. "I love you." Jesse said.

"I love you more."

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Jesse had the perfect ring. She and LJ had picked it out after the family had a nap. Athena was at the house awaiting their return. 

"Remember when we go in that you cannot tell Mommy what we got. Ok?"

"I got it Momma. Else I don't get my candy."

"Right! And?"

"It won't be a surprise." The tiny boy added with enough seriousness a boy of his age can have. The two made their way in. "Mommy, I got candy."

"You did? I hope you didn't eat it all. I'm about to cook." Athena said as she pulled her son into her lap.

"Actually," Jesse said, "We are going out tonight. I-we have a surprise for you."

"What would that be?" 

"Mommy, Momma said we can't tell you 'cause it will be not a surprise anymore." LJ added in, stopping Athena from questioning Jesse.

"How about we go get ready, LJ. Thena, you got put on something...s-e-x-y." Jesse spelled out.

"Are you going to tell me?" Athena asked in a teasing tone. 

"Nope"

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Jesse finished her tie. She had opted for a black suit with a black shirt and red tie. She pared it with her only expensive pair of Burberry Leather wingtip brogues. She dressed LJ in a black suit jacket with black pants and his favorite Flash t-shirt. She topped it off with his black vans. Together the two were dressed to impress. 

They sat in the living room, waiting on Athena to finish whatever it was she was doing.  After what seemed like forever, she emerged. Her body was encased in a black flare pants with a red silk shirt and black pumps. Jesse's jaw slacked at the sight of the woman. "You look amazing."

"Really?" She asked shyly.

"Yeah Mommy! You look good!"

"Thank you, my sweet boy. You look as handsome as ever too. "

"Do I look good?" Jesse pouted.

"Yes, you look beautiful." Athena laughed lightly.

"Good. Let's go so we won't be late. Tonight is going to be amazing." Jesse's grin alerting Athena that she was up to no good. 

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Jesse felt her nerves eating away at her. They had made it to the private set up. LJ had ordered chicken finger, Jesse had gotten the house special, and Athena settled for a simple Chicken Alfredo.

"J, How did you get this done? It takes weeks to get a place here."

"I know the owner. " She replied simply.

"Would you ladies like a glass of wine?" The waiter asked.

"I have one. Also, can he have a sprite?" Athena asked.

"Yes ma'am, and you ma'am?"

"Just a water with lemon."

Jesse wanted to stay sober. Not a drop. She had to remain in control of herself. The family ate and enjoyed each others company. Athena and LJ laughing at the stories that Jesse told them of her military days. It was comforting. Towards the end Jesse watched mother and son interacting. Jesse saw her future in these two. It was filled with laughter and light. Free from all the pain of the past and open to all the promises of the future.

"J, are you listening to me?"

"I love you. More than I think you know." Jesse said.

"I love you too. " Athena smiled.

Jesse stood from her seat, bending to one knee beside Athena. 

"I love you so much. Even when you left me i wish to one day find you. You were made for me to love and cherish. To give you everything that you've ever wanted. To be there when you need a shoulder to cry on. I love you for so many reasons and every day i add to that list. I love that you gave birth to such a great kid. That you never let anything stop you. I love you for it all and I want to show you that every single day of our lives."

Jesse pulled out the ring. "Marry me. Not today, but soon. Marry me and love me even when i'm being stubborn."

Eyes clouded by her tears, Athena nodded her head. "Yes! Yes!"

Jesse slipped the ring on to her finger. "Surprise Mommy!" LJ said with the perfect amount of excitement. 

"You knew?"

"Yup, Momma said that it was for the candy. Can I have it now?" He asked.

"It's in the car. We can go home now, if that's what you want?" Jesse directed to Athena. 

"Yes. I just have to make a call."

"Alright, let's go kid. Candy's in the car."

*************

Well, there is only one more chapter then the epilogue. Thank you all for sticking with me and my shady self. I told you today and here it is. Hope you all enjoy it and look forward to When Cells Divide. Also, Thank you for almost 400 followers!! Never thought i'd get 100. 

Much Love

-M