Thank you so much for the love! I appreciate you! I love their story as well.

Peter showed up at your door at 7AM. He was always true to his words. He had his arms full. In one hand he had a tray of drinks and in the other was a brown bag with the logo of your favorite bakery. “Hope you don’t mind I brought the kids a smoothie.”

“Here let me help you.” Taking the brown bag you peeked inside and found Peter bought a variety of Danish and muffins. Once in the kitchen, you sat the bag down. “You didn’t have to bring anything. I was going to make breakfast. I did invite you.”

“It’s not a problem. Here.” He passed you a tall cup.

When you opened the lid you inhaled the wonderful smell of hazelnut and fresh coffee. “Mmm..thank you.”

“Kids up yet?”

“No. They’ll-”

“Petey!” Cora said and ran to him. He scooped her up and held her in the air making her giggle. When he lowered her she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. He hugged her to his chest and cradled her head with his hand. When he looked at you his eyes were glistening. Peter sat Cora on the counter and gave her the smoothie he bought for her. She happily sipped on the straw.

You and Peter exchanged looks. It seemed like you knew what the other was thinking. “I’ve missed you so much,” Peter said.

“I’ve missed you too, Peter.” A smile crossed your face.

“Peter?!” Isaac sprinted to him, then held his fist out for a bump. “Can we throw the ball later?”

Peter looked to you and you nodded your head with a smile

After getting Cora and Isaac settled at the table with their breakfast you joined Peter at the counter.

“Thanks for inviting me over. I want to apologize for my behavior at Nick’s. I don’t have a good excuse for why I punched him. I acted like an adolescent. I’m sorry for any embarrassment I caused for you,” Peter said.

“Thank you for the apology. He did kinda deserve it though,” you added around a smile. Picking up your cup you took a sip, glancing over at Peter you saw he was looking at you. “I have a confession,” you started. “I’m a liar and a coward.”

Peter raised his eyebrows. “How so?”

“That night you told me you loved me it scared me. Instead of coming to you, I ran away. When I said I didn’t love or want to be with you, that was a lie. I thought I was protecting myself and the kids.” Your gaze went to the kids who were still sitting at the table enjoying their smoothies. Turning your attention back to Peter you said, “they adore you, Peter. So do I.”

Peter took your coffee cup from your hand and sat it on the counter. He took your hands in his. “Y/N. You already know how I feel. I’m head over heels in love with all three of you.” This time it was your eyes glistening with tears. Peter tilted your chin to look into your eyes. “This is all in your hands. We’ll take things at your pace.”

“You are amazing Peter Stone.” Leaning in you softly kissed Peter.

“Ewww!” Isaac and Cora chimed in with giggles.

You and Peter smiled against one another’s lips. “We’ll pick this up later,” he whispered in your ear.

Present Day

“Mom! We’re ready to go!” Isaac yelled through the house. You had just finished packing and was zipping the suitcase when Peter walked through the bedroom door.

“Early morning flights shouldn’t exist,” you whined.

Peter chuckled. “It’ll be worth it,” He took the suitcase off the bed and carried it downstairs with you following behind him.

Peter loaded the luggage while you made sure lights, the coffee maker was off then set the alarm. Once in the car and on the way to the airport, Peter said, “I can not wait to get them on the slopes.” Peter had a big grin on his face.

“That will be pretty cute. I have to admit.” Peter had brought up the idea of a ski trip to Vail. It sounded perfect for this time of year. Thankfully both of you were able to finagle a week off.

The flight had been an absolute nightmare. Cora’s ears hurt making her cry and only Peter was allowed to hold her. You experienced the worst case of airsickness ever. Isaac whined about being bored. Peter took it all in stride.

Finally making it to the cabin you had rented for the week, you dropped your carry on to the floor and collapsed on the couch. Isaac ran in the cabin behind and started exploring, claiming his room for the week. Peter carried Cora through the door and laid her down on the couch next to you. You snuggled her close to you. She smelled like her strawberry shampoo with a hint of Peter’s cologne. Smiling you closed your eyes for just a second.

“Hey. Y/N? Wake up.” Peter’s soft voice roused you from your nap.

“I wasn’t sleeping,” you mumbled.

Peter chuckled. “No. Of course not.” He sat beside you on the couch and rubbed your arm. “Are you feeling better?”

“Yeah. That was rough. I have never been that motion sick before.” You sat up snuggling into his side. “What’s the plan for the evening?”

“Well, I thought we could go to the lodge for dinner, then come back watch a movie with the kids. After they’re asleep maybe, uh, get in the hot tub.” He nuzzled your hair then kissed your neck.

“Petey. I get drink?” Cora asked as she ran into the room.

He smiled against your neck. Standing up, Peter picked Cora up. “Airpane,” she said. Peter held her up in the air and she “flew” into the kitchen. Isaac wasn’t far behind asking Peter to make chocolate milk. It was widely known, well in your house at least, that Peter made the best chocolate milk.

“Hey. I’ll take a glass too,” you said as you walked into the kitchen.

“Reservation for Stone,” the host called out. “Right this way.”

The four of you followed the host to a round, wooden table by the fireplace. “This is nice and so cozy.” Looking around your counted two other fireplaces. The other patrons were a mix of couples and families.

After ordering drinks you and Peter conversed while Isaac colored and Cora played with her dolly. Peter was excited to take you and the kids on the slopes tomorrow. He had taken you and the kids for snowsuits, hats, gloves, goggles prior to the trip.

“What?” Peter asked when you couldn’t stop smiling.

“I’m just happy. And I love hearing you talk about something that gets you so excited,” you explained.

“I’m very happy too,” Peter returned with his eyes locked with yours.

“Peter Stone.” A woman’s voice brought you back to the present. “What are you doing in Vail?”

“Stacy.” He stood and greeted her with a small hug. Stacy was about 5’10” at least, slender, long blonde hair that laid in perfect curls down her back, perfect smile and a set of breasts that even you couldn’t help but notice.  “I’m vacationing with my family. This is my girlfriend, Y/N, Isaac, and Cora.” Both looked up and grinned.

She looked at you and the kids over with a confused look.  

“Nice to meet you,” you stood and shook her hand.

“You as well,” she replied.

“Is Scott here? I’d like to say hi.” Peter asked.

“Oh, yeah. He’s at the bar. We were waiting on our table,” she answered.

“I’ll be back. Can I get you anything Y/N?”

“Vodka and cranberry, please.”

He kissed your cheek and made his way to the bar.

“So, how do you and Peter know one another?”

“We dated a few years ago,” Stacy replied. “We worked at the same firm until he went to work as an ASA.”

“What type of law do your practice?”

“Criminal defense. What line of work are you in?” she asked.

‘I’m an ER nurse.”

She nodded her head. The two of you shared an awkward moment of silence.“Your children are beautiful.”

“Thank you. I think they’re pretty great.”

“Never thought of Peter as the father type,” she remarked.

You cocked your head to the side. “You couldn’t be more wrong. Peter is a wonderful dad.”

“But their not even-” The look you gave her shut her up. Stacy narrowed her eyes at your comment.

Peter rejoined the group. His smile faltered when he saw your face. “Here you are. Oh, looks like our dinner is arriving.”

Stacy took the subtle hint and sauntered back to where she came from.

“Stacy says you two dated a few years ago. Said you broke up after you went to the ASA office,” you stated while you helped Peter make hot cocoa and put cookies onto a plate.

He furrowed his brow. “We did. But that’s not why we broke up.” Peter took the pan of milk off the stove and poured it evenly into the four waiting mugs.

You gave him a look to continue his story.

“She wanted different things than I did,” he explained simply.

“And that would be…”

“Marriage. Children. But I didn’t. Not with her anyway.”

“No wonder she was so taken aback by the kids,” you concluded.

“What do you mean?” Peter asked. Leaning against the counter he gave you an expectant look.

“She said you weren’t the father type. I told she was wrong, that you were a great dad.” Shrugging your shoulders, you turned to the refrigerator to grab the whipped cream. When you turned back to Peter he had tears in his eyes.

He put his hands on your hips. “You-you really think that? I mean…”

Reaching a hand up you cupped his face. “Yes. I do. Your love for them is evident. You make them laugh, console them when they’re upset and comfort them when they’re sick. If you haven’t noticed, they absolutely adore you, Petey.” You gave him a wink.

He chuckled at the use of Cora’s nickname for him. He sniffled a little. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Giving me a family.”