Page 68 of Home in the Country
“Do you want to talk about it?”
A hysterical laugh falls from her lips, and as discreetly as I can, I pull out my phone and send the911text to Marlee to start everything in motion.
“I’m so tired, Otto. Likesotired. Briggs misses his dad, and no matter how many times we video chat it is never enough. I’mexhausted.I was a stay at home mom when I was married because that’s what we wanted for Briggs, but all of a sudden I have a full-time job and childcare and kindergarten and I’m trying to do this on my own before Tanner gets here because I need to prove to myself that I can.
“I’m just not thefunmom anymore. When I get home it’s time for dinner and bed and then we wake up and do it all over again. There’s no break and I feelsoguilty that I can’t get it together enough to just let loose. He’s doing so well in school, and he’s so well behaved that when he gets home he’swildand I get it. I’d love to whip my bra off and run around the house like a maniac too, but someone has to cook dinner and get lunches ready and do baths and bedtime and—”
Her rant is cut off by a brisk knock and the arrival of Marlee.
“What are you…?” Fallon looks between us like she can’t quite figure out what’s going on.
“It’s going to be okay,” I whisper as I stand.
“Otto, go pack her bag. I sent you a list.” I nod but linger as she squats down in front of Fallon and takes my girl’s face in her hands.
“We’re going to take care of you and Briggs tonight, okay?”
“Okay.” Her whisper is barely audible over the blood pounding in my ears, and I hope like hell I made the right choice.
23
FALLON
“Trust me?” Marlee asks, but I’m still overwhelmed, and reality is a bit fuzzy at this point.
“Yes, but I don’t understand…” Her grip on my face is firm, and she forces my eyes to focus on her.
“Repeat after me. I am a badass mom and I deserve to have my village rally around me.”
“What?”
“I am a badass mom and I deserve to have my village rally around me.”
“Marlee, what?”
She drops my face but takes my hands and squeezes.
“I know I didn’t stutter. Say it, Fallon.”
“I am a badass mom and I deserve to have my village rally around me.”
“Say it again.”
I do. Marlee makes me say it three more times before she’s satisfied.
“Good girl. Are you ready for part two?” She grins and I return it.
“Yes.”
Pulling me to my feet, Marlee places her hands on my shoulders and again locks eyes with me. Has she always been this intense? I can’t remember.
“You’re going to go in and say goodnight to Briggs. You’re going to love on him for a minute and then I’m bringing you home with me for a much-needed recharge.”
“But who—”
“Otto is going to stay. Waylon is on his way over for support, and Hank is bringing everything to make mini pizzas. You’re both having a sleepover, and you’ll return rested and recharged to your sweet but exhausting little boy.”
My eyes fill with tears, and she points an accusatory finger at me.
