Page 29 of Deprived No More

“I’m sorry,” he whispers against my nape.

“I don’t like it when you’re upset,” I answer. It’s too late in the evening to attempt a deep and meaningful conversation.

“I had no right to take it out on you.”

Take what out on me? There are way too many questions for me to address now. I’m too raw to entertain them unless he’s dying to talk now. Hopefully, we’ll drift off, and tomorrow we can keep conversations light until the kids are out of earshot.

“Good morning, kitten.” Sweet kisses flutter against my temple, and I roll over to find a piping hot cup of java on my nightstand.

Stretching my arms overhead, I return his greeting, “Good morning. What time is it?”

“A little after eight.”

“Are the kids up yet?” I ask, pulling myself up to take a sip of coffee, the aroma too tempting to pass up.

“Not yet. But it’s just a matter of time before the boys are asking to play their game again.”

“So, what was up with that? Trying to distract them a bit, so they weren’t running everywhere?” Blowing across the rich, dark roast in my mug, the steam hits my cheeks.

“Yeah, I guess. I don’t know how you do it. They wear me out.” He laughs.

“Well, it’s a good thing we are in this together.” I wink, enjoying the warmth of the hot mug against my cool hands. “It’s easier when I can send them outside. They’re just full of energy. But they’re good boys. They don’t cause any trouble.”

“That’s because they have an amazing mother.” He sits down beside me and runs his hand down my hair lovingly. “Take your time getting up. I’m making them pancakes for breakfast.”

“Are you sure they’re ready for that after yesterday?”

“I’ll give each of them some nausea medicine before they eat and keep the syrup to a minimum.” Standing, he bends down, placing a kiss atop my head before walking toward the door. “I’ll save you a stack.”

As he walks away, I take one last sip of coffee and place it beside me. Closing my eyes, I thank the heavens above for whatever has allowed this change in his attitude since the previous evening. I’d wondered if he’d met Sebastian for drinks, as the kids had mentioned a phone call with him. Whatever or whomever the catalyst, I’m grateful. Our life doesn’t need any more chaos right now.

Not wanting to wake Rachel but also allow her time for any change in plans, I text her to let her know the kids had been under the weather but are fine now and that I’ll update if any new symptoms develop. I feel confident they’ll be okay after last night seemed to go without a hitch.

After returning from cleaning up and changing in the bathroom, I discover she’s responded that she’s excited to have them, so I decide to share the news over breakfast.

“Hi, Mommy,” Olivia shouts with a mouth full of pancakes.

“Hi, baby. Don’t talk with your mouth full, or you could choke.” Turning, I see Grace seated on the stool beside Olivia, tearing up her plate of pancakes. “You must be feeling better.”

“I didn’t feel that bad. Just tired. I’m better today.”

“So, is everyone feeling good?” I ask, watching as four little cherubs’ heads bob, their cheeks resembling that of a squirrel at an all-you-can-eat buffet. “Well, good. Because Auntie Rachel, Luke, and Jenna want to have you all over for pizza and a movie tonight.”

Cheers abound as they lift their arms overhead in delight. My eyes connect with Nick, who’s practically doing the same dance. His eyes still hold a sense of cautious enthusiasm, given how our last few attempts at togetherness have gone. Shaking my head, I try to calm everyone down so the pancakes don’t come back up from all the excitement.

“Okay, let’s be careful with getting too worked up with a tummy full of pancakes. We’ll have to postpone this to another day if anyone gets sick. Aunt Rachel doesn’t do throw up.” I watch as everyone but Olivia puts their forks down. “Oh, you can still eat. Just don’t overdo it. We need to not be quite as active until later. Just to make sure we’re all feeling better.”

“Me and Mas can just play the game,” Logan volunteers.

“Yeah. That won’t hurt our tummies. Right?”

“Okay. But listen, boys. Don’t get too used to that game. We can only spend a little while each day with it. It’s too pretty outside to be spending your time on electronics.” Feeling a warm hand caress my back just before soft, sexy lips place chaste kisses on my cheek, I lean back into Nick’s embrace.

“Thank you,” he whispers in my ear.

“You know, Halloween is getting here soon. I need to find out what the kids want to wear.”

“Ah, my favorite holiday.” Something tells me it’s not the love of candy and colorful costumes that Nick appreciates about the day. We made love for the first time following a Halloween party. Right here in this very house.

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