Page 85 of Stolen Kisses

He shakes his head. “Nope. He’s also arranged to be the person to drive you to your appointments as well as dropping and picking up the kids from school with you starting next week.”

“What!”

Dad nods, a smile slowly widening across his face. “He’s bound and determined to win you back. Theo’s made his intentions very clear to all of us. You may as well just give in.”

I shake my head in disbelief, fighting the smile that wants to form. “You know he lost his mom and sister to breast cancer?”

Dad nods. “Yes, he explained everything to us. Broke your mother’s heart in the process. She’s pretty much already picking out wedding stationery.”

An unbidden laugh escapes and I wince at the sudden movement—I’ll be glad when I can move freely again. “How can he want to be with me now?” I look down at my missing breasts. “Why would he want the constant reminder of what he lost?”

Dad studies me for a moment, looking down at my chest and back again, his eyes becoming glassy. “Maybe it’s more about what he’s found, rather than what he’s lost.” He raises his eyebrows, clearly proud of his profoundly wise words.

“I don’t know if I can be theonehe looks at every day as a reminder that I survived while his mom and sister didn’t. It’s bound to cross his mind.” I feel I’m completely justified in my concern.

Dad releases a heavy sigh. “Maybe you need to let him make that decision.”

We sit in silence for a few minutes. “I’m scared, Dad,” I whisper.

He shuffles closer to me, wrapping his arm carefully around my shoulder. “Of what, Honey?”

“That he’ll reject me when he sees what my body looks like now. Preston was turned off by my body after I had the boys. I don’t think I couldbearto have that happen again, especially because of scarring to my breasts.” He kisses the top of my head.

“Firstly, I have to acknowledge that I never thought I’d be having a discussion like this with my daughter. Secondly, I’ve seen the way Theo looks at you. It’s exactly the same way I look at your mother. There is nothing, and I meannothing, that would cause me to reject that woman. She could have both breasts and her arms removed and I would still think she’s the most beautiful, sexiest woman on the face of the earth.” He pulls away slightly, his cheeks tinged pink. “Maybe you need to give him a chance?”

He stands, collecting the dishes. “I’ll clean up before the troops arrive.”

I’m alone with my thoughts—analyzing my feelings and past hurts.

Can I move forward?

Can I trust him?

I don’t know.

The front door slams open—a whirlwind of arms and legs come running toward me and I brace myself for impact. Thankfully Theo’s quicker than they are, catching Kenny under one arm and Austin under the other.

“Mommy!”

“Emmmmmmaaa!”

I put my inner assessment aside so I can enjoy seeing my kids for the first time in days. “Hey, you guys! I’ve missed you so much.” I carefully pull each of my sons in for a hug, breathing in their little boy smell. Kenny’s up next, being extra careful with me; she’s such a sweet little girl. They sit with me, catching me up on their week as we all share a piece of chocolate cake, courtesy of Mom. Austin and Kenny eventually get bored and head into Austin’s room to play. Lachlan stays close to me. We don’t speak, just hang out next to each other—me reading my latest book, him watching cartoons on TV. It feels…nice to be home.

Theo’s dad arrives with a ton of hot dishes which smell incredible.After putting the food in the kitchen, he comesstraight toward me; grasping my face, he kisses both of my cheeks. “How are you,togennaíomoukorítsi?” I look over his shoulder to Theo for him to explain what his dad just said.

“He called you ‘my brave girl’.” Theo responds with a smirk. “He’s not wrong.”

I look back at Mr. Drivas with heat rising through my cheeks. “Thank you. I’m feeling much better. Still a little soreand a wholelot tired. But I’m feeling better each day.”

“Good, good. That’s what I like to hear. Now, I’ll go get the dinnerready. You sit here.” He taps my cheek gently before moving away to do whatever it is he needs to do. I hear the silverware clanking as someone sets the table and I count my blessings that I have so many people around me who love and care for me.

Sarah and Max walk in like they own the place. I guess they have been staying here for almost a week, so they probably feel like they do. They both come straight to me on the couch.

Sarah leans down to kiss me on the cheek first. She presses her forehead against mine, her eyes glassy as she whispers, “I’m so happy you’re okay, Sis.” Her words are soft but heartfelt. I know this has been tough on her and Mom. I guess as women, we have a different bond with each other. When one of us has to go through something tough, we all feel it. This is particularly personal for the three of us. Mom’s been having mammograms for years, coming back clear every single time—thank goodness. Sarah’s too young to have started with the annual screening, but she’s promised to talk to her doctor aboutgettingone done sooner rather than later.

Max is next to welcome me home with a kiss on my forehead. His rough hands cup my face as he studies my eyes. “You’re a champ, Sis. But you look tired. Want me to kick everyone out?” Only Max. He never says much, but he sees everything (except maybe that his girlfriend was a leech).

I smile at him. “I’m okay. Thank you for asking though.”

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