Ryan felt like she was coming out of a dream. She didn’t know why, but her body felt the need to wake up. She couldn’t explain it, her body just knew to open her eyes at that exact moment. Ryan felt her entire body freeze and tense up at the same time. Her muscles wanted to contract and leap into action while her mind wanted to remain calm… calm so she didn’t scare the living shit out of the child standing by her bed with her face mere inches from her own.
Ryan inhaled deeply, covering what would have been a scream, into her chest and slowly released it through her nose as she sat up in bed.
“Charlie, baby, are you okay? What’s wrong? Did you have a bad dream?” She asked in the softest voice she could manage.
Charlie looked tiny standing there in her blue Super Girl pajamas (that was Sophie’s bad sense of humor at work) and a little blue silk bonnet that was now clearly lopsided from a night of slumber. She could barely see over the edge of the bed. Her big brown eyes blinked sleepily as she shook her head. “No.”
Ryan nodded and let out another deep breath. “Okay. Um… do you feel okay?”
Charlie nodded. “I’m fine.”
Ryan relaxed a little knowing Charlie wasn’t sick or afraid. She appeared calm.
“Okay. Umm…do you remember what I told you about how you can wake me up anytime no matter what?”
Charlie nodded shyly. “Yes, ma’am.”
“And what did I say?”
“You said that I can wake you up no matter what and that I should shake you to get your attention, even if I have to shake you really hard.”
“So… why didn’t you shake me to get my attention? You obviously need something.”
Charlie shrugged, looking worried.
Ryan tugged her closer to the bed by her pajama shirt. “It’s okay, sweetie. You didn’t do anything wrong. You just scared me, and I would never want to do anything to hurt or scare you either. So, if you need me, even if you think it’s silly, I want you to wake me, okay? You can shake my shoulder or my leg or...”
Charlie’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Your foot?”
Ryan saw the look and knew exactly what she was thinking. She knew it because Charlie was just like she was when she was a kid. The only difference was Charlie was more open to people than she had been. Ryan quickly learned in the past few months that all the little girl wanted was a space to feel safe and loved. Ryan and Sophie had worked hard to ensure that she had that in abundance every moment of every day. Ryan still had to sometimes pinch herself. Not many women would essentially jump into fostering a child with their fiancé with little warning, but Sophie had. She jumped off that cliff right along with Ryan and hadn’t looked back.
“My foot? Oh no! I know what you’ll try to do. You have no honor when it comes to the rules of tickling, Miss Thing.” Ryan said playfully as she pressed her forehead to Charlie’s.
Charlie giggled. “Ok. You got me.”
Ryan chuckled. This kid was an entire mood. “But do you get me about waking me up when you need me?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Okay, so now… what’s up, short stack? It’s still really early, so that means something has you up? You can tell me.” Ryan said in a reassuring voice.
Charlie shrugged her shoulders. “I just can’t sleep. I’m ready to go to the festival.”
Ryan nodded. “Oh, so that’s what it is. You’re excited huh?”
Charlie’s head nodded vigorously. “I can’t wait!”
Gotham was having its annual Vegan Festival at the park this weekend. There would be food, live music, art displays, as well as carnival games and rides. Better yet, Sophie had promised to make it home in time to take them. It was her penance for being gone for a week. As Jeturian’s head of security, she was sometimes required to travel overseas with Jada for important meetings. It didn’t happen often. She trusted the team she had in place to protect Ryan’s mother. Sophie only went along when she felt her attendance was warranted. Ryan didn’t like it, but she’d gotten used to it. Charlie, on the other hand, was a different story. The little girl had grown attached to Sophie and had really missed the woman while she was gone. They both had. Things felt off when she wasn’t around. It was a relief when Sophie had returned home the night before.
-Flashback-
“Ryan?”
“Yes, bug?”
“When is my Sophie coming back?”
Ryan looked up from the computer screen and met curious brown eyes. They had finished having dinner and tv time and had set up on the sofa together to work and draw. Ryan was finishing a few reports while Charlie was coloring in her coloring books.
“She’ll be home tomorrow night.”
“So, a whole nother day?” Charlie questioned with a pout.
“That’s right. One more day.”
Charlie rolled her eyes and sighed, making Ryan laugh. “You’re missing your buddy, huh?”
Charlie nodded. “We have to finish our puzzle.”
Charlie had been a little standoffish when she first met Sophie months ago, especially after they moved into the new house together. Sophie knew she had to develop her own relationship with the girl that was separate from Ryan to gain her trust. So, one evening Sophie came home with a large box. She’d taken Charlie into the playroom and poured the contents of the box out onto the worktable. She had taken a picture of the three of them from her phone and had it made into a puzzle. Charlie loved working puzzles. She was pretty amazing at it actually. From that moment on, puzzle time became Sophie and Charlie’s thing. They would spend at least an hour each evening working on it, just the two of them. Ryan thought it was sweet and didn’t intrude. It was during those times that the two had gotten to know one another and bonded. They were now on their third puzzle.
“Ryan?”
“Hmm?”
“Do you think my Sophie misses me too?”
Ryan set her laptop aside and patted the spot next to her. Charlie abandoned her coloring and climbed up on the sofa. Ryan wrapped an arm around Charlie and planted a kiss on her head. “I happen to know that Sophie misses you so much. You know how I know this?”
Charlie shrugged her shoulders.
“I know because she calls you every morning before school and every night before bedtime. And you want to know who she asks about as soon as I answer?”
Charlie looked on expectantly.
“Before she asks about anything else, she asks how her Chuck is doing and where you are.” Ryan said tapping her on the nose.
Charlie felt her face heat up as she smiled shyly. “She does?”
Ryan nodded. “Yep. She didn’t even say good morning to me yesterday. The first thing she said when I picked up was can I talk to Charlie. I mean, how rude is that!” Ryan said rolling her eyes playfully. She was exaggerating of course, but Charlie didn’t need to know that. Sophie did ask about Charlie every time she called.
Charlie giggled. “I’ll talk to her about that when she gets back.”
Ryan let out a surprised laugh. This child really was something else. She didn’t know how it was possible, but Charlie was like a mixture of both she and Sophie. She was smart as a whip and quick witted with a dash of mischievousness thrown in for good measure.
“You do that, but right now it’s time for you to get a bath and off to bed.”
“Aww man.”
“Aww man.” Ryan mimicked. She kissed Charlie’s curly head. “Let’s get this cleaned up and head to my bathroom. You can use our tub tonight.”
Charlie’s eyes brightened. She loved using the tub in there. It was huge and had these things that made bubbles. “Okay.”
Bath routine finished and two bedtime stories later, Charlie was tucked in bed and fast asleep. It was now several hours later and Ryan was lying in bed unable to sleep. She thought about calling Sophie but decided against it. She knew Sophie would be busy at work due to the time difference. Besides, she and Charlie had already spoken to the woman right before Charlie’s bedtime. She sighed and rolled over on her back and stared at the ceiling.
“When did I become such a simp?” Ryan mumbled to herself.
Just then, a thumping noise came from downstairs. She immediately paused and listened intently. When she heard it again, her body went on high alert, but she tried to remain calm. The alarm system had not gone off, so it could simply be Charlie. The rule was that Charlie couldn’t go downstairs on her own at night. She was supposed to come to their room, but that didn’t mean anything. Charlie was a normal five-year-old and sometimes didn’t listen. She really hoped that was the case.
Ryan slipped out of bed and tiptoed down the hallway to Charlie’s room. When she peaked inside and saw the girl fast asleep under the covers, she silently closed the door and darted back into her bedroom. She quickly grabbed the bow staff she kept there and slowly made her way down the darkened staircase. She could see a dark figure moving around near the door. She released the staff to its full length and prepared to kick the ass of whoever was stupid enough to enter her home in the middle of the night.
“If you want to walk out of here alive, I suggest you do exactly as I say. Put your hands where I can see them and slowly turn around.” Ryan spoke into the darkness.
The figure froze.
“I said put your hands up and slowly turn around.”
Ryan could see their hands move up and the figure slowly turned to face her. Ryan flicked on the lights illuminating the room.
She let out a sigh of relief when she saw Sophie standing in the foyer with luggage at her feet. Sophie gave her a tired grin. “Hi, honey. I’m home.”
Ryan finally allowed her body to relax. She retracted the bow staff and released the breath she’d been holding. “Soph! You almost made me attack you.”
Sophie’s only response was to shrug her shoulders. Ryan slowly smiled when it finally hit her that her fiancé was home. She practically leaped from the stairs and ran into her arms. Sophie caught her, holding her up as Ryan wrapped her legs around her waist. Ryan crashed her lips into Sophie’s, showing her how much she had been missed.
Ryan pulled back and rested her forehead against Sophie’s. “What are you doing here? I thought you were coming home tomorrow night.”
Sophie ran her eyes over Ryan’s features as if memorizing them. “I missed you. Your mother closed the deal early. I think she could tell I was going through ‘Ryan withdrawal’ so she ordered her pilot to push the flight up and here I am.”
“I’m sending her flowers tomorrow.” Ryan said, pulling her in for another kiss. This one was smoldering. “I missed you so much, baby. I’m so glad you’re home.”
Sophie finally allowed her eyes to take in the rest of Ryan. The shorter woman was wearing on of her old Point Rock t-shirts that barely covered her ass and red laced panties. Sophie thought she’d never looked sexier.
Ryan smirked. “See something you like?”
“You know I love seeing you in my clothes.” Sophie’s voice was raspier than usual, which did something to Ryan.
“And here I thought you liked seeing me out of them.” Ryan teased.
Sophie sighed when she felt Ryan’s lips nipping at her neck. She nearly dropped Ryan as her knees buckled. Ryan had pity on her and slid down until her feet touched the floor. They stood there in one another’s arms just enjoying the feel of each other after being separated for a week.
“You must be exhausted.” Ryan said softly.
“I am, but I’m never to tired to be with you.” Sophie said before leaning down for another kiss.
“Well okay then.” Ryan said before pulling Sophie up the stairs by her tie.
On their way to their bedroom, Sophie stopped. She looked at Charlie’s closed door then back at Ryan, silently asking for permission. Ryan chuckled and nodded. Ryan watched from the doorway as Sophie had lovingly ran her fingers along Charlie’s cheek as she watched her sleep. If she hadn’t been in love with Sophie before, that scene alone would have done it.
“She missed you a lot, you know.”
“I missed her too. I missed you both.”
“Well, since she’s asleep and I’m awake, why don’t you come show me how much you’ve missed me.”
Sophie nodded and slipped out of Charlie’s room. Her eyes darkened as she raked her eyes up and down Ryan’s body again. Without saying a word, Sophie lifted Ryan and carried her to their bedroom where she did just that until the early morning hours. It turned out that Sophie’s exhaustion wasn’t a factor at all.
-Flash-
As the memory faded, Ryan congratulated herself for having the forethought to change the sheets and put on pajamas after their very adult activities. It was a hassle, but necessary. They had learned that lesson the hard way and no one wanted a repeat of it.
“I hear voices, but that can’t be right because the sun isn’t even up yet.” A raspy voice slurred from behind Ryan.
Charlie’s eyes widened as she gasped. “My Sophie?!”
Ryan giggled and nodded. “Yep. Guess who came home early?”
Charlie rocked on her socked toes and bit her lip. Ryan rolled her eyes and jerked her head behind her. Charlie took the permission given and practically ran around to the other side of the bed. Somehow, she managed to restrain herself from jumping on the sleepy woman. She looked at Ryan then tapped Sophie on the shoulder.
Sophie cracked open one eye. Staring back at her were the other set of brown eyes and cheeky smile she’d missed for a week. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear that you gave birth to this kid, Ry.” She snorted before reaching out and grabbed her little body. “Come here, you!”
Charlie laughed when she was easily tossed onto the bed between Sophie and Ryan. Sophie enveloped her in a tight embrace before placing a kiss to her head. “Hey, Chuck. I missed you, buddy.”
“I missed you too, Sophie.”
“And why are you up so early, little one?”
Ryan turned over and pulled the comforter up over the three of them creating a cocoon. “Someone is excited about the festival today.”
“Oh, somebody… don’t you mean somebodies?” Sophie said teasingly. “Another somebody sent me several texts that ranged from politely asking to downright threatening if I didn’t make it home for it.”
Ryan sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about?”
Sophie shared a look with Charlie and they both just laughed. “So, you’re excited about the festival like Ryan?”
Charlie nodded, her entire body moving with the gesture. “Ryan said you would take us.”
Sophie couldn’t help but sigh. She nodded. “And I will, but it’s too early to be up. The festival doesn’t start for hours. Let’s go back to sleep then we can talk about this festival after Ryan has made me breakfast.”
Ryan scoffed. “You’re lucky I love you so much.”
Sophie’s sleepy eyes twinkled. “I know.”
Charlie got into a comfortable position between her two guardians as they settled down to sleep. Sophie caught a glance of Ryan’s pout in the corner of her eye. She chuckled and moved Charlie to the other side, then pulled Ryan closer by the arm, placing herself between them. Charlie and Ryan both snuggled into Sophie’s chest safely held close by her arms. A few moments passed before she felt little fingers touching her face.
“Sophie?” Charlie whispered.
“Yes, Charlie.” Sophie said, eyes still closed.
“How long do we have to sleep before we go to the festival?”
Ryan snorted and Sophie sighed. “You two aren’t going to let me sleep, are you?”
Charlie giggled. “I can’t sleep now! I’m too excited.”
Sophie stared into those big brown eyes and sighed. She glanced over at Ryan and found similar soft, hopeful brown eyes staring back at her. It was pointless to try to fight them. She was outnumbered.
“Like mother, like daughter.” She said in her head.
She and Ryan had already discussed it. As soon as they were married, or if Ryan was given the chance sooner, they were going to adopt Charlie. They loved her. Their beginning may have been unexpected, but it could not have turned out better if planned. They couldn’t imagine their lives without this little girl now.
“Nu uh. I’m like you too.” Charlie said seriously.
Sophie blinked, realizing in her still sleepy brain that she must have said her inner thoughts out loud. She glanced over and judging by the tender look her fiancé was giving her, she had indeed given voice to her thoughts. Not only that, Charlie didn’t seem the slightest bit bothered and she said she was like her too as an added bonus.
Ryan chuckled knowingly and gave Sophie a wink. “She’s got you right there, Soph. That look she’s giving you is all Crowphie Moore.”
Sophie rolled her eyes before shifting her eyes back to Charlie. “So, you’re really excited about this festival, huh?”
Charlie sat up and nodded; her bonnet had completely come off now and her curls bounced around her little cherub face.
“I can’t help it. Ryan is too!” She cut her eyes to Ryan.
Ryan nodded along with Charlie. They reminded Sophie of two excited little puppies.
“Well, I guess I should get excited too then…and I think I will start with… you both!” She said attacking them both with tickling fingers.
“Sophie! No!”
“Soph! Ah, stop it!”
The room erupted with loud giggles and screaming. Through uncontrollable laughter, Ryan felt grateful. This was going to be her family. This was going to be a reality… a real life… and life was good.
“Okay, babe this is your thing. You’re the expert, so what are we doing first?” Sophie asked as they stared at their busy surroundings.
Ryan smiled brightly as she and Charlie looked at one another. “I’m kind of hungry. I thought we could try a few of the vegan soul food stands. After that, we can just walk around to see what catches our eye.”
Sophie nodded. “I could use some food. I trust you to know what I’ll like since you’re the vegan expert.”
Ryan flashed a flirtatious look. “I know exactly what you like, Sophie Moore. I think I proved that several times last night.” Ryan said the last part in a whisper.
A slow smile grew over Sophie’ face and she shook her head. “Don’t start something you can’t finish, brat.”
“I think we can both agree that I always finish… the job.”
Sophie cleared her throat. “I don’t dispute your claim, but there are certain… obstacles that cannot be overcome in this situation.” Sophie’s eyes shifted to the child using their arms as a personal swing as they walked.
Ryan chuckled. “Touché. In that case, let’s go get some grub.”
The trio found one of the vegan soul food trucks. There was a small seating area set up next to it. Ryan had taken the lead and ordered a variety of items from different vendors that she knew Sophie and Charlie would like. She threw in a few new things in hopes that they’d at least try them. Based on the empty containers, her choices had been a success. The stuffed marinated collard greens had been devoured to Ryan’s complete surprise. She noted to put that dish on their menu at home.
After eating, they walked around taking in the different merchandise and original creations. Ryan wandered into an art gallery tent and ended up purchasing several pieces to be delivered later. They had taken a few rides at Charlie’s request. They were allowing her to decide the events of the day. Charlie, for her part, was just taking everything in. This was the first time she’d ever experienced a festival. Foster kids didn’t get to do fun things like this… anything really when you lived in a home. The nuns that ran the home she was last in, were nice enough, but she knew not to ask for things. She wouldn’t have dared to ask to go to a place like this.
“Where are we going next, Chuck?” Sophie asked, looking down at the bouncing little girl munching on cotton candy. They knew they would be paying for the sugar crash later but were willing to accept the fallout so Charlie could have this experience.
Charlie paused and thought for a moment. She was looking around and that’s when she saw it. Her eyes were big with wonder. Sophie and Ryan followed her gaze and saw what had caught her attention. A few feet away was a target shooting game. To win, you had to hit a series of small moving yellow ducks while standing several feet away. The grand prize for a perfect score was an oversized stuffed doll of Princess Tiana of “The Princess and the Frog” which just happened to be Charlie’s favorite Disney movie.
“Do you want to play the target game over there?” Sophie asked.
Charlie shook her head. She really didn’t want to play it.
“Do you want a Princess Tiana doll?” Ryan asked knowingly.
Charlie was reluctant to answer. Although Ryan and Sophie were always telling her that she was deserving and that it was okay to ask for things, she still struggled with it.
Ryan crouched down so they were eye to eye. “You remember the other night when we were having ice cream?”
Charlie nodded.
“You had the chocolate and I had strawberry. You knew how much I liked chocolate so what did you do?”
“I told you that you could have my chocolate and I’d take the strawberry.”
“Why did you offer to do that?”
Charlie shrugged her shoulders. “Because I like both the same, but you only like chocolate. I wanted you to like your ice cream and be happy.”
“Well, that’s how Sophie and I feel about you. We want you to have the things you love, and we want you to be happy. So, if there is something that will make you happy, we want you to tell us.”
Sophie crouched down on her other side and poked her in the tummy. “So, would you like to have that Princess Tiana doll?”
Charlie nodded shyly. “Yes, please.” She said in a small voice, a tiny grin breaking through. Sophie melted and gave a simple nod. She bowed her head gallantly. “As you wish.”
Sophie strutted over to the booth with Ryan and Charlie following. Sophie sat down on one of the tall stools and placed cash in the clear jar. The man behind the counter handed her the target gun and started mansplaining to her how to hold it and pull the trigger. Ryan snorted at Sophie’s unimpressed look. If the operator only knew, he was giving advice to an elite, military trained marksman. Sophie tilted the fake rifle and let the lite weight of it settle in her hands. She looked at the bright yellow ducks several feet away, moving to the sound of the carnival music. She leaned into position, squinting one eye, while focusing the other. Pulling the trigger in quick succession, she knocked down every single target, setting off a loud bell and bright lights signaling a perfect score. There was a round of applause from the small crowd standing nearby. The booth operator gave her a bewildered look.
Sophie shrugged. “Stroke of luck I guess.”
He slowly nodded unsure what had just happened. “Pick your prize, little lady?”
Sophie twitched at the little lady remark. She nodded towards the Tiana doll which he promptly took down and handed over.
Charlie had an amazed smile on her face as Sophie walked over and bowed at the waist and presented her tribute. “A princess for a princess.”
Charlie clutched the doll to her chest then smashed into Sophie’s legs. “Thank you, Sophie. I love you.”
Sophie looked at Ryan with wide eyes. Ryan simply smiled. She knew this moment would come. It was only a matter of time. Ryan could see those words had the same effect on Sophie as they did on Ryan the first time Charlie had said them to her.
“Breathe.” Ryan mouthed.
Sophie took a deep breath and smiled. “I love you too, Chuck.”
Charlie grinned happily as she always did when hearing her nickname.
“Sophie?”
“Yeah?”
“Can you teach me to shoot like that?”
Sophie and Ryan shared a look. “Maybe when you’re a little older.”
“Okay.”
The happy trio continued to walk around, checking out the different live musical artists and entertainment. They had circled back around and were currently watching a battle between street dancers. Charlie was dancing around to the music as only a five-year-old could. She was having the time of her life and Ryan was here for it. She was currently recording her to show Jada that those dance lessons might actually be worth it. Charlie had some moves.
“Ryan, I need to go to the bathroom.”
“Okay, bug. I saw one near the funnel cake stand. We can go to that one.”
Sophie snorted. “You two are coming back with funnel cakes, aren’t you?”
Ryan and Charlie gave her matching incredulous looks. “What?”
“Whatever.” Sophie waved Ryan off before she started. “I want extra strawberry toppings on mine, please.”
Ryan grinned as she leaned in for a kiss. “That’s why I love you. You’re so perfect.”
Sophie pulled her back in for deeper kiss because one kiss was never enough for them. “Yeah. Yeah. Go so you can hurry back. I’m going to win something for you while you’re gone. Any request?” She asked gesturing to the target booth they had visited earlier behind her.
Ryan’s lips tipped into a shy smile. Her eyes twinkled as she stared up into soft hazel. “Surprise me.”
Sophie winked. “You got it.”
“Ryan, I really gotta go.”
“Oops! Right, let’s go, bug.”
Sophie shook her head and watched them turn the corner. She turned and looked among the hanging prizes. She saw a stuffed Batwoman figure hanging near the back. She smirked and stepped back up the counter and placed her money in the jar once again. She waited for the older man to go through the instructions again, but to her surprise, this time he just handed the fake rifle over and took a step back.
“I’m going to need that Batwoman hanging in the back. You can go ahead and take it down.” She said cockily.
He sucked his toothpick in his mouth and folded his arms to watch. His head began to shake as Sophie again hit every moving target as if it was the easiest thing she’d ever done. Just to prove a point, she pulled out another bill and put it into the jar and picked up another rifle lying nearby. With complete precision, she knocked down another row of moving ducks.
“Give the second prize to that little girl over there.” Sophie said gesturing to a little girl sitting with who she assumed was her father. Sophie had watched him make four attempts and hadn’t managed to hit anything.
The operator used a long pole to lift the prizes down from the wire. He handed Sophie the Batwoman and pulled down a yellow Minion for the little girl. Sophie watched the child’s eyes light up as the man handed it to her. She nodded at the father’s grateful look before walking away.
“Hey! You some kind of cop?” The operator called out.
Sophie turned back and smirked. “Used to be.”
“You used to be the best shot in Point Rock history.” A familiar voice from behind said.
Sophie turned around and came face to face with Kate Kane.
For a moment, she froze, unsure how to deal with what she was seeing. It had been nearly three years since she’d seen or heard from Kate, but here she was in the flesh.
“Hi, Kate. It’s really good to see you too.” Kate said sarcastically when Sophie remained silent.
Sophie blinked and shook her head. “Sorry. It’s just… I didn’t expect to see you.”
“Yeah. I can see that.” Kate said taking a step closer. Sophie didn’t move. “It’s been a while.”
“Yeah.” Was all Sophie said.
“So… uh… I never pegged you for a Batwoman groupie… although…” Kate said flashing what Sophie assumed was supposed to be a flirtatious grin. “You did like me in the suit if I recall.”
“Um… Kate, I should probably tell you that…”
“Soph, you’re going to love me. I got you extra, extra strawberry toppings on your…..funnel cake.”
Ryan paused at the scene before her. There standing close to her fiancé was Kate Kane. She blinked not knowing how to react.
Sophie’s eyes softened when she saw a flash of insecurity in Ryan’s eyes. “Thank you, baby. You always know exactly what I want and need.” Sophie said looking Ryan in the eyes trying to let her words convey so much more.
The tension in Ryan’s body slowly receded. She felt Charlie’s hand tug on her pant leg. She looked down. “Who’s that lady with my Sophie, Ryan?”
“Oh, uh… uh…” Ryan stuttered.
“This is an old friend of mine from school. Charlie, this is Kate.” Sophie said holding out a hand for Charlie to take. She pulled the little girl over and in front of her. “Kate, this is our foster daughter, Charlotte. She likes to be called Charlie though.”
Kate blinked and looked back and forth between Sophie and Ryan. “Uh…Hi.”
“Hi.” Charlie said, eyeing the stranger. She didn’t smile. She didn’t like this woman standing so close to her and Ryan’s Sophie.
“So… you two are really a thing… wow.” Kate said looking back and forth between them.
Sophie and Ryan gave her an odd look.
“I mean, I saw pictures of you two in the tabs and on the news, but I just thought…” Kate shook her head. “I don’t know what I thought.”
Ryan saw Charlie trying to understand what was happening around her. She could also see a spark of jealousy in her eyes. ‘That is so my kid.’ Ryan thought. Charlie didn’t like sharing when it came to Sophie… even with Ryan at times. “Umm… Charlie, how about you and I go over to the tables so we can eat these funnel cakes properly, huh?”
“But what about my Sophie?” Charlie didn’t like the idea of leaving her Sophie with this stranger.
“I’ll be right there, Chuck. I just need to finish talking to my friend. Will you make sure Ryan doesn’t eat my funnel cake?”
Charlie nodded and flashed a proud grin. “I got you, Sophie.”
Sophie couldn’t help but snort. God, she loved this girl.
Ryan squeezed her hand and gave Sophie a meaningful look. “Take all the time you need.”
Sophie returned the squeeze but pulled Ryan in for a soft kiss. She didn’t want her walking away with any doubt about who she belonged to. “I won’t be long.”
Ryan gave Kate a nod. “It was good seeing you, Kate.”
“You too, Ryan.”
Sophie watched Ryan and Charlie as they moved over to the seating area before turning her attention back to Kate.
Kate ran a hand through her hair. Sophie recognized the move. Kate did that when she was frustrated. “Wow. So… you really have a type huh.”
Sophie let the remark slide. “If you mean beautiful, kindhearted, generous women... yeah. I guess I do.”
“I’m sorry. I just didn’t think you two were that serious.”
“Ryan and I have been together for over two years now. We’re engaged to be married, Kate.”
Kate made a surprised face then nodded. “Wow. You didn’t waste much time, did you?”
Sophie frowned. She wasn’t letting that slide. “You left me, not the other way around. You made it very clear that we didn’t have a future together.”
Kate shoved her hands into the baggy jeans she was wearing. Sophie noted that Kate’s style had not changed. She still wore the insanely overpriced jeans that were meant to look old and worn and the vintage band t-shirts of which she’d probably never listened to let alone seen in concert. The entire outfit was topped off with motorcycle boots that were surely made of expensive Italian leather. The entire presentation screamed privilege; the kind of privilege that allowed one to look poor on purpose. Sophie used to find it charming, now it just seemed pretentious.
“And you took me at my word, didn’t you?”
“You don’t get to judge my choices after you decided to leave me. You can’t be upset because I moved on with my life.”
“I’m sorry, Soph.” Kate said holding up a hand. “I’m really not trying to be a dick. I’m not.”
“You never had to try very hard at anything, Kate.” Sophie said evenly but got no reaction from the other woman.
Typical Kate, she was so self-absorbed she didn’t even catch Sophie’s comment. “It’s just, you’re all lovey with Ryan and suddenly there’s a kid. You never even wanted kids, Soph.”
Sophie scoffed and looked at her in confusion. “When did I ever say I didn’t want kids?”
Kate looked a little thrown. “Uh… I think I would have known that.”
“You would have if you paid attention to anyone other than yourself. I’ve always wanted a family and kids. You just never cared enough to ask about what I wanted.” Sophie said patiently. She cut Kate off before she could speak. “Look, I loved you once. For that, I will always hold a fond memory of you in my heart. You helped me realize who I really was. It may have taken me a while, but I finally found my way and I’m where I’m supposed to be.”
“And that’s playing house with Ryan and a foster kid?”
“Where not playing house. We’re making a home.” Sophie’s eyes found Ryan and Charlie sitting at a nearby table. Charlie was shoving funnel cake in her mouth. She had powdered sugar all over her cheeks and nose. Ryan was laughing and trying to wipe it away with a napkin as Charlie was wiggling away.
“And Charlie isn’t just some foster kid. She’s already my daughter in every way that matters, and I plan to make it official as soon as I’m allowed.”
Kate searched Sophie’s face for the fallacy. She could always tell when Sophie was lying by looking into her eyes. This time, those beautiful hazel eyes displayed nothing but pure honesty and certainty. Sophie meant the word she was speaking.
“She make you happy?” Kate asked softly.
“More than I ever knew possible.” Sophie answered honestly. This wasn’t about hurting anyone’s feelings. This was about the truth.
Kate nodded. “Well, I’m happy for you then.”
Sophie gave her a raised brow. Kate laughed and held up her hands. “Okay, maybe not completely happy. You’re a hard woman to give up, Sophie Moore.”
Sophie’s eyes softened a little. This was the sweet side of Kate that Sophie had once loved. She was glad it was still there, but she needed to make something clear. “I was never really yours, Kate. I’ve always been hers, even when I didn’t know it.”
Kate gave her one final nod. “Congratulations, Soph. You deserve it.”
“Thank you. Take care of yourself, Kate.” Sophie said.
Kate knew this was Sophie’s way of saying goodbye. There was nothing more between them. She was Sophie’s past, and she was putting it to rest.
“You too, Soph.”
Sophie watched Kate turn and disappear into the crowd before she made her way over to the picnic table where Ryan and Charlie were sitting devouring their funnel cakes. Sophie lifted Charlie up and sat her in her lap.
“So did you guys save me any?”
“We got you one all for yourself, Sophie.” Charlie said with sugar all over her cheeks. The sight warmed Sophie in the most endearing way.
“Thank you, Chuck.” Sophie said kissing Charlie’s curly head. “You’re the best.”
“Hey, I bought it. Don’t I get some credit?” Ryan exclaimed playfully.
Sophie smiled her special smile, the one only meant for Ryan. “Thank you, baby. I love you. You’re the best too.”
Ryan’s eyes softened. She leaned in and kissed her softly. Charlie giggled. She liked how loving Ryan and Sophie were with each other. It made her feel safe.
“I love you too.” Ryan caressed her cheek and gave Sophie a long look. “You okay?”
Sophie nodded, her eyes clear and heart light. “I’m more than okay. I’m blissfully happy… with you.” Sophie said, making sure Ryan understood her.
Ryan swallowed around the lump in her throat and smiled. She hadn’t been worried, not really. She was secure in Sophie’s feelings for her, but she was still human. Anyone would feel some type of way if the woman your fiancé once claimed was the love of her life suddenly popped back up. Luckily for her, Sophie knew exactly what she wanted and didn’t hesitate to tell her as often as she needed to hear it.
“I can’t wait to marry you.” Ryan whispered.
“I can’t wait to marry you.” Sophie said in return.
They were leaning in for a kiss only to be interrupted by an excited Charlie. “Sophie, you got a Batwoman!”
Sophie pulled back and blinked. “Oh yeah. I almost forgot. I won this… for you.” She said, passing the prize to Ryan.
Ryan’s insides warmed and turned to mush as she took the stuffed figure and brought it to her chest. Sophie had no way of knowing that this was the first time anyone had won her a prize. “You got me a Batwoman?”
Sophie shrugged her shoulders shyly. “You said surprise you. Batwoman is my favorite superhero.”
Ryan flashed a wide grin, perfect white teeth on display. “Your favorite, huh?”
“She’s number one in my book in every category.” Sophie said sincerely, eyes soft. She locked her eyes on Ryan’s hoping to convey the depths of her words.
“I like Super Girl better.” Charlie said, breaking the moment. “She can fly.”
Sophie couldn’t help it. She snorted and had to look away from Ryan’s appalled face. Ryan narrowed her eyes at Sophie. “You did this. You just had to give her those pajamas.”
Sophie shoved funnel cake in her mouth to cover her laugh. “Wha… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Ryan rolled her eyes as Sophie continued to consume the funnel cake. Charlie fell into a fit of giggles. She didn’t really know what she found so funny. She just did. Her Sophie and Ryan were awesome and today had been the best day ever.
Sophie lifted a piece of funnel cake up in the air. “Let’s make a toast.”
Ryan and Charlie broke off pieces of their cake and held it up as well.
“To festivals and funnel cakes!” Sophie said.
Ryan laughed and Charlie grinned. “To festivals and funnel cakes!”
-Fin-
Thanks for reading. See you all next time.