Page 64 of Because of Blake

Do it now, Maggie. Get it over with.“Um, in a minute. I actually have something I need to talk to you about.”

Both kids stare at me in confusion. The last time I said I wanted to talk to them, we moved. And before then, I told them their dad was gone. Hopefully this conversation isn’t as traumatic.

“Over the summer, I… well, something happened, and I need to know how you two feel about it.”

“What?” Sydney asks, and I can hear the fear in her voice.

“Nothing bad, dear,” I assure her, placing my hand on hers. At least I hope not. “The week after you two went to camp, Mr. Blake, from down the street, and I… started dating.”

“What’s dating?” Dylan asks.

Oh, my sweet, innocent baby.

“It means they kiss and hold hands and stuff,” Sydney clarifies.

“Ew.” Dylan scrunches up his nose.

I hope that’s all she thinks it is.“Thanks, Syd. I wanted to tell you both and see what you thought. Does it bother you for me to date Mr. Blake?”

Dylan thinks for a moment, wrinkling his nose. “No. I like Mr. Blake. He’s nice and he has Oscar. Are you guys getting married?”

My eyes widen, my heart leaping into my throat. “No, Dylan. It’s only been a few weeks. We’re very far away from marriage. Right now, Mr. Blake and I are getting to know each other and spending time together. Having fun, that’s all.”

“Okay. Can I go play Xbox now?”

“Sure, sweetie,” I say, shaking my head.

He bounds across the room, not giving a second thought to me and Blake. I turn my eyes back to Sydney, who has been quiet. My heart hammers in my chest. “So, what are your thoughts, Syd?”

She purses her lips while her eyes wander around the room. “I mean, I guess I don’t care. Blake’s cool. He’s younger than you, though.”

“That kind of stuff doesn’t matter when you get older.”But, thanks for the reminder.“So, you’re really okay with it?”

“Yeah, Mom. It’s cool. Are we supposed to call him ‘dad?’”

My entire body goes rigid, and I have to fight to gingerly shake my head. “No, that’s not what’s going on.”

“But he’s going to be spending the night here and stuff?”

“No. Not for a while, at least. And I won’t be spending the night down there, either. He’ll be around for dinners and on weekends, though.”

She shrugs. “Whatever.” Getting up from the table, she grabs a soda from the fridge, turns to me and says, “If he makes you happy, Mom, then go for it. I’m going upstairs to call Kelsey.”

Smiling at my beautiful, old soul of a daughter, I blow a breath through my lips with such force, I whistle. Michelle was right; I was overthinking things. I take my phone out to text Blake.

ME:Crisis averted. They gave us their blessing.

BLAKE:You told them already? Good. Glad it went well. Should I come over?

ME:Lol, no. It’s their first night back home. They need some time to relax.

BLAKE:I’m kidding, I know they need some mom time. Maybe lunch tomorrow?

ME:Sounds perfect.

BLAKE:Cool, I’ll call you in the morning. Have a good night.

ME:Thx, you too.