The Saccharine

Seeing Emma's smile and hearing her sweet voice made Juniper warm inside. And the kiss to their cheek made the butterflies in their stomach became even more restless with excitement rather than nervousness. "You're welcome!" they said, a bright smile stretched across their own lips. "Oh, yes! The Lyft driver knows that your place is the first stop, so I can wait here to make sure they don't leave with our dinner." Juni giggled a little at that and assured, "We'll be right here when you're all done."

Emma grinned, glad she didn't have to rush, but she still would work fast. "I won't be long!" she promised and went back inside. She found the vase from the time she bought herself flowers from Juni's shop. Then she cut the stems on an angle and put the bouquet in water. Emma couldn't help herself when she took a few pictures of them. The sunlight was hitting them perfectly, and she simply had to take advantage of it. After checking her hair in the mirror one more time, Emma rejoined Juniper outside.

First Official Date | Jemma

It had been a long time since Emma could get her mind off Juniper. An embarrassingly long time, really. Before the dancing and kissing at Frankie and August's wedding. Before the almost-kiss at Jade and Rodrigo's wedding. Hell, even before she bought flowers for herself after the disastrous date auction. Juni had been a person Emma easily imagined herself with almost since they were introduced. They were kind, caring, beautiful, and a good mom to top it all off. Now, Emma just hoped she didn't fuck this date up.

Thanks, Emma! Jade really is amazing. I don't know how she did it. Speaking of which, you're welcome to come by! Just say the word. I'm sure Jade would love to see you.

I still can't believe you've got two teenagers! I'm all too familiar with how quickly the summer goes. I'm already cleaning and putting decorations up in my own classroom.

Girl, too quick. It's just not enough time! Do you have the little ones again this year?

Being a dad is already the best job I've ever had. Hands down. Am I sleeping? No. Have I seen my bed for more than 10 minutes at a time? Absolutely not. Do I know what day it is? nope. Do I remember why I came on here? Nah. Wait, why am I here?

I'm so, so, soooo happy the babies are here and everyone is doing well! They're perfect, and I already know Jade is a rock star. Auntie Emma can't wait to give them a little snuggle and spoil the shit out of them!

I can't believe school starts in a month. If I were these kids, I'd be hard-pressed to fight this. Didn't school JUST end? Why does everything feel like a fever dream? Did June even happen? I have a 13-year-old now. Thirteen. Two teenagers and a baby. It's like the plot of a movie. Before we know it, it'll be 2025 and I'll be crying into my champagne.

I still can't believe you've got two teenagers! I'm all too familiar with how quickly the summer goes. I'm already cleaning and putting decorations up in my own classroom.

"Those are great reasons for it, and I bet it's nice to even look through the options even if you're not necessarily buying something. Like you can know that there are affordable styles out there!" It was a pleasant surprise to have one of their friends offer to keep an eye on Nova so that they could dance with Emma. A bit deeper pink tint colored their cheeks as they held Emma's hand and joined them at the dance space. Juni's head bobbed from side to side, along with the sway of her hips to the beat of the music. Smiling, blue eyes fixed on brown as they replied, "I'm glad too. I've really liked talking with you but seeing you is better." They bit their bottom lip a little after that admission and then, taking a nervous beat, asked, "I was actually waiting to see you again to ask if you'd like to go out with me sometime?"

[jumping to the present]

Juniper continued smiling and felt a little bit self-conscious for a moment, hoping that they looked okay. Hearing Emma's response about her dress made them grin, "I've heard of that site before. It's a really great idea!" The returned compliment made their grin turn a bit bashful. "Thank you so much. I'd love to dance with you," Juni said and then glanced down at a slumbering Nova. Wisps of her auburn hair blew from the breeze but she remained unfazed by the celebration happening around her. "She might end up asleep for the night, but-"

Oh that should be really fun! Do you have any particular places in mind that you want to visit? That's very true, and fortunately with things being amicable between us, they know that I'm willing to help if anything's needed. I really hope he will! Nova too even though I know she won't remember very much if any of it. But the commercials for it always look so fun. I will most definitely take a lot of pictures! And then when we get back, it'll be time for back-to-school shopping for Atlas.

"I knew you'd get it." Frankie smiled at Emma. In truth, they have never cut their hair so short. They looked down at their gown with a giant smile gracing their features. "Thanks, Emma and I am so glad! I You look amazing as always. The luggage tag with such an ode to Auggie since they travel a lot." Frankie's cheeks grew warm. "We are absolutely so in love. August is my person for real." They watched August greet some more guests with a smile. "Are looking to travel anytime soon?"

Jade: Thank you! I have been cutting back my work hours, little by little since late May. I'd be completely free on Tuesday?

Emma: As you should! Gotta relax a bit more before the babies get here. Tuesday works for me. Perks of being off for the summer.

TIME IS A THIEF~

Emma: I'm so excited to see everything when I come over to set up for the shower!

Emma wasn’t necessarily looking for Juni while on board the boat at Frankie and August’s wedding, but any time she spotted them, they caught her attention. It was hard not to in the gorgeous pink dress. Emma also hadn’t forgotten about the last wedding they attended and the almost-kiss that Nova interrupted. And even though Emma had talked to Juni since then, the almost-kiss was never brought up. She wondered if that was because Juni decided it was for the best and that kissing was a bad idea. All Emma knew was that if she was given another chance to kiss Juni, she’d take it.

Ooo that sounds like fun! Whether you do an overnight getaway or do something a little bit longer, I bet you'll have a really good time! I'm mostly working but I did set aside some time for a little trip. Atlas and Nova's birthdays are a little more than a month apart, and their dad and I agreed to do 1 party in the summer for both of their birthdays while they're still young. We're alternating each year on who throws the party and this year, his family is throwing it. But since this year is a milestone birthday for Atlas, I thought it would be fun take a little trip as his present! So I'm planning to take the kids to Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca!