The Perfect Family

Chapter 14: Emilie

I meant what I said when I told Jack I would go with him to the book signing. But a part of me is still worried about leaving the kids, especially the boys. They'll both be experiencing a case of separation anxiety because its either out of the ordinary or they've never been away from us. I just hope that everything goes smoothly. We only have a couple months left anyway.

We arrive at Chelsea and Michael's at approximately 12:02pm. Hunter has his nose pressed against the window, just eager to see us.

"Hi, Hunter" Jack says as he kneels down eye level.

"Hi, uncle Jack!" Hunter exclaims as he leaps into Jack's arms, wearing a set of Ninja Turtle pajamas.

"Did you forget about me?" I say playfully.

"No, I didn't, aunt Emilie. I missed you" Hunter responds as he hugs my knees.

"Awe, that's really sweet. I missed you too" I reply as I kiss the little curly head of ash blonde hair and looked into his  innocent chocolate brown eyes. 

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Later on, as we are having lunch together, Maddox begins to throw is food.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Michael. He's not usually like this" I say as I a celery sticks hits his head.

"Oh, that's okay. Its how boys are after all" Michael laughs as he removes the vegetable from his head.

"So, Jack, Michael tells me that you've got a book signing coming up?" Chelsea inquires.

"Yeah, its in Vancouver, BC" Jack answers.

"Emilie you must be pretty excited" Chelsea says as she looks at me.

"I am. I was a little nervous when Jack told me that we couldn't take the kids, but I'm beginning to cope with it" I respond.

"That's very brave of you. I couldn't imagine leaving Hunter. But then again, I couldn't imagine raising four kids. You are practically superwoman" Chelsea sighs.

"I wouldn't go that far" I blush.

"Emilie, did Jack tell you the best part about the book signing, or did he leave that as a surprise too?" Michael asks.

"I don't know what you're talking  about. What's going on?" I ask.

"Okay, Em. I didn't know when to tell you, I guess I was just waiting for the right time" Jack begins.

"Oh gosh, prom flashback" I respond holding my head as I laugh.

"Since we're all in a good mood, I think now is as a good a time as any" Jack continues.

"Oh for god sake, Jack, tell her you have an interview!" Michael reveals.

"What?" I gasp.

"And thank you for that" Jack whispers through gritted teeth.

"Jack? What's going on?" I ask once more.

"Well, I guess the cat's out of the bag, huh? Emilie, its true. I have an interview after the book signing with Channel 8 Action News. Are you mad that I didn't tell you right away?" Jack responds.

"No, I'm so thrilled! That is amazing" I answer as I come around and hug him.

"I'm glad you think so" Jack says as he kisses my cheek.

"Papa? Are you going to be on tv?" Julia asks as she over hears us from the other side of the table.

"Yes I am, sweetheart" Jack responds.