A Soldier's Life

Chapter 56 - Boats and Birthdays

Y/n's POV:

Scarlett, Ava and I were sat enjoying our dinner, but my leg was bouncing with nerves. Today was the day that we were going to tell Ava that Scarlett and I are together. Last time I was in a relationship, Ava was 2 and doesn't really remember Lindsey. It's just been the two of us ever since. So, I have no idea how she is going to react. I know that she loves Scarlett so I'm hoping that she'll be happy that she is going to be a bigger part of our lives now.

This week had flown by. Scarlett and I had spent a couple of lunches together. The first one we wanted to go out to eat, but we both were struggling with not being able to be couply in public, so decided to have lunch at my place the next time. It was much more relaxed, and it was nice not having to be careful of how close I was to her or not holding her hand. Safe to say we made up for it when we were in the privacy of my home!

I wasn't really paying attention to the conversation between Scarlett and Ava. My mind was wondering how best to tell Ava. I could hear my heart beating in my ears. If she wasn't happy then I couldn't be with Scarlett. Ava is the priority, and she always will be. No, I can't think like that. It's going to be fine. Whilst I'm having an internal battle with myself, I felt a hand rest on my bouncing knee, stopping the movement instantly. I looked up to be met by a concerned gaze from my girlfriend.

Looking in her eyes instantly calms me, and I give her a reassuring smile that everything is ok. Whilst we were clearing up from dinner, Scarlett joined me at the sink, tea towel in hand to help dry. "Everything ok up there?" She asked, giving my head a gentle tap. "Yeah, just nervous about telling Ava." I explained and she hummed in acknowledgement. "You know we don't have to...." She started but I was quick to jump in. "Nope, I do want to tell her. More than anything, I don't want to hide us from her. I'm just over thinking." I interrupt and she smiles before checking where Ava was and then giving me a kiss on my head.

Once the dishes were cleaned, we made our way to join Ava on the sofa. "Can we watch Tangled?" Ava asked as I placed a bowl of popcorn on the table. "Sure, but can we talk to you first please bug?" I asked nervously. She nodded and turned to me. As Scarlett was sat to my left, I picked Ava up and placed her on my lap so we could both easily talk to her. I looked at Scarlett and she mouthed breathe, to me and I took a deep breath.

Before I could over think it too much I decided to just jump in. "Bug, Scarlett and I have something to tell you." I started and Ava looked at me confused. "As you know, we have been spending a lot of time together recently. That's because we like each other a lot." I tried to explain, and she smiled. "Like I like Gracie?" She asked and I laughed a little. "No not quiet like that. We like each other more than friends. Scarlett's my girlfriend." I shared and she didn't respond. I could feel my heartbeat increasing by the second.

"So, do you like kiss and hug, like Uncle Robert and Auntie Susan?" She asked and we both laughed at the question. "Yeah, we do. It's how we show each other how much we like them." I clarified earning a yuck from the 6-year-old. Ava looked between us and then looked directly at Scarlett. "Are you going to take my Mummy away from me?" She asked with a little tremble to her bottom lip.

Scarlett quickly sat forward and held her hands out to Ava and took her into a hug. "No, no, no, of course not! I like spending time with your mom, a lot. But I also want to spend more time with you. I promise, I won't be taking your mom away from you ever." She reassures her and Ava hugs into her, making my heart melt. "Are you ok with us being together?" I asked, hoping she would be ok.

She nodded with a small smile. "Does that mean I get to spend more time with Scarly?" She asked excitedly. "Oh yeah! We're going to have so much fun together!" Scarlett responded with the same level of excitement. "You're gonna end up stealing my girlfriend. I can't compete with that cuteness!" I mumbled with a fake pout. "Aw babe, I'm all yours. But you're right. There is no competition!" Scarlett teased and I played at being hurt.