Affairs of the Heart

Where Did The Time Go?

Sara and Richard set a date for their wedding for November. They had about eight months to plan; Sara didn't want to rush. She wanted to plan the wedding of her dreams.

The only thing that caused her sadness in her heart was the fact that her father wouldn't be able to walk her down the aisle and be there for her special day.

Stevie had to comfort Sara when Sara had broken down as they were talking about the wedding. Sara sobbed her heart out and so did Stevie.

After some time, Sara decided to ask her grandpa Jess if he would walk her down the aisle. Jess had always been another father figure to Sara as she grew up and especially now that Lindsey was gone, he took on that role for her and her siblings.

Jess of course said yes and Sara was happy that he would walk her down the aisle on her wedding day.

*Some Time Later*

Aaron was now six months old; Stevie had been showing him Lindsey's pictures, videos and had been listening to his music since he was brought home from the hospital.

When asked where daddy was, he would point to any picture of Lindsey. His ears would perk up when he heard Lindsey's voice and clap his tiny hands together in excitement.

One afternoon, Stevie was in her music room with Aaron listening to music. He laid on her chest as she rubbed his back in gentle circles. He had been fussy lately because he was teething. Stevie got little rest nowadays because Aaron would cry in pain and discomfort and hasn't gotten much rest himself. Aaron laid his head on his mother and was chewing on a cool teething ring. It was the only thing that seemed to help a little.

Hayley and Emily were playing outside as Karen watched over them. Karen had been helping Stevie with the children more often now since Aaron had started teething.

Stevie heard the doorbell and was about to get up to answer it when Karen called out that she would get it.

A few seconds later, Karen walked through the doorway followed by Tom. Karen excused herself and left Stevie and Tom alone.

Tom smiled and told her not to get up. He bent down to hug her then he sat next to her.
"How are you Stevie?" Tom asked.
"I'm good. Tired but good." Stevie said with a chuckle. "Aaron's been teething."
"Awe. Poor little guy." Tom said.
Aaron moved to look at Tom but grew shy and hid his face in Stevie's chest.
"Oh! You don't like your Uncle Tom today huh?" Tom said with a chuckle.
Aaron loved his Uncle Tom but today, he wasn't feeling up for visitors.
Stevie chuckled too and said. "Don't take it personally. He doesn't like anyone today. Except for mommy. Right Aaron?"

Aaron looked up at Stevie and he smiled a little then once again he rested his head on Stevie.

"How are you doing Tom?" Stevie asked. "We haven't seen you in a while."
"Well, I was working on some music but now I'm free for a while." Tom replied.
"Oh that's great." Stevie said.
"Have you thought about making a new album?" Tom asked.
Stevie shook her head. "No. I'm not ready yet. Plus, I want to just be here for my children. They need me and if I were to record album, it would take up most of my time." She said. "I rather spend that time with my girls and baby boy and help Sara plan for her wedding. Oh my goodness! My little girl is getting married!" Stevie giggled and said. "Wow! Where did the time go?"

Tom and Stevie talked for a while and just spent time together. After a while, Aaron finally warmed up to Tom and he now sat on Tom's lap still chewing on his teething ring.

Lindsey watched on as Aaron sat on Tom's lap. He saw Aaron lean back his head and it was now resting on Tom. Lindsey felt a pang of jealousy at not being able to hold his baby boy in his arms.

Lindsey then looked at Stevie and Tom and saw how much Stevie was her usual self. He could tell that Tom made a world of a difference by being in Stevie's life. Lindsey had never thought about what would happen if anything horrible  happened to them. But now that it did and he was gone forever, he realized that he wanted Stevie to move on and be happy.

Lindsey could tell that Tom loved Stevie and he could also tell that Tom was genuine and sincere. Lindsey sighed and said to himself. "Well Tom, if you and Stevie end up together, then please take good care of her and of our children."

Suddenly, Tom decided to be brave and he took a deep breath and said. "Stevie...I wanted to ask you something."
Stevie looked at Tom and said. "Go on."
"Would you like to go out and have dinner with me?" Tom asked nervously.
"I...I don't know. I mean, Aaron isn't feeling well..." Stevie said but then stopped. She smile a little then said. "I can ask Sara if she will watch him. Yes, dinner sounds great."
Tom let out his breath that he had been holding due to his nerves. He then smiled and said. "Great! I'll pick you up at seven."