Chapter Five: A Beautiful Beginning

“Yes Benjamin, I have no problem accepting you but as a single mom my son's interest comes first.”

Benjamin smiled as he clasped her hand, surprising her more.

“You're a good mother, Emily, I'm sure your son is lucky to have you in his life,”

Tears pricked her eyes at his compliment, but she looked away, blinking them back before returning her gaze to his. Benjamin's clear blue eyes were staring into hers like he was looking at the most wonderful creature he’d ever set his eyes on.

“Thank you, Benjamin, maybe we can take things slow and see where they lead us?”

His hands that had still been subconsciously caressing hers, his lips parted in astonishment.

“I mean it, Benjamin. Let's give it a trial,” she blurted, as a smile spread around her features.

Overjoyed by her words, he gently pulled her hand towards his lips, kissing it softly, causing her to giggle.

“I'll take care of you Emily and you will never regret bringing me into your life,”

“Come on, please don't make me cry, it will ruin my makeup,” She joked, smiling harder.

They continued with their meal while conversing on random topics and getting to know each other. From the moment Emily accepted Benjamin's proposal, he felt as though he was at the top of the world.

Emily also felt happy but her heart was racing within her, scared of the outcome of her decision, but she stayed calm and enjoyed the moment.

****

Throughout the week, Benjamin and Emily had great moments, always having lunch together and getting to know each other better. It was no News that they were seeing each other, as everyone in the office had seen them leaving the office together multiple times. For the days Emily was too busy to go out for lunch, he made it his duty to get her food and stay in to eat with her.

Emily didn't know what she'd been missing until she accepted him into her life. She now looked forward to every lunch break knowing he would show up. Lunch time became her favorite time of the day at work.

It was the weekend and Emily was home with Ethan. She usually spent her weekends at home except when she had plans for the day. They were casually relaxing on the couch, watching a movie when the doorbell rang. She gently pulled off her hold on Ethan and rose to her feet to get the door.

As she opened the door, she saw Benjamin standing in front of her.

“Surprise,” he blurted out aloud.

She was stunned, an unreadable expression etched on her face.

“Be.. Benjamin,” she called in abruptly, as she blinked twice to confirm her eyes weren't deceiving her.

“Hello…” A small smile broke out on his face as he was unsure of Emily's reaction to his unexpected visit.

The previous day after work he had secretly followed Emily home, though he had asked her first if she had plans for the weekend but she said she wanted to spend the weekend with her son. So he decided to surprise them with a visit.

“How did you find my home?”

“I…might have secretly followed you yesterday,”

Emily stared at him surprised and confused about how to respond. It felt weird at first, she couldn't tell how she felt about his visit because they hadn't spoken about it, and Ethan was home.

She had different thoughts running through her mind but she shoved them.

“I'm sorry I didn't inform you.” Then he continued. “After you told me how you wanted to spend your weekend, I thought of surprising you, and taking you and your son out, that's if you agree, but I think it was a mistake, I should have told you…”

“It's okay, Benjamin,” Emily interrupted him, smiling. “Though I didn't expect this and I didn't prepare Ethan for your visit but I'm sure he would have loved to meet you,”

“Are you sure,” he asked, skeptically.

“Of course, please come in,” as she welcomed him by stepping out of the doorway to let him in.

“Ethan, we have a visitor,” Emily informed him, as he jerked up from the couch to come see who it was.

“This is for you and your son,” he brought forth his hands, handing her a box of chocolate and a bouquet of red roses.

“Aww…this is beautiful,” she smiled as she perceived the fragrance of the flowers. “Aren't they lovely?”

“You deserve the best my lady,” he winked at her, then his eyes caught Ethan who was lost in their midst.

“Ethan, meet my friend and colleague at work,” Emily explained to him as she crouched to his level.

Ethan stared at him for some time before walking towards him. “Hello, I'm Ethan,” Ethan introduced himself, smiling cheerfully at Benjamin with her palm stretched out.

Benjamin crouched to his level taking his small palm in his hand and smiling.

“Hello Ethan, I'm Benjamin, and you are such a cute little boy.”

“Thank you,” he smiled toothily.

“Ethan, Benjamin is my friend and he got this for you,” Emily said, handing her the box of chocolate.

A surprise look etched on the child's face, which made Benjamin glad.

“Thank you!” He exclaimed, then gave Benjamin a tight hug.

Benjamin was stunned at first, but later returned the hug after Emily nodded at him, smiling.

“I like you,” He blurted out.

“I like you too, handsome,” Benjamin responded.

Emily watched them with a smile on her face.

“Would you like to hang out with me? Your mom can also come along,” Benjamin offered, smiling at the little boy.

Ethan looked at his mom and she nodded at him. In response to Benjamin, she nodded her head.

“That would be great,” as she gave Benjamin a positive response.

Emily dressed Ethan up and also got into some comfortable clothes before they left the house for Benjamin's car.

Emily smiled, as she watched Benjamin walk Ethan to the car, her heart felt warm.

Maybe, this was what peace felt like, she thought to herself. But she was brought to reality by the thought of her past.

After he had fixed Ethan's seatbelt, he turned around to open the door for Emily.

“Take your seat, my lady,” he said with a bright smile.

“Thank you, dear,” Emily replied softly.

Benjamin got into the driver's seat and started driving.

The ride felt quiet.

On their way, Emily's phone vibrated in her bag. She picked up the phone to check,

It was a message from an unknown number.

“I'm coming for you both,”

Fear crept into her chest, tightening it.

Her hands began to tremble, as her phone flopped.