A Different Divergent: Everyday Love

49

I'm standing in my oversized walk-in closet, my body and head tightly wrapped in fluffy towels after a quick shower. I thumb through the monotonous contents trying to figure out what to wear for my date with Tobias tonight. It would make my life a lot easier if he would just tell me what it is he and Zeke have planned but he's being mum about the subject. I finally decide on a dark gray and black polka dot off the shoulder top, a comfortable pair of stretchy black jeggings, and my favorite pair of black faux alligator ankle boots.

I go back into the bathroom and style my hair in a loose braid over my left shoulder then apply my makeup a little more dramatically than I naturally go with. I stand back and look at myself in the mirror and note the slight bags under my tired eyes then let out a weighty sigh. I'm still on the fence about leaving the kids with Gavin tonight even though I said I would. Although I know in my heart they will be fine, the gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach just won't go away. Hushed laughter catches my attention, making me smile, and I try to dismiss the apprehension.

"Read it again, Dadda," I hear Tessa say.

"Yeah, Dadda!" Teags chimes in. "'Gain!"

"Are you sure? I've already read it twice," he says.

"Peas!" Tessa excitedly says. "Love it!"

"Lub it," Teags parrots.

"I know you do," he says with a chuckle. "I guess one more time won't hurt." I creep into the doorway and lean up against the jamb making sure I'm in the shadows, unseen. Tobias is sitting in the rocking chair with the girls at his feet eagerly listening as he recites The Princess and the Pea from memory. He has the book open towards them and knows exactly when to turn the page. They listen intently to every word until he finishes.

"'Gain, Dadda!" they both say.

"I think you two have heard your story enough for one night," I say, revealing myself. They all look up and beam.

"Mama!" Tessa says, jumping to her feet. She practically catapults herself into my arms and hugs me tightly. She acts like she hasn't seen me in years instead of minutes. "Hi!"

"Hello to you too, little one," I say as I kiss her nose.

"Up," Teags says from my feet. I try to put Tessa down but she's not having it.

"Can I say hello to your sister?" I ask.

"Yeah," she says, still not letting go of me.

"I want to give her a hug like I gave you," I say. She sighs, a bit overdramatically, and finally lets go of me. I scoop up Teagan and pepper her face with kisses, making her giggle uncontrollably. "So, where is your brother?"

"In his room," Tobias says. "He listened to the story the first time around but that was enough for him. Girls, why don't you go tell him that Mommy is out of the shower, and we'll be leaving as soon as Gavin gets here."

"But remember to knock first if his door is closed," I remind them.

"Otay," Tessa says. I set Teags on her feet and they both run towards their brother's room.

"Walk!" Tobias and I call out after them.

"They are going to be the death of me," I murmur as I turn toward my husband. His eyes slowly roam from the top of my head to the tips of my feet.