Brokenness Aside

Creature of the Night

The summer went as quickly as it came, the children had been staying at my house for months now. School was back in session and my favorite holiday was coming up, Halloween. I was buzzing about the house, humming, as I put up decorations. Lindsey was shocked to see me up so early in the morning as he stumbled down stairs, searching for coffee. I wore black leggings and an off the shoulder black bag wing top that was just sheer enough that Lindsey could spy my black lace bra. He eyed me? becoming aroused. My long blonde hair was swinging about wildly as I was wrapping lights around the stair railing and bannister.
"Would you like witch's brew, my enchantress?" He asks, bringing me a cup of coffee. I kissed his cheek, taking a sip and he devours my neck, kissing the soft skin there hungrily.
"Oh, Lindsey, if you keep this up, I won't get these decorations up" The candelabra was wrapped with cob webs and the lights gave a haunting glow to the house. There were bats and pumpkins....it was really quite impressive. Our make out session was interrupted by the girls coming down the stairs. LeeLee cleared her throat.
"We need to get to school. Can you guys make stop sucking face long enough to take us or...?" I blushed and gave the sixteen year old girl a side hug. "I think we can manage" Lindsey said, winking at me. I kissed him one last time then went to make myself a small breakfast. I looked around, happy with all I had done so far. The workers were coming to work on the yard this afternoon because I planned on having a party. Lindsey returned downstairs and opened the door for the girls to go out to the car.
"Bye Aunt Stevie!" Lee Lee said.
"Love you, mom, see you later" Stella called out as she left the house and I was shocked.

By the time Lindsey returned I had been consumed with the thought the whole time. I couldn't get it or of my head. Lindsey came and kissed me on the cheek.
"Hey" he said, making his way from my cheek to my neck, hands all over my waist and hips. "Let's pick up where we left off" I just stared ahead and he noticed I wasn't into it. "Are you okay?" He asked.
"Did you hear what Stella said?" I asked softly. "She um...she called me mom. Maybe she didn't mean to. Maybe it was force of habit?"
"She meant to. Her mother was always distant with her and she's always felt so close to you. You have taken care of her and included her in so much of your life. She loves you. If you don't like it I can talk to her"
"No, don't do that. I, I love it. I just don't want you to feel like I'm trying to take Kristen's place"
"I know you aren't." He notices tears in my eyes and he holds me closely. "I always wanted to make you a mother...but this is the best I can do. You took in my kids when Kristen was unfit. Hell, she hasn't tried to visit or even call for months. Those girls need a mother and they want you. Do you see how much you make them smile? How loved they feel by you? Last night I watched you paint their nails and watch movies...you were all laughing and it made me so happy. I think Will was jealous because he likes to spend time with you too. Being around you is such a gift and Lee and Stella know that." I smiled, wiping my tears. "But maybe I should still talk to her and see where her head's at with this."
"No, I will, honey. I don't want it to seem like we are angry at her. I'm so, so happy I can be here for your children"

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Lindsey took the girls costume shopping and Lee was not pleased.
"Dad, do we have to dress up? This is dumb!"
"Lee, you don't have to dress up but Stella says she wants to and Stevie is dressing up too. It's her favorite holiday and she throws a party every year"
Lee the sulked and trudged around the store, not picking anything. Stella chose to be a fairy with large glittery wings and a lavender colored dress with a full skirt and fitted bodice with lacing up the back.
"Stevie is going to love this, Stel" Lindsey said, hugging his youngest.
"Do you really think so, daddy?"
"Of course she will!"
"Can we go home and show her? Please?"
Lindsey nodded and took the girls home after taking a pit stop for some frozen yogurt per LeeLee's request. Stella burst through the front door and was in awe of the decorations she saw all around. Lee went right to her room, texting on her phone and I came out from the kitchen, drying my hands. I had been washing up some dishes, too small a load for the dishwasher I thought. Stella slammed into me, crushing me in a hug.
"Where's your sister, sweet girl?"
"Probably texting her boyfriend" She rolled her eyes.
"Boyfriend?! She is doing no such thing!" Lindsey exclaims, going upstairs to take Lee's phone away. I shake my head, smiling. "So, did you find a costume?"
"Yes! Oh I can't wait to show you! Are you busy?"
"I'm always free for you, sweet girl. Show me what you got"
We sat on the couch and Stella took the costume out of the bag. "I'm going to be a fairy! Look!" She took out the flower crown, placing it haphazardly on her head while retrieving the other parts of her costume.
"This is beautiful! Oh you're going to be the prettiest little fairy I've ever laid eyes on!"
"I'm so happy you like it! I can't wait until your party!"
"I can't wait either, my darling. Would you like to help me finish up the place cards and put up the last little touches?"
"Of course!"

We chatted happily as we flit around the house together, wrapping each other in cob webs and spraying glitter at each other. It was quite the sight and Lindsey drank it in from the top of the stairs, marveling at our blossoming relationship. He thought for sure his cheeks would hurt the next day from smiling so much.