If Only

Charlotte Crawford

I stared out at the pink tulips that rolled as far as the eye could see. The windmill in the back spinning this time, making it extra magical.

I heard her little gasp as she followed behind me, squealing at the sight before her. Soon, her soft, dirty blonde French braids flew in front of me as she ran towards them.

"Mummy!" She cheered.

Turning back to look at me, she pondered the same question: Was the sight before her just another one of her dreams or reality? "It's beautiful, right, baby?" I scooped her up in my arms, and she looked behind me.

"Daddy! Daddy, look!!" She pointed towards the tulips as I felt him embrace me from behind, kissing the top of my head.

"It's beautiful, principessa." The field was empty, with no other soul in sight but us. This brought back so many beautiful memories.

The first time, I understood slightly where our feelings lay. Maybe he did love me, but I knew indefinitely that I loved him.

A breeze swooped in, moving the tulips to the left as Care stood before them. "Can I go in, mummy!" I nodded, and she stepped between the flowers, giggling as she ran around.

"Mama," his little voice said to me, and I turned to our three-year-old, who had just woken up.

"Hey baby," I whispered as his little arm stretched out. "Did you get a good rest?" He reached for me, and I lifted him up into my arms.

He nuzzled his face into my neck, giving me butterfly kisses. "Someone's still tired?" I whispered, and he nodded.

"Look at all the pretty flowers!" He opened his eyes, and they slowly widened. He was too sleepy to understand his surroundings.

He wanted out of my arms, so I placed him down to follow Caroline as she ran her fingers through the pink petals.

"We did it," he whispered into my ear. His arms pressed me back against him as he rested his chin on my shoulder.

"We did, didn't we?" I questioned, turning my gaze to meet his.

He pressed his lips against mine, forming into a grin. "Thank you," he whispered.

"Thank you?"

"For giving me everything I've ever wanted and more," He said as I laid my head against him and placed my hand on his jawline.

"Anytime," I chuckled softly.

"Thanks for breaking the rules again for us," I whispered.

"Anytime," he mumbled.

"I can't believe I married you," I giggled.

"What is that supposed to mean?" he turned me against him.

"You're too good for me, Crawford. You caught me off guard." His warm hands wrapped around me, bringing me closer to his chest.

"I don't really think you had a choice?" I shoved his shoulder slightly. "There's no one else I'd rather bother for the rest of my life than you, Tesoro." I leaned my head onto his chest as the sun began to set.