Hi, just a short little chapter before I start to get onto the meaty stuff. I have to warn you again though this is going to be pretty heartbreaking :(
"Do you think I should tell him or both of us together? Maybe both of us. Actually no, I think it should just be me. It's always just been the two of us, and I don't want him to be overwhelmed." They were snuggled up together in Walter's bed, having taken advantage of the rest of the team being out on a mission that had involved Walter and Paige staying in the garage.
"Paige"
"Maybe tonight once he's finished his homework. Or maybe it is better if I bring him back to the garage after school and we tell him together."
"Paige!" Walter added more forcefully this time, as he pulled her closer to him and kissed her affectionately on the nose. "It's going to be fine. And by fine I mean fine this time before you correct me! However you tell Ralph, whether it's just you or the both of us, will be the right way, because you're his mom, and you love him, and Ralph knows that, and he loves you, and he knows that you'd never do anything to hurt him. Okay? ...Okay?"
"Okay" said Paige, relaxing a little at Walter's words, before smiling reassuringly and placing a tender kiss on his lips. "Thank you. I, it's just, this changes everything you know. These past 2 months, you and me ... getting to know each other" she added mischievously, "they've been wonderful, but this, this makes it real you know. It makes us a family Walter."
"I know that" said Walter as he gently tucked some loose strands of Paige's hair behind her ear.
"It's not too late Walter you know. If this isn't what you really want then you have to tell me. I can handle it but Ralph ... he adores you, and if you decide somewhere down the line that this wasn't what you really wanted then, well he wouldn't cope so well."
"I don't understand" said Walter, puzzled. "Have I given the expression that I don't want to be with you?"
"No" Paige replied, laughing gently. "But I've never been in love with someone like you before Walter ... and it still scares me. What if you lose interest? What if I'm just another project for you and as soon as you complete it you'll be onto the next thing."
"That's impossible"
"Why is it impossible?" Paige retorted, frustration creeping into her voice. "Walter you don't treat these things like most people, and this, love, a relationship, is new to you.
"I'm aware of that Paige, but all I know is that you're the most important person, thing, in my life, and I realise now what matters most. And that's because of you. Without you nothing else makes sense. And besides, I could never lose interest in you because you surprise me everyday."
"Walter" Paige laughed, "you have to stop putting me on this pedestal. I have flaws just like everyone else you know! But thank you, I needed that ... I love you Walter O'Brien."
"I love you too" he replied, before cupping her face and kissing her passionately. He would never get used to how good Paige's lips felt on his. "So" he said, as they eventually broke apart for breath. "Why don't you go and pick Ralph up, and head to Kovleskys for dinner, and tell him there. I can come and join you after if you want. And if you decide it's not the right time, place, then that's okay too. How does that sound?"
"Perfect" Paige smiled, before reluctantly making her way out of the bed. "By the way, you know we need to tell the other guys also ... although something tells me that they already know!"
"Oh for sure" Walter smiled. "I'd be disappointed if they didn't!"
"So you and Walter? Together? ... Romantically? Like, kissing and stuff? Ughh!" Ralph pulled a face that Paige couldn't help but smile at. He might be a genius but he was still just a kid!
"So what do you say sweetheart?" Paige asked tentatively. "How do you feel about our little family growing to 3 people?"
"Soooo, is Walter going to move in with us?"
"Yes, if you're okay with that. And then maybe we can start looking for somewhere a bit bigger." Paige smiled. "But if this isn't want you want Ralph, then I want you to be honest with me okay?"
"Okay"
"Okay what?" Paige asked. "You've gotta give me more than that Ralphy!" Paige laughed.
"I want you to be happy mom. And I know that Walter makes you happy, and you make him happy, so then that makes me happy too. And this means Walter and I get to hang out more right?" he added excitedly.
"Yes" Paige laughed, but it doesn't mean you get to stay up all night working on things when you should be sleeping okay? Nothing changes in that respect Ralph! And Walter knows that too so no trying it on with him because he's on my side on this!"
"Okayyyyy" Ralph grumbled, before scooting out of the booth and making his way over to Paige and surprising her with a big hug.
"Hey, what's this for?" Paige said, as she wrapped her arms round her son rightly, welling up in response to her son's show of affection.
"I'm just glad you're happy" Ralph whispered. "And I'm glad it's with Walter."
"Me too sweetheart, me too."