Page 36 of Defending A Promise
Riley’s sleeping next to me with her head on my chest as I play with her hair. Never in a million years did I think that I’d ever get the chance to be with Riley, but not only have we nowslept together, but we both admit that we love each other. Now, how do you tell a four-year-old about this stuff? I have no clue.
“Are you awake?” She whispers.
“Yes. Why are we whispering?” I kiss her on the top of her head.
“Because there is a very curious little boy in the next room.”
“Are we not telling him about us?” For some reason, I think my feelings are about to get hurt and it’s the stupidest thing in the world. Of course she wants to wait to tell her son. Why wouldn’t she? This thing between us is barely twelve hours old.
“No, of course we’re going to tell him, I just would prefer not to do it while we’re both naked, that’s all.” She starts laughing. “You just released the biggest sigh. What did you expect me to say?”
“I’m not sure, but I’m glad you want to tell him.”
Her finger circles the bite mark she gave me last night. “Sorry about this.”
“Don’t be. I’ve been marked and I love it.”
She laughs at me. “You’re weird.”
“Mommy!” Nicholas comes running into the room from the connected Jack and Jill bathroom and climbs into bed with us. He plops down between us. “Hi Declan.”
“Hi buddy. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, but Bella snores.”
I nod, “Yes, she does. Loudly, too. Did she wake you up?” I look at Riley’s face and she’s freaking out that Nicholas is sitting on top of the covers as we’re both naked underneath. I’m almost tempted to touch her under the covers, but decide she’ll probably kill me if I do.
“No. Bella didn’t wake me up. Mommy exercising did.”
I cannot help myself as I burst out laughing. Riley, on the other hand, is white as a ghost. “What do you mean byexercising, Nicholas?” I ask him because this is an opportunity I just can’t pass up.
“She was exercising last night. She makes funny noises when she does. It’s loud sometimes.”
“Okay, Nicholas. Time to get ready for breakfast. Why don’t you go give Bella some food?” Riley interrupts as I struggle to contain my laughter. Nicholas is not wrong. Riley does make funny noises, but I just so happen to love her funny noises and hope she’ll make more funny noises later tonight.
“Can I have chocolate chip pancakes, Declan?”
“You sure can, but Bella needs to eat first.”
He scrambles off the bed and runs into his room. “Come on, Bella.” He calls out to her as he leaves.
That’s when I get an elbow to my ribs. “What was that for?” I feign being hurt as she climbs out of bed quickly and grabs her robe.
“You’re no help, Declan Hayes. None whatsoever.”
I grab her by the waist and pull her back onto the bed. “But I want you to keep making funny noises.”
“Ugh! I can’t with you,” she laughs as she slaps my hands away and steps far enough away from me that I can’t pull her back down again.
“I like your funny noises.” I tease her.
Her cheeks are bright red and it’s adorable. “Go make pancakes while I take a shower.”
“Can I come?”
She turns to me and gives me a flirty smile. “You already did – twice.” She winks at me and then closes the bathroom door.
“You’re killing me woman!” I yell after her but all I hear is laughter from the other side of the door.
