Page 15 of Stolen Kisses

“Well, I finally got my lawnmower fixed, so I was able to cut the jungle out the back.” I laugh nervously because Theo’s face looks like thunder at the mention of cutting my grass.

“You should consider getting yourself arealman. Onewhofixes the lawnmowerandcuts the grass as well.”

I feel as though I’ve just been slapped. His words are harsh and uncalled for. I don’t need a ‘real man’ to cut my grass, because I’m capable of doing it for myself. Just like everything else I do around this place for myself and my boys. Max offered to cut my grass, but I chose to do it myselfbecause that’s what I do.

There’s a knock on the back window, breaking me out of my internal tirade, preventing the words from escaping. Kenny presses her adorable little face against the glass and my heart melts at the sight. Theo retrieves her from the car, holding her close to his body. Her little head resting on his shoulder. She smiles sleepily at me.

“Hello, Emma.”

“Hey, Kenny. Did you enjoy your dinner?”

“Yep. Mypappoúsmade myfavowitedinner. It was so yummy.”

Theosmootheshis hand down the back of her hair. “I need to get this munchkin to bed. See you later, Emma.”

“Sure. Good night.” I give a small wave to Kenny which she returns with a grin.

He leaves me staring after him and I realize I didn’t get the opportunity to put him in his place. He seems to think it’s acceptableto commenton my life. I’m not usually one to stand silent when someone thinks they can have an opinion on me or my life, but he seems to catch me off-guard and on the back foot. Next time, I’ll definitely give him a piece of my mind.

* * *

“When I grow up, Mommy, I’mgonnabe just like Uncle Max.” Austin’s still in awe of Max’s new project. “I’mgonnafix up old cars.”

“Yeah. That’d be so cool. Maybe you could work with Uncle Max.”

“Oh yeah, I didn’t think of that. Do you think he’d let me?” He’s so excited at the prospect, he’s bouncing in his seat.

“I think once you’re older, he would definitely let you.”

“That’d be so cool.”

Lachlan’s looking out of the window, watching the other cars on the road. “What did you think of Uncle Max’s new project, Lachlan?”

“It was old and rusty.”

“Yeah, it was,Buddy. That’s why Uncle Max isgonnafix it. It’ll look just like new.”

“But it won’t be new. It will still be old.”

“True, but some people like old cars that have been fixed up.”

“I guess.” He shrugs his shoulders.

We pull into thedriveway of Kate’snew home and I can’t believe what I’m seeing. I know her boyfriend, Oliver, has a load of money, but this house is something else. Right on the riverfront, it’s absolutely stunning. It’s an enormous home featuring red brick and large windows surrounded by white trim. The garden and surrounds are something from aHome Beautifulmagazine shoot. Steps lead up to a large porch which has beautiful furniture I can imagine Kate and Oliver enjoying when they have spare time.

As we get out of the car, I give Austin and Lachlan the ‘talk’. “Don’t touch anything in there. I don’t want you to break anything because I probably can’t afford to replace it. Okay?”

“Okay, Mommy.” Austin rolls his eyes at me.

“And remember your manners.”

“Yes, Mommy.”

“Lachlan, Kate said she would have a quiet space for you to go to if you need it. Okay?”

“Okay.”

We didn’t bring a housewarming gift because Kate said they didn’t need anything and I can understand why now. As we climb up the porch steps, Kate steps in, wrapping her arms around me.

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