Ariel Dominguez- Ch 9- Starting to feel normal.

Ariel(34),her boyfriend Zeeshan Despret (40)
Children (with Frances) Ben and Estelle (14) and Nianna (10)

Narrated by Ariel

I have to admit things have been going great for our family. It feels that we are finally settling into moving on with our lives.  I still miss my baby girl but I have to stay strong for my children. 

I still have them help out with my so called attempt to garden.  After all these years we still are trying to be able to harvest vegetables that are good enough to eat. Ben has really dedicated himself to the garden. It makes me smile seeing him out there working hard.

Then I feel guilty that I am overworking my kids so I go in and help out.  Estelle says that this is their garden and I should let them take care of it.  I didnt think that they would be so possessive over it.

I am still dating Zeeshan. He finally met the kids.  Nianna approved him quickly.  She really took to him.  It makes me happy that they get along.

He comes over for dinner quite often. The kids and I love having him over.  I try to tell him that we can go out on dates but he says having dinner at my home is great.  Did I mention what a great guy he is.

When the kids go to sleep we hang out and watch TV.   I feel so relaxed when we are together.

But enough was enough. No matter how I like staying home, I needed some romantic alone time outside of the house.  Now that the kids are older they are OK to stay home for a bit.  I have told them that if I suspect something out of the ordinary is going on while I am gone then they will have a sitter until they are 21.  However Frances always comes by to do a surprise visit.  So far we have never been surprised.

After our dinner we decided to take a stroll in the park.  Its starting to getting a little chilly and I was ready to call it a night. 

Out of the blue Zee got on one knee and proposed to me.  I was in shock. I mean we are great but I honestly didnt expect him to propose.  After the shock wore off I of course said YES. I love Zee so much.  

We got home and the kids were waiting for me. Well except Nianna, she had fallen asleep. I couldnt believe that Zee had told the kids he was going to ask me to marry him. He had asked their permission first. 

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I am still friends with Frances even though we are divorced. We struggled at first but now we are fine.  He comes over to have breakfast with the kids when he gets a chance.  The kids told him before I could that I was engaged to Zee. 

We stepped aside and talked about it. He congratulated me and told me that he wishes me nothing but the best.He also told me that he had news too.  Turns out that he and Cecilia are trying to have a child.  I thought he was done having children but he said that Cecilia wanted at least one child.  This made me think of Zee.  We never really talked about having kids.  I dont know if I would want another child. I feel fulfilled with my three kids as it is.  I guess this is something that I need to talk to Zee about.

For now I just wanted to enjoy the breakfast with my kids.  I will talk to Zee about having children soon.