Page 54 of Shattered Dreams

“Richie, I love you.” I felt her tears and snot wet my shoulder. “I was dumb.”

“It’s what you needed at the time.” I pressed a kiss to her head.

“My head hurts.” She leaned her head back, and I saw the pain in her eyes.

Brushing her hair from her wet face, I cupped her head. “I got some naproxen and my bed is pretty comfortable.”

“Huh?” Confusion marred her face.

“Let me get you something for the headache, and you can take a nap. The four of us can handle the kids.”

“Oh.” She choked back another big sob. “No.”

“Yes.” I pressed a kiss to her lips. “You need a nap or a small break.”

“Thank you.” She wrapped her arms tightly around my neck as I stood up and carried her to my bed.

“You’re welcome.” I set her down and went to get a glass of water and a pill.

When I came back, she had her shorts off, and she’d snuggled under the blanket. I handed her the medicine and water and then pulled the curtains closed.

“We’re all gonna be downstairs if you need us.”

“Richie?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime, baby.” I left the room and went back to work.

The boys tried to help all four of us. Libby managed to keep the girls occupied and for lunch we ordered pizza from Nonna’s.

Libby was like the kid whisperer. She had them all eating spinach pizza and loving it.

My brothers and I all took a turn having tea with Briar and while Jeremy shoveled pizza in his face, he held a sleeping Emma.

“Are we really going camping, Richdad?” Tyler licked the gooey cheese from his fingers.

“Sure are.” I chuckled, watching him. “Were we like this?”

Libby snorted. “Worse.”

“Hey now.” Cooper looked offended.

“Is everybody camping?” Grady reached for another piece of pepperoni. “Like everybody here?”

“Oh sweetie, that’s sweet. Aunty Libby doesn’t camp.” She took a drink of her water. “There’s bugs.”

“But.” Harrison stuffed his cheeks full. “Budserpool.”

“Libby doesn’t think bugs are cool, dude.” Cooper laughed. “She’s a fan of nature being out there and her inside.”

“But you worked on cars?” Tyler’s face scrunched up.

“Little man, you’ve been working all day. Have you seen any bugs?” She smirked.

He tilted his head and stroked an imaginary beard. “Come to think of it, no.”

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