Hot Coffee (The Hollens) novel Chapter 70

Emma's POV

Motherhood is beautiful, but it's not always smooth. I help my eldest son through his first breakup and my daughter through her first heartbreak. As life came their way there would be more of that, and I wouldn't always be around to help them, but, for now, I was doing the best I could for them

Love. Support. Provide. Three words that should be in every parent's dictionary. Without these three things you'll suck at parenthood.

Loving your children means putting their needs before yours. You don't come first anymore. Love unconditionally. You have to respect them so they'll respect you in return. You have to be open with them so they'll tell you what you need to hear. You have to listen to them so they'll listen to you as well. No one is perfect, but you shouldn't use that as an excuse to not try.

Support your children in every way you can. Be there for them when they need you to be or when they want you to be. Let them know they can count on you and you've got their backs. Don't tear them down if they're bad at something. Let's say your kid isn't an excellent artist but they draw you a picture anyway. It's a bad picture. But you shouldn't let them know that. You should still stick that picture on the fridge and smile at him, her or them. They're your kids and if you don't love them then who will?

Finally, you have to get up on your feet and provide for your children. You can't expect them to get food, shelter, clothes, toys and money from the sky. We all need material things for our bodies and lives. Provide in every way you should. 

Love, support and provide.

_______________________________

NINE YEARS LATER

"Mom, I'm home!" a familiar voice called from the intercom. 

My heart leapt from my chest. I hadn't seen him in so long. I changed into something more appropriate and went downstairs to greet him. He had transformed into a more handsome man, just like his father. My eyes lit up as they fell on him. He hugged me tightly and I returned his hug.

"Welcome home sweetie. I haven't seen you in so long," I said, wiping the happy tears away.

"Oh mom, it's only been six months."

"Six months is a long time bro," a voice interrupted. 

EJ was standing on the staircase looking down at us. Evan went to him and they hugged. EJ was as tall as Evan now and they looked so similar.

"How's my little brother?"

"I'm good. Been here, waiting for you."

"How about we go get some guy time later on?"

"That what's up bro!" 

They hugged each other; they looked like best friends.

"Where's Emily?" Evan finally asked.

"She should be here any minute now. Last time we spoke, she was over the Caribbean."

"Ha. Dad said she took in Grandma's footsteps. Did she really establish four hundred hotels over the globe?"

"Yes she did."

"Wow. Now, that's impressive."

"Okay, let's not talk about work or money or power at my birthday dinner please," I said. 

Evan gave me a smile and helped me set the table with EJ.

The door opened and Emily walked in. She could turn a dull house into a brighter one just by her presence. She walked up to me and pulled me into a comfortable hug.

"Happy Birthday Mommy," she greeted.

"Thank you sweetie."

"Well, look what the jet dragged in," Evan teased. He couldn't wait to get under his sister's skin. 

They hadn't seen each other in years but they communicated. All the children were close, regardless of distance.

"Miss World," EJ teased. He always sided with his big brother on these things.