Page 61 of Shattered Dreams

“Bet.” I leaned in and nuzzled her neck, kissing my way to her ear. “Not here. Gotta pay attention to our boys. But tonight, after the kids are down?” I nipped her earlobe. “It’s on.”

“Richie.” She giggled, and the boys came running over.

“Can we watch a movie in bed tonight?” Harrison smiled big.

“I think that would be fine if your mom does.”

“Sounds good to me.” She relaxed against me, and we watched them go play more games.

I nursed my beer and enjoyed feeling her beside me. Together, we watched the girls eat and color at the table while the boys played in the arcade.

About a half hour later, I watched Tyler drag himself back to us, yawning. “Are you boys ready to go?”

He nodded, and his brothers came out of the arcade nodding as well. We loaded them up into the car and went back to the hotel. It wasn’t even a fifteen-minute drive, but I could tell we had some sleepy kids on our hands.

God, I hope they fall asleep fast.

Glancing over, I saw Jo with her eyes half closed as well.

Well shit. There go my plans. Wait. What kind of dick are you to be thinking of molesting her with her kids right there?

Her hand reached for mine, and I linked our fingers.

If we were married, we’d have to make the most of any time we’d have.

“Tired, baby?”

“Hmmm, a little, but it’s more that I feel relaxed.” She yawned.

“I can tuck you in when we get to the rooms.”

She looked over her shoulder at the kids, smiled, leaning closer to me. “I’m counting on it.”

I parked the van, and we ushered the kids to the room. We got the boys settled with snacks and drinks and started a movie. Briar threw a fit until she sat beside Harrison.

“Do you mind if I shower?” She scrunched her face in what I knew to be hesitation.

“Baby, go, I got the kids. Take your time.”

“Fine.” She tossed over her shoulder. “I’m going to take a bath.”

Following her into the other room, I waited for her to go in the bathroom; then I changed into my sleep pants and tee.

Grabbing a bottle for Emma, I picked her up and carried her with me to join the kids. I sat on the unoccupied bed, and before I knew what was happening, all the kids joined me as we settled in to watch Big Hero 6.

Jolynn

Turning on the water, I set the temperature a little hotter than I’d have liked, but I slid down into it anyway and closed my eyes.

I can’t remember the last time I took a bath. Or had real help with the kids.

The boys listened to Richard, and around him they didn’t yell. Grady’s speech improved and my prickly little diva, Briar, loved him and picked him over me almost every time he’s near. Even Emma snuggles him.

Would it be wrong dating him? Should I wait until the divorce is done?

I strained to hear to the sounds in the rooms and all I heard was the movie. My boys could watch Big Hero 6 on repeat.

Closing my eyes, I sank further into the heat and before I knew it; I watched a slide show in my mind of everything I allowed to happen over the last ten years.

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