Page 96 of Stolen Kisses

He swallows before looking at me. “I know you’re going to need to take a fair amount of time off work. I also figured you probably don’t have enough leave saved up to cover the whole period. The other thing I know is that insurance won’t cover all of your expenses.” He gestures with his head toward my boobs and I roll my eyes. “So, I wanted to help you out as part of my apology for being a dick.”

I’m glad I’m sitting down because this is completely unexpected. He has been a dick of epic proportions and his payments certainly don’t cover all of my expenses raising our boys as well as putting a roof over our heads. “When do you expect me to pay you back?”

His eyes scrunch up as his brows drop. “It’s a gift—let’s call it‘beinga dick’tax.” I burst into laughter, wincing at the pressure on my expanders. “Are you okay?” He sits forward ready tohelp me if I need it.

“I’m okay. I have to be careful not to move so suddenly like that.”

He looks at me and for the first time in a long time, I see compassion in his eyes. The protective walls I’ve built up over the years toward him begin to soften. “I don’t expect you to pay it back—ever. I also intend to increase my monthly payment for the boys above what the court stipulated. I know what I’ve been paying you has been subpar.”

I run my finger over my eyebrow, to check it’s still on my face because I’m worried it just flew off in surprise. “Uh, this seems a bit much, Preston.”

“It’s not enough. Not really. I want to help you out.” He looks as though his puppy just died. “Would I … uh … can I see the boys? Maybe take them out?” Well, today is all about surprises. “I mean, I know it wasn’t planned and I didn’t let you know ahead of time, but would itbeokay?”

“Sure. Let me go check with them. Wait here.”

“Boys!” I call as soon as I step inside.

“In here, Mommy.” They’re sitting on the couch watching their favorite movie.

I turn off the television and crouch down in front of them. “Your dad’s here. He would like to see you if that’s okay.” I look between each of my boys, gauging their reaction.

Lachlan’s shoulders slump. “Is Stacey here too?”

“No, Buddy. Daddy’s here by himself. Stacey and Daddy aren’t together anymore.” Both boys’ faces light up with wide smiles. “So, would you like to see him?”

“Oh yeah!” They both jump up from the couch. They haven’t seen him since May, the month before his wedding.

I laugh, caught up in their joy and excitement. “Hold on. You guys need to put on some warmer clothes.”

The three of us head upstairs. I get themreadyto spend some long-overdue time with their father, dressing them in layers. Kenny follows us back out to the front porch to saygoodbyeto the boys, Theo following close behind.

Preston immediately embraces them both, the release of tension from his shoulders obvious. Kissing both boys on the top of their heads, he looks up, spotting Kenny. “Who do we have here?”

Theo rests his hand on Kenny’s shoulder. “This is Kennedy. My daughter.”

My eyes widen at his statement, a smile touching my lips. Kenny looks up at Theo as though the sun rises and sets with him. He bends, scooping her up into his arms, landing a kiss on her cheek making my heart burst with his fatherly display of affection.

Preston holdsout his hand to Kenny. As she places her hand in his, he bows slightly. “Very nice to meet you, Kennedy.” Kenny giggles, tucking her face into Theo’s neck. I’ve never seen her so shy before. “Okay, boys. Are you ready?”

Simultaneous ‘yeses’ ring out on the front porch from the boys. I kiss each of themgoodbye. “Have fun and be good for your daddy.”

“We will,” they both answer in unison. I marvel at how in sync they are sometimes.

“What time would you like them home?” Preston asks as he places his hand on eachof his son’sshoulders, tuggingthem close.

This Preston is unfamiliar to me. I look to Theo for guidance, but he’s no help, offering only a shrug. “Uh, in time for dinner? Unless you want to take them somewhere for dinner too?”

“Would you mind if we see how we’re going and I’ll call you?”

“No problem.” He smiles at me, tipping his head to Theo and Kenny as he takes his first step from the porch with our boys.

“Bye, Lachlan. Bye, Austin,” Kenny calls as she waves them goodbye. She’s going to miss them today. Maybe we can have some girl time this afternoon.

The boys disappear down the street with their father, leaving the three of us behind. I have to be honest—it feels weird. For so many months, he hasn’t been part of their lives, and now he’s back. The smiles on the boys’ faces were priceless, their little bodies were vibrating with joy. I only hope Preston’s learned his lesson and makes better choices from here on out.

–theo–

“You go up for your shower, I’ll be up soon.” I wipe over the counter, ensuring the sticky residue from the ice cream we had for dessert is completely gone.

---