Page 18 of Protecting His Ex-Wife
Amy gives her a grateful look. With a three-year-old and a one-year-old, our daughter has her hands full.
Mia comes running in on her unsteady legs, and my granddaughter squeals as I scoop her up into my arms.
I used to regret not having more children with Caroline, but now that we’re grandparents, I don’t regret it at all. We get all the cuddles and all the fun, and we get to hand them back at the end of the day.
I make my way to the backyard where Kieren’s got the BBQ going.
The yard is overrun by kids chasing each other barefoot, playing some game that us adults aren’t privy too.
There’s a slap on my shoulder, and I turn to find Bronn.
“She done good.”
Bronn stands rigid, always the military man, as solid and uncompromising as ever. His military demeanor contrasts with the sleeping baby in a frilly pink hat he’s wearing in a baby carrier around his chest.
“Thanks, man.”
They all came to support Caroline today, my ex-military family. If she won, it would be a celebration. If she lost, we’d celebrate anyway. Because there’s a lot to be thankful for in this life.
“Can I have some cake, Daddy?”
Marissa, Bronn’s oldest, pulls at his hand, and he gives her a stern look.
“The cake is for dessert, baby.”
Her bottom lip wobbles, and she looks up at him with wide, pitiful eyes.
“Okay, just a little bit,” he relents.
I shake my head as she leads him off to the food table. That girl has her daddy wrapped tightly around her little finger.
I find a place on the low wall to lean against, and Caroline comes to join me with Charlie asleep in her arms.
I love my wife so much I married her twice. The second ceremony was as quiet as the first but with a better party afterwards.
My arms goes around her, and I take a sip of beer as I survey the chaos in my backyard.
My ex-military brothers all had their families later in life. Caroline and I have become the grandparents for all, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
We love having everyone over, and since we moved into a house on the beachfront with a bigger garden, there’s room for everyone.
I built a treehouse for the kids and installed a slide set and jungle gym. My brothers know they’re welcome here any time.
I love the chaos, but what I love most of all is the end of the day when everyone goes home. Caroline and I will sit on the porch with drinks in hand, looking out at the ocean and enjoying the peace and quiet.
There were a lot of years we missed out on, but we’ve made up for it over the last six since we got back together.
I love my extended family, and most of all, I love my wife.
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