Page 57 of Misery In Me

Shit.He still doesn’t know about me being married.

Ale

I can’t.

Pedro

Why?

Ale

Because I’m married now.

Pedro doesn’t respond, leaving me on read for ten minutes and it’s at that point I slip my phone back in my pocket, silently crying as I fold clothes.

The soundof Gage’s truck alarm beeping has my heart fluttering in my chest. Even though today turned out to be shit, I know seeing him will make it a little better. I’ve got Zoe on my back as we dance around the kitchen, making dinner. The front door opens and I hear Gage drop his key on the entryway table, his boots thudding across the hardwood floor as he makes his way to the back. “Ale?”

“We’re in the kitchen,” I shout over the sound of the tacos frying in the skillet. I transfer them to the paper towel-covered plate to rest and pop another two in the pan just as he comes into view.

“How are my girls today?” Gage stands there, his blouse unbuttoned and his tight khaki undershirt clinging to his skin.

The Marine Corps is doing us women all the favors by making these men look like a whole damn meal in their uniforms.No wonder everyone is always pregnant.And with the way this man looks at me, the way he fucks me, it’s no wonder I’m not already somehow pregnant. If I’m not already and just don’t know it yet.

“Princesahad a very good day,” I turn toward him. “She had lots of awake time and ate like a champ.”

“And,” he moves closer and I can feel my breathing pick up. “What about Mommy?” Gage moves behind me, kissing Zoe on the top of her head, then running his nose up the side of my neck. “Did mywifehave a good day?”

This man.

“I talked to my brother today, well, more like he texted me.” I try my best to keep myself in check, but I know my voice probably sounds strained.

Kiss.“Yeah, and I’m guessing that didn’t go well.”

“No, it didn’t.” I take a deep breath and hold back the tears. “He said he found an apartment and said he could just have Juanita live with him and asked if I would be okay with it. I told him I wasn’t a fan of the idea.”

“Just give him some time,Hermosa. Maybe his ego is just a little crushed.” Gage turns to grab two plates and takes them to the dinner table.

“I told him I was married, Gage.” I look over at him, a tear sneaking down my cheek. “He asked why I couldn’t just move back and I told him, then he ignored me.” I let it all flow out because why hide the fact that I’m hurting?

“Fuck, Ale.” Gage crosses the kitchen in two strides and wraps his arms around me, resting my head on his chest. “It’s okay, baby. Maybe he’s just processing, you know? Give him some time.”

“Normally they are asking for money by now and he didn’t, and I don’t know what to do.” Gage turns the burner off and moves the pan. “I don’t want them to go without because they are mad at me.”

“Listen to me, baby. If they need it, they will ask for it. Even if they are mad.” He tilts my chin up and stares into my eyes, using his thumbs to wipe my tears away. “Give it time.Te lo prometo, todo va a estar bien.”

He’s right. If they need it, they will ask.

“Okay,” I sniffle, feeling his steady heartbeat against my cheek, grounding me. “Let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

“Sounds good to me. I’m starving.” He pulls me back and leans in, taking my lips in a soft kiss. “Then I can have you for dessert.”

Gage hoversover the sink washing the pans from dinner while I change Zoe in the living room. I lay out her blanket on the floor and set her on her tummy. She’s been getting so close to rolling from her belly to her back. On the floor with her, I whisper words of encouragement. “You can do it,Princesa. Let’s show Daddy how strong you are.”

“Hermosa,” Gage rounds the corner into the living room right as Zoe rocks on her side. He freezes as she goes from her stomach to her back in one swift motion. “Oh shit! Is that the first time she’s done that?” Dropping to the floor to lie with me across from her.

“Yes,” the grin on his face is everything, knowing he got to be here for one of her firsts. “She’s showing off for you.”

Gage stares at Zoe in awe and it just makes me fall more in love with him, seeing how devoted he is to her. Our children are going to be the luckiest kids on the planet to have a father like him. “Hey, I wanted to ask… do you think we could get one of those jogging strollers?”

---