Page 86 of A Taste of Grace

“No pressure. Are we good? Do you want to talk some more?”

“I’m not going to lie to you. I’m still kind of pissed. We have to work on our communication.”

“Agreed. Is there anything else you want to know about Madeline?”

“Do you still love her?”

Caleb’s shoulders collapsed.

“Not at all. She’s conniving and only wants attention. We agreed she wouldn’t have any real contact with the girls unless they wanted to when they were older. I’m not messing us up because of her foolishness. I’ve waited too long for my amazing Grace to show up. That was why I kept calling you.”

When I felt tears welling in my eyes, I reconsidered taking the pregnancy test sooner rather than later. It made no sense for me to be this emotional. No, I would stick to my guns and wait until I was alone. Although Caleb repented, I wanted to process what a baby might mean for us moving forward.

“Thank you for being kind. I’m going to wash up and get some rest.”

“I planned to spend the night.”

“If you stay, we won’t sleep.”

“As much as I want to sex you up, I respect your work.”

Caleb put on his briefs and reached for his T-shirt before pulling it over his head. He put on the rest of his clothes and returned to my side to kiss my forehead.

“I need to go so I’ll be ready to get the kids to school. Safe travels, love. Call me anytime, and let me know you’re safe. I’ll miss you.”

I threw on my robe and walked Caleb to the front door, giving him a deep kiss and a hug before he left.

“Thank you for not giving up on me. I’ll miss you, too,” I said.

“You’re stuck with me, love.” He kissed me a final time.

I locked the door and leaned against it, closing my eyes and allowing the goodness of this relationship to settle in my spirit. We were going to be alright. We had to be.

Missing You

I didn’t realizehow much Grace filled the holes in our lives until she was gone. For the rest of the week, she and I texted throughout the day with three daily video calls—a G-rated family one in the morning and night and an X-rated Mommy and Daddy session in my bedroom after hours.

“I miss you so much, my love. How was your day?” I spoke the words as Grace lay seductively on the bed in her hotel wearing a red lace teddy that dipped low.

“Great.”

“Are the girls asleep? They loveThe Pout Pout Fish.”

“Yes.”

Fifteen minutes earlier, Grace and I read their favorite book with them and said prayers. With my phone in hand, I locked my bedroom door.

“You look sexy, mommy.”

“Thank you, daddy.”

She held her arm out and brushed her hand across the bodice of the top with its sheer panels that barely held her full breasts.

“They look bigger. Put them to the camera so I can kiss them.”

Grace fell out laughing.

“You are so silly. Take off that shirt so I can get my fix too.”

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