Page 64 of Falling Again
Reaching over the console, Natalie took his hand and squeezed it, hard. “I know exactly what you mean. I miss the kids, but this week has been wonderful.”
“More than wonderful,” Anthony countered. “Damn near magical.”
Natalie smiled at his assessment and leaned over for a kiss. It was quick and chaste, the opposite of their passionate week on South Bass Island. “It was magical, and we’ll continue the fun tonight. Don’t think of the bubble bursting; it’s expanding.” Anthony gave her another kiss before, somewhat reluctantly, getting out of the car.
Before their feet hit the threshold, both children ran screaming toward the door. “Mommy! Daddy!” the children chorused as they tackled their parents against the wall. Both Natalie and Anthony fought back tears at the joy on their children’s faces.
“My little love bugs,” Natalie crooned as she peppered both children with kisses.
Anthony scooped up Otis and ruffled his hair, the wavy locks now matching his father’s. “How are you, buddy? Did you have fun with Aunt Alice?”
Otis nodded sagely and wrapped his tiny arms around Anthony’s neck. “Yesph,” he slurred through a mouthful of what Anthony could only hope was candy.
Entering the room and reading his mind, Alice greeted them with a wave. “It’s a gummy bear. I wouldn’t let your children eat plastic.”
Natalie laughed and took Otis from Anthony, allowing Maddie to rush her father and wrap her arms around his legs. “Daddy, look at how much bigger I am!” The young girl proclaimed.
“Woah,” Anthony gasped and knelt to Maddie’s eye level. “You’re nearly a foot taller.” Maddie nodded and stretched her neck, trying to add on another inch. “Did you miss Mommy and Daddy?”
“Yes. But Aunt Alice let us play with special toys at bath time.”
Natalie looked at Alice who raised her hands in defense. “Don’t get excited. They were toys from the dollar store; I just threw them in the water and let them have at it.”
Anthony looked around what he could see of their house, and he didn’t see anything broken or held together with tape and a prayer. “The place looks nice, Alice.”
Natalie shook free of her children and dragged her duffle through to the living room. “I’m with Anthony. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say we never left.”
Alice looked pleased with herself, a new expression that Anthony could get used to. “Thank you, I think. I’m glad you’re back, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a wonderful time with these two ruffians.” At mention of their nickname, both children raised their arms in the air and began screaming, running circles around their aunt. Bending down on her knees, Alice gathered both Maddie and Otis and kissed their cheeks. “Promise to behave now that Mommy and Daddy are back?”
“Yesph,” Otis said, his hand pressed over his heart.
“Yes, ma’am,” Maddie chimed in and winked at her aunt, a sure sign they were put up to this.
“My job here is done. Mom and Dad said the guest room is ready for my return.” Alice picked up her suitcase.
Natalie stepped closer and reached out to Alice, pulling her into a reluctant hug. It was no secret that Alice wasn’t a physical person. She’d sooner eat paste than hug someone, even family. “Thank you so much, Alice. You have no idea how much we appreciate you watching the kids.”
From over his wife’s head, Anthony saw his sister make a face. Anthony knew it would be easier for everyone involved if he and Alice spoke in private. “I’ll help you out,” he said, picking up her suitcase and heading to the garage.
Before he had a chance to close her trunk, Alice was at his side. “You two totally had sex,” she said proudly, as if she had anything to do with the act.
“Not going there, Alice,” Anthony sighed.
“No need to thank me. I’m glad you finally got some action.”
Anthony rolled his eyes and slammed her trunk shut. “First off, I’m not talking about that with you. And secondly, if we did do anything, it had nothing to do with you.”
“Whatever you need to tell yourself to sleep at night.” Alice walked around to the driver’s side door and opened it, her one leg poised to step inside.
“Thank you for watching the kids. And an even bigger thank you for not trashing our house.”
“Your faith in me is outstanding, Tony.” She winked after using his least favorite nickname and closed the door. Before she could back out, Anthony opened the passenger’s door and stuck his head inside.
“Hold up,” he ordered. “I need to tell you something.”
Alice put her car in park and looked at Anthony, her expression giving nothing away. “If this has anything to do with your sex life, you can keep those detail to yourself. I really was joking.”
“Gross, no. It’s about our ten-year anniversary. I’m throwing a surprise party for Nat.”
