Dreams really do come true

[jessie]

Chapter 6

Melinda and Cliff were walking home with the kids. Max's was holding Cliff's hand all the way home. Melinda was worried he was really falling for Cliff fast. He never had a Father really his Daddy was never around for the kids. They got to the house, and got inside. Melinda picked up Emily, and smiled, " she has to get ready for bed she is exhausted. You can sit in the living room, I will be right back. Cliff yelled," wait"

"Yes, Cliff"

Cliff walked over putting his arms out to Emily . She went right into his arms, and hugged him. Melinda was surprised Emily didn't normally take to people that fast. Cliff hugged her, and touched her chin, "I will see you tomorrow Princess, we are going to the beach".

Emily smiled, and Cliff handed her back. Melinda whispered, "that was sweet Cliff". She walked back to the bedroom with Emily. She laid her on the bed, and changed her into her nightie. She was playing and Melinda lifted her up in her arms. "Sweetie you sleep good because tomorrow we have a big day ahead of us".

Emily clapped her hands, as Melinda put her in the crib. "I'm sorry Mommy can't afford a bed yet, but I almost put enough aside to get a pretty pink one. You are Mommy's good girl, I love you Emily".

"love you Mommy". She turned and smiled, seeing Cliff and Max standing there. "OMG do you love sneaking up on people"?

"No Max wanted to see you he brought me back. I couldn't help but overhear she needs a new bed"?

"Yeah but I almost have enough to get one. She is fine for a another month or two, I'm just worried she is 2 and climbing. I put the bar up, but she could fall if she tried to climb it". Cliff took out his wallet, and Melinda ran over shutting it. " I don't need help, that is very kind of you. Lets go get a coffee, and let her sleep.". They turned back she was already asleep , and Melinda smiled, "We tired her out today Cliff".

"She is a doll, but this one, never gets tired". Melinda hugged Max, who giggled. He ran into the kitchen with Melinda, and sat at the table. Melinda smiled, "Sit Cliff I will put the coffee on". She filled the kettle putting it on the stove. Cliff was watching her, she was the most beautiful woman he ever saw. She didn't wear fancy make up , jewelery and clothes, she was just natural, and he loved it. She walked over with a plate of cookies down, and a glass of milk for Max. "I'm sorry these are store bought cookies, I like to bake but I never have much time".

Cliff and Max took a cookie, and were eating it. Melinda brought the coffee's over, and she sat down. Max was quiet because he was enjoying his cookie. Melinda and Cliff smile, and Max looked over, " what are you laughing at"?

"Nothing Max, how about I put on your favorite show"?

" Dukes of Hazzard, it has cool cars and a pretty girl Cliff"

Cliff smiled, " Yes, I like Daisy she is pretty". Melinda shook her head, and they walked into the living room. Max sat on the floor while Cliff sat beside Melinda on the couch. He put his arm around her, and she snuggled close. She hasn't been with anyone since her Ex walked out the door. It sure was nice having a man wrap his arms around her. She was getting feelings, she never thought she would have ever again. She shivered, and Cliff knew what she was feeling he was feeling something for her to. They looked at each other, he touched her chin, and their mouths met. She shut her eyes, he truly was an amazing kisser. She touched his chest, and they were kissing so passionately. Melinda jumped up walking into the kitchen making Max look at her and Cliff. Cliff got up, "I will be right back, I have to see if Mommy is ok".

"Ok hurry, they will have a car chase for sure".

"Ok", Cliff smiled, but walked into the kitchen

[melindajo2000]

loved this chapter. Hope Melinda isnt getting scared. Cliff is good for her and the kids. Loved how he wanted to buy a bed for her child but she was too proud to accept but maybe he will find a way to help her in the future. this is a great chapter, love your family stories Jessie

[jessie]

Chapter 7

Melinda was cleaning up the counter when Cliff came up behind her. He moved close," Melinda what is wrong"?

"Nothing Cliff, I never should have done that"?

"What we kissed that is all"?

"My son is sitting right there"

"Melinda you seem scared what is wrong"?

" I can't confuse my children, they love you Cliff. If you walk away, it will hurt them."

"Are you asking me to leave"?

"Yes, I'm sorry maybe the Beach isn't a good idea"

" Melinda don't do this , I love being with you and the kids".

" I love it too, but I have been hurt in the past. I want to focus on my kids, I don't want anything to hurt them".

Cliff started to walk to the door, and Melinda didn't turn back. She was crying, she hated herself for pushing him away. She won't let herself get hurt again. She was falling for Cliff so fast it scared her to death. She jumped when Max ran to the door crying. "Don't leave Daddy". Melinda ran out kneeling down, "Max, this isn't Daddy Sweetie".

"Mommy make him stay, he was going to read me Huckleberry Finn". Melinda touched Max's face, "OK I will ask him to stay". Melinda got up, "I'm so sorry Cliff, for acting that way, please stay".

"Really". Melinda ran over hugging him, "I'm so sorry, I'm afraid of getting hurt again".

"Shh it is ok", he touched her face, and walked over to Max. "How about you go get your pajamas on, and I will be in to read you that book"?

"Ok", Max ran down to his room, and Melinda started to cry. Cliff walked over, " I really like you Melinda, I won't hurt you or the kids".

" I know you wouldn't on purpose, do you really want to get involved with someone with 2 kids"?

" I wouldn't be here if I didn't Melinda". She walked over, and they kiss. Max ran out of the room, "Cliff look I have my pajamas on, come read please".

" Do you mind Melinda"?

"No go , I will finish cleaning up, but try to get him asleep if we are going to the beach tomorrow". Cliff took Max's hand, and walked to the bathroom. Melinda was doing the dishes, and finished up she walked down to Max's room. She laughed, there was Max all curled up in Cliff's arms, and they both fell asleep. She didn't have the heart to wake him. She put the blanket over them, and walked to her room, and changed into track pants and a tee shirt. She walked out to the living room putting on her favorite movie, " A Mirror has two faces". She curled up watching the movie, it was almost over when Cliff walked out smiling. "I"m so sorry, I feel asleep , I feel horrible".

"Why it was very sweet of you to read to Max"

Cliff walked over sitting beside Melinda, and he touched her face. "Your ok with me right, we still are going to the beach tomorrow"?

"Yes, we should go early, so we can come home not to late. I have to work Sunday".

Cliff kissed her lips, and touched her chin, "I will go home, see you tomorrow". Cliff was walking to the door, and Melinda stood up, "Cliff".

"Yes, Melinda"

"Thank you for today, I have never been more happy as I was today".

" Me too, I don't want to leave you, this is the first time in months, that I wasn't lonely. Your kids are so special both of them are a pure joy". Cliff walked out, Melinda said goodbye as she shut the door. She wanted to run out , and tell him to stop but she knew it wasn't right. She opened the door, and jumped Cliff was standing there facing her.

"What are you doing Cliff"?

" I don't know , but I feel like I belong here with you and the kids". Melinda smiled, pulling him into her arms, and kissed him.

[melindajo2000]

aw Cliff is so cute I hope he is happy for once. nice to see him thinking about someone other than himself for a change lol. this is one of my very favorites

[jessie]

Chapter 8

Melinda shut the door, and Cliff smiled, "If I don't leave now, I won't Melinda".

"I know you should, but having you here has been amazing. I have never seen my kids more happy. I'm so afraid, you will walk out of my life, and never come back".

"I wouldn't do that Melinda, I love being with you and your kids. I feel like I belong here, and I feel like you need me to be here".

"You realize having 2 kids changes your life. They keep you hopping, when your tired, they make you play with them. When they can't sleep, you have to stay up with them. When you bath them, they get more water on you than themselves. When they don't want to eat, they will dump the food on the floor".

"Really Emily right"?

"Yeah, I would do anything for my kids, but I can't take my chance, that you will hurt them. I know you care, you have been wonderful. I know we might not work out, I can handle that. I just want to know, you want to try, and your serious about seeing if we can be together. They need a man in their life, and I think your perfect, but I'm afraid if you leave it will break their heart".

"You are talking about the kids, what about you Melinda"?

"You know, I really care for you Cliff"

"Good because I adore you, and your kids. I can't predict what our future holds, but I can say, I will do everything in my power, to win your heart. I need something good in my life, and meeting you has been the hi-light of my life, you will never know just how much, I need you right now".

"Are you ok Cliff"?

"Yeah, I'm just lonely, and I'm tired of going home, having no one to be there waiting for me. I would love to come home to someone who is glad to see me. I would love to throw the ball around with my boy, and I would love to take my baby girl for a walk". Melinda was so overwhelmed, she whispered, "stay Cliff, we can get you a change of clothes tomorrow. There is a walmart down the road, we can get you some jeans or shorts for the beach".

"You mean it, I can stay"? Melinda locked the door, and walked over turning off the lights, when Cliff whispered, "should I sleep on the couch"?

'If you like, but there is room, in my bed, if you like"?

Melinda was walking down the hall, and Cliff ran behind her.

"Your sure Melinda"?

"Cliff I asked you, stop asking me if I'm sure"?

"I'm sorry, I just want to be sure, I don't want you to regret it" Melinda smiled, she opened Max's door, and checked on him. She pulled up the blanket, kissing him on the forehead. She shut his door but left it open slightly. She walked to Emily's room, checking her, and she walked out to Cliff. She held his hand, and took him to her room. He walked in, he looked around, it was so pretty in her room. She had tons of pictures of the kids, he walked over looking at them. She stood watching him, when he turned walking over to her. They looked into each others eyes, and they kiss.

[melindajo2000]

very good, it was good that they had that talk, they should be pretty good for each other, cliff might not admit it but he must get lonely too. love this chapter

[Sanda]

Great updates Jessie. Melinda, Cliff, Emily, and Max are soo cute together. I really LOVE this story soo much.

[jessie]

Chapter 9

Cliff went into the bathroom, and came out in his boxers and tee shirt. He smiled, "OK don't laugh at me Melinda, I'm not sexy, I know".

"You are sexy Cliff, I will change get in bed". He jumped in bed, and she laughed, ' That move would be a move Max would do jumping on the bed".

"Sorry", He smiled, as he laid back. She went into the bathroom, undressing and she put her nightgown on. She looked into the mirror, she was scared to go back out there. She wanted him to stay, but what if they were rushing things?. She finally opened the door, and Cliff sat up, "I thought you were hiding from me Melinda. Please come here, I want to talk to you". Melinda walked over sitting on the bed, and Cliff touched her shoulder. "I know your not ready Melinda, and I'm fine with that. I would love just to hold you, and when your ready, we will know it. Thank you for doing this for me tonight, I didn't want to go home to my lonely apartment Melinda. Cliff laid back and Melinda snuggled beside him, and they stared at each other holding hands. He kissed her and whispered, " I feel like I have a family, I have a sister, that is all. Melinda you and your kids, need me I want to help you with the kids, together we can be a family, what do you think"?

"Are you asking me to let you move in with me"?

"I would love to move here, or you can go to my place. I think here is better, the kids are happy here. I can help you, and we won't be lonely anymore"

"Cliff you are really special, can I think about it"?

"Sure, take your time, lets go to sleep, tomorrow is a big day. I can't wait to go to the beach with the kids"

"Max loves you Cliff, he needs a Father figure".

"He is special, and Emily is so adorable. She looks so much like her Ma Ma".

"You think so"?

"Oh yes, you both are adorable". He kissed her again, and they snuggled real close. Cliff loved feeling her in his arms, and she shut her eyes, never wanting him to let her go. They both fell asleep, and woke up, when Max was knocking at their door at 7am. Cliff got up pulling on his pants, and opened the door. Max was shocked, "Oh your here Cliff".

"Yes, how about me and you watch cartoons, while Mommy gets dressed, and gets Emily up".

"Ok" Max ran down the hall to the living room. Cliff smiled, " Take your time Melinda". He shut the door, and Melinda laid back, smiling, she loved having Cliff with her all night. She knew she wouldn't wait much longer to show him she really liked him. He was the perfect gentleman, he is the man she has waiting her whole life for. She heard Emily cry, and she got up putting on her housecoat. She went to Emily, and smiled, "Oh who is making all this noise"?

Emily smiled, "Mommy". Melinda picked her up, and changed her. She walked out, handing her to Cliff, and said she would change, and than get breakfast ready. She walked to the hallway she looked back, and she smiled, what a perfect picture . She walked to her room, smiling all the way.

[melindajo2000]

great chapter, love that Cliff is helping with the kids, what a change for him. thanks for updating

[jessie]

Chapter 10

Melinda showered and changed, she came out seeing Cliff watching cartoons with Max and Emily. She walked into the living room, Cliff I don't have eggs, would toast and cereal be enough for you"?

"How about I run to Walmart , and get myself some shorts, than I can take you all to McDonald's?

Max was off the couch so fast, "Mickey Dee's Mommy". Melinda smiled, "I don't take them there much, I have to watch my money. That is very sweet Cliff, sure I would love that". Cliff got up, and left to go get a change of clothing. He came back 1/2hour later, and Max ran over, "What took you so long"?

Cliff smiled, "Well I got some clothes, and a ball for you, and a Frisbee, and pail and shovel, for Emily". Max was so excited, Melinda had to Pick him up, "calm down Max, you will make yourself sick". Cliff ran down changing, he came back, and he walked out laughing. "Oh my legs look so ugly in shorts should I wear my dress pants"?

"You look fine, you just need some sun on them". They kiss, and they turn around and laugh, "Max and Emily are both staring at them. They got everything ready, and left the house.

They went to McDonald's and had breakfast, the kids loved it. They finished, and left and got in the car.

They drove to the beach, Cliff was singing songs, all the way there. Melinda couldn't believe how lucky she was to find someone like Cliff. They parked, and Melinda got Emily out of the car seat, and Cliff grabbed Max, and the bag, toys, and the blanket. They walked over and found a good spot, and laid the blanket down. Melinda put Emily on it, and sat beside her. Max pulled Cliff , "lets play Frisbee Cliff". He smiled, "You don't mind Melinda"?

"No, go ahead, just don't hit Emily or me". Cliff smiled

Melinda was watching them, she couldn't believe how happy Max was. He loved being with Cliff, he was like the Father he really never had. She smiled, Emily was talking away to herself. Melinda lifted her up, "want to go put your feet in the water"?

"Yes", Emily screamed. Melinda carried her over, and put her down, Emily screamed, "Cold Mommy". Melinda giggled, "Yes it is Sweetie. She lifted her up, twirling her round, making Emily laugh. Cliff was watching Melinda, she was a beauty , he wasn't paying attention, and the Frisbee hit him in the head. Cliff yelled, making Max start to cry. Melinda ran over, "OMG Cliff are you ok"?

"Yes, you are a hazard Melinda"

"What that isn't a nice thing to say Cliff".

"You are pretty you make men forget what they are doing" He smiled, grabbing Max, "It isn't your fault buddy, it is mine, I was looking at these two pretty girls".

"They are not girls Cliff that is Mommy and my Sister". Melinda and Cliff laugh, the four of them walked to the water. Max was jumping splashing them all, and having a great laugh about it . Cliff lifted him up, "oh you like making people wet, do you want to get dunked"?

"No", Max laughed as Cliff dunked him in the water. Emily screamed "me too". Cliff grabbed her, dunking her in the water, and Melinda couldn't help but laugh, the three of them were adorable. She knew Cliff was the man she has been waiting her whole life for, she prayed, this wasn't a dream, and it all would end, once she woke up. She couldn't handle that, she was falling in love with Cliff, and she knew her kids were too.

[Sanda]

Cute updates Jessie. I LOVE it that Cliff went to Wal-mart to buy a pair of shorts for himself and some toys for Emily and Max. I also love it that the 4 of them went to eat at McDonald's for breakfast.

[melindajo2000]

very nice chapter, Cliff was so cute here playing with the kids and taking them out to McDonald's. hope nothing bad happens to them. thanks for updating

[jessie]

Chapter 11

They all went over to their blanket and sat down. Max was watching the boats , while Emily fell asleep in Cliff's arms. He laid her down, and smiled, "she is so beautiful, just like her Ma Ma".

"Oh she is cute, she really likes you Cliff".

"You really think so, because I love both your kids Melinda"?

"Do you like their Ma Ma too"? Melinda giggled

"Oh yes, I really like their Ma Ma". Cliff leaned over kissing Melinda, and they just stared into each others eyes. Max got up, "Cliff can we have a ice cream"?

"Max, you don't ask, but yes, you can have one" Melinda says. Cliff got up, "I will get one for him, would you like one Melinda"?

"Yes, a chocolate dipped cone, but we have to wait for her".

"Sure, I will be right back", Cliff took Max's hand and they walked to the ice cream truck. She could see Max's was so excited, he needed a Father figure in his life. Cliff was perfect, he is wonderful with the kids. Melinda looked at Emily, putting her hat on so her head so she didn't get sunburn. She watched as Max came back carrying a double scoop ice cream. "Look Mommy 2 scoops".

"I see but can you eat it all"?

"Yes, I can you watch". Max started to eat, and Cliff handed her the chocolate dipped cone. Max was quiet eating he was really enjoying himself. Melinda laughed , he was getting so much all over his face. She got a wet nap, and wiped his face. "Ma Ma, wait until I finish, I love this".

"I can see that young man". Max giggled, as Cliff finished his cone. Max finished and he grabbed Cliff's hand, "can we swim now please"? Cliff got up, he pulled down his pants, he had his swim trunks underneath. Melinda smiled, "Oh you need sun Cliff".

"I know my legs look pathetic".

"No, they look pretty amazing". Cliff picked up Max, and went over to the water. Melinda watched, and laughed, Cliff was getting splashed, and was being a good sport about it. They swam for about 1/2hour, when they came back to the blanket. Max let his Mom dry him off, than he sat in her lap. She whispered, "Oh you are such a good swimmer Max".

"I know, I'm like a baby fish".

Melinda and Cliff smile, after a few moments, Max fell asleep too. Melinda laid him down, and kissed his forehead. She smiled, Cliff held her hand, and whispered, "thank you for today".

"Thank you, this was really nice of you".

"After the beach, we can go to a little diner, and have a nice supper. We can go home, and put the kids to bed. We can watch a movie, snuggle, and maybe we can get to know each other better". Melinda touched his face, "Oh I would like that Cliff, but I have to ask you something very important".

"Ask me anything".

"I know we don't know what the future holds. I just need to know, you are serious about giving us a chance".

"Yes, I thought you would know that already".

"My kids were hurt by the divorce, I won't let them get hurt again".

"Someday, you have to tell me about you past Melinda".

"Someday, but lets not ruin our day, it is pretty depressing".

"I'm sorry he hurt you Melinda, he is a fool". Melinda smiled, as Cliff brought his lips to hers, and they kissed passionately.

[melindajo2000]

oh this was one of my favorite chapters, he is really good with the kids. Max was so cute here. love the name . lol'd at the part about Cliff's legs and how he needed sun lol. awesome chapter, I was hoping you would update. You write Cliff very well

[Sanda]

Cute update Jessie.