Page 9 of Target

My ex looks fucking exhausted.

“You look like shit.” I grin, kissing her cheek.

“Fuck you,” her comeback in light-hearted.

I take the baby from her, then she sighs.

“Does she need to see her doctor?” I ask, looking down at the baby in my arms, whose eyes are swollen from crying, her little lip quivers.

“No, she is teething. When she does, she gets sickly. You remember how Rex was.” I nod, because that was a hell of a ride.

Every time he cut a tooth, he would puke so much he would rival a frat house on a drinking stupor.

“Well hell, girly.” I kiss the baby’s head.

She snuggles in closer, and I fucking love that she feels secure enough with me to keep her safe. I was there the day she was born and have been in her life ever since.

If I ever settle down, they will have to know that Ruth and her daughter will always be in my life.

Me and my kids come as a package deal and Ruth’s family is by extension.

I rock back and forth, soothing Emmi, even if I can get her to drop off to sleep, then Ruth will have some peace for a few minutes. The baby’s eyes droop, and I step inside and over to where she takes her naps.

Once I see that she is breathing heavy, her little chest taking deep breaths, I lay her down, keeping from jolting her too much.

Stepping back, I see Ruth grinning at me.

“You always were good with kids.”

“Now you can catch a nap or something. I will drop the kids home later.”

“I will come and pick them up. Andrey will be home by four.”

“If you are sure, I don’t mind.”

“I could use to escape from the house.” She giggles.

“Fair enough.” I step to her, kissing the top of her head.

I walk out, finding both kids already strapped in their car seats, bouncing with excitement. Today will definitely be a better day than slogging in the garage fixing cars. Nothing beats spending time with my kids.

CHAPTER FOUR

MADALYN

I shield my eyes, taking in the outside grounds of the library. It looks amazing.

Beautiful colored bunting is hanging between the lights and poles, balloons are set up, and there are tables and chairs all around, to accommodate each section of the activities.

We made sure that people have places to sit in the sun and in the shade. We even have a baby and toddler area that is completely under a canopy.

Darian and a few of the volunteers help people in some of the areas we set up, while I make sure that the drinks and snacks are all loaded up. To say that local businesses stepped up is an understatement.

Art supplies, crafts items, food, drinks, and so much more have been donated.

This summer program will be two days a week for the rest of the summer every Tuesday and Thursday. It was apparent that we did not have enough donations to cover every day, and itwould be unfair for every business who donated so much to be out of pocket.

“We did good,” Darian says as she steps to me, slinging her arm around my shoulder.

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