A Moonlight Valentine's Chapter 2 - Shannon

“Aw, thank you, babies.” I smiled as my five babies gave me their Valentine’s.

Since they stopped making us give out Valentine’s in school, the only ones I’ve gotten have been from my kids. And even then, I didn’t start getting them till Kennedy was in Pre-School, and she learned about Valentine’s Day and giving people cards and candy to show you love them. After that, she saved some of the candy she’d get and made me a card.

Kennedy then taught each of her younger siblings Valentine’s and had them help her make cards. She even helped my actual baby Russ make me a card. He’ll be a year old next month, so his card was more Kennedy’s effort with his scribbles and handprint. I still love and treasure each card my babies give me. Their father may not have loved me, but I never doubted they did.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Mommy!” Those old enough to say it shouted with smiles on their faces.

“Mama!” Russ clapped as he wiggled out of Kennedy’s arms to reach for me.

I chuckled and set down my beautiful cards, chocolates, and drawings to take my youngest baby from my oldest. I may regret that I was ever involved with Eric, let alone married to him for so long, but the one thing I won’t regret is my babies. Despite their father being trash, I ended up with five of the sweetest children a mother could ask for.

“How lucky am I? I have five of the sweetest Valentines.” I smiled and kissed Russ’ cheek.

“We aren’t your ONLY Valentine’s, mom,” Kennedy said.

I furrowed my brow. I was trying to think who else Kennedy could mean when I heard the doorbell. My heart leaped in my throat, fear gripping me as I held Russ tighter. I wasn’t expecting anyone today. Nor was I expecting any deliveries. When I was married, unexpected visitors were unwelcome visitors. Unexpected visitors meant dealing with Eric’s controlling bullshit. Logically, I know Eric is in jail, we’re divorced, and no one from my family or Eric’s except my sister Shikoba knows where I live. Logic doesn’t apply when you’ve spent years being abused.

“I’ll get it!” Walt shouted as he raced out of my office to get to the door.

“Wait!” I exclaimed, moving to try and stop him.

“BYRON!” Walt exclaimed.

I blinked and glanced at the window. I hadn’t realized how late it was. The sun was already setting. I had been so absorbed in working on my new book that I’d lost track of time. I took a short break to pick the kids up from school and daycare. I hadn’t realized I’d been back in my office this long. I also hadn’t expected to see Byron tonight.

“Hey, Walt. How was school? Still have trouble with that long division?” Byron’s voice carried in from the foyer before he appeared in the French doors to my office carrying Walt while holding a bouquet of long-stem white, red, and pink Kaleidoscope roses.

The fear I had a moment ago was gone. Byron is a vampire, yet I wasn’t afraid of him. Despite my little faith in men after my marriage, I trust Byron. I trust he wouldn’t hurt me or my children. He drinks blood to live, yet I trust him more than I ever trusted my ex. I blame the dreams I have that involve him.

He never scared me in my dreams. Then, when we met in real life, that trust carried over. It helps that he went above and beyond to help me and my kids. He ensured Eric went to jail. And despite my hesitation, he bought this house, which gave my family the space we sorely needed. I know he wants to be more than my publisher and friend. I want that, too. Every time I see or think about him, my heart beats faster, and only to myself will I admit I get turned on.

I mean, who wouldn’t? He’s so handsome, and I guess being a vampire results in this supernatural allure. My attraction to him is undeniable, though I try to downplay it. I still don’t understand why he’s interested in me. The dreams that have started to overlap with reality aside, it makes no sense.

He’s a rich, handsome, immortal vampire. He could have any woman he wants. So, why is he investing so much of his time, energy, and money into me and my children? I’m a human, worn down from life, with five kids and all the stretch marks and extra weight that goes along with it. It doesn’t add up. I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Maybe he was only nice to me and my kids because I’m one of his best-selling authors. Or perhaps it’s because Shikoba is with a Bloodmoon werewolf and works for the Bloodmoon Delta. I know his clan is an ally to the pack. Maybe he just wanted to help me to look good in the pack’s eyes.

“Evening, Byron. We weren’t expecting you. Did I forget to send you my recent chapters?” I asked.

Byron smiled and put Walt down. I love and hate it when he smiles at me like that. It gives me ideas and makes me think of Duke Byron from my dreams. He always looks handsome, but tonight, he had big plans. He was dressed to impress with a black dress shirt, dark jeans, and dress shoes. Maybe he was stopping in on his way to a meeting or a real date.

I’m sure he has plenty of women who’d love to spend Valentine’s Day with him. I know he’s told me he wants to see where things go with us, but I’ve been clear that I wasn’t ready for a relationship. Beyond that, I need to work through my issues with my ex. I must think of my kids, and well, he’s so far out of my league.

“I’m here to ask you to be my Valentine and to go out with me,” Byron explained, hesitantly offering me the flowers. “These are for you. I wasn’t sure if you’d like to receive flowers, and if they aren’t satisfactory, don’t stab me with them.”

“You’re weird, Byron.” Kennedy shook her head. “Mom loves flowers. Roses are her favorite. No one ever gets them for her.”

“Kennedy…” I stressed her name with wide eyes.

My almost teenager shrugged and took Rus from me. “Come on, guys. Let’s leave Mom and Byron alone so he can convince her to go on a date.” She smiled and led her siblings out of my office.

“I am so sorry about that.” I apologized and awkwardly took the roses. “Despite her delivery and overstepping, Kennedy was right. I do love roses. It’s weird that you’d think I’d stab you with them. That sounds extreme. And like it wouldn’t work. I’m a human. I doubt I can stab a vampire with a rose.”

“Happens more than you’d think.” Byron shrugged. “And never apologize for your kids. They’re good kids and want to see you happy.”

“And you think a date with you would make me happy?” I arched my brow as I sniffed the flowers.

“It certainly couldn’t hurt. I have a whole evening planned. All based on things I know about you, your likes, and desires.” Byron continued to smile.

I felt my heart skip and my pussy clenched when he said ‘desires.’ We’ve shared dreams, and he’s read my books. He knows plenty about my desires. But am I ready for THAT step?

“Byron…” I sighed. “As lovely as a night out sounds… I have five children. Kennedy may turn thirteen in a few months, but that doesn’t mean she’s old enough that I’d leave her home alone, let alone in charge of our siblings.” I shook my head.

“Knock, knock!” Evie Rock’s voice interrupted whatever response Byron had.

I need to remember I gave her a key since she often babysits for me. But I don’t understand why she’s here. I didn’t ask her to come over. Generally, when I asked her to babysit, it was because I had an appointment for myself or one of the kids and didn’t want to drag them all with me. Then it hit me. Byron said he planned everything.

He called Evie in! I’m being set up! Should I be mad? Is it okay that I’m happy? He took the initiative to plan a night out, including a trusted sitter. I haven’t been on a date since I got married. After we got married, Eric didn’t think we needed to go out anymore. Maybe I should give in and see what Byron has in store.