Page 126 of Mind Maze

A dog barks outside. I shake my head, feeling silly for daydreaming again, and make my way over to a window that overlooks the front yard. The tire swing moves as though having just been abandoned. I leave that window and head to the French doors that lead to the backyard. Our golden retriever, Sunshine, can be seen running circles around my daughter, who giggles at her dog’s antics.

I can’t help but grin at the two of them.

Pushing open the door, I call out to Kaitlyn. “Kait, sweetie, Daddy will be home soon. Time to come in and get washed up.”

She makes a cute pouting face, but I’m immune to it, unlike her father. I arch an eyebrow, giving her my most stern motherly look. Finally, she relents and starts for the door.

“Come here,” I say, pulling her to me when she enters the house. “You can play after dinner. Daddy can push you on the swing.”

She hugs me, clearly pleased with that answer. I send her along to the bathroom to wash off the dirt from outside while I set the table.

Sunshine barks, which makes my heart thunder inside my chest. Seconds later, the front door opens.

Heat floods over my skin and I fight a cheesy smile. Do other wives feel like this when their husband comes home from work? Are they obsessed with pleasing him however they can?

Perhaps I’m the only woman like that.

No one I’ve encountered seems to appreciate their family and marriage like I do. They certainly aren’t enamored with their husbands like I am.

Maybe our love is special.

Otherworldly.

Soulmates with hearts entwined.

God, I’m so lucky.

Kaitlyn, upon realizing Daddy is home, bursts from the bathroom and races over to him. She squeals with happiness. He’s ready for her, scoops her up, and spins her around. I laugh because this is their daily ritual.

He’s such a wonderful dad.

“You smell like a dog,” he teases her, kissing the top of her head.

Sunshine barks, tail wagging wildly.

Kaitlyn giggles at his ribbing.

“Why don’t you go and get the silverware on the table, squirt? Help your momma.”

He sets her down and she skips into the kitchen to do as she’s told. His eyes land on mine, drinking me in. I smile, suddenly feeling shy.

“You look radiant today, Romy,” he praises as he walks over to me. “So gorgeous.”

I can’t help but preen. He pulls me to him and I meet him for a deep kiss. I’ve missed him. I’ll be happy when the weekend gets here so we can spend more time together. Waiting around for him all day while he’s at work is difficult.

One of his hands finds my butt and he squeezes it while the other cradles my face. When he touches me, I feel cherished and wanted. It makes my chest warm and my nerves sing.

“Miss me?” I ask between kisses.

“Obviously.”

“Missed you too. Can you take off tomorrow?”

He chuckles, leaning his forehead to mine. “You know I have to work, love.”

The warmth flooding through me turns chilly, but I don’t understand why. Sometimes my mind tries to trick me. I hate when that happens.

Rather than focus on darkness that lurks on the edge of my subconscious, I pay attention to the way he holds me as though I’m his entire world.

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