Kim awoke the next morning wrapped in Adams arms. She smiled realizing it has been a peaceful night, no nightmares, no flashbacks. She really started to wonder if having Adam in her life was the reason behind the nightmares going away. She knew he was the reason she was more comfortable physically. She had honestly never felt this comfortable with any man physically till she found Adam again. She knew tough days would be coming as their relation evolved but also as the date got closer. Kim still went into a depression around the date of her rape. And this would be the first time in a very long time that she would have someone around to help her survive this. Eric has been around for some of them but he was never able to handle the actual day. Kim would be so catatonic that he would leave frustrated. She could only hope this year would be different.
Adam had woken up and noticed Kim was awake but staring off in space. She was deep in thought. He watched her wondering where her mind was at. However he was thrilled that she had another peaceful night sleep. He knew it could be a fluke but he hoped that them being together was the key to her nightmares going away. He felt a sense of pride knowing that he was able to help Kim with her intimacy issues but also the nightmares. He had no idea things would get so physical last night and the joint shower was such a shock but he was beyond proud of her. Not only was she allowing someone to touch her but she was willing to try new things. She also has been voicing her concerns and things she wants. He couldn't be more proud of her.
Adam was ready to let Kim know he was awake and watching her. "Darling. What are you thinking about?" Adam asked as he rubbed her arms. "Hey good morning!" Kim leaned over to kiss him quickly. "I was just thinking about us. Thinking about how comfortable I feel with you, how it's never been like this with anyone. I'm excited to see where it continues to go. However I'm also nervous for a future date. I um always get really depressed around the time of the rape. Every year it's bad. No one has been able to handle it. I just fear what's going to happen when we get closer to that time frame. I just think it's something I want to talk about closer to that date and maybe you can come with me to the support group meeting that day. I go every year on that day. And I go to a lot of therapy that week. It's hard to deal with it." Kim whispered the last parts.
Adam pulled her into arms tighter. "Whatever you need! I will never leave you again! I'm all in for everything. Therapy appointments, support groups, holding you while you cry, anything to make things better I will do. I want you to know how proud of you I am. You have been so strong all these years. And you have been so courageous this week trying new things and being vulnerable with me. I can't wait to see where we continue to but no matter what, I'm here for you Kim. You are the love of my life." Adam kissed her forehead before just holding her tight. Allowing her to feel and process her emotions.
After a few Adam asked a question he wanted to answer to even though he was nervous. "Are we moving too fast for you? Is that maybe causing some issues this morning?" God He was nervous. "Maybe but the thing is is that it's not scaring me! Ordinarily I would have flashbacks or nightmares but I'm not. And while that's confusing, I'm excited about it. I definitely want to talk to my therapist about it all. But I truly am not scared about us. Maybe down the line when things get more physical I might get scared and probably will but right now I'm good. Just need someone to talk things out with." Kim kissed Adam before changing to subject.
Adam smiled into the kiss being completely happy with her answer and feeling relaxed about their current life. "So today as you know Eric is coming here. He will be here most likely after dinner. He is staying in the guest room but I don't know how you would feel about being here with him. I do want you guys to meet, I'm just not sure about the rest. It's a little awkward you know. Tomorrow I have a massage scheduled for the afternoon since Allie will be busy with him all day. I know you want to spend time with Riley alone which I completely understand so maybe today we spend the second half together so you can meet Eric and tomorrow we spend it apart? Does that make sense?" Kim asked as she pulled away a bit to look up at Adam.
"Totally makes sense. And I agree with the plan. I think we will stay at my place tonight so it's less awkward with Eric. I know you have been over with him for years but it's still strange so it's good. It will also be a good test to see if you have a nightmare tonight or not. And I hate to say this but I hear little feet coming this way!" Adam laughed as the door flew open with two little ones running towards the bed. "Well good morning little ones!" Kim laughed as she hugged her daughter. "Morning mommy, morning Adam!" Allie was pumped this morning. "Good morning sweetie. Morning Ry guy!" Adam kissed his sons cheeks, they were chubby and absolutely adorable. "Morning!" Riley was still very tired from yesterday so he just snuggled closer to Adam and closed his eyes again.
Kim got out of the bed with Allie and left the boys to snuggle more. The girls got drinks for all of them before Allie started to get ready for their run. "Here's a coffee for you and a juice box for Riley. I'm going to get ready for our run." Kim leaned down to kiss Adam before heading into the bathroom to get ready. When she came out Riley was out cold again. "Okay we are going for a run. Stay as long as you need. Let him rest, it's all good. Love you baby!" Kim kissed Adam softly before turning to leave. "Love you too darling. See you when you get back." Adam whispered as he didn't want to walk his son.
While girls were running Adam played on his phone trying to find things to do with his son over the next two days besides beach time but also trying not to wake him. He was surprised Riley was still sleeping but he probably only got an hour nap yesterday so maybe it wasn't such a surprise. He took a photo of his son sleeping and sent it to his parents since they hadn't seen him all week. He smiled at the responses from his parents and step parents. They all commented about how adorable he looked. Riley started to wake again after about 30 minutes because he needed to potty. Adam helped him to the bathroom and then offered him some juice. He was still tired so they moved to the deck and Adam sat in the rocker with Riley in his arms. They stared out at the water till Riley started to wake up more. Once he was more awake they headed inside to find something to eat while they waited for the girls to get home.
After breakfast the boys took a shower and got ready for the day which was just in time for the girls to get home. "Well hello! Look who is more awake. Are you better now?" Kim asked Riley as he was walking towards them. "Yes Kimmie! We had breakfast!" Riley was definitely in a better mood now. "Well that's good! Allie and I are going to eat now. We are hungry!" Kim laughed as she tickled his belly. Allie was already in the kitchen looking for food. Adam walked in to help her get some food started. Kim followed behind to make them something good to eat. Kim started to cut up some fruit and started cooking the turkey bacon before starting the oatmeal. "Hey we are gonna get going but I will see you later tonight, Okay?" Adam offered as Kim was working away. "Of course. Have a great afternoon. See you soon. Love you baby!" Kim kissed him and kissed Riley before they headed towards the door. "Love you too darling! Allie come say bye please!" Adam called out. Allie ran towards them and gave hugs before going back to the kitchen. Food was the only thing on her mind right now.
The boys headed home and decided to spend most of the day on the beach playing in the sand and jumping the waves in the ocean. Adam had made sandwiches and brought fruit and some veggies for snacks for later. He really wanted to create memories with his son. Adam has memories with his parents but he also has more memories of when they didn't show up for him. He wanted to be the best father he could be especially since he didn't have a mother. So he had to be super dad, it was tough but he loved it. "Daddy! Where Kimmie? Where Allie?" Riley asked apparently already getting used to them being around. "They are having a day together so you and I can spend time together too. We will see them later I promise." Adam smiled as he son jumped up and down. Obviously excited to see them again later.
The girls made their way to the beach and spent the afternoon playing sports in the sand and water. As they enjoyed lunch Allie decided to ask some questions she had been thinking about. "Mommy can I ask you some questions?" Allie asked as she sipped on her drink. "Of course! You can ask anything you want." Kim assured her wondering where this is going. "Mommy do you love daddy?" She asked shyly. "Of course I love your daddy. He's one of my best friends and he gave me you." Kim was t sure where this was going. "But you said you love Adam." Allie was confused. "Yes I love Adam so much. I always have. It's hard to understand but it's a different type of love that I have for Adam. It's also different than the love I have for you." Kim was still wondering what was going on here. "Why are you and daddy not together? Why are you with Adam?" Allie asked. Okay this is where this was going.
"Well you see when mommy and daddy were together we fought a lot. We wanted different things. We knew staying together just because we had a child wasn't going to work. My parents stayed together because of us kids and it made things worse. We both love you but we don't do well together. Part of that is because I loved Adam long before I met your father. I guess I just didn't know that till I saw him again. My heart feels whole again, the broken pieces are put back together again. Adam is my soulmate, the person I should have always been with." Kim tired to explain but Allie is 5, she won't get it. "Why did you leave Adam then?" Allie asked. "Well we were very happy together but then the bad man hurt me. After that I was very sad, very angry and I didn't love myself. I was also very scared to be around men because I was afraid to get hurt again. So I pushed Adam away. I wanted him to go find love and happiness that I couldn't give him. But it's been almost 13 years and we still love each other very much." Kim hope that made sense.
"Is Adam going to be my daddy now?" Allie asked sadly. "No baby girl! Daddy will always be your daddy. That will never change. If mommy and Adam get married a long time from.now then he would be your step dad just like I have a step dad and so does Adam. And that is really just another person to love and protect you." Kim really hoped that made sense to Allie. "Is Adam going to live with us?" Allie asked almost excitedly. "Maybe at some point but it won't be any time soon. He and Riley may spend the night some times but they won't move in for a long time." Kim was not in a rush to have them move in. That was a very big step and she wasn't ready. Allie seemed satisfied with Kim's answers and moved on to playing in the sand again. Kim was thankful since it wasn't a conversation she had planned on having today.
Kim heard her phone ding which brought her back to the present moment. She had been watching Allie playing and seeing a lot of the same mannerisms as herself. God only help her when Allie becomes a teen was her last thought before the ding. She saw it was Adam and got really excited to see the photo he attached. It was if him and Riley playing in the sand building a sand castle that was taller than Riley. She couldn't help but laugh. She replied with heart emojis and sent a picture of her and Allie relaxing in the sun. Adam sent back a heart eye emoji before returning his attention to his son who had just crushed the sand castle. Adam decided it was nap time so they headed back to his place so Riley could get some proper sleep.
The couple texted through out the day and neither was sure when Eric was going to arrive so they decided to do dinner together at a place on the water close by. That way they could head to the park afterwards and even get ice cream before heading back. Kim didn't mind either way as she liked to cook so it didn't bother her to eat at home but Adam insisted on taking them all out to eat. He hoped Eric would be around early enough for them to talk some before getting home and putting Riley to bed. It was strange thinking of sleeping alone tonight. Only two days in bed together and he couldn't imagine not having her in his arms. It sounded like torture.
As Allie was showering and getting ready Kim was still thinking about their conversation from earlier. It was strange how excited she was with the thought of Adam living with them. Kim wondered if she was really missing having a father figure in her life everyday. The arrangement with Eric sucked at best but at least it was something. He had never really wanted to be a dad but she wasn't going to let him off just because he was stupid and forgot to use the condom. He loved her that was for sure but the day in and day out stuff he couldn't handle. Leaving Kim to do everything. When Allie exited the bathroom she was in only her underwear. "Baby. Where are your clothes?" Kim laughed at her little streaker. "In my room I forgot them!" Allie giggled as she ran towards her room. Kim just laughed, Allie was 5 no need to freak out.
Kim showered quickly before getting in the car and heading to dinner with the boys. Kim hoped that Eric would arrive sooner than later but she didn't have much hope. And Eric always says hope is not a strategy. Kim always hated when he said that, it was beyond frustrating. The couple met up in the parking while getting the kids out of the cars. They walked hand in hand towards the tables and tried to get one that was covered. Kim burned very quickly in the sun and that was never fun. They talked about their days trying to avoid the elephant in the room, Eric was arriving tonight. Kim didn't want to think about it. She just wanted to enjoy family time together. Dinner was simple Tex mex food but it was the view of the water that was truly outstanding. After eating they walked to the park talking about the town and the changes and things Kim and Allie love to do.
The park was pretty quiet as most families were eating dinner so the family used that time to really enjoy the space and freedom. Riley was loving the slide and Allie was climbing the small rock climbing wall. She was definitely getting stronger and Kim had thoughts about taking her to a larger indoor rock climbing facility to see how she would do. But that wasn't right now, she still needed to grow some before that could happen. Kim phone buzzed around 7 it was Eric and he was finally on his way. He would get there around 8:30 or so. Kim was pissed. That was Allies bed time and he was cutting it close. Plus Riley needed to be asleep before that and they would be in the same room for a bit tonight. She responded with a Thanks for letting me know and turned her attention back to the kids.
They headed back to the cars shortly after and headed to Kim's to play a game before bedtime. Neither kid really interested in sleeping but both Adam and Kim knew they would crash hard once they got home. 8 rolled around and Adam took Riley into Allies room to sleep on the one bed. He was already half asleep in Adams arms so it was time. He returned to see the game cleaned up and Allie upset that daddy wasn't there yet. Kids dint tell time well so it was a challenge for her to understand but she was just so excited to see him. Especially since she didn't see him Monday like normal. When he finally arrived at 8:45 Allie was already asleep on the couch. Insisting that her daddy put her to bed. Kim let him in and he was visibly shocked when he saw Adam walking towards him with his hand extended for a hand shake.
"Hey man good to meet you. I'm Adam. I will let you get Allie to bed just be quiet when you enter my son is asleep in the extra bed." Adam ended the hand shake before grabbing a drink from the kitchen. He looked at Kim with a raised eye brow. She wasn't sure why though. Adam and Kim moved to the deck to talk since it was further from the kids in case it got loud. When he joined them he seemed to be uncomfortable. "So Eric, Adam wanted to meet you since we are together again and we want us all to get along since we know what it's like to grow up in broken homes where everyone fights. We hope you can appreciate that." Kim watched as he sat down just looking between them.
"God this is awkward. I really didn't think this was happening today. Kim look I'm glad you are happy but this seems quick. You introduced our daughter to him already? How do you know this guy is who he said he is? Like no offense man but it's my kid your hanging around." Eric made valid points. "Look I know it's fast but I finally feel whole again, my broken heart is healing, the pain is less and the nightmares have stopped. Please understand I would never expose Allie to anything or anyone I wasn't sure of. Hell shes not met my partner at work because he's a douche. You know that. We really want us all to be okay together so we don't have to split holidays and birthdays. Please try to understand." Kim wasn't sure she got through to him but he nodded okay.
"Look it's been a long day and I need some sleep so I can keep up with Allie tomorrow. I'm gonna turn in. Nice meeting you!" With that Eric went back inside. They watched as he entered his room before they started to talk. '"Well that could have been worse! But okay seriously what did you see in him? Really? Look at him, then look at me? Wow!" Adam was shocked. Eric was tall but over weight and starting to bald. He dressed well but he really wasn't her type at all. "Maybe that's why we were better as friends. You know I love your body but your heart is even better!" Kim winked at him. This would not be a night to play. Eric being here stopped that dead in its tracks.
"So how does this work with him and custody?" Adam asked since they never talked about it. "Well you know he lives on the east coast, Pennsylvania to be exact. He moved back after college for a job offer. He flies all over the country for said job, so he flies into Chicago Monday mornings to pick Allie up. He takes her to breakfast then to school. After that he flies out again. On Friday night he flies into Chicago picks her up from school, they hang out he takes her to dinner then brings her home and gets her ready for bed before he leaves again. One weekend a month he takes he for the entire weekend but usually they are still at my place. I'm basically a single parent." Kim shrugged, she was used to it at this point.
"Wow that sucks. I'm so sorry!" Adam kissed the side of her head before holding her hand and leaning back in the chair. They enjoyed the sound of the ocean for a bit longer till Adam decided to get Riley home to bed. It was hard enough leaving for the night so he figured the sooner the better. They had a quick make out session in Kim's room. They felt like they were 13 again hiding from their parents. It was hot and heavy and left them both craving more but knew it wouldn't happen, not tonight. He kissed her one last ti e before carrying his son to the car. She watched them leave before locking up and heading to her room. She was alone and sad. She really missed him already. But they had forever this time.