The Single Mom's Second Chance

The next morning, Joshua and Rosie come downstairs together for breakfast; the smell of fresh pancakes must have woken them. I didn’t sleep much last night, the conversation between Dylan and I played in my head over and over again. Joshua has always been so caring towards his little sister, he helps her up the table as I set pancakes, chocolate and strawberries down in front of them, “Wow” says little Rosie, “Thanks mummy” Joshua says as he tucks into the plate of pancakes, drizzling most of the chocolate on the table.It’s Saturday so Dylan would normally be home, but the children haven’t noticed yet, probably because they’re too busy getting sticky. They look so happy with chocolate all over their faces, how am I supposed to tell them Daddy won’t be living here for a while or even forever. I still don’t know what’s happening and he didn’t bother to try and contact me last night. I’m pleased he didn’t as I was too angry to speak to him then anyway. Harry is cooing away in his mo

Walking back home from the school drop off my head is whirling. Why would those words come into my head? ‘I’m going to be yours one day!’The whole walk back I can’t stop thinking about my mystery man. He has the kindest face, he’s tall, handsome and I can imagine being wrapped up in his strong arms. I have never had such irrational thoughts about a complete stranger before, what is wrong with me? Anyway, I’m sure he’s taken, he must have a child that goes to the school, maybe in Rosie’s class as I’ve never seen him before.I pop in to see Liana. Harry and Luna play happily together while Liana laughs at me for crushing on some random guy I saw for about two seconds.“Seriously Liana, it’s completely irrational for me to be thinking about him this much but I can’t get him out of my head!”“You’ve been single for nearly two years, maybe it’s your bodies way of letting you know you need to go get some” Liana says with a wink and a cheeky smile on her face.“ha-ha, I don’t think my body

It’s getting late and my tummy starts to rumble. Leaving Penelope snoozing in the living room, the children and I head out to find the local shops. Although it’s October the air feels warm, I can smell the salty sea air and hear the waves crashing in the background. There’s a store called Applejacks that seems to sell everything and will be perfect for us to stock up on what we need for the week, but a wave of delicious smelling chips wafts our way, and we head straight for the local chip shop. As we enter, we’re welcomed with warm smiles by the owners, it looks as though it’s run by one big happy family, working in harmony. The shop is full of expectant customers, which I see as a good sign of a decent chip shop. We order our food and walk down to the beach. Sitting on the sand with our food wrapped in paper, we dig in and it tastes incredible. The children are making yummy sounds as they eat their hot chips smothered in salt and vinegar and in this moment, life feels perfect. “Ca

“Happy birthday princess” I say as I stroke Rosie’s soft hair, she opens her sleepy eyes and wraps her little arms around my neck. We have a cuddle in her bed for a few minutes until she remembers it’s her party today. “Party time! It’s my party today!” she kicks her duvet off and jumps out of bed, doing a funky dance around her room and wiggling her bum. She slips straight into her Cinderella dress without taking her pyjamas off and runs downstairs.I spent the evening decorating the house and I can hear her excited squeals as she takes everything in “wow mummy this is amazing!”I join her downstairs and she gives me a big hug. “Thank you Mummy”“You’re welcome my darling, let’s go and get your brothers up”. *The house is filling up with Rosie’s school friends. I still haven’t told her about Cinderella coming as I wanted it to be a huge surprise. My tummy gets butterflies with the excitement of seeing Rosie’s face

It’s Saturday evening and although I’m going to Liana’s for a massage I still put on a full face of make-up and straighten my hair. I know Liana will be taking photo’s before and after the massages and it also might have something to do with Daniel coming to babysit. I slip on my trusty little black dress and sneakers.The children are bathed and in their pyjamas. Harry is already fast asleep. Rosie has been buzzing all day waiting for Daniel to arrive. I hear a knock at the door, so I dash downstairs and open it to an extra handsome Daniel. Standing in my doorway wearing purple vans, white-wash jeans and a burgundy Superdry hoodie. Daniel steps in and gives me a hug, “Alright Alice, you look lovely”, I melt into his hug and smell his aftershave on his neck, it’s happened, I’ve fallen in love. I feel safe and dreamy in his arms, “Alice?” I quickly pull back realising I’ve held onto Daniel for far too long “sorry, come in, you look gorge…um really nice”. Daniel smiles at me “Thanks”.“