Page 154 of Aria

Shit. Late.

Typing out a hurried reply, I jogged the rest of the way to my car. I knew Beth had to be frazzled, even though she’d never show it. Beth didn’t get angry. She didn’t get flustered or stressed out, and it was one of the many things I admired about my wife. It was one of the many things that made her an exceptional mother to our three boys.

Beth had earned her real estate license one year ago. She’d quickly made a name for herself with her poise, knowledge, and friendly demeanor. Her colleagues respected her, and her client base was growing. I was proud as hell. She’d had her eye on the Prager estate for weeks when a call finally came through for a showing. It was a two-million-dollar property with a six-figure commission.

Granted, we didn’tneedthe money. I was an acclaimed solo musician; an international star.

No… it wasn’t about the money. Beth was a self-sufficient woman who prided herself on her personal successes and financial contributions. She’d been a single mother right out of the gate—she clung to her independence, and I loved watching her shine.

I hopped into my car and dialed her number as I sped out of the parking garage. Her soft voice sounded through the Bluetooth.

“Hey,” she said.

A smile was evident in her tone. “I’m sorry I’m running late. My session ran over.”

“It’s okay, Noah. I get it.”

She alwaysgotit. “Hey… let’s take a trip soon. Just the two of us. I’ve been thinking about it.”

Beth was silent for a moment. “Are you sure? You have your tour coming up in the UK. And who would watch the boys?”

“We can sort out the details. We always do,” I insisted. “Our schedules have been crazy lately. I feel like we only see each other in passing.”

It was the truth. In between my song writing, practices, promotional events, and Beth’s real estate commitments, we’d been living as strangers for the past few months. Throw three boys into the mix, all with different needs, and I was desperate for some one-on-one time with my wife.

“Well…” Beth hesitated through the speaker. “If you really think we can pull it off, I’d love to.”

I grinned as I weaved through the city’s heavy traffic. “Yeah? Well, shit. Let’s start planning tonight. I was thinking Bali or Aruba.”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful.” She paused again. “I miss you.”

“I miss you, too.” Snatching my cigarettes off the passenger seat, I searched for a lighter as I sped through a yellow light. “I’ll be home soon.”

I made good time as I careened into the driveway, thanks to equal parts road rage and a V8 engine. Three happy faces greeted me at the door, mellowing me out instantly.

“Daddy!” Jeremiah was quick to plow through his two brothers and smash his nose against the screen. “Daddy’s home!”

Sam unlocked the door and held it open as I breezed up the walkway. “Hey, Dad. I’m going to be late for baseball.”

“Nah.” I scooped Jeremiah into my arms and gave Caden’s hair a firm tousle. “You know how I drive. We’ll have time to spare.”

“If we survive,” Sam said with a laugh.

“Noah?”

Beth made her way down the staircase in a black pantsuit, her hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. Her face lit up when she spotted me in the entryway.

“Go sell a damn house,” I smiled, meeting her halfway across the living room and kissing her forehead.

Her eyes twinkled with adoration as she stood momentarily entranced. “Right. The house. Gotta go.” Beth snatched her purse off a wall hook and flung it over her shoulder. She popped her earrings in as Jeremiah tugged at her pant leg. “You’re sure you’re okay with the activities? I know it’s a lot.”

“I’m basically Super Dad,” I shrugged. “You know this.”

Caden jumped on me then, hanging from my upper arm like a monkey.

Beth giggled under her breath and smoothed out the fabric of her pantsuit. “All right, then. I should be home before you. Want me to whip up some dinner?”

I shook my head as I tossed the six-year-old over my shoulder. Caden screeched in frantic delight, pummeling his tiny fists into my back. “I’ll pick something up on the way home. You should relax. Enjoy an hour or two without four obnoxious boys demanding things.” I shot her a wink as I leaned in for another kiss.

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