Love Yourself

Chapter 22

(December 2023) Colin's five and Harlow is two.

"Both of the little ones are in bed." I sighed sitting on the couch next to Declan.

"I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas."

"Me too. You know you don't have to stay."

"What, you don't want me to?"

"No it's okay. I just don't want you to feel obligated to be here."

"I don't, I like being here spending time with you three."

"Well we enjoy you being here." We smiled at each other and I turned to look at the movie.

"I know I said I would give you time to talk about it... if you don't want me here because their dad might show up or something." I sighed.

"No that's not it. Jason and I are completely over."

"Both of them are his?"

"Yea, it's such a messed up situation. You'll think I'm so stupid."

"I highly doubt that." He squeezed my hand.

"When I was eighteen I went to Arizona and stayed with my grandma. One day I had met my friend Kayla. That night I went to a party where I ended up meeting Jason. There was something about him, you know. We got a long so good, and then things changed. I had gotten pregnant with Colin and he wanted nothing to do with us. When I went into labor he was there the whole time, even at the hospital. He was so good with the both of us, it brought me some hope. Well things didn't work out. Sophia had gotten a hold of me saying she was having Jake, so I knew it was time to come home. Fast forward a couple of years, Jason shows up again. I fall head over heels all over again, leading up to him getting me pregnant. This time he stays through the whole pregnancy. The day I brought her home his stuff was gone. I haven't heard from him since."

"Ellie you're not stupid, you guys had a past. He is the biggest asshole for doing that too you guys."

"The hardest part is Colin got to know him. He probably doesn't remember a whole lot though. They both will grow up not knowing there dad."

"What if he comes back?" I sighed dreading this question.

"I honestly don't know. I don't want to go back to him, but I want my kids to know their dad."

"I get it." He pulled me into his arms and I curled up to him. Declan and I have become really good friends since we first met at my sisters. The kids absolutely love hanging out with him.

(Declan pov)

Ellie was curled up against me past out. I held her tight in my arms trying to take all the pain that she was feeling away. Once the movie was over I carefully took her up to her room laying her down.

"Declan." She said in the sexiest voice.

"Hmm."

"Will you stay?"

"Are you sure?"

"Please." She pouted making me cave. I pulled my shirt off and climbed into bed next to her. She came over, curling back up to me.

"I'm sorry. I just don't want to be alone right now."

"I'm not going anywhere." I kissed her forehead and held her tight falling asleep.

***

"Mommy."

I opened my eyes finding Ellie still curled up next to me. She had the cutest little smile on her face while she continued to sleep.