Page 7 of Stolen Kisses

Huh.My steps stall as it registers that I thought of Kenny asmy girl. I guess that’s exactly what she is. Dad andIare‘it’for her. I’m her guardian, which is the same as being her parent. I need to take this seriously. It’s not a temporary situation; we’regonnabe together through thick and thin. She’s already lost somuch,I refuse to allow her to experience any further pain. I want to make sure she gets to live her best life. Maybe that’s why Anna requested for me to be her guardian. She knew I would take the role seriously and work my ass off to give her a good life. After all, I was always the one to come to my sister’s aid when we were kids and into our teens.

I’m plating the last pancake,when a sleepy-eyed little girl who’s already stolen my heart, wanders into the kitchen rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

“Morning, Munchkin,” I call.

She stops in her tracks, drops her hands, tilts her head, and looks at me with eyebrows drawn down over blue eyes—just like her mom’s, just like mine.

“Munchkin?” she questions in her sleepy little girl voice.

“Yep, I’ve given you a nickname which means I like you.” I point from her to the table. “Sit down, I’ve got a treat for you.”

With wide eyes and a ghost of a smile, she moves toward the table and takes a seat. I load the table with the pancakes and the limited topping items we have. Shopping is a must for today.

“I hope you’re hungry.”

“I’m starving.” She licks her lips as she surveys the table.

I place a pancake on her plate and load the toppings on for her. Hmm. Should I cut them up for her? I’m not sure how much I’m supposed to do to help her out.

“Do you need me to cut it up for you, or can you manage?”

“I can do it.” She works hard to manipulate her knife and fork, managingto tear pieces of pancake away. Good enough in my book. “This is yummy, Uncle Theo.”

“Thanks.Yayaused to make these for your mommy and me when we were little.”

“Youwaslucky. These are da best.” She licks her lips. “Can we have them every day?” She looks at me with hopeful eyes.

“Ahh.” I scratch my fingernails through my beard. “Probably not. Maybe just on Sundays.”Look at me being all parent-like.I’ve got this, no problem. “Eat up. We need to get you dressed, so we cango to the store.”

–emma–

Oh, my gawd! That ass. I’m pretty sure I could bounce quarters off of it. The new addition to my Sunday morning quiettime certainlywokeme up. I’m not sure if I moved away from my window quickly enough to not be seen, but Iwascaught completely off-guard.

Twice a month, if Preston doesn’t skip out on the boys, I havefrom Saturday morning to Sunday lunchtimefree. I normally wake at my regular timetoenjoy a coffee on the cute window seat in my corner window. It’s probably one of the few redeeming features of this house. I’m not lucky enough to have a deck out from my bedroom like next door, but the cozy seat that looks across my backyard isn’t to be sneezed at. Sometimes I read, but today I was surveying my back garden. I really need to get my mower repaired so I can cut the grass; it’s grown so long. As I looked up at the house next door, I spotted a figure on the upper deck. I almost choked on my coffee when I realized mybrand newsexy neighbor was stark naked while drinking his coffee.Hot damn!I wonder if that’ll be a regular Sunday morning event. I certainly hope so.

I jumpup after noticing the time on the clock next to my bed. I’d better get my chores done before I head over to pick up the boys from their sleepover with Mom and Dad. It’s a godsend that they take the boys for me once a month. They stick to the same routine as I do and with it being a regular occurrence, Lachlan has no trouble coping. I’m so thankful because it gives me the break I desperately need for my own mental health. As much as I love my two sons, they can be a lot. Particularly Lachlan with his needs and regular appointments each week after school.

I enjoy a longer shower, washing my hair, shaving, and scrubbing my body. Most days, I do the bare minimum because I don’t have a minute to waste. This is a decadent luxury, standing under the warm water and letting myself be. Getting out, I put a mask in my hair, wrap it in plastic and follow with a charcoal mask on my face. Now to turn up my favorite music and get some tidying up done.

I’m putting my heart and soul into singing like a superstar about kissing until I’m drunk and dancing like Jagger when I look up, catching sight of my sexy new neighbor watching me through my living room window. I freeze in embarrassment. Gawd! Yesterday, I was a mess in the garden. Today, I’ve got my hair wrapped in plastic, charcoal on my face, and I’m in my oldest t-shirt and yoga pants. I’ve only got an old sportsbra on while I’m bouncing around. I’m finding all of my bras are becoming uncomfortable. I need to get new ones, but it takes me ages to find a bra I like for the size of my boobs. He’s carrying my casserole dish from yesterday; his eyebrows are almost hitting his hairline, while he has a slight tilt to his lips.

He points to my front door and I can only nod; myheadistheonly part of my body able to move. Next thing I know he’s standing in the entry to my living room indicating I should turn down my music. I manage to collect myself and get my ass into gear to turn down the volume.

“You should lock your front door. It’s fucking dangerous to have it unlocked like that. Especially with how loud you play your music. You won’t hear anyone coming into the house,” he snaps at me. Raising the dish he’s holding, he places it on the entry table, turns, and leaves. The door slams behind him and I see him stomping across my grass to his house, shaking his head.

What the hell just happened? I’ve barely moved, still looking out of my front window.

Once he’s out of sight, I draw in a deep breath. Not sure what’s up his nose, but I don’t appreciate having my vibe smashed to pieces. I stomp my way upstairs to my bathroom. I angrily wash my hair and face, dry off, and get dressed—all of my calm vanishing into thin air.

* * *

Standing on Mom and Dad’s front porch, Isuckin a deep breath. Shaking out my body, I start from my fingers, moving up my arms, through my body, and finally, I roll my neck. Dropping my shoulders into a more relaxed position, I mentally prepare for the onslaught of my family. I love them all to pieces and they’ve really stepped up over the past five years since my marriage fell apart, but they can be …a lot. I can’t go in there feeling agitated, Lachlan will pick up on it and respond inkind.

Putting a smile on my face, I open the door to step into my childhood home. The smell of roast beef assaults my senses immediately and my mouth waters to taste Mom’s roast vegetables. Sunday lunchhas been atradition in this house ever since we all moved out. It makes her happy to feed us all once a week and I’m happy to be fed by someone other than myself.

I have a routine when I arrive. I seek out my boys first; they’re always my priority. As I walk down the hallway, Austin spots me. His cheeky smile lights up his face as he holds up his arms, runningtoward mehe leapsat my body for me to catch him. My baby. He wraps his arms and legs around my body like a monkey, giving me a sloppy kiss on my cheek.

“Hello, Mommy. I missed you.” This boy overflows with affection and shares it often and freely. He gives the best hugs and he’s such a great little brother to Lachlan. He’s so patient and empathetic to his big brother’s needs.

---