Does that mean you're staying forever? Elena sat up slowly, suddenly aware this conversation was more important than she'd realized. I don't know about forever. But you're not leaving. Sophie's voice was small.
No, sweetheart. I'm not leaving. Even if you and dad stopped dating, the question hit Elena hard because she hadn't thought about it. What happened if this thing with Mason didn't work out? Would she leave?
Could she leave these kids? Even then, she said firmly. You guys are stuck with me. Promise? Ethan asked.
Promise. Sophie threw herself at Elena, nearly knocking her over. Okay, good. Because daddy's making pancakes and they're terrible and we need you to fix them. Elena found Mason in the kitchen surrounded by smoking pans and batter splattered across every surface.
"I swear I used to be able to do this," he said, looking defeated. "When? " "Col, maybe. " He gestured at the stove. "These were supposed to be chocolate chip. " Elena looked at the burnt offerings on the plate. "They're very dark. They're charcoal.
Charcoal is generous. " Mason laughed, then pulled her in for a kiss. Morning. Morning. Elena surveyed the damage. Go sit down.
I'll handle breakfast. You sure, Mason? If you keep cooking, we'll need to call the fire department. That's fair. 20 minutes later, edible pancakes were on the table, and everyone was eating like they'd been starved.
"These are so much better," Ethan said through a mouthful. Don't talk with your mouth full, Mason and Elena said simultaneously. They looked at each other. The kids noticed. You guys are already acting married?
Mara observed. We've been dating for 12 hours. Mason said. Yeah, but you've been living together for 4 months. You skipped all the normal steps.
There are normal steps? Elena asked. Yeah, like awkward texting and wondering if you should call and not knowing if you're exclusive yet. Mara stabbed a pancake. You guys went straight to co-parenting and shared bathrooms.
We don't share a bathroom, Mason protested. Not yet, Sophie said ominously. Elena nearly choked on her coffee. Later that morning, while the kids were occupied with various weekend activities, Mason found Elena in the laundry room. We should probably talk, he said.
About about what this is, what we're doing. Elena folded one of Sophie's shirts. What do you want it to be? I want you to be my girlfriend, partner, whatever word works. Mason leaned against the dryer.
But I need to know you're okay with the complications. What complications? The kids. The fact that we live together. The fact that if this goes wrong, it affects everyone, not just us.
Elena sat down the laundry. I've thought about that and and I'm terrified, but I'm more terrified of not trying. Mason crossed the small room and pulled her close. I don't want to hurt you. Then don't.
It's not that simple. Yes, it is. Elena looked up at him. We're both broken in different ways. We both have baggage, but we're also both here trying.
That's enough. What if it's not? Then we figure it out together. She touched his face. Stop waiting for it to fall apart and just be here with me.