Vivian by Bernadette Marie

here.”
    “ You knew I was going to say I loved you?”
    She laughed easily. “No. I realized that I’d fallen in love with you.”
    Clayton moved in and kissed her gently. “Dorothy is going to be okay with hearing that.”
    “ What about you?”
    He raised her hand to his chest and slipped it under his jacket, pressing it firmly over his shirt. “Can you feel that?”
    She could. His heart rammed in his chest as hard as hers was.
    “ I know the timing is awkward, but I think there is a lot to explore with these feelings. I hope you’ll tell me you love me again and again.”
     
    Clayton carried Emma into the house and Vivian carried Ava. “We’ll lay them in the girls’ room. My girls won’t be too far behind them to sleep.”
    Once they were situated, he took her hand and walked with her to the living room where Dorothy was seated with his girls reading a book.
    “ We’re just catching up with some Max and Ruby,” Dorothy said.
    “ Mommy’s favorite,” Stephanie added and Clayton felt Vivian’s hand squeeze his.
    “ It was her favorite.” He moved closer to them, still holding tight to Vivian. “Why don’t the two of you go put on your pajamas, quietly, and then you can come see grandma some more.”
    They gave him a nod and ran off to their room.
    “ Dorothy, can I make you some tea?” he asked.
    “ That would be lovely. Perhaps Vivian would keep me company for a moment.”
    Clayton gave her a nod. He knew she was hesitant, but Dorothy would never, ever, say anything to hurt Vivian. In fact, he thought if he left them alone just long enough he’d come back to Vivian’s smile. Dorothy had that kind of effect on people.
    Vivian moved to the couch and Clayton walked to the kitchen. He figured it was a good that they hadn’t been in the house for the past few days. The dishes were still clean. Dorothy would never say a word about how their house was kept, but he’d want her to be proud of him. It was important.
    As he filled the teapot with water, he heard Dorothy laugh and then Vivian laugh. Yes, that was what he’d expected.
    When he finally had three cups of tea made, and balanced in his hands, he walked back to the living room.
    Both girls had climbed up on Dorothy and fallen asleep. Vivian jumped up and helped him with the mugs. She set two of them on the table and he set the last one down as well.
    “ Let me get them to bed,” he said moving to pick up Charlotte.
    “ I’ll get Stephanie,” Vivian moved toward her.
    Dorothy kissed them both on the head as they were carried to their room.
    They had laid Vivian’s girls on Stephanie’s bed, so they laid his girls on Charlotte’s.
    “ This is when I’m glad they both can sleep in normal sized beds.” He laughed quietly.
    “ Twin beds are not normal.”
    “ We’re going to have to figure out what to do when you move in here.”
    She’d bitten her bottom lip, but she didn’t say anything. They still needed to talk. He knew that was coming.
    Clayton pulled the door behind him as he walked to the living room, leaving it open just a crack.
    “ I’ll bet your girls all get along beautifully,” Dorothy said from the couch as she sipped her tea.
    Vivian picked up her mug and sat down in the chair. Clayton picked up his and sat next to Dorothy on the couch.
    “ They do,” he said smiling. “They want to be sisters.”
    “ Hmm,” Dorothy smiled from behind her mug. “Wouldn’t that be precious?”
    “ We haven’t made any plans,” Vivian was quick to add, her eyes darting from Dorothy to him.
    “ Oh, don’t be nervous about me,” Dorothy laughed. “I could tell there was something going on the moment you pulled up. I’m happy for Clayton. I really am.”
    He gave her a knowing grin before turning his attention back to Dorothy. “How long are you visiting?”
    She shrugged. “I don’t know. At least a few days,” she said. “I’m missing my girl. I’m missing my granddaughters. I sometimes think I should have