Page 13 of Deprived No More

“All right, boys. I’m thinking a shower in Mommy and Daddy’s room might work best tonight. I’ll start the water. Go grab your pajamas, and I’ll meet you there. Dad, you might want to have a story picked out so you can knock that out once they’re done.”

Turning on the shower, I allow the temperature to warm up a bit before pushing their squirmy bodies inside. They look like matchbox cars in a carwash. Our master shower is admittedly large, located between our two individual bathrooms, with a door opening to either side connecting the two spaces. I watch as the two of them dance around, almost trying to avoid getting wet.

“Would you two please put some soap on your body and rinse off?” I ask, hoping I won’t end up soaked when I have to get in there to assist them. Maybe I should’ve just hosed them down in the backyard. I hope it’s going easier with Olivia. Reaching into the shower, I try to get their heads shampooed and rinsed well before turning off the spray and handing each of them a towel. Given their penchant for wearing their underwear anyplace except where it belongs, I decide to stay long enough to verify they’re dressed and ready for bed.

I’ve barely taken two steps out of the bathroom, hoping to check on the girls, when I feel a familiar sharp sting against my left testicle.

“Mother-”

“Hubbard went to the cupboard to get her dog a bone!” Kat interjects in an urgent sing song tone as she runs in my direction.

“Jesus,” I belt out. I was praying my dick would finally get some attention tonight, but target practice wasn’t on the agenda.

Suddenly, Kat stops short, confiscating the Nerf Gun from my three-year old’s hands. Olivia looks stunned when she sees me protecting the family jewels.

“Sowwy, Daddy.”

CHAPTERFIVE

Nick

As the morning light breaks through the blinds, I blink through squinted eyes toward my wife’s side of the bed. Noticing it’s empty, I bolt upright. Is she still feeling bad? I swing my legs over the side of the bed, grateful my balls have recovered from last night’s assault, and head in search of her. She’s normally still fast asleep until I’m out of the shower.

Reaching for the bathroom doorknob, I rap lightly before entering in case she’s on the commode. When there’s no answer, I peek inside to find the lights are off. Backing out of the doorway, I reach for the white cotton T-shirt I’d been wearing last night and make my way to the kitchen. I’m not entirely sure I set the coffee pot after the day we had.

Coming around the corner, I see Kat standing in the pantry. Sliding behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist and nuzzle her neck. “What are you doing up so early?”

“I don’t know. I think all the naps I got in yesterday have thrown off my sleep cycle. The coffee should be ready.”

“Oh, thank you. I completely forgot last night with all the commotion.”

“Yeah. How’s everything hanging?” She giggles.

“Haha. Much better.”

“Good. You missed your dad. He was up before me, sitting by the window when I came out here.” She points to an easy chair overlooking the lake. I think he wanted to get out the door before the kids woke up so he wouldn’t disrupt their morning routine.”

“Oh, I’m sorry I missed him. But that was probably wise,” I say as I return to pull her against me. “Since we’re the only ones up, what’s the likelihood-”

“Morning, Daddy,” Grace’s voice greets from the stairs.

“Morning,” I volley back despite my disappointment at her timing. I barely finish my greeting before I hear what sounds like a herd of buffalo. “I’m jumping in the shower.”

“Ah. You’re chicken. Don’t want to have to break the news Grandpa’s gone.”

“You’re so smart.” I chuckle, placing a kiss on her cheek as I make my way for the bedroom.

* * *

“Good morning, Nick. How’s Kat feeling?” Ava asks as she enters my office carrying a cup of hot tea.

“Much better, thank you for asking. Hopefully, I won’t be quite as distracted today.”

“Oh, it was cute to watch. It’s nice to see a couple who’ve been married eight years still acting like they’re in the honeymoon phase.”

“Not much of a honeymoon with four kids.” I snort.

“Oh, sure it is. Just not as spontaneous, maybe. But you two are the real deal.”

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