“Merry Christmas to you, too.” Tenderly, Cameron tucked a piece of Melanie’s hair behind her ear.
For a moment, Melanie thought she was going to kiss her right there by the Christmas tree. And she might have done just that if Dylan hadn’t run down the stairs and squealed Melanie’s name in a tone that sounded more like Vera than Cameron.
“I’m so glad you’re here. And you lookstunning.” Dylan smirked, turning to Cameron. “Doesn’t Aunt Mel look stunning, Mom?”
Cameron blushed, making Melanie smile. “She does indeed.”
“You do, too.”
The two stayed lost in their own little world for a few moments before Dylan asked about breakfast. Melanie followed them into the kitchen as Cameron made them pancakes. She put chocolate chips and M&M’s in them at the kids’ request and Melanie’s delight. Everything felt so casual and normal that Melanie could convince herself this was something they’d done every year for a hundred years. Nothing seemed uncomfortable or forced, which Melanie knew was because she had such a strong relationship with the three of them before any feelings became known.
Catching Cameron’s eyes as they ate their pancakes, Melanie resisted the urge to hop off the bar stool, run around the kitchen island, and kiss her. It was a damn marvelous relief to know that her divorce was final and hopefully, she would be doing just that later.
After breakfast, they watched the kids open their presents as they sat under the tree. Although Melanie had been giving them gifts since they were born, it was different watching them open them on Christmas Day. She loved seeing their excitement as Jonah opened a new pair of skates and Dylan got more makeup than Melanie would ever know what to do with.
“These were too much,” Cameron put her hand on Melanie’s thigh as she squeezed. Their eyes locked as Melanie shook her head.
“Never too much for the two best kiddos around.”
“You’re too much.”
“Whatever,” Melanie stuck her tongue out at her, revisiting the urge yet again to kiss her.
Get it over with. Tell her the divorce is final instead of waiting for some big moment. Do it now, then kiss her.
Do it.
Melanie tried not to let her inner thoughts get the best of her. She had it all planned out and wanted it to be perfect. But there was no way she could wait until the kids were asleep, as she had originally planned. No. She needed to do it now.
“Jonah, Dylan,” Melanie clapped her hands once to get their attention, “I forgot your mom’s present in the car. Can you help me with it?”
Abandoning their piles of gifts, they nodded and stood.
“It better be a pony,” Cameron called out as the three of them exited through the front door. Melanie didn’t waste time cutting to the chase as they walked to the car.
“Can you keep a secret?”
“Dylan, go back inside.” Jonah pointed toward the front door.
“What? No. I can keep a secret.”
Jonah gives her a doubtful stare.
“It’s only for a little while longer.” Melanie stopped at the truck of the car and looked at them. “I want to ask your mom something, but I wanted to make sure it was okay with you two first.”
“Yes,” Dylan immediately said, “you can marry her.”
Melanie tried not to look as taken aback as she felt. Had the kids talked about this? Had Cameron talked about it with them? She had no idea, so she tried to shake the questions from her brain.
“Okay, well, we’re not there yet.” Melanie inhaled sharply. “But my divorce was finalized yesterday.”
Slowly, realization landed on the kids’ faces. Dylan jumped up and down slightly.
“So, if it’s okay with both of you, I want to ask your mom to be my girlfriend.”
“Yes!” Dylan squealed, throwing her arms around Melanie’s neck. “Oh, my god. A thousand times yes! Please! She’ll freak out.”
“Like mother, like daughter then,” Melanie laughed, turning her attention to Jonah. “What about you, Jonah? Is it okay with you?”
