Page 55 of With Wine Comes War

When I got out of the car Jax screamed “Aunt Ali!!!” as he came running down the sidewalk. He jumped right into my arms and gave me a big hug.

He squeaked out, “Where you been?” He had the sweetest little person's voice.

“Resting, so I have enough energy to play with you.” I hugged him and my eyes closed as the joy filled my heart.

“I want sleep at you house.” I hated that I canceled their sleepover, but I’m going to reschedule that.

“That’s what I want too buddy. We’ll talk to mommy and daddy about it, okay?” I assured him and he shook his head excitedly while playing with my hair like he always did.

“Hey girl, looks like your buddy still remembers the sleepover.” Abby said as she shrugged her shoulders.

I nodded my agreement and absentmindedly rubbed Abby’s baby bump but this time she didn’t push my hand away. “He sure does, doesn’t he? Maybe we can still have it at Roman’s place. More than enough room in there.” I glanced back at Roman who was smiling at me.

Jack and Roman walked behind us up to Maggie’s front door then Abby opened the door, and we walked right in.

Abby yelled, “Is everyone decent?” The kids came screaming and running down the hallway and Jax squirmed his way out of my arms to greet his friends. I got hugs from Sophia Grace and Cameron. Jax told them we were still having a sleepover. Lots more excited screaming now.

Maggie and Matt were chasing behind them looking frazzled as she yelled, “You need to finish your lunch.” Oh my God, this is so funny to watch. Chaos at its finest. My heart was fullas I absorbed the occupants of this house knowing I was surrounded by the people I love.

Maggie stammered, “Hey you all, can you round up the troops so they can finish eating?” I grabbed all the kiddos by the hands and walked them back into the kitchen. I sat the three of them at the counter to eat lunch. I made a plate for Jax too.

***

ROMAN

It was sweet to see how the kids interacted with Alex. They really loved her and loved spending time with her. I was going to talk to the guys and see if they were comfortable with the kids having their sleepover at my penthouse with the both of us, after, to get to know them a little more. I didn’t want them to have to wait longer than they already had, to have a sleepover with their “Aunt Ali.” She was so good with the kids. I wondered if she was sad that she didn’t have her own. That’s probably a conversation for a later date.

While the girls were inside getting the kids fed, Matt, Jack and I went outside to talk about the case.

“How’s Alex doing?” Matt asked with a genuine look of concern on his face.

I cringed when I recalled last night’s events. “She had a session with my mom yesterday and honestly, it scared the crap out of me. I thought she had a total breakdown, but it was a good thing, she said. She seems better, if that’s possible, after what I saw.”

“What happened?” Jack’s curious question was also apparent in Matt’s expression too.A tidal wave of emotion is what happened.Is the only way I can summarize it.

“She was holding everything in. You know how she gets that weird eerie calm? Well, I think she snapped when we got to my parents’ house, and it all came out. I thought you should know about this whether she tells you or not, because it was intense. She’s relaxed now though. It was something she needed to get out.”

Matt agreed, “I’m sure getting it out of her system like that will be good for her as far as the case goes too. Did the DA get in touch with you about the deposition?” He had his arms crossed over his chest with one hand resting under his chin inquisitively.

“He did. As soon as I find out when Alex has time this week we’re going to go over together and get them both done. Have either of you heard any news about Tanner?” I looked toward Jack to see if he might be willing to give me a little info since Alex was staying at my place now. If they know something about him, then it would be a good idea if I were informed also.

Jack responded quietly leaning in a little closer to the both of us. “His attorney is really trying to spin this, so we need Alex to remain calm during the hearing. I know she can do it, but I just worry that she’s going to get defensive when she’s questioned by his lawyer.”

Yeah, she does do that. Snarky as hell sometimes.

“She said something weird to me last night, but in all fairness, she had a bit to drink. She said that she was planning to do something she didn’t think I would like but she wasn’t sure what it would be yet.”

The look of confusion on Matt’s face mimicked my own. “Well, let’s just chalk it up to drunk speech for now. She hasn’t said anything to either of us about plans to do anything.” He looked over to Jack to see if she had told him anything different and he shook his head and shrugged. That was good to hear, but I was still worried that there was more to what she was saying than any of us really knew.

When the girls came out with the kids, all three of them were clinging to Alex. She was like a magnet. Even when she sat down, the three of them all sat with her.

It made me smile. I didn’t notice Abby walk up as I stared at Alex with her godchildren.

“So, Roman, have you thought about having kids?”

Alex’s face almost went white, but there was a little curiosity mixed with that surprise as she looked at me with her eyebrows raised. I heard the question, but I never took my eyes off of her.

“I hope to have children in the future, yes.” I said as I winked at Alex and changed the subject, directing my attention back to Abby, watching the relief wash over Alex’s face. “Abby, speaking of children, how are you and baby number two doing?”

---