Through It All

Chapter 9: What's next?

"Everleigh!" I scold before laughter bubbles out of me as I look at my younger sister now covered in flour. I told her to dump it carefully but she didn't listen and now half of it was on her face and on the counter.

"Sorry," she giggles.

"I forgot you said slowly."

I reach towards her and start wiping her face. "Its okay," I assure her with a smile, "You're lucky you're staying here otherwise mom would've freaked seeing you this dirty."

She shrugs and focuses her attention back on the cookies we were making. She grabs the wooden spoon and start mixing the batter. "That's why mommy doesn't let me cook."

"I don't want you getting dirty either. You'll help me clean up though, right?" She nods with a small hum.

After spending the entire afternoon at the Matthew's for dinner, Everleigh came over for her monthly sleepover with me. Topanga and my mother got their fair share of my kids, each of them hogging my babies until it was time to leave. Now Josh is upstairs watching both of them, leaving Evs and I some alone time to bond.

I watch with a sad smile as she passionately mixes the batter, occasionally dipping her finger to taste it and grinning over at me as I give her a playful glare. To think that I'll be leaving her breaks my heart.

When I moved out it already caused a strain in our relationship and I don't think I could bare having her hate me because I'll be leaving her again.

She needs me as a big sister and I need her. She's something I've always wanted, she completes me and my family. She made my life better in so many ways. I can't leave her. As much as Philly seems like the perfect dream place for Josh and I to live and raise our kids, it'll tear our family apart, more than it already is.

I attempt to forget about whatever is going on in my life and to spend as much time as I can on Evs. We roll the batter into balls, joking around like we usually did. When the cookies are placed in the oven she miraculously helps me clean up our mess, whilst also creating another mess by doing the dishes.

"Everleigh keep the water in the sink," I chuckle and shake my head. I'll ending having more to clean if she carries on like this.

"Maya."

I turn my head and grin at my fiancé holding our baby girl. "Yes baby?" I question, leaning against the counter as he approaches.

"Lynie's late dinner," he reminds me.

"She's just took a bath and did so much better. She cried less than usual."

My smile widens, "One day she won't cry at all."

"One day," he agrees.

"I'll feed her and then bring her back upstairs." He nods and steals a glance at my sister. "I hope you'll bring some cookies for me too."

"What do you think Evs? Does Josh deserve any cookies?" I ask, turning to face her.

"Yeah," she replies with a smile. "He's watching Noah so I can be alone with you. You can have 5 cookies."

"Thank you Evs, at least someone appreciates me." I roll my eyes and face Josh again. "What I don't appreciate you enough?"

He shrugs, "You could give me a little more love."

"I'll give you more love later," I tease. "Now give me my baby." I reach out but he steps back and raises a brow.

"Please?" I try but he shakes his head.

I sigh, "Can you please hand me our baby?" I rephrase and he smiles brightly and nods.

"I want a kiss too," he adds with a smirk. I lean forwards onto the counter, meeting him half way and pressing a sweet kiss to his lips before he passes our daughter to me.