Forgiveness and Second Chances by Ancelli Page B

go.” She swallowed his moan, kissing him as he came.
    He went weak. She laid her head on his shoulder and he massaged her back. Without words, through simple touches, they told each other how they felt for one another.
     
***
     
    After recovering from their night and morning of passion, Jeremy and Malanie sat in the backyard, on a bench, in each other’s arms.
    He kissed the top of her head. “Where do we go from here?”
    She turned up, gazing at him. “Friends with benefits.”
    He arched his eyebrow. “Hell, no. I won’t share you.”
    Malanie started to giggle. “I was just kidding. I could never share you, either. I want you all to myself.”
    “Don’t play like that.” He kissed her nose. “Now that we agree, we can’t keep us from Alanie.”
    She turned in his arms. “I understand, but….”
    “We can’t keep our relationship from her. She’ll notice when I can’t keep my hands to myself.”
    “What if something happens and we—”
    “Baby, we can’t predict the future, but I’ll try everything in my power to make you and Alanie happy.” He cupped her chin. “Do you trust me?”
    “Yes.”
    “You and me….” He kissed her soft lips. “Together.”
     

Chapter Twenty
     
    “Alanie, we need to talk to you!” called Jeremy.
    She came running from her room. “Mom,” she said, excited to see her. “I didn’t know you were coming over.”
    They sat down. “Baby, have a seat,” Malanie said, and she sat in front of them with panic on her face.
    “We want to make sure you’ll be all right with a decision we made.”
    Alanie started to shake. “I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to…I’ll give you back the iPad. Please don’t say you’re leaving me again,” she said, with tears rolling down her sweet cheeks.
    Jeremy sat next to her and wiped her tears. “Princess, your mom is not leaving.”
    She watched her mom. “I made you a promise. Why do you think I’ll leave? Do you want me to pinky swear?” Malanie asked.
    “Yes.” Alanie pointed her pinky finger at her. Malanie did the same, and each tugged the other’s pinky. “Pinky swear.”
    “What did I do?”
    “Nothing, sweetie,” answered Malanie.
    “Your mom and I have decided to start dating.”
    Alanie jumped up and ran toward her mom, hugging her.
    “Yes…yes!” she yelled, pumping her fist in the air. “I told Aunty you loved each other, that it would work.”
    Malanie laughed.
    “You told your aunt what would work?” Jeremy asked between chuckles.
    “Nothing, Daddy. I’m so, so happy.” She gave him a big, wet kiss on his cheek.
    Malanie rubbed her arm. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
    She observed her parents and whispered, “This is my dream come true. My parents finally together, making us a family.” She got up, and started walking away, then turned. “So, can I have a baby sister?” she smiled.
    They looked at each other and said in unison, “No!”
    She giggled.
    “We are dating, Alanie, not getting married,” Jeremy said, smiling.
    “It’s going to happen. I prayed over it with Aunty Stefanie.” With that said, she stepped out of the living room.
    He took Malanie’s hands in his. “I told you there was no reason for you to be nervous.”
    She leaned forward, kissing his lips.
    “Ewww, no kissing in front of the kid,” Alanie said from her spy-place in the living room.
     

Chapter Twenty-One
     
    Alanie turned eleven and they had a huge birthday party. It was her first birthday with both her parents, and they made it special. Jeremy’s parents were on their way and Derrick, Stefanie, and baby Eric were in the backyard. Carolyn, her husband, and Alanie’s cousins came through the front door.
    Carolyn hugged Malanie. “It’s nice to see you again! You look good.”
    “Thank you. You always look great.”
    She turned to her husband and introduced him. “Thomas, this is Malanie.” He shook her hand. He was tall, blond, and attractive.
    “Nice to me you,” Malanie