(Well, everyone, we have finally came to an end. I have enjoyed writing Maya and Conrad's story. I hope you have all enjoyed it and fell in love with them, the same way I have.)
*** Five Years Later ***
Maya
“Are you sure you will be okay?”
“Maya, don’t worry, the three of us will be alright, my love. You don’t need to be concerned about us. You focus on your first day of work.” Conrad chuckles and kisses me softly.
Today marks the official start of my career as a therapist! I will be helping people who have suffered from trauma and abuse like I did. It’s been a challenging journey, but I made it. I wouldn’t have been able to handle things without Conrad’s help with our two little ones. Since having our babies, this is the first time I’ve had a full-time job. I couldn’t believe our little boy, Henry, is already four years old and our baby girl, Willow, is two years old. How did time pass by so quickly? I am anxious about leaving them.
“I don’t think I can do this. I have never been away from them like I will be now.” I pout.
“Maya, my love, don’t doubt yourself. You absolutely can. You are going to do incredible. We are also proud of you.” Conrad smiles.
“Proud of mommy,” Henry says excitedly, clapping his hands.
“Thank you, my little prince.” I smile, picking up for a hug.
I cuddle him tightly to my chest, “Love you, mommy.”
“I love you too.”
Willow is eagerly pulling at my pants leg, wanting to join the cuddle. Conrad picks her up and I take her in my other arm.
“Can you promise Mommy that you’ll behave for Daddy?”
“I promise, Mommy,” Henry nods eagerly, showing his enthusiasm.
They were great children. We’ve experienced no difficulties with them. They are my little angels.
“Mommy is going to miss you, but I will see you both when you come to visit for lunch.” I smile, kissing them both.
Conrad has promised to bring them by every day this week. Adjusting to seeing them less will take time, but I’m fortunate to have enough support to balance motherhood and my therapy practice. I am ready to help people in the best way I can.
“We’ll also miss you. You are going to do amazing!” Conrad gushes and kisses me.
We can’t help but laugh as the kids cover their eyes.
“Do you want to go and get Mommy’s gift for her?” he asks.
They nodded, and I put them down. Henry held his little sister’s hand as they went to retrieve my present. I smile as I watch after them. He has been an amazing big brother to Willow since we brought her home from the hospital.
Conrad pulls me to him and kisses me again without the kids around to get offended, “I am so proud of you, Maya. Not only for your new job but for everything. You are an incredible woman, mother, wife, and you are going to be just as incredible as a therapist.”
“Thank you. I am grateful for your support, Conrad, as I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“And this weekend, we will celebrate.”
“I can’t wait. It’s been a while since we’ve had some alone time together.”
We were going away on Saturday night. Chelsea and Adrian were taking the kids. It means they get to spend time with their two little cousins, too. We do our best with trying to find time for one another, and we manage, mostly, but we haven’t had a night away, only the two of us since we went away for our three-year wedding anniversary. I’m looking forward to spending quality time alone with my husband.
“Yes, it has.”
He successfully steals another kiss before we hear the kids returning. I crouch to their level. They hand me a jewellery box wrapped in a pretty white ribbon.
“Thank you, my angels. What is this?” I ask.
“The kids picked it out for you.” Conrad smiles.
I untie the ribbon and open the box. I am in complete awe. There is a beautiful locket inside.
“Open it up, mommy.” Henry gushes.
I carefully open it and there is a photograph of each of them on one side.
“Oh wow, it is beautiful. I love it. Thank you.” I say and hug them both tightly.
I attempt to hold back my tears in response to such a considerate present. I hold on to them for a little longer than necessary before finally releasing them. Conrad assists me in standing up and fastens the locket around my neck.
“Perfect,” he murmurs as he kisses my neck.
I smile over my shoulder at him. “Yes, it really is.”
How did I become so fortunate to have such an amazing family?
“It’s time for you to leave, my love.” Conrad reminds.
I don’t want to be late on my first day, so yes, I do. I hug them all tightly and tell them I love them before leaving.
“You are going to do amazing, Maya,” Conrad calls after me.
I hope so. It is another new chapter; one I didn’t think I would ever get. I am ready for it. I want to help people. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a Conrad in their lives. I hope I can make an impact on people, in the way he did me.
I have everything I ever wanted, personally and professionally. I couldn’t ask for anything more. My life improves every single day.