Page 126 of Waiting for Redemption

Our kitchen table currently looks like the summer section in Target threw up on it, and if we weren’t supposed to be dragging the Christmas decorations out tonight I wouldn’t care. Typically we get them out the day after Thanksgiving but things have been a little different this year and I’m okay with that. Hendrix and I gave up on trying to clean about a half hour ago and have been playing Go-Fish on the living room floor while waiting for Tank to get home. I told him I was planning to cook dinner tonight, but I physically cannot bring myself to cook in a messy kitchen, so I’m hoping we can order takeout instead.

“I win,” Hendrix yells, just as the front door opens.

“I’ve created a card game monster.” I smile as Hendrix winks at me.

“Hello,” Tank calls as he kicks off his boots by the door.

“Dad!” Hendrix jumps to his feet and runs over to greet him, whereas I’m so tired I can barely move.

“My dude.” Tank scoops him up in a hug before walking into the living room. “There she is.” He smirks at me as he sets Hendrix back on the ground, laying on the floor with dramatic grunts before letting his head fall into my lap.

“Are we tired today, little wife?” he asks, biting my thigh before looking up to wink at me.

“Exhausted. When did shopping and getting lunch become so tiring?” I ask, running my fingers through his dark brown hair.

“You want to just get take out tonight, or order a pizza?” he asks, taking my free hand in his, and kissing the top of it.

“That sounds amazing.” Both of our heads snap up when we hear Maverick growling, but we relax again once we see he and Hendrix are just playing with his rope toy.

“Not complaining, but are we taking the kitchen table with us to the beach? Cause it looks like it’s got everything we’re going to need on it,” Tank remarks, earning an eye roll from me.

“No.I was planning on packing most of it after I got the house cleaned so it would be out of the way, and since we won’t need ithere.But then the house didn’t get clean and my brain shut off so we started playing cards instead.”

“Got it.Well,” he stands, pulling me up with him, “I can either try and pack everything up—though I feel it would just get done twice. Once when I do it, and again when youre-do it. Or I can get the food and then take instructions when I get back.”

“I’m sure you already know the answer to thatsooo,I would like stir fry tonight please.” A big grin spreads across my face as I throw my arms around his neck. He wraps his large hands around my waist and pecks my lips quickly three times.

“Yes ma’am. What about you, kiddo? Fried rice?” He nods to Hendrix, making him let go of Mav’s rope, falling back on his bottom as his hands fly in the air.

“Fried rice!” he cheers. “Can I go with Dad?” He gives me the puppy dog eyes, and as much as I want to say yes to it, I know for a fact his room looks like the Goodwill donation center and I have no intention of cleaning thatandthe kitchen table.

“Not this time, bud. You have to clean your room.” Tank moves to drape his arm over my shoulder.

“UGH!Fine,” Hendrix grumbles. I open my mouth to correct his attitude, but Tank beats me to it.

“Hey. Watch your tone when you’re talking to my wife, young man.” His tone is the perfect blend of authoritative and playful, making Hendrix look up apologetically.

“Yes, sir. Sorry, Mommy.” He hugs my waist before marching off to his room to start cleaning.

“I’ll be back soon.” Tank kisses me once more before walking over to put his shoes back on. I run my hands down my face, willing away the procrastination I feel trying to tempt me to sit on the couch. “I’ll tell you what. If you get half the kitchen table cleaned off by the time I get back, I’ll reward you in averymemorable way.” His comment immediately has my energy levels picking up.

“All of yourwaysare memorable so far.” I walk over, running a finger teasingly from his chest to the top of his jeans.

“You better stop if you plan on eating tonight. You’re one finger twitch away from getting thrown over my shoulder and hauled off to the room.” I debate twitching my finger just to see how true his statement is, but I decide against it when my stomach twists with hunger pains.

“Fine.Be safe. I love you.” I tuck my hands behind my back and lift my chin. He kisses me a little longer this time, and I take a moment to memorize the way his warm lips cover mine, melting me right down to my core. Even though his plans ofhauling me to the roomare tempting, I’ve been craving stir fry for weeks so I’m not risking missing my chance to get it.

“I love you too, my perfect wife.” He cups my face in his hands, kissing my forehead before finally heading out the door.

I turn around and stare at the kitchen table—my Everest—and sigh.

You’ve got this Ruby. Just start.

I walk to the fridge and crack open an energy drink, taking a couple of sips as I hype myself up for the task. I carry all the things needing to be packed in mine and Tank’s bag to our room, and everything that can go in the beach bag stays in the kitchen. When Hendrix finally emerges from his room I realize I’ve gotten half of the table cleaned off already.

“Mom, come look. My room issoclean.” He waves me over. I grab his new swimming trunks, slides, and beach towel before following him down the hall.

“Show me,” I tell him excitedly. Sure enough, his room looks immaculate. I’m kind of shocked because typically there will still be things on his dresser or they’re all shoved in the closet floor, but not this time. “Hendrix, this looks amazing. I’m so proud of you. You didn’t hide toys anywhere.”

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