Page 77 of The Wife Stalker

“Dinner will be ready in an hour.”

“I’m going to take a little walk; I’m feeling stiff after the car ride. Anyone want to join me?”

The kids begged off, and Leo shook his head. “Thanks, but I’m good.”

She went out through the back deck, pausing a moment to admire the view again. The temperature was dropping, and she zipped her down jacket, pulled a knit hat over her head, and put her gloves on. She walked fast, eager to get in a couple of miles before dark. She loved being outside. Hopefully there wouldn’t be many other hikers around tomorrow, so they could take in the scenery in peace.

As she walked, she reminded herself to stop and live in the moment. Mindfulness was what they taught at the center, but lately she had been having a hard time practicing it.Breathe deeply, listen to nature, absorb the sights and sounds around you, she told herself. Her mind began to clear, and she heard a snapping branch underfoot, the screech of a snowy owl, the feel of the wind on her face.

It was working. The stress lifted from her like a blanket tossed from her shoulders, and she felt lighter with every step. As twilight began to settle, she decided to turn around. The guesthouse was in view, and seeing it made her glad once again that she’d had Rebecca stay home. She didn’t need the woman’s prying eyes. As Piper began the walk back, a movement at the guesthouse caught her eye.

Had the shade in the window moved? She stood very still for a moment and then decided her mind must be playing tricks on her, but as she headed back to the house, she was strangely unsettled.

After dinner, Stelli bounced up to Leo. “Can we watch a movie tonight?” Stelli asked. “MaybeStar Wars?”

Was he kidding? A two-hour movie? “Well, maybe just a show tonight, Stelli. You and Evie both had a lot of screen time today in the car,” Piper answered.

Ignoring her, he turned to his father. “Please, Dad?”

“Piper’s right, buddy. That’s a long movie, and it’s already close to six. I think a show, a hot bath, and bedtime for you twomaimou.”

“We’re not monkeys!” Evie said.

“Yes, we are!” Stelli said, jumping up from his chair and making screeching sounds. Leo got up and chased him, the two of them laughing until Evie joined in as well. They ran into the next room, then back, until they collapsed in a heap on the sofa, theirgiggles lingering. Piper sat there watching, the familiar feeling of not belonging filling her once again.

So far, this was not going at all her way.

Finally, Leo stood up and came back to the table, oblivious to her discomfort. “Come finish eating,” he called to the children, and they returned, still smiling.

Much to Piper’s relief, they went to bed without a fuss at nine o’clock. Leo emerged from their room and joined Piper by the fire, where she sat readingJane Eyre. He poured himself a glass of the pinot noir she’d opened and sat next to her on the sofa.

“How about we light the fireplace in the bedroom and take the wine in there?” he asked, nuzzling her ear.

She spun around and kissed him. “That sounds perfect.” She could fix this; she just needed this time with Leo to get started.

They shut off the gas fireplace and walked through the house, turning off the lights. Once they were upstairs, Leo put the wine on the dresser.

“I’m going to go slip into something more comfortable.” She winked and went into the bathroom. She’d bought new lingerie especially for this trip, and she slipped the nude-colored camisole over her head. Her stockings and garter belt came next, and then a slash of red lipstick to complete the picture. Her hand was on the doorknob when she heard the bedroom door opening and the sound of little feet running in.

“Daddy, I had a nightmare! Mommy was falling from the cliff, and I couldn’t save her.” Evie’s voice was choked and halting. “Can I sleep with you?”

“Of course,” Leo said. “Go get Stelli, too. If he wakes up all alone, he’ll be upset.”

Piper’s blood was boiling. Why was Leo such a pushover? Okay, Evie had had a nightmare. You calm her down and put her backto bed. Nowbothkids were going to sleep with them? She grabbed a tissue and rubbed the lipstick off, then pulled off the garter and stockings. She grabbed the robe hanging off the back of the door and put it on.

“Everything okay?” she asked, coming out of the bathroom. Evie and Stelli were already under the covers.

Leo gave her an apologetic look. “Nightmare. Rain check?”

She pressed her lips together in an attempt to smile. “Sure.”

“There’s not enough room for her, too,” Stelli said.

She swallowed her anger and took a deep breath, afraid of what she might say if she didn’t calm down. Was it going to be like this forever? The three of them together, with her on the outside looking in? Even though the queen-sized bedwassmall for four, it galled her that Leo remained silent. After it was clear that he wasn’t going to object, she spoke. “I’ll go sleep in one of the guest rooms. Itisa little crowded in here.”

Leo gave her a grateful smile. “Thanks for understanding.”

Piper forced herself to say something nice to Evie. “I’m sorry about your bad dream, honey. I’ll see you in the morning. Good night, all.” Before she left, she grabbed the bottle of wine and her glass.

---