Page 34 of Cross My Heart
My eyes dart in his direction, giving him the slightest nod of my head. “I’m good. I was in such a hurry to get back to Tate I ran into the door,” I implore Preston with my eyes to go along.
Preston narrows his eyes but nods once.
“So, Tate-o-nator, what do you say we both get changed and let uncle Preston order the pizza for us?” I look at Preston. “Are you staying for dinner?”
“Yup, I’m staying. I think we will have a big sleepover tonight so we can all be here when your dad gets home. Trevor and Loki want to come too!”
I peer up at him questioningly, but he gives a look that says, do not argue with me.
“Wow, that sounds like fun, doesn’t it, Tate? Let’s go get ready?” I urge him. Taking his hand, I lead him upstairs.
Comparatively, the rest of the night goes smoothly.I have to admit, it’s nice having the guys here to help with the babies, even if their skills are more than unconventional. Tate has stuck close to me since his mom showed up, but I haven’t pushed him to talk, yet. It was a tough day for both of us. If he needs to just cuddle into me, I’m not going to complain.
After we finish the Toy Hero movie, the guys put the girls to bed.Yes, it takes all three of them. Somehow, they manage so I can put Tate to bed.
“Lanie? Can you lay with me?” Tate asks with the voice of a lost little boy.
Usually, I would encourage him to sleep alone, tell him he is a big boy, but right now, he just needs comfort. I climb into bed next to him and let him snuggle, “Sure, buddy, I’m here for you. Try to get some rest.”
We are both fast asleep before I realize I never said goodnight to Dexter’s friends.
Dex
Chapter 14
“Where is she?” I burst into my house, knowing all three of my friends stayed here last night to watch over Lanie and the kids.
I round the corner to the kitchen and see Trevor with Tate pouring something into a frying pan. All the anger leaves my body the second I see my little guy. Tate comes running to me, wrapping his arms around my legs in a death grip. I scoop down to pick him up into a hug and never want to let him go. His little body is trembling, and I realize he is crying.
“Hey, hey, don’t cry, Tate. I’m here. I’m so, so sorry I wasn’t here yesterday. I’m so sorry.” Tate hiccups and pulls back to look into my eyes.
“It’s okay, Daddy. Lanie saved me again.” He lays his head on my shoulder and I squeeze him even tighter. The lump in my throat is so big, I can’t swallow and can’t stop the tears flowing down my face.
Someone walks up and places a hand on my shoulder when I hear Loki speak. “Hey, Tate! Think you can help Pres out with the girls? He is in the nursery looking a little lost."
Tate looks at me then at Loki. Placing him on the floor, he shrugs his shoulders and heads off to join his sisters.
“Where is everyone?” I ask, staring Trevor in the eyes. He knows what I’m asking. Where’s Lanie? Is she alright? Is she still here?Please don’t let her leave us.
“Lanie is still asleep, but she is going to have one hell of a headache today,” he whispers. It must be worse than I thought.
I turn to Loki. "Get Ryan from SplitVision Securities on the phone now...please." I lower my voice. "Tell him I want eyes on Anna, then I want him to get her to a meeting with me as soon as fucking possible."
I turn to head upstairs when Loki holds up a hand to stop me.
“Just give me five minutes, then you can go be the Knight in shining armor. Lanie told Tate the door hit her pretty hard. He asked her to sleep with him last night because he was afraid…” The way he saiddoorlets me know nothing has gotten past Tate. The fact that he was afraid has my insides twisting in a way so painful I’m not able to breathe.
“Afraid of what? You were all here.” I finally ask.
“That she’ll leave.” Trevor all but whispers.
I hate that Tate is finally talking, and this is what he has to say. My throat is so dry it hurts to reply.I give a curt nod to them both and stare up at the ceiling. What can I say? The truth is, I’m afraid of the same thing.
Loki clears his throat. "Listen, man, if you're going to set up a meeting with Anna, we need to talk. You need to do it at your office where we can get cameras set up in case she asks for something crazy. You don't know what she has been up to all this time, so you have to cover yourself."
None of us know exactly what it is that Loki does, he's never been allowed to tell us. For that reason, we all have our theories. Most likely something in the government, the CIA, or some sort of special agent. Until he can open up, I'm just happy to have him on my side.
"Thanks, guys. I'm going to head up and check on the girls." I give them both a heart-felt slap on the back and head upstairs, Loki following closely behind.
