What? Steve asked, wondering if he had heard right what she said.
Why did I listen to the voice of the heart and not hear the voice of reason? Now I'm going to have three children with a married man! Catherine said, upset.
But are not two? Steve asked.
Three counting on Steven, of course. She answered.
Catherine, I'm not married. We just lived together. And she left two days ago. I'm free to be happy with you if you'll accept me with my son. He said with a smile.
She left? Are you serious?
Yeah. And she didn't even say goodbye to John. I don't care that she had a lover, I don't care she left. I just don't accept that she didn't say goodbye to John. He doesn't deserve this.
Poor John! What mother does such a thing? That's why he's so sad! Catherine said.
Steve approached.
And as for the babies, I hope they are two girls. I'm happy!
Really? Catherine asked.
Yes, very happy. Come here! Steve said hugging her.
You didn't answer me if you accept me with John. Steve said.
Of course yes. I just don't know if he'll ever like me one day.
Who doesn't like you, Cath? He'll love you. You'll just have to be patient with him.
What if she comes back? Catherine asked.
I don't want her anymore. Never. Steve said, bending down to kiss her, but was interrupted by Steven.
Mommy! Steven came running, calling for Catherine.
What, son?
My brother is hungry! And me too!
I'll prepare something tasty for you both. Catherine said.
I'm hungry too. Steve said.
Okay. I'll prepare something for you three. Catherine said, smiling.
Daddy, come and play with us. Steven said, pulling Steve by the hand.
Steve looked at Catherine.
Go play with them. Talk to you later. She said.
All right. Steve answered her.
Steve sat down to play with the boys.
What are you doing? Steve asked John and Steven.
We paint. Now I'm going to get the puzzle you gave me, Daddy. Steven said, very happy that his father and brother were there.
What about you, John? Are you enjoying playing with your brother?
Yes Dad. But I'm hungry. John said.
Mom's making a delicious lunch for us, John. Steven said, euphoric.
Take the puzzle, son. Steve asked.
Steven took the box with the puzzle.
It's heavy, Dad!
I'll get it to you, son. Steve said, standing up.
Catherine was happy in the kitchen. She thought she would have two more children by herself, but Steve said he would be with her.
Oh my God! I'm so happy! So happy! So happy! She thought, smiling.
Catherine made the lunch and set the table.
Boys, I'm going to serve lunch. Catherine screamed for them to hear in the bedroom.
Yay! Lunch is ready! Let's eat. Steve told the children.
John was shy at the table.
Steve, did not you change John's clothes? Make him more comfortable. Catherine said.
I'll do it after lunch, Cath.
Catherine served Steven's food. She was glad that Steven felt like eating again.
Catherine looked at John.
Do you want your food like Steven's food, my dear? Catherine asked.
John shook his head, saying yes.
Answer, John. Steve said.
Catherine motioned for Steve to stop.
He already answered, Steve. I get it. Catherine said, putting the food on John's plate.
Here it's, John. I hope you enjoy my food.
Thank you. John said in a low voice.
You're welcome. Catherine replied.
Catherine ate lunch slowly, while Steve and the children ate fast.
You three eat the same way. That's impressive!
Steve smiled.
I miss one dessert. Catherine said.
Chocolate Cake! Steven said.
Good, Steven! Catherine said.
I like chocolate cake. John still spoke shyly.
Me too, John. Catherine said.
Catherine looked at Steve.
Steve your kids want chocolate cake. All your children. You understood me? Catherine said, showing him four fingers.
I understood. Where do I find chocolate cake in this town? Steve asked, smiling.
Two blocks from here. Put the coat on. She said, smiling.
What do I not do for all my children? Steve said, showing her four fingers.
Steve left and Catherine called John to take off his shoes.
Steven, lend a slipper to your brother. Catherine asked.
You want dinosaur feet, John?
I want to. John said, smiling for the first time.
I'll get it! Steven said, going into the bedroom.
Catherine also changed John's clothes and was affectionate with him.
Some time later Steve came back with the cake.
Look, Dad! I have dinosaur feet. John said, showing Steven slippers.
How cool, son! Very good!
What about me, Daddy? Steven asked.
My brother has rabbit's feet. John said, laughing.
That's cool too, Steven.
Did you bring the cake, Steve? Catherine asked.
Yes, it's here. He said, putting the cake on the table.
Come, children! Catherine said, smiling.
At night the boys slept. Steve covered them and kissed their foreheads.
Good evening, my children. Love you.
He went to the living room and Catherine was on the balcony, looking at the landscape, pensive.
Hey, it's freezing out here. He said, hugging her from behind.
You warm me up. She said.
Steve kissed the back of her neck.
Sailor, don't tease me ...
Where am I sleeping today? Steve asked.
Where do you want to sleep?
Do you still ask? Steve said, turning her to face him.
Steve kissed her intensely and she gave herself to that kiss.
Steve broke the kiss and looked into her eyes, caressing her face with his thumb.
Marry me, Cath?