Page 47 of Stolen Kisses

–theo–

Declan’s Dineris the quintessential1950s diner, complete with black and white checkered floor tiles, laminate and chrome tables, and an atmosphere which is laid back and relaxed. Stepping through these doors for the first time in probably ten years, holding my girls’ hands in each of mine, Emma’s boys trailing alongside, it feelsdifferent. I’m a family man, not a young single guy seeking something greasy to eat after a big night out.

The pier and diner are busy. Plenty of people had the same idea as wedidto spend Independence Day out and about before settling down to watch the fireworks. Unsurprisingly, red, white, and blue are the colors of choice among the hundreds of people making the most of the beautiful day.

SqueezingEm’shand, I ask, “What does everyonewannaeat?”

After studying the menu boards, we wait for our turn, then place our order. Each of us gives our order to the young guy behind the counter, beforechoosinga table outside on the pier, so we can enjoy the weather and watch people as they pass.

“I can’t believe we’ve already been on summer vacation for one month.” Emma sighs. I pull her chair closer to mine, so I can have some part of me touching her.

“I can’t wait to start kindergarten.” Kenny’s enthusiasm shows in her entire body as she jigs up and down in her seat. “I love mypwincessteacher?”

Em and I laugh at her description of her teacher. “Her name’s Mrs. Stone now. She got married a couple of weeks ago. You’re very lucky to have her as your teacher.”

“Her hair is sopwetty.” Kenny sighs with stars in her eyes.

A server brings out our order and I make sure everyone’s got the correct food and drink. Lachlan and Kenny are enjoying their chicken nuggets, while Austin eats his hotdog. Emma and I dig into our hamburgers and I love watching her eat with gusto—it’s sexy watching my girl enjoy her food.

“I can’t remember the last time I ate here,” Emma moans around a bite, waking up my dick. We haven’t been able to find time alone together since the day of Kate’s wedding. Those hours spent cherishing her body are seared into my mind, making me impatient to do it all again. We steal kisses and touches whenever we can,which will have to be enough for another two weeks. I need her and the boys living under my roof, so I can have her beside me every day and in my bed every night. “These burgers are something else.”

I nod in agreement as I shove another fry in my mouth. “They have that home-cooked taste, which separates them from all other burgers.”

“Definitely.” We continue eating in silence for a few more minutes.

Austin puts down his hotdog, his eyebrows slashed down low over his brown eyes, a thoughtful look on his face. “How come Daddy didn’tcome to get us today?” I was hoping this outing might have distracted him enough. That he wouldn’t notice his dad had skipped out on him and his brother in favor of a weekend away with his new wife.

Emma swallows down the food in her mouth, tucking a lock of silky chocolate hair behind her ear. Her eyes briefly connect with mine before she answers her son. “Well, you know how it’s a long weekend, right?”

He nods. “Yeah.”

“Uh, well, he and Stacey wanted to go away for the weekend as a short holiday.” She smiles as if that will take the sting out of the news for the boys. “You’ll get to see him next month. Imagine all the news you’ll have to share when you see him.”

“Why couldn’t he take us?” Lachlan asks. He may not say much, but he’s very aware of everything that goes on around him and I’ve learned he feels everything deeply. “We like holidays, too.”

Emma looks across to me and I can almost see her heart breaking for herboys. I squeeze her thigh gently underneath the table in support.

“Did you notice anything new in mybackyardthis morning?” I ask the boys. I figure I’ll try to distract them. They both answer in the negative. “Well, Kenny and I set up a tent early this morning.” The boys’eyes light up as they look between Kenny and me.

“Yeah. It was so much fun. We’regonnasleep in it tonight!” Kenny almost shouts. “Like we’re camping in the woods!”

“Really. Can we camp too?” Austin asks with hopeful eyes.

“Of course. That was the plan.” Emma’s eyes widen with surprise, so I gently squeeze her thigh again. I hadn’t told her of my plan because I wanted to see how the boys went today. The plan had been for Kenny and me to camp, but I think she’ll enjoy having the boys join us and it’ll take their mind off not seeing their dad today.

Kenny turns to the boys. “You should see the tent. It’s so cool, there are blow-up beds and sleeping bags. This isgonnabe so much fun!” She claps her hands together with absolute glee.

“We have the ingredients to make s’mores over the fire pit, too. We’ll make a big night of it.” I’m doing my best to sell a night of camping in mybackyardin an attempt to lift the boys’ spirits.

“This isgonnabe great. Can Mommy come too?” Austin asks, his voice full of hope.

A slow smile touches my lips. This may just work out in my favor. Even though nothing can happen, I can sleep with her in my arms. “She’s more than welcome to join us if she wants to.” I look across to Emma, raising my brows awaiting her response.

With wide eyes, she looks like a deer caught in the headlights and I can’t hold back my chuckle. She readjusts her position in her seat, flips her hair over her shoulder, before studying her boys’ hopeful faces. I can see the moment she gives in when her shoulders drop and she huffs out a sigh. “Sure, sounds like heaps of fun.”

The three kids cheer in delight at her agreement and I feel my own shoulders relax, knowing I’ll have her in my arms tonight. Well, my day has definitely taken an unexpected turn—one I like very much.

Wandering through the crowds enjoying the national holiday, I notice Lachlan’s becoming more and more unsettled. Pulling Em close, I ask, “Should we head home? We can possibly see some of the fireworks from my upstairs deck.”

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