Page 17 of Stolen Kisses

I’m brought out of my thoughts and back to the party as loud congratulations go up all around. The two people of the hour make the rounds so we can admire her engagement ring and pass on our good wishes individually.

When she finally gets to me, I can’t hold back my excitement for her. “Ohmy gawd, Kate. Congratulations.” I lift her hand to admire her stunning engagement ring. “I’m so freaking happy for you, girl!”

“Thanks so much! I can’t believe he surprised me. I wasnotexpecting our afternoon to turn out like this.” Her gorgeous cobalt eyes are sparkling with pure happiness, her lips spread wide as she admires the sparkling new addition to her finger.

The afternoon begins to wind down and it’s time to get theboyshome. Lachlan’s reached his threshold for the day,if his pacing is anything to go by. We say our goodbyes then head for our car.

* * *

“Austin, go straight inside and have a shower, please. Make sure you wash your hair to get all of the pool chemicals off your body.” I direct as soon as I park the car. I need a few minutes with Lachlan alone, to check he’s doing okay. He zoned out in the car on the way home; I think the afternoon was possibly a little overwhelming for him. I’m hoping the forty-minute drive gave him some time to gather himself. I unlock the front door for Austin and once he’s disappeared inside, I turn to Lachlan. “How are you doing, Buddy?”

He stops next to me, looking past me, thinking. I can’t rush his answer because he needs to evaluate himself thoroughly before he responds. If Lachlan has taught me anything, it’s to be patient and not fill silences with compulsive talk. We stand, as though on pause, for what seems like forever.

“I feel okay. I’m tired though.”

“Do you need some quiet time in your room with your iPad?” I ask gently as I brush his hair away from his eyes.

“Yes.” He steps, with purpose, toward the front door and I remain rooted to the spot with a relieved smile on my face. Collecting everything out of the car, I make my way inside to find Austin doing a nudie run through the house, his little boy chuckles sounding throughout the space. It’s something else being a mom of boys that’s for sure, but those little boy giggles are the absolute best!

–four–

–emma–

“You boys go out toplay while I get dinner ready.” Now that the days are longer and warmer as we get closer to summer, the kids can play outside after school for longerwhich meansthey don’t get under my feet while I’m preparing dinner.

“Okay, Mommy. Let’s go, Lachlan.” Austin’s already halfway out of the back door. He loves playing outside any chance he can get. Lachlan generally needs a bit of convincing.

“I don’t want to play outside.”

“You could play with your new parachute men. The ones you painted to look likeThe Avengers. Just make sure you stay far enough away from the house. I don’t want them getting caught on the roof.”

“Okay. I’ll go outside. I need to make sure Austin doesn’t get them stuck on the roof.” I smile to myself. Lachlanoften feels the need to ensure Austin’s doing the ‘right’ thing, while Austin feels the need to keep an eye on his big brother. The way they look out for each other is really quite sweet.

I check on them from the kitchen window, which overlooks thebackyard,and then continue with dinner prep. I may as well sort out the lunches for tomorrow while they’re playing happily. With my head buried in my fridge, gathering the fruit and vegetables I need, I hear an almighty crash and a sharp cry from one of my boys. Dropping everything instantly, including my heart, I bolt outside to see what’s happened.

Lachlan’s pacing as hehitshis head with his hand. Austin’s on the ground, holding onto his arm and half of my side gutter is hanging precariously from the roof. I drop to my knees next to Austin to investigate his arm, as I try to touch it, his cries become louder.

“Stop, Mommy!” Lachlan shouts at me.

“I need to check if your brother’s okay, Buddy.” I turn my attention back to my youngest son. “What hurts the most, Baby?” With a shuddering breath, he indicates his wrist hurts the most.

Theo comes racing through the side gate, Kenny hot on his heels. “What the hell happened. I heard a loud bang followed by a pained wail.”

“I’m not sure. I just rushed out here myself.” I snap.

“What do you mean? I thought you’re supposed to watch kids 24/7. How come you weren’t watching yours?”he grumbles back at me as he investigates the hanging gutter. With a powerful wrench, he yanks it off completely.

I don’t need this at the moment. “What in the actual truck do you think you’re doing?”

“Making sure nobody else gets hurt. How’s the kid?” he answers as he unceremoniously throws the piece of metal alongmyfence line.

I look back to Austin, who’s calmed somewhat so long as we don’t move his arm. “You’regonnabe okay. Can you move it?”

He shakes his head, sobbing loudly. “I’m too scared.”

“That’s okay. We’ll go to the hospital and get it checked out.” I take off the scarf I was using to tie back my hair and wrap it around Austin’s hand and forearm to stabilize his wrist, which is already beginning to swell, and then tie it up around his neck in a makeshift sling. Then I pick him up gently beneath his legs ready to carry him inside. “Lachlan, come on Buddy. We need to go to the hospital.”

Lachlan follows me inside. I grab a bag of frozen peas, wrap them in a dishcloth, and gently place them on Austin’s wrist to help with the swelling. Gathering the boys as well as my essentials, I lock the house and quickly get the boys in the car to make our way toMercy Vale Hospital.

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