Second Chance at Love

Chapter 26

Waking up the next morning, I feel refreshed. When’s the last time I slept so good?

Turning to the other side, I see no one.

Where’s Mathieu? Did he leave!?

Sitting up, all my doubts start resurfacing. War this just for one night? No, that can’t be, we didn’t even have s*x! He took care of me and my needs last night. Why did he leave before I got up?

‘Hahaha’

Laughter? Is Kaylee up? Why would she be laughing alone? Did Alex show up here this morning?

Getting up, I noticed that I’m still naked. Feeling the heat rising on my face remembering how I got to look like this, I get out clean underwear and clean a pajama. It’s still morning and I don’t feel like getting dressed already. It’s Sunday. Getting next to the door, I put on my knee-length silk bathrobe hanging behind it on the hook. I love this bathrobe, it's so light and soft.

Slowly walking up to the kitchen, I can hear Kaylee talking, but it’s not with Alex.

Taking a peek inside from the corner of the door, I see her and Mathieu getting all sorts of deliciously smelling food being put on the table.

“Good Morning Cheeky!” Mathieu says, making me jump.

When did he get closer to the door?

I must have been too concentrated on looking in I never noticed him walking up to me.

“I told you she’d get up if she smelled bacon!” Kaylee says laughing while putting plates on the table.

“I guess you were right. She hasn’t changed for that. Her stomach always used to get her up on the weekends.” He says giving me a quick kiss on the cheek before turning back into the kitchen grabbing a huge plate of fluffy waffles.

“Mom, close your mouth, you're drooling a little.” She says, mimicking whipping the corner of her mouth.

Realizing I did have my mouth slightly open; I turn red from embarrassment.

“Have you guys been up long?” I ask, still in a semi dazed sleep.

“I think, maybe one hour and a half, maybe a bit more. I’m not sure. We kind of lost track of time.” Kaylee says, not really paying attention.

They must have had a good talk, for her not to be anxious about or around Mathieu anymore.

Thinking about Kaylee starting to accept the fact that Mathieu is around, it warm’s my heart, making me look at them with bliss and a huge smile. I guess Mathieu got up and got breakfast ready with Kaylee. He didn’t leave. Why am I letting my imagination run wild like this? Am I that scared and insecure to be left alone and heartbroken?

I guess so.

I really need lo learn how to trust him again. I need to stop doubting him all the time. It will only hurt me in the long run. He’s proven to me since we met again that he’s here to stay and he doesn’t want to leave me alone. 

He is caring and thoughtful. He doesn’t get mad, upset, or get nervous when I talk about my past with Michael. He seems to accept Kaylee well too. They seem to get along so far. I wonder what Kaylee’s thinking about him staying over the night?

I still need to talk to her about my trip to the hospital yesterday. I really should have told her. Called or texted her to let her know and not find out from someone else that I got hurt. Getting new from someone else is not the right way.

Walking up to her, she seems to be very concentrated on cutting the remainder of her orange and setting them up like a sun on a plate.

I snake my arms around her, hugging her tightly.

“Mom, you are choking me!” She says with a muffled voice. “Mom! Let go!” She says trying to wiggle her way out of my arms.

Taking a step back, she turns around and looks at me funnily until she sees the expression on my face.

“Mom? What is it?” She asks anxiously.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call you last night. About me being in the hospital. I should have and I’m sorry you found out from someone else.” I tell her, placing my hand on her cheek.

“It’s ok mom. I overreacted last night. I just didn’t expect to see anyone else here with you. And when he told me you were in the hospital, I just got scared. How bad are you cut? “She asks, taking my injured hand in hers, looking at it from every angle. Not that she’ll be able to see anything through the bandages.

“It’s not that bad,” I tell her.

“It was bad enough for you to get 6 stitches, Tasha,” Mathieu says from in front of the stove.

Turning to look at him, I give him a dirty look.

“Mom! That is not a small injury! How that hell did you cut your hand so bad?!” She says, making me turn back to face her.

“It’s fine. I was cutting something on the cutting board and the knife slipped. I’m fine now, so don’t you worry your [pretty little head.” I tell her, rubbing the top of the head just the way I used to when she was younger.

“MOM! Stop that! I’m not a kid anymore!” She says, patting back down her hair.

“Ok, you two, breakfast is ready, let’s all dig in!” Mathieu says, putting a plate of hash brown on the table.

“I’ll put some coffee to brew…” I start saying, but when I turn toward the counter where the coffee machine is, I get face to face with my favorite cup full of homemade Ice Cap.

“Kaylee says you don’t really drink coffee, but drink this so I made you cup. I already have some coffee made for myself. So, let's sit down and enjoy the morning” He says, winking at me before sitting down at the table.

“Oh, wow!! Mathieu! This is SSOOO good!!!” Kaylee says, taking a huge bite out of her waffles.

“I did have the best helper.” He says, taking a bit out of his.

“They're not as good as my dad's though, but they're still good,” She says, freezing mid-bite, realizing what she said.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t…I…” She says, looking like she’s just murdered, someone.

Turning to look at Mathieu, I see him looking so calm. What is he going to do?

“Kaylee, it alright. You're allowed to think your father waffles are better than mine. I won’t be mad or upset or even offended about it. I know I’m not the best cook in the world. And your mom did say he was an amazing cook. What was your favorite recipe he made?” Mathieu asks, looking genuinely intrigued.

Kaylee looks so at of lost. But Mathieu’s answer seems to chock her more than anything.

“He used to make the best curry chicken…” She says to him with reddening cheeks.

“Do you know the recipe? I’d love to try it sometime if you don’t mind making it.” He says to her

Looking from one to the other, I can see the excitement appearing on Kaylee’s face, thinking about making her father’s favorite recipe.

“I do know it!! He showed me how so many times. And I make it with mom once in a while. I could make it next time you come over for dinner. I won let mom on the kitchen thought, you’ll have to help me.” She says to him.

“Why am I not allowed to be in the kitchen and help?” I say with fake indignation.

“You’ll only cut yourself again.” She says mockingly, making Mathieu laugh.

“Hey! This was just an accident. Have I ever cut myself like this before?” I ask.

“No, but if Mathieu’s here, he’ll distract you and you’ll probably hurt yourself again!” She says, pulling out her tongue at me.

“Ok, enough making me now! Eat your breakfast before it gets cold.” I say, taking a strip of bacon and eating it whole.

I think letting him stay over yesterday was the right choice.