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Once we rounded all the exhibits and the girls started complaining about being hungry, we head to a cozy family restaurant. The warm lighting and cheerful chatter of other families create a comfortable atmosphere. As we settle into our booth, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me.
The girls eagerly peruse the kids' menu, debating between spaghetti and pizza. Chloe and I exchange amused glances over their animated discussion. When the waiter arrives, we place our orders – spaghetti for Zola, pizza for Penelope, and a shared platter of pasta for Chloe and me.
As we wait for our food, the conversation flows easily. Zola regales us with tales of her latest adventures at school, while Penelope chimes in with her own anecdotes. I find myself laughing more than I have in months, the joy of this makeshift family filling my heart.
Our food arrives, and we dig in with gusto. Between bites of pasta, we share jokes and stories. I watch Chloe help Penelopecut her pizza up into more manageable slices, and I'm struck by how natural this all feels. It's as if we've been doing this for years.
As the meal progresses, a comfortable lull settles over our table. The girls are focused on their food, giving me a moment to really look at Chloe. She catches my eye.
"Chloe," I begin, my voice low and serious, "I've been thinking... maybe we could start having sleepovers. Not just for the girls, but for us too. I want us to feel like a real family, in every sense."
"…I'd love that, Rendal. I think it's about time we started doing that. Besides, the girls would love it."
"So why not start tonight?" I ask, perking a brow. "If you're comfortable with that, of course."
Chloe nods. "Sounds like a plan."
After dinner, we return to Chloe's house to put the girls to bed. Once Penelope and Zola are asleep, Chloe and I find ourselves on the couch, the night quiet and intimate around us. I lean in, my arm wrapped around her shoulders, feeling the intensity of the moment.
"Chloe, I meant what I said earlier. I want to be with you, to wake up next to you every morning," I whisper.
I watch as Chloe's breath catches, her eyes widening slightly. Then, she nods, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"I want that too, Rendal," she whispers. "You have no idea how much I've wanted that."
Relief washes over me. I reach out, cupping her face gently in my hands. Slowly, I lean in, closing the distance between us. Our lips meet in a deep, passionate kiss. It's different from our previous kisses—this one is filled with promises, with hope for our future together.
I pull her closer, savoring the feel of her body against mine. The kiss deepens, and I pour everything I feel for her into it – mylove, my commitment, my desire to build a life with her and our girls.
When we finally break apart, both of us are breathless. I rest my forehead against hers, not wanting to lose this connection.
"I love you, Chloe," I murmur, my thumb gently caressing her cheek. "You and the girls mean everything to me."
"Careful," she whispers. "We can't be too loud. We might wake the girls."
"You're right," I say softly, running my hand through her hair. "So nothing crazy tonight, huh?"
She blushes immediately, swatting at my chest. "Oh, Rendal, don't say that."
Instead of teasing her further, I think back on our day at the zoo instead. "You know," I say, gently nudging Chloe, "I think those penguins might have some competition in the waddling department. I didn't know those kids had such good moves."
Chloe laughs, the sound warm and rich. "Oh, don't remind me! I thought Zola was going to fall over at any moment. And Penelope wasn't much better. They were stumbling around like little drunk penguins."
"Hey now," I tease, "that's my daughter you're talking about. She's clearly inherited my grace."
"Totally."
We both burst into laughter, trying to keep our voices down so we don't wake the girls. Chloe shifts closer, resting her head on my shoulder. The weight of her against me feels right, like she belongs there.
"And let's not forget your brilliant idea to get ice cream after dinner," Chloe says, her voice tinged with amusement. "I swear, I've never seen two kids so determined to eat and waddle at the same time. I thought for sure we'd end up with ice cream all over the sidewalk."
I snort, remembering the sight. "Hey, they managed to keep most of it in their cones. That's a win in my book."
We fall into a comfortable silence, the memories of the day washing over us. I feel Chloe take a deep breath, then she speaks, her voice soft and sincere.
"Rendal," she says, lifting her head to look at me, "thank you. Thank you for fighting for us, for our love. I know it hasn't been easy, but..." She pauses, her eyes shining with emotion. "I'm so glad you didn't give up on us."
Her words hit me right in the chest, filling me with warmth. I lean in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Chloe, you and the girls are worth fighting for. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat."
