Page 126 of Chosen Road

I stood outside in the parking lot of the school to wait for the boys. The cold air worked as well as a shake and a slap to knock my brain into the present. I breathed deep, then tucked my scarf up around my throat.

Blue skies overhead reminded me that Ruby got on a plane today for the first time in over twenty years. In fact, she should be landing soon. When I spoke to her this morning, she was determined, focused on getting to George and supporting Vander.

“I’m proud of you, Rubes.”

She chortled. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. I still have to get on the plane, and even then, there’s still plenty of time for an inflight incident. Better watch the news until I get back.”

I laughed with her, then reiterated my admiration for her.

“Thank you, Ames. It’s long past time. He needs me.”

“George?” I asked.

“Him, too.”

The school bell rang, and the boys rolled out of school, Alex in front, hands moving expressively as he talked, Jace trailing him, his little face strained.

After Gus’s revelations last night, I surprised him by still wanting to go inside the coffee shop. We sat at a small table, our drinks in front of us, cell phones opened, and planned our weekend with the boys. The normalcy of the activity, sitting across from him at the table acting as a unit and spending time with him outside of our home, further helped me to find my footing.

Tonight, the plan was simple, dinner at West End Diner where we let the boys in on the plans, and then we took in the new Christmas movie at the theatre.

Saturday morning, we got up early and headed for the mall. With cash in their pockets, we set Alex and Jace free to do their Christmas shopping while Gus and I had breakfast in the food court.

“That was good.” I sat back and rubbed my gently rounded tummy.

Gus grinned. “You’re filling out again. I like it.”

I laughed, feeling secure, for the moment, with my husband’s attentions.

“Go buy something for Sunday night,” he coaxed with a smile.

“What’s Sunday night?” I asked.

“Jace will be back home, and you and I have a playdate.” His eyes shone with happiness and dirty plans.

“What if the boys see me?”

He raised his eyebrows, his face taking on that look when he wanted what he wanted with no argument. “You’re not allowed to wear underwear? I want to sit here knowing you’re out there trying on scraps of lace for me. I want to wonder, for the next thirty-six hours, what’s in the bag.”

“Fair enough.” I stood and smiled. I loved how he loved me, how he enjoyed me. “What are you going to do?”

He sat back, crossed his ankles, took out his cell phone, and grinned. “I’m reading the latest recommendation from Aphrodite’s Harem.”

I laughed as I walked away. When I returned, bag in hand, the heat in his eyes sparked the slow burn of anticipation that in my belly. That familiar feeling, that sexual link, both soothed and excited. It was both tether and freedom.

Saturday, after lunch, we took them rock-climbing, then to the indoor trampoline park. By the time we got home, neither of them could move, and we cuddled up on the couch to watch a Christmas movie with Yiayia.

While Alex searched the fridge for a goodnight snack, Jace said his goodnights and quietly slipped upstairs. After a few minutes, I followed him up.

I knocked on the door to Alex’s bedroom, and Jace called out for me to come in. I opened the door and found him lying on the bed, his arms folded behind his head. He was deep, our Jace. Always thinking.

I lowered myself to the side of the bed and put my palm on his chest. After a minute he unfolded one of his arms and covered my hand with his.

Without looking at me, he asked, “Is he going to be okay?”

“Yes.” I nodded. “We’ll make sure he is.”

A tear rolled down his cheek, and he whispered, “How can his mother do that?”

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