We clasped hands. I tightened my left and then my right. So thankful for this moment.
"Who's turn?" I murmur.
"It's Emma's turn. You went last night." Shane declares
I look at Emma. Her small hands are clasped in my own and her brothers. Her cheeks pinken, and she shakes her head vehemently. "I can't go...I can't do it." She whispers.
I smile at her. And know that everything inside of me, that was ever beautiful is in this little girl. Her eyes flash at me, such a light blue. Her hair waves in the innocent way of children.
I turn my head to her brother. "Shane."
He shrugs his shoulders and begins. "Dear Lord...Thank you for this food we are about to devour.." I smile at his words, keeping my head bowed.
I peek between my lashes, simply to look at them.
As he speaks his deep dimples flash. The light shines off of his glasses and my hand tightens involuntarily on his.
He is tall and beautiful like his father. His hand squeezes mine, and he peeks at me.
His shoulders are broad, and his heart is so good.
"...Amen." He nods his head and does his best to devour his food.
For a moment i simply watch him. It is amazing how much and how quickly he eats.
We discuss our days, and they laugh over Mickey getting play dough stuck in his ear.
"Mom. Do you need my fork?" Emma says quietly.
"No baby, why?"
She stares at me and I do not know why...so I stare back smiling. I laugh and she smiles.
"Mom always eats her vegetables with her fingers." Shane says between swallows of mass quantities of food.
I look down and I hold a green bean. I bring it to my mouth, looking at Emma. "what? It just tastes better like this." I shrug and smile as she tries it herself.
"Green beans still taste yucky." Her lips frown and my heart melts.
"You don't have to eat it Em...course you don't...if you don't like it."
I smile as Shane leans over and eats forkfuls of her green beans.
Shane is done first and he stands to clear the table. I hand him my plate as he walks by.
I sit there.
I sigh.
"Well...that was nice and healthy."
they nod their heads.
"Who wants sundaes?"
"ME!"
"MEEE!"
"Lord knows i do!" I say and I grab my keys.
I work all day simply to have nights like this.
