SWNOVELS Chapter 32: I Want You
"Daddy, Mommy looks so pretty today," told Kenzie with dreamy eyes and a smile not to be ignored.
She looked at her mother, and back to her father, waiting for an answer.
Ethan was dividing the chicken pops between the two kids when Kenzie remarked. It made him smile and look up to Samantha. He agreed, "Your Mommy is... always pretty."
It had only been recently that Ethan had been willingly and clearly expressing appreciation, and that was towards Samantha. No one else.
"Of course, they will always think that their Mommy is pretty," Samantha countered, trying to hide the blush on her face, but the truth was, she prepared for that special lunch.
She wore a dress she had not worn in years. It was one of her mother's dresses; a plain navy blue, ruffled sleeve dress with semi-plunging neckline.
Her wavy hair was down to her shoulders as usual, but that day, Samantha put on a little makeup over her face and wore her mother's pendant.
Hearing Samantha's reply, Ethan just smirked at her down-to-earth personality. Clearly, she was beautiful and Ethan thought it was such a shame of the great General Davis to own up to an adopted daughter that was not even half as good-looking as his real daughter.
He diverted the topic to school later on and discussed with Samantha the possibility of accelerating both their children or give them special training classes, targeting their skills.
"I - I really want them to experience childhood in as much as possible. Maybe, we can consider accelerating them when they are much older." Samantha glanced at the kids who were heartily eating their chicken pops before saying, "Maybe a special training class will do for now."
She smiled and claimed, "I think... Kenzie would like dance classes or music classes."
"I'd like to sing and dance, Daddy," revealed Kenzie, speaking while eating.
"Manners, young lady. Don't speak when your mouth is full," reminded Samantha before giggling at her daughter.
"What about you, Kyle," Ethan probed, but before his son could answer, he suggested, "Let me guess... computer class?"
Kyle was smiling as he was eating and nodding his head in agreement. That pretty much closed the discussion on the same topic.
"Computer class it is," Ethan concluded.
The next thing Ethan covered was his busy schedule on his business trip, but like the last talk he had with the kids, he swore to be on a video call with them at night.
Shortly after they finished their family lunch, Edgar came inside the restaurant, on cue. He meant to fetch the children and bring them to the car.
"Let's go, kids," Announced Edgar.
Samantha was about to get up when Ethan held her hand. He said, "Sam, I'd like to have a word with you... Without the kids."
Seeing the concerned look on Samantha, Ethan added, "Edgar will take care of them, right Edgar?"
"Yes, sir. Miss Davis, don't worry. They are good kids. I can handle them," assured Edgar with a thumbs up.
"Umm... Okay," responded Samantha before returning to her seat. Her hand slowly became free from Ethan's hold.
Getting settled once again, Samantha looked into Ethan's eyes and probed, "What did you want to talk about, Ethan?"
"Sam, I - I know that I have only been a father to the kids for a few days and you may think everything is happening so fast - and trust me, I am sometimes still processing everything," Ethan told in his semi- business-like tone.
He rested his arm on the table before resuming his thoughts, "But despite the overwhelming new circumstances - me suddenly being a father, there are two things that's clear to me."
"What - what is it?" Samantha probed while maintaining to lock eyes with him. She clearly saw the sincerity from his expression that she was eager to know.
"One, I want to be the father of Kyle and Kenzie," he answered.
"But you are their father," Samantha responded. Her brows drew together, utterly bemused.
"I don't just mean, providing for them, Sam. I mean... being there for them as a father," responded Ethan, and as he spoke, he unwittingly fixed his coat.
He sighed and leaned back in his chair before saying, "I'm not a man of many words, Sam, but I'm trying to explain things the best way I can."
"I want to see them more often and I want... I want to help you raise them as I am... their father," Ethan clarified.
"This brings me to the second thing I absolutely want to have." Clearing his throat, Ethan moved closer to Samantha, resting both his elbows on the table. He said, "Sam, I want... you to consider... marrying me."
Samantha utterly froze at the suggestion. The words 'Marry me' echoed through her head again and again.
She felt goosebumps all over her body and her throat dried up. She blinked repeatedly and shook her head before she clarified, "Ex - excuse me?"
"I don't mean now, but we can start by getting to know each other first." His eyes narrowed before clarifying, "Although, I don't mind us getting married right now, if you'd like."
Samantha's eyes widened at the proposal. She remained silent, completely lost for words. She listened as Ethan resumed this words.
"But what I'd like you to consider is ultimately, giving our children a family... a real family," Ethan explained further.
"I want to give the kids my name, their every right to carry my last name. And of course, I also want... to take care of you, more than just the children," Ethan finally added. "I want to give you back your pride, being the General's real daughter, and that can only happen... if you marry me."
He took a short pause and told, "There is no one... better than me. If anyone can get through your father, it's me."
Samantha remained to stare at him, still taken aback by his proposition. While it was ideal, it was just so unexpected.
After some time, she struggled to let out her words, "Marriage is supposed to be shared by - by two people who love each other. You - you are just saying this because of the kids. I - I can see that you care for them, but - "
"No, Sam. It's not just about the kids," replied Ethan. "I also... I also want you, Sam. Aside from my children, I also want their mother."
He said the last words so softly, they barely reached Samantha's ears.
Leaning back again, Ethan stated, "I expected that you'd be shocked, but at least... let's give it a try... How about when I return from my trip, we should... go out... just the two of us."
"Can we try that, Sam?" He repeated.
'Am I dreaming?' Samantha asked herself in silence.
Right in front of her was the perfect man, who happens to be the father of her children, asking her to marry him. It just seemed too surreal to Samantha that she could not decide on the marriage right then and there.
She had to admit though, the idea of trying it out would be a good start. If it did work out between her and Ethan, everything would be perfect for her twins.
"You don't have to agree, going out with me right now. I understand that you want to think about it." Ethan checked the time and eyed the exit. He said, "I best get back - "
"Okay..." Samantha endeavored to form a smile. She puffed her cheeks and said, "I'm okay to... go out with you."