Everything & More (Book 1 in the E.C.N Series)

Chapter 45-Jonathan

Happy Puerto Rican Day Parade!! 🇵🇷
————————-
Music was playing, keeping us in a zone and was also helping Paige stay focused on her task without getting distracted.

I was standing at the kitchen counter chopping peppers into tiny squares as Martha started putting pasta into the boiling water. She was running around the kitchen making sure all the ingredients were out and ready. I was actually glad when I saw that she wasn't done cooking dinner. This way we could spend time together. Cooking was never my strong suit but I wanted to show her how much fun we could have. Like when we had our first apartment together. I didn't want to just show up and eat, I didn't want her slaving away in the kitchen.

Why not? She did through your marriage.

"Are you done chopping the peppers?" She brought me out of my train of thought.

Looking at her, I realized how cute she looked in her apron. You could see the wear and tear because of how long she's had it. She's had that apron since before we met and never cooked without it. I always offered to buy her a new one but she would always say no.

"Yes...just finished." Smiling at her which she returned though it wasn't as genuine. I knew she was feeling weird and uncomfortable with me in the kitchen. I didn't give her time to object to the idea of helping her because I had also implied Paige would be helping.

We had Paige stirring the sauce in a bowl as she sat at the kitchen table. She had her own apron on so she wouldn't mess up her sundress. I was beyond happy to see her wearing it. Even though it's getting into the colder months we were inside so it didn't hurt anyone.

"Great thanks." Martha grabbed the chopping board but paused as she looked down at my handy work.

Her gaze met mine slowly as she created a judgmental look on her face, "What?" I asked, completely oblivious.

"What the hell is this?" She was holding the chopping board and directing it in my direction.

Words dragged out of my mouth cautiously, "The chopped peppers..."

She gave the chopping board a long blink before huffing a breath of clear disappointment. "They're all different sizes.....look at this one it's the size of a meatball Jonathan."

The slight chuckle that left her lips was everything I wanted to hear. That chuckle is something I haven't heard in months. Picking up the knife I had set down on the counter she began chopping the peppers to her liking and pushed the peppers into the pan. The sizzle was heard as the food came into contact with the hot oil.

"There, that's how it's done." I noted the sarcasm in her tone as she tried to show off.

"Yes chef." I had a playful tone about it but I knew she didn't miss the slight flirtation that was underneath it as well.

Ignoring my comment completely, she started searching the counter for other ingredients to add to the pan. As she got some pre chopped onions from the counter, I saw by the look in her eyes she was still looking for something.

"Looking for something?"

"Um... yea I think I forgot the minced garlic in the fridge." She said as she added the onions to the pan. Soon she was turning to go to the fridge but I cut her off, beating her to it.

Martha stopped in her tracks and gave me a slight smile that said she was grateful to have more hands in the kitchen for once. The first few years of our marriage were like a honeymoon phase, we cooked together...mostly her bossing me around cause I had no idea what I was doing.

Still don't

We laughed about it all the time but it didn't matter that I didn't know, she always said she enjoyed teaching me. After that, for most of our marriage, I was always working and didn't make time for family dinners. She understood the time I had to put in to give us the lifestyle we deserved. Granted I had no excuse for this past year.

Idiot

As she continued to cook, I desperately wanted to talk but I knew small talk would only make this more awkward for her.

Moving in so Paige didn't overhear me I realized it's also been a while since I was this close to her. She smelled of vanilla and roses, her scent was intoxicating. How did I go months without being this close, without breathing her scent in? My thoughts were wandering and I shook my head from getting distracted.

"How has Paige been lately? " My voice made sure to come out casual.

Martha turned to look at me and our faces were inches apart. Her brown eyes captivated me. she doesn't think there's anything special about them but she's never been more wrong. Our eye contact never broke once as I saw her thinking about the question I asked.

"She's been okay, though you could always ask her." she said as she forced a smile on her face trying to convince me she was comfortable with our proximity.

I felt so comfortable standing in her space again I didn't want to leave it. I wish she would talk to me.

Taking a deep breath Martha diverted her gaze from me and continued cooking. When I didn't speak or move away she made the first move, "Paige sweetie how's it going over there?"

That was my cue that whatever moment that was, was over.

"Good!" Paige said happily as she stirred.

"You happy Daddy's here?" Martha vocalized without turning to her.

"Yes!"

Martha was nodding, continuing to stare at her task, "I always keep a promise baby."

With a crease in my forehead I lowered my voice, "Promise?"

"Paige had been wanting a family dinner and I promised that we could arrange something for her." She responded in a hushed tone.

Paige asked for this family dinner?

"Everything is okay again!" Paige said, grabbing both of our attention. Martha stopped what she was doing putting the food on a simmer as we both turned and looked at a doe eyed Paige smiling up at us.

"What do you mean?" This time I spoke because I was more confused than anyone.

"We're a family again, right? Daddy's coming home?" The hope floating in her eyes was killing me and I'm sure was killing Martha as well.

"Sweetie, we never stopped being a family." I want to believe Martha when she's trying to convince Paige but I think she's also trying to convince herself too.

All I saw in Paige's eyes was worry. "Daddy moved away, families are supposed to be together."

Martha suddenly looked like a fish out of water trying to find her words. The hope was diminishing by the second and I knew I needed to help even if I didn't believe the words that were coming out of my mouth. "Paige sweetie, listen to your mother. We never stopped being a family." I took a deep breath, "Whether I'm here or not, that will never change."

I took her into my arms and sat on the floor with Paige. Martha joined soon after sitting beside me. I moved Paige so her legs were now on Martha and she was sitting on me. Feeling us close was something that I definitely needed and I think they did too. Suddenly I felt Martha's head on my shoulder as she caressed Paige's leg cooing her. Paige looked up at us with tears in her eyes, I could tell she just didn't understand why this was happening. But I did.

All the decisions that were made to get us here, all the mistakes. I know this is my fault and feeling the weight of what I did has never been stronger than seeing both Martha and Paige break. Before I could stop myself, I was putting my left arm around Martha bringing her into me. Pushing Paige closer with my right trying to hold on to my family just a little longer.

----------------------------

Thank you for reading! This family dinner is far from over. 👀

Don't forget to Vote and Comment! 💓I love seeing people getting invested into these characters!☺️

Shout out to @JosefinaCervantes363 your support is everything! 🥹

Look out next week for the next chapter!🤘