Not his family

He gets an idea

A week later

*Catalina*

I am sitting in the garden, watching the kids play around with a ball. I have given Lucia a couple of days off. Suddenly my text alarm goes off and I see it is a message from Zac.

> Hi Catalina, just wanted to hear if you are okay ? Zac Hi Zac, I am fine, thank you so much for caring. Rafael is away on business so I'm a bit bored, sitting here at home with the kids. But it is better than the alternative Well I am just sitting here kind of bored too. If you want to go out doing something with the kids, I would be happy to help you. Zac It is very kind of you to offer, but I am sure you have more important things to do than babysit kids with me. Catalina No not really to be honest, I know it’s sad. I would love hanging out with the kids, so send me your address and I will swing by, then we can find out what to do. Zac <

I smile to myself, apparently he isn't giving up, so I text him my address. The kids will love seeing him again, they liked him and they need a positive male role model in their lives. I still worry if this was a smart thing to do.

*Zac*

When I drive up in front of the address I do a double take, it is a big two story ranch style house, there is no doubt the family has serious money. A house like that, in this area, I doubt I could afford it, if I had a desire for something like this.

I park in front of the house, going to ring the door, wondering not for the first time why I am actually doing this, if I really just want to be helpful.

"Hi Zac, come on in". It is Catalina herself that opens the door, looking absolutely stunning in a white summer dress that compliments her skin perfectly.

I smile at her, before following her inside. "Hi Catalina. Wow this really is some kind of house, it is really beautiful".

"Thank you. You really didn't need to come, but thank you for doing it. The kids are so very excited". She says, as I follow her out into the giant backyard, seeing the kids play with a ball.

"Zac, hi". Angel yells, as all three kids come charging over.

Angel throws herself around my leg, and I squat down to hug her. "Hi there princess".

She grins happily at me.

"Hi boys". I say, ruffling their hair and they both answer hi, they really are great kids, and I actually really look forward to spending some time with them. "So kids, what would you like to do today if you could choose anything ?"

"Seaworld, because daddy won't take us". Angel says.

At the same time Gabriel yells. "Waterpark, I want to go swimming".

Catalina looks at me apologetically before saying. "Now kids, that is way too much to ask, we can go to the park or something like that okay ?"

The kids look like someone just took away their Christmas presents and I get a crazy idea, but I need Catalinas approval first. "Look kids, I might have a perfect idea, but I just need to talk to mommy first, so could you please go play for a bit okay ?"

And the kids nod, running out to play with their ball again. I turn towards Catalina. "How long will Rafael be away, and can you leave overnight without trouble ?"

"He will be away for about a week from today and yes it shouldn't be a problem, but why ?" She looks curious and a bit nervous too.

I run a hand through my hair, unsure if I am overstepping boundaries here. This is somewhat out of my comfort zone. "Well I thought that if seaworld and waterparks is what they really want, then we could drive down to San Diego today, do one of the things tomorrow and the other the day after, and drive back home that evening. If it is okay with you of course ?"

"The kids would love it, but it is too much to ask of you … Problem is also that if I do something like that Rafael will find out, he checks my account". She says, looking at the kids, clearly wanting to say yes for them.

I just smile. "Don't worry about being an inconvenience, I don't have kids of my own, and I might never get any, I would love to do it, and don't think about the money either, let it be my treat".

"You really are a saint, but I can't accept that, it is way too much". She says, placing her hand on my arm, looking into my eyes, making my heart skip a beat.

I breathe in deeply. I am wondering once again why I am actually doing this, do I have ulterior motives ? "Look just tell me, will the kids love it ? Would you like to do it ? And can you do it without getting in trouble ?"

"Yes, to all three questions". She shakes her head in a way that is telling me that I am impossible, but smiling at the same time.

I smile back at her. "Okay then, go pack your bags. I can watch the kids while you do it, and we stop by my place for my bag on the way".

"Okay then, it seems like you are not giving up here". She says, and disappears into the house.

I can’t help feeling elated as I call the kids over, telling them where we are going. The news makes them jump around clapping their hands, screaming for joy.