augustusellison

[augustusellison]

He kissed her softly, repeatedly, letting himself indulge in the moment before he pulled away, eyes focused on her, taking her in for a moment. "Have I told you today you're gorgeous?" he asked, smiling before he returned to the eggs, cracking the needed amount before looking back at her. "What's next on the recipe, boss?" he laughed, shaking his head at how ridiculous he sounded. "Or well, how can I help next?" he questioned, eyeballing all the ingredients in front of them. "I also don't think I realized exactly how many ingredients go into something as simple as chocolate chip cookies."

Family traditions were important to Jazzy, and that included baking. Though August wasn't family, she still couldn't resist still participating in tradition especially in regards to making food. She absolutely enjoyed store bought goodies, but felt that making the food one would enjoy was so much sweeter and the payoff was better. Baking from scratch was in her blood, passed down through generations before her and she'd continue to pass down after her. Her hands were washed and she started working while he cracked the egg, pausing for a moment while she explained. Then smiling as he kissed her cheek, before draping her arms around his neck as their lips pressed against one another's. "That's better," she mumbled against his lips, pressing soft kisses to them before moving back to her part of the recipe.

[augustusellison]

The excitement that radiated off their girls was something he'd never get used to. The way that things seemed to feel natural; it was nearly overwhelming. He wasn't someone that put much thought into the 'what does the future look like?' and preferred to be in the moment, figuring it out day by day; but, something about the holiday season and how to split them had crept up on him, made him unable to focus on much else. So when he'd decided to stay in his room, allowing them to all wake up together, it had felt the most natural he'd felt in regards to his kids for awhile, but, he had never expected for things to turn out the way they did. The sound of giggles made him smile, and he sat up a little straighter, thankful he'd at least tossed on pajama pants when he'd gotten up in the middle of the night. "You three look like you're waiting for something." he smiled, eyes focused on them as he sat up, moving the blanket from his body to sit up a little straighter. "Is it a big day?" he winked, watching as he was emersed with cuddles. "Stay here with Momma while I go make some coffee?" he smiled. "I'll see what we've gotten waiting for us from Santa in the meantime."

THE END

Grace was sitting in the glider by the window, gently rocking Frankie in her arms. Their tiniest one had stirred earlier than usual, hungry and grunting with that little baby determination that always made Grace smile. She was just finishing feeding her when the bedroom door cracked open and Ginny came tiptoeing in well, trying to tiptoe, her excitement too big for her small frame. Grace gave her a soft, knowing look. “Shh,” she whispered, lips curved into a quiet grin. “Wake up your dad, honey but maybe just a little quieter, okay?” Of course, it was no use. Josie barreled in right behind her sister, full of giggles and bright eyes, and any semblance of peace was gone in an instant.

Grace laughed under her breath, adjusting Frankie as the baby blinked up at the commotion, now wide awake again. “Well… so much for trying,” she murmured, her smile only growing as she watched the girls bounce near the bed, eyes sparkling with joy. Her gaze drifted toward August as he sat up, and her heart did that soft little flip it always did when she saw him like this half-awake, gentle-eyed, surrounded by their kids. She still wasn’t sure how last night had unfolded the way it had, but as she watched their daughters swarm him with excitement, she knew one thing for certain: they had built something beautiful together. “Merry Christmas,” she said, her voice warm and low as she rocked Frankie again.

[augustusellison]

A chuckle escaped his own lips, though he nodded. He probably needed that reminder; if August had to guess he'd be the kind of guy that would put so many pictures in his windshield it would obscure his vision. He was just that proud of all the little drawings his daughters did. "You have a point there." he nodded. "I'm sure that I'd be the one needed the reminder." he laughed, shaking his head. "I'd figure it out though, you can bet that." And that was a promise; He would if he could. The mention of the children's interests changing made August nod. "Isn't it insane?" he questioned. "I know what they like one week and the next it's like I've never been around them." he admitted. "I'm not one that usually pays mind to it and just go with the flow, but, it's starting to get depressing." he added. "Oh the aquarium is great, I need to take the girls." he stated. "We should get all the kids together; I know Josie and Ginny would love hanging out with Dylan and Aiden."

Tristan let out a laugh when August said that he pretty much would do anything to show off his kids' drawings. It was something that he definitely could understand. "Hey, I won't stop you. Just make sure you still have enough space so you can see the road," he joked. He himself wouldn't be gluing the artwork to the car. Partly because it was also the one he used for work. "They're good. While I'm trying to keep up with their ever changing interests," he replied with another laugh. "We visited the aquarium last weekend and Dylan decided that sharks are the coolest ever. Before that trip, she didn't like sharks."

[augustusellison]

"Oh definitely." the male nodded, his smile widening as he remembered the innocent days before heavy opinions entered their every day lives. He knew it was going to be harder to ignore the strong opinions - they'd come by it honestly as he and his ex-wife both had very strong opinions - but he knew he was truly doomed in the attitude department when they welcomed their third baby girl almost fourteen months ago. "I'm sure if she's anything like my three - or well, two, the baby isn't old enough to have a strong opinion yet - she'll be very opinionated about dress up." he laughed. "I'll keep you in my thoughts; it's rough." he playfully winked. Despite the fact that August sometimes felt outnumbered by all the girl power in his home, the male wouldn't trade it for anything; he loved being a girl dad more than he loved anything else in the world. The mention of over washing them made him smile. "Yeah, that's a thing too. Once you wash them once too much they just never seem to fit right again." he shrugged. "Which is why I've learned to just buy four of all of them at one time. A larger lump sum up front but no one is upset they're missing out but the best part is you have a backup if one spontaneously tears up in the wash. Ask me how I know that." he laughed again. August knew that as long as he was able he would always be there for his girls. They were his tiny best friends and he loved everything about that. "I do my best. It's not easy, but they certainly make it worth it."

Laurel listened with an amused smile, nodding along as he spoke. “That actually sounds like a genius strategy,” she admitted with a chuckle. “I’ll have to keep it in mind for when Miriam gets to that stage. She’s already showing signs of a very strong opinion on what she wears, so I have a feeling dress-up days are coming sooner rather than later.” At his dramatic reaction to laundry, Laurel laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, I completely agree. Laundry is the worst,” she said, her voice full of shared exasperation. “But I love the dress-up rule. That’s honestly smart—less mess, fewer outfit changes, and a little extra magic left in the clothes. I feel like washing them too much would take some of that away, you know?” Her gaze softened slightly at his words about his daughters, and she nodded in understanding. “I think they will,” she said reassuringly. “As long as you’re there for them, they’ll always want you around. Even if it changes over time, that bond doesn’t just go away.” She offered him a warm smile. “And having your dad as one of your best friends? That’s really special. I hope Miriam and I have that kind of relationship as she grows up.”

[augustusellison]

Laughing, August nodded. "I'm glad it wasn't just my dad then that was anti kid puzzles." he laughed. "Which is why when I decided I wanted to see if my girls picked up the hobby as well, I bought a lot of kid free puzzles." he stated. "The younger ones - most of them anyways - are still at home, but, there's enough in there that I think you'll be able to find something." he shrugged. Or at the very least he hoped. A laugh as he listened to the other. "I'm trying hard not to. Gotta stay out of trouble and lead by example for my girls."

Wesley nodded as he listened. When Wesley was little during summers he often spent a lot of time in his grandfather office alone doing puzzles while he waited for his grandfather to be done with meetings which were often very long and plus his grandfather had a collection. "I can relate and understand. The puzzles my grandfather had in his office were not really kid friendly and were hard," he spoke with a smile.

"Glad you have been good and Oh? That's good you are not trying to get into trouble again."

[augustusellison]

The night spent with Grace was one that August didn't anticipate, but there was a small part of him that felt like it had been too much. He never wanted to give the wrong impression to anyone, much less the one that he'd spent majority of his life with. He barely slept the night before, unable to keep his mind from racing.

As he was awoke with a small giggle from their middle daughter, he opened his eye, smiling at all of them in the doorway of his room. "Good morning." he smiled, sitting up a little straighter. "Merry Christmas."

As soon as the door closed behind them, Grace barely had a second to catch her breath before August pressed her against it, his hands firm on her hips, grounding her. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her pulse hammering as she clung to him, her fingers threading through his hair, tugging just enough to make him groan against her skin. She needed this needed him. Every inch of her ached with the longing she had buried for too long, the space she had forced between them feeling like a mistake she desperately wanted to erase. She pressed closer, molding against him, her lips moving feverishly against his as if making up for lost time. "August," she whispered, her voice breathless, filled with something raw and unspoken. She wasn't just reaching for him she was pulling him back to her, back to them. He didn’t hesitate, his hands memorizing every familiar curve as if afraid she might slip away again. When he lifted her, she instinctively wrapped herself around him, holding on as if letting go was no longer an option. The bed met them in a blur of limbs and urgency, but there was nothing rushed about this. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered breath between them was a reminder of what they had once been.

[augustusellison]

As she stated that once he had these he'd never go back, August smiled. He was a man with a bit of a sweet tooth anyways, and while he wasn't above anything store bought, there was a bit of a comfort in sharing - and indulging - in family recipes whether his own or someone else's. Even if it wasn't something he would remember to share with his girls - whether it be his lack of memory for the recipe or Jasmine's wish to keep it between them - he'd at least be able to able to build more confidence that he could bake from scratch and that was something he'd never take for granted. He'd washed his hands, moving the bowl towards him as she instructed him to crack the eggs in the bowl, only smirking at her comment. "Right of course, where are my manners?" he smiled, turning towards her, hand pressed against her cheek. "My mom would be disappointed I wasn't a gentleman." he winked, taking a step forward and softly pressing his lips to hers.

As Jazzy had gotten the ingredients out, she listened to August, nodding along before stopping and laughing. "They're definitely good," she moved closer to him for a moment, "when you want something quick and easy." She took out the measuring cups and spoons, "but once you try these, Tollhouse won't hold a candle to them." She smirked and gathered everything and turned to him. "You can crack some eggs into the bowl," she pointed towards the metal bowl she had taken out from the cupboard. "But first," she replied and stepped closer to him, "it's always good to begin baking with a kiss."

[augustusellison]

A laugh escaped his lips and August shook his head. Surely there were much better things to talk about than powered bobble heads; how had he even gotten on the subject of this anyways? Though when the subject of artwork was mentioned again - giving August a reason to talk about his girls again - he smiled. "I'd figure out a way if it meant showing off their work." he added, eyes focusing on the other as he spoke. "I'm so damn proud of them, man. I'd glue it to the top of my car if I had to." he laughed. "They're good though, Growing like weeds, but good. What about yours?"

"Great. Now I'll be thinking about the possibility of powered bobble heads whenever I see one," he joked. He had a feeling it still wouldn't be the first thing that came to mind if he saw a bobble head moving but it could be a close second now. He'd still think if something bumped it before he thought about it being solar powered. "So, you're saying that if you also have run out of wall space in your house, that you'll resort to displaying artwork on the car?" Tristan said with a laugh. Which, if the man would tell him that he did run out of wall space, he wouldn't even doubt him and wouldn't even be the slightest bit surprised. He only had Aidan and Dylan and he already had to be smart about where to display their arts. "How are they doing? The kids?"

[augustusellison]

"Oh trust me, it took me a few years to realize that I could just perfect it." he laughed. "I spent entirely too much time setting up the tea party and playing dress up just to realize that they'd be hangry within ten minutes, and by that point it was too close to dinner that I had quite a few meltdowns and a lot more pleading to get here." he laughed. "So it works out for all of us; you should try it, you know, once she's into that stage." The mention of laundry practically made him roll his eyes and he shook his head, eyes focusing on the other. "I hate laundry." he laughed, a little louder than intended before he inhaled. "Dress up laundry is special though. Call me crazy but I don't wash it every day, or hell even every week." he admitted. "The rule is, nothing messy comes out when dress up clothes are on." he stated first, just simple things like crackers and such. And we usually just put them on over our clothes so we don't have to change again, which helps us all out later." Though now that he mentioned it he was sure they weren't the only ones that did that. The mention of his daughter's growing older would never not make August's heart hurt a little, but he sighed at the other's comment. "I hope that for as long as I am around they're always going to want to spend time with their dad." he smiled. "I know it's different, but, my dad is one of my best friends."

Laurel smiled as she listened, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “Every day, huh? I’d say that’s dedication,” she teased, tilting her head slightly. “And honestly? That’s kind of genius combining tea parties with snack time. You’re out here thinking like a pro.” She could picture it so clearly: tiny hands delicately holding plastic teacups, giggling over whatever pretend conversation they were having while August played along. It was sweet, and it was obvious how much he adored his girls. “The dress-up laundry sounds like a nightmare, though,” she added with a playful smirk. “But I bet it’s worth it just to see them light up.” Her expression softened as he talked about the fleeting nature of it all. She got it the way time seemed to slip through your fingers when it came to kids. “Well,” she said, nudging him lightly, “for what it’s worth, I think you’re doing a pretty damn good job. And who knows? Maybe they’ll still want to play dress-up when they’re older… just in a different way. Fashion advice, shopping trips sounds like you’ll always have your hands full.”

[augustusellison]

Their hips pressing against each other sent August into a spiral. Something he hadn't thought he'd ever be able to say he'd done again, yet, here he was, fighting the urge to take her on the couch. He was fighting with himself anyways - his body reacting with her while his mind was screaming to end things before they could turn it around - but he couldn't do it. This felt too natural, too beautiful to pass up. He was blissfully unaware of his surroundings, but for once in August's life, he didn't care. His hands pressed against skin made him shutter, only shuttering again when they were pressed against the skin of her breasts, breath hot and heavy against her lips as they danced hungrily against each other. It was her shift that made August open his eyes, nodding too quickly at her request. Hands grabbed at the clothes on the ground - no need to leave those lying around to confuse the girls - the other pressed into hers as they made their way to his room, door closed before August shifted, hands pressing into her hips as he pressed her against the door.

It all happened quickly, hands moving to remove her bottoms, returning to her chest, one hand exploring her body, teasing her, lips pressing kisses against her neck. He couldn't breathe. Yet every breath he took felt more like he was inhaling all of her. He couldn't compose himself. It was almost too much. After a few moments, he lifted her, wrapping her arms around his waist as he guided her to the bed.

Grace smirked at his words, nodding as her hips rolled against his once more, slow and deliberate, teasing him with every movement. “Yeah… we should go,” she murmured, though her tone was anything but urgent. She knew the girls were pretty good at sleeping through the night, and Frankie sweet, clingy Frankie would sleep through the night if she was curled up next to her. It was something Grace never thought she’d be the type to do, co-sleeping, especially since they had agreed they wouldn’t. But now? Now, she couldn’t imagine not having those quiet, extra moments with her baby. Her hands found his, guiding them under the hem of her shirt, helping him slip it off before tossing it carelessly to the floor. She had been working out more than she had with her other pregnancies, and it showed—the tone in her arms, the definition in her stomach. August’s eyes darkened as they traced over her body, and she grinned, letting him take it all in for a second before she leaned in, her lips crashing into his again, teasing, drawing him in just to pull back.

And then, as if to push him further, she reached behind her, unclasping her bra and letting it slide down her arms before tossing it aside. The way his jaw tensed, the way his fingers flexed against her skin, sent a thrill through her. She gave him another deep, lingering kiss, one that was all heat and promise, before slipping off his lap with a smirk. She took a few steps back, turning slightly as she beckoned him with nothing but a look, her lips curling into a knowing smile. “Come on,” she said softly, her voice laced with amusement, challenge, and something deeper. She knew he’d follow.

[augustusellison]

August was sure that the lack of oxygen was getting to him, or very much the way he'd longed for this for a lot longer than he'd ever cared to realize. It was messy, and he was sure when he had the chance to think about it later he'd wish he'd have stopped - not because he wanted to, but, August had done enough screwing things up in his life and with Grace to feel like this was a terrible idea later - but right now, in this moment he didn't care. Her lips pressed against his own were ecstasy and August only shifted when she backed away. "My room is fine." he nodded, knowing that he didn't care where, he just wasn't sure he could handle not being with her much longer. As her hips pressed into his he exhaled a groan, hands shifting to her backside, using them to press her into him more. Only once he needed to catch his breath again did he move, eyes focused on her. "Let's go." he encouraged, shifting slightly. "While we have time before someone needs us."

Grace nodded, knowing that going upstairs meant breaking the closeness between them, even if only for a moment. The warmth of his body against hers, the way his hands traced her skin—it had been so long, and she wasn’t ready to let go just yet. But she also knew they couldn’t stay where they were, not with the kids asleep in her room. “My room’s taken,” she murmured against his lips, her breath warm and teasing. “Both of them are in there with Frankie in her crib.” Her fingers slid into his hair as she kissed him again, her body pressing flush against his before she forced herself to speak again. “Your room?” It was something she had insisted on after the divorce, giving him his own space when he stayed over with the kids—his own bed, separate from what had once been theirs. She wasn’t sure if it had made things easier or harder, but right now, none of that mattered. Before he could respond, she moved against him, rolling her hips into his as her lips crashed back onto his, kissing him harder, deeper—letting go of everything except how much she wanted him. How much she missed him. For once, the past didn’t matter. The only thing that did was the way he felt, the way he made her feel. Right now, in this moment, nothing else existed

[augustusellison]

The mention of tea parties made August laugh as he shook his head. "Would you believe me if I told you every day?" he questioned, eyes focused on the other as he spoke. "I've gotten smart with it through the years though; we turn it into snack time before dinner. I've started getting things as prepped as I can and letting the girls do tea party for a bit before dinner, it helps because we can wear dress up clothes to eat and well, I'm sure you get where I'm going that the laundry piles is ridiculous because of it." he shrugged. "I definitely love this stage where they want me to play all the time. Don't get me wrong they do get disciplined when they need it but the girls are good kids." he admitted. "And I know that'll only last for a bit; before I know it they're going to be argumentative and not want to play dress up anymore."

Laurel listened intently, nodding along with a soft smile. "Sounds like you've got your hands full," she mused, laughter in her voice. "But that also sounds like so much fun." There was no mistaking the warmth in her expression—she could tell how much he adored his kids, and it was heartwarming to hear. Tilting her head slightly, she grinned. "So, how often do you get roped into tea parties and dress-up? Because I swear, half my days are spent in princess gowns and tiaras thanks to my daughter. I think she sees me more as a playmate than a mom sometimes." She chuckled, shaking her head. "Not that I mind—it’s kind of the best, even when I'm covered in sparkles for days afterward."

[augustusellison]

The mention of Tollhouse cookie recipe made August laugh. "Oh trust me. We love Tollhouse in my house." he commented, shaking his head. "But nothing that's not already made and ready to just pop into the oven." he laughed. When it came to making things from scratch he wasn't big into it and found it much easer on himself to just use the premade stuff most of the time. So, as he moved into the kitchen, eyes focused on the ingredients in front of them, he sighed. "Where do I begin? What's the first step in this special Bailey family recipe?"

Moving slow wasn't usually how Jazzy operated, but with August things were different, and she actually wanted to get to know him before anything. She enjoyed his company and the way he made her feel, and she wasn't rushing into anything at least this time. Though she did enjoy being with him as much as both of them could, and if a kiss or two were sneak in, she wouldn't complain. A simple kiss on the top of her heart made her heart skip a beat and her lips curl into a grin, "perfect. Now I know Nestlé Tollhouse is famous for their recipe. But the Bailey family has a secret recipe dating back generations." She smirked, "and you're lucky because not too many people know about it," she leaned forward on the counter a bit and batted her eyelashes at him. "well I'm happy to be here for your first time."

[augustusellison]

It had felt like a lifetime since the two of them had been like this. August's mind was clouded with nothing but emotion, his hands roaming her body as if his life depended on it. It was truly something his body craved, and while he didn't know why he was giving in so easily - he'd have given anything for this to have been them just two years ago - he couldn't resist. His hands shifted to her waist as he deepened the kiss, lost in the moment. They were like this for a moment, kissing, the quiet of the night keeping them close. It was only once he pulled away that the silence was lost. "Do you want to go upstairs?" he asked. Not only would they be closer to the girls if they moved upstairs, but they'd be more comfortable. And if anything, regardless of what happened between the two of them, August wanted Grace to be comfortable. "We can stay, I just, I thought maybe." he shook his head, bringing his lips back to hers to kiss her again, adding silence between the two of them again.

Grace hadn't expected this—hadn't expected to need this as much as she did. But the second August's hands found her skin, warmth spreading beneath his touch, she realized just how much she had missed him. Not just in passing, not just as the father of their daughters, but as the man who knew every inch of her, who once made her feel like she was the center of his universe. And now, with his lips on her neck, his hands mapping out familiar territory, it hit her like a freight train. She had spent so long convincing herself she was fine, that she had moved on, that she was stronger for it. But being in his arms again, feeling his breath against her skin, she knew she had been lying to herself. She had needed this—him—for far too long, but she had been too proud, too afraid to admit it. And now, with his lips trailing back to hers, hands cradling her face like she was something precious, she couldn’t hold it back anymore.

A shuddered breath escaped her as she melted into the kiss, her fingers sliding into his hair, gripping him like she was afraid he might slip away again. Two years. Two years without this, without him, without the way he could make her feel like she was home with just a single touch. And she had let it happen. The thought made her heart clench, made regret coil tight in her chest. She had let them fall apart without even trying, had let fear and pain win when maybe—maybe—there had still been something worth saving. And God, if she could take it back, if she could rewrite it all, she would. She’d fight harder, love him better, hold onto the family they had built instead of letting it slip through her fingers. Her body pressed closer, craving more, needing more—needing him. The way his hands explored, the way his kiss deepened, like he was desperate to drown in her too. And maybe that was the worst part of all. That even now, after everything, he still felt like he belonged to her. That she still wanted him to.

[augustusellison]

"I do." he nodded. "But I wouldn't trade it for anything." he admitted, eyes showing the same smile his lips held. He loved being a dad. It was by far the best part of him and there wasn't a thing he'd change about them. They were the perfect combination of him and Grace, but just as much their own little people. It was truly an honor to be their father. "My oldest was golden from birth, and still is." he sighed. "The only time she ever cried was when her feelings got hurt, which, was kind of a lot since she's a little sensitive, but, she's not a crier about much else." he admitted "That second born though. She threw a fit one time because she wanted to go out the back door and was sad the car was parked in the garage." he sighed. "And my youngest is a good mix of the two. Cries when she's hurt and knows what she wants, but, I'm sure when she starts talking she's going to be the mouthiest of the three."

Laurel couldn't help but smile at August's words, her gaze softening as she listened. "Sounds like you’ve got your hands full," she said, a light teasing edge to her voice. But there was warmth there too—an understanding that came from her own experiences. "Two and a half is definitely a fun age, but also exhausting," she admitted with a small chuckle. "One minute, she’s the sweetest little thing, and the next, she’s throwing a fit because I gave her the wrong color cup." Shaking her head fondly, she leaned back slightly. "But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Even the tantrums." Her expression grew thoughtful as she glanced over at him. "It really does go by fast, doesn’t it? I feel like I just blinked, and suddenly, she’s stringing together full sentences and trying to negotiate with me like a tiny lawyer."

[augustusellison]

"Puzzles were something I always did growing up." he nodded as he agreed. "There something my family have always loved doing. In fact, a lot of those came from my parents house. Well, the ones that aren't kid puzzles anyways." he shrugged, returning his attention to his friend. "It's no problem. I hope you can enjoy them." he smiled. At the question August offered the other a small smile. "I've been good. Not too much." he admitted, though exhaled. "Trying not to get myself in trouble again, actually."

"It was so fun. I enjoyed it a lot during summers. My grandfather always had a puzzle anytime we went on vacation and that was something we would all play and he would also make a game out of it. The first to solve it in a certain amount of time would get a prize or something," he chuckled thinking back. "I totally get that and understand. Thanks again for this," he smiled.

"How have you been August, what's new?"

[augustusellison]

Having Grace against his lap made August lose his breath. At one point they'd been have been found like this on a regular basis, and then he'd gone and ruined everything, ending his marriage and causing nothing but turmoil for his girls and their lives. And there were days he hated himself for it, but at this moment, with his mind flooded with nothing but alcohol and thoughts of Grace on his lap he couldn't focus on anything else. His hands rubbed against her back, hands lingering at the fabric of her shirt as he let his hands slide under the material, her skin soft against his fingertips. His mouth moved, kissing her cheek and then her neck hungrily, desire evident in the way his lips continued to kiss her. And then as his hands moved up her back, resting against her ribs he brought his lips back to hers, followed shortly by his hands pressed against her cheeks, holding her there to deepen the kiss.

Grace didn’t pull away. She didn’t hesitate. She let herself fall back into the feeling, into him, into something that had once been hers. The warmth of his lips, the way he fit against her—it was intoxicating, overwhelming in the best way. She had missed this. God, she had missed this. Her hands slid up his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she pressed herself closer, deepening the kiss with a hunger she hadn’t felt in so long. It was all-consuming, stealing the breath from her lungs, and making everything else disappear. "August." With a quiet whimper, she shifted, guiding him back until she was straddling his lap, her knees pressing into the couch on either side of him. His hands found her hips, holding her firmly, grounding them both in something that felt so natural, so familiar, so right. Maybe they could have worked through it. Maybe she had been too quick to walk away, too caught up in hurt and fear to see what they had. August’s hands slid up her back, his touch both gentle and possessive, and she leaned into him, resting her forehead against his with a soft laugh, breathless and full of something she hadn’t let herself feel in a long time. There was no regret in this moment, no second-guessing. Just warmth. Just August. Just them.