Affairs of the Heart

A Small Push

As the months passed, Stevie and Tom had been spending more and more time together. They would go out on dates and Tom was coming around Stevie's home more often as well; each time he would stay longer and longer until one night, Stevie let Tom stay the night.
Of course he had to sleep in one of the guest bedrooms but she was slowly putting down the walls that she had built around her heart.
She would have never thought she would fall in love again.

Aaron was now ten months old; his first birthday was fast approaching and Stevie was planning on throwing him a big party for him to celebrate.

Also, Sara was getting ready for her wedding which would happen a few weeks after Aaron's first birthday. Sara had found the perfect dress and felt nervous but happy about her big day.

One night, Tom was spending the night and sleeping in the guest bedroom he had become accustomed to.

It was four in the morning when Stevie woke up sobbing and sweat was dripping down her face. She quickly got out of bed and rushed to the Tom's room. She knocked on the door and when there was no answer she knocked a little louder. Stevie finally heard a faint "Come in."

Stevie opened the door and saw Tom sitting up as he rubbed his eyes. She quickly closed the door behind her then ran to the bed and wrapped her arms around him. Tom was stunned a little but he too wrapped his arms around her. Stevie sobbed into Tom's chest and it took a while for her to calm down.

Tom gently moved them to lay down and Stevie laid her head on his chest. He wanted to ask what was wrong but he waited for her to find her voice again.

"Stevie...what's wrong?" Tom asked softly after a few minutes.
Stevie sniffles and said. "I had the most horrible dream. You...you were gone Tom. You...you died! I lost you just like I lost Lindsey! It felt so real!" She began to sob again and clung to Tom even tighter.
"Hey...it's okay. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere." Tom said as he loosened her grip so he could turn to face Stevie. He caressed her cheek and continued. "Stephanie, I am right here with you. Can you feel me touching you?"
Stevie nodded. Tom took one of her hands and placed it on his chest. "You feel my heartbeat?"
Again Stevie nodded.
"It was just a bad dream. Now, stop crying and let's enjoy being wrapped in each other's arms." Tom said as he brought Stevie closer to him.

Stevie settle down and was able to relax now that she got her bearings. She felt Tom's warmth and she calmed even more now that she could touch him. She sighed and said. "I'm sorry Tom. I just...I couldn't shake that dream. I don't think I could bare it if I were to lose you too."
"Shhhh, you're not going to lose me. I'll always be here with you." Tom said trying to calm her fears.
"Lindsey used to tell me that too." Stevie said in a small voice that Tom had strain to hear what she said.

Tom sat up making Stevie sit up as well; he took her hands in his and said. "I know I can't predict the future and I don't know what is going to happen next, but I can promise you this...I promise to always be there for you and to love you until my last breath. Even then, I'll probably love you beyond death. Until then, I want us to live life to the fullest with you by my side and your children too. I want to be here for all of you. So, let's make this official. Stephanie, will you be my girlfriend?"

Stevie had tears rolling down her face as she listened to Tom's words. She smiled then threw her arms around his neck and said. "Yes! Yes Tom. I will be your girlfriend."
She pulled away and they chuckled.

Stevie looked into Tom's blue eyes then leaned in and kissed his lips. Tom kissed her back then they pulled away and Stevie said. "I love you Tom."
"I love you too Stevie." Tom replied.

They both settle down and laid in bed. They held each other the whole night as they slept.

Lindsey looked on at Stevie's and Tom's sleeping forms. He smiled as he sat by Stevie and said. "I'm sorry about that dream you had but, I had to give you a small push in the right direction. I want you to be happy Stephanie and I know with Tom by your side you will be."

Lindsey leaned down and kissed Stevie's cheek and the next moment he was gone to give Stevie and Tom some privacy.

Excuse all errors, I will edit later.

Sorry for being MIA. I've been a funk that I'm trying to get out of.

Thank you all for the comments about continuing this story as a tribute to Tom.
I hope you all liked this chapter. More to come soon. ❤️