Ben and Becs: A Novella

Chapter 8: Poptart

Bec’s POV

This month is flying by. Ben has been back working long hours. Our week of fun with the kids is now just memory. He worked his ass off getting caught up on things he missed. I feel bad but we loved having him all to ourselves those few days. Blaze comes over everyday and has been staying with us on the weekends. Apparently today we actually get to meet his father when he gets dropped off to us. “Hey baby doll, I’m going in late this morning so I can stay and meet Blaze’s dad.” Kids are still asleep, so I’m taking a few minutes to enjoy my coffee on our porch. Ben came out dressed in business casual and sat beside me. I nodded and rested my head on his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around me. “That guy is flying in this week about the partnership?” I ask. “Yeah, I’m meeting him in our main office. Do you and the kids want to come with me and stay in the city for a few days? We can see if Blaze can come along. Mom and dad are coming too.”  I hear a smile in his voice before I could respond. “We can use the firm’s helicopter.” He adds. “That would be awesome, the kids would love that. I think we still have some clothes at the apartment so I don’t really need to pack anything.” We decided to keep our apartment in the city knowing Ben and his dad would have to go into the main office on occasion. We almost always go with them. The kids love it so much. “Good. I’m meeting that asshole that stood us up in New York. How about you, mom and the kids meet me and dad at the office and I take everyone out for lunch after my meeting? Dad and I will use the company truck. I booked you a rental already.” He smirked. He knew I would never say no to coming with him. “Sounds perfect Benny.” Just then we see a Lincoln Town car drive up and park in front of our house. I already hear Blaze crying. Ben and I stood up as the driver got out and opened the door for Blaze’s dad and Gina. They looked like f*****g movie stars. His dad is a bit older and distinguished looking but gives off a darkness. Now with all the s**t I’ve been through, I’m not afraid of much. But his presence is unsettling. Thank God Ben stayed home for this. He must have felt the same way because just as I step closer to him, he wraps his arm around my waist and tucks me into his side. They walk over towards us as the driver gets Blaze out of his car seat. As soon as his little feet hit the ground, he ran into my arms and cried into my neck. I will never forget the heaviness of his tears. His father looks taken aback but quickly masks his emotion. “Good morning, I’m Ben Wilder and this is my wife Rebecca.” Ben held out his hand for a handshake. As soon as Blaze’s dad takes it, it’s a power struggle of two alpha males. Luckily for me, not many men compare to Ben. He had a good 6 inches and 50 pounds on this guy. “William. William Dalton.” Man of few works apparently. “So like, these are the people who are willing to babysit for free.” Gina spoke up but never took her eyes off her phone. William nodded subtly and eyed Blaze in my arms. His sobs quieted but he kept his face hidden. “As I’m sure you realized, I am a very busy man. I believe Gina gave you our driver’s number. If anything is ever needed for my son, you can call him.” With that he turns away as Gina follows closely behind. No goodbyes to us or his son. “Well, that was unpleasant.” I whisper.

Ben guides us into the house as I gently rock Blaze in my arms. “Can I hold him?” Ben asks as he tenderly runs his fingers through Blaze’s hair. Blaze looks up at Ben and reaches out for him. He looks so small in Ben’s arms as Blaze rests his head on Ben’s chest. Ben bends down just enough to steal a kiss from me before taking Blaze upstairs to his office. Thankfully the kids still seem to be sleeping.

Ben’s POV

“Hey buddy, can you look at me?” I sit on the small couch in my office with Blaze. He picks up his head and wipes his tears away with little fists. He looks defeated and worn out. No kid should ever feel this way. He may have a father, but definitely not a daddy. The was no love between the two. How do you not at least say goodbye to your kid? “You are a good boy, Blaze. Becca and I love you so much.” I look him right in the eyes. He needs to know he is loved. The tears build up again as small sobs escape his lips. “Aiden, Carter, Greyson and Poppy all love you too.” Blaze hugs me as tight as his little arms allows him. “I love you too.” He whispers as I cradle his head against my chest. “I’m so glad to hear that.” I murmur. “You’re always safe with us little one. Becca and I will make sure you are happy and healthy. If you ever need to talk, you can always come to me.” I feel his little head nod. Is sniffles are slowly going away but he still hugs me tight. “Blaze, I’m going to ask you a couple things. Its okay if you can’t answer.” He nods again. “Does anyone hit you?” He shakes his head. “Ok, good I’m so glad. But you tell me if anyone does. Okay?” He nods. “Does anyone ever play with you or read bedtime stories when you’re at home.” He lifts his head up to look at me. “My mommy used too. But Becca does now.” I grab a couple tissues from the end table and wipe his face. “But nobody at home does?” He shakes his head and looks down. “Daddy doesn’t talk to me. Gina said its because I’m a  bad boy.” His voice is so small. I want to ask more questions but I won’t push it. Its time to cheer him up.

“Always remember, you are a good boy Blaze. You are sweet and kind. We all love when you come over to stay with us. You are strong and deserve all the love in the world.” I spread my arms wide to show him. Him and Becs are so much a like. I see why they connected so fast. “I will tell you that every time I see you. I promise.” I poke his nose and get him to crack a smile. “Now how about we go and see what’s for breakfast.” I pick him up so he can ride my shoulders. “Will Becca read to us today?” He asks. “I bet she will.” I chuckle. I know she will. She’d do anything to make this little boy’s day.

As we head to steps, I hear Poppy’s voice downstairs. “Good morning mommy! You look bootiful today.” Poppy is the definition of a morning person. I imagine she is hugging her mommy’s legs as Becs stands at the counter. “Thank you sweet girl. You look beautiful too.” Just as Blaze and I hit the last step, I see Becs kiss Poppy’s forehead and runs her fingers through Poppy’s bedhead. She hears us and turns. “Hi daddy…BLAZE!! You’re here!” Poppy cheers jumping up and down. I set Blaze down as he starts wiggling in excitement too. “What am I, chopped liver?” I pout. Poppy doesn’t even respond before she has Blaze in a hug. Becs is laughing but comes up to me. “Poor Benny, you’re not chopped liver to me.” She pecks my lips and rest her head on my shoulder as we watch the kids. The boys come down a minute later.

“Okay, little ones. Its cereal day. What kind do you want?” Becs walks over to the cabinet and starts pulling out boxes of cereal. “Oatmeal with blueberries!” Greyson pipes up first. That kid and blueberries. “Lucky charms.” Aiden and Carter say at the same time. Blaze walks up the counter and looks at his options. Every time we offer him food, his eyes get so wide. Dalton either feeds him basic tasteless food or the over the top hoity toity food that no kids really likes. “You can choose any kind you want, Blaze. I have fresh fruit we can add to oatmeal or cheerios if you want.” Becs kneels down to his level. “Try blueberry oatmeal, like me!” Greyson smiles. “Okay.” Blaze nods with a smile. “We have strawberries and raspberries we can add.” Becs says. “Can I have blueberries and strawberries?” He asks. “Sure can, sweet boy. Poppy, what would you like?” Becs says as I help Blaze up on the chair. “Poptarts! I want poptarts!” Poppy giggles. “I love cherry poptarts!” She twirls around before climbing on the chair next to Blaze. “Oh we know, Poppy seed.” I chuckle and tug at one of her curls. Just as Greyson loves blueberries, Poppy loves poptarts. “I’m gonna call you Poppy poptart!” Blaze giggles next to her. 

Great, they’re at the nickname stage now…..

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