Page 22 of Through the Fire

“Wa-what? No. I have Poppy. And I have to get the kids from school. I can't just leave,” I remind him.

“Just…give…me…one….okay. Mom said she’ll watch Poppers and we won’t be gone long. We’ll grab your crotch goblins from school on the way back to your house.”

“Lane…where are we even going?” I ask.

“Just be ready,” he commands. “Wear a hat and a pair of sorority-girl-with-a-white-claw-hangover sunglasses. We don’t want anyone to see your face. Be there soon.”

“No. Wait. Where are-“ he hangs up ending my line of questioning.

I sigh and finish moving the clothes to the dryer then walk over to where Poppy is still coloring quietly.

“Hey there’s my big girl. Whatcha doing?” I sidle up next to her and crouch so I can look into her eyes.

“Colorin’ a picktur for daddy.” Her little fingers grip a brown crayon as she fills in the face of her dad. “It’s too dark for daddy’s skin.”

“No baby. It looks perfect. Daddy will love it.” She smiles up at me and I give her a kiss on her cheek. “Guess what?”

“What what what?” She asks excitedly.

“Honey is going to come play with you for a bit while I go with Uncle Lane.”

“Yay! Honey and Unky Lane!” She cheers.

I make a snack of apples and peanut butter and go about picking up around the house. I lose track of time and jolt when the mudroom door swings open and I hear Poppy yell, “daddy!”

I look at my watch and see that it’s much earlier than Roman said he’d been home. I walk into the den and find them sitting on the floor while Poppy feeds him one of her apple slices.

“Hey,” I say.

He rolls over and looks at me with a panty melting smile. “Hey babe. Got off sooner than I thought.”

I fold my lips between my teeth and nod.

“My mom was planning to come over and stay with Poppy while I run a quick errand with Lane,” I explain.

“Oh,” he pops up and stands while Poppy wraps around his leg like a monkey. “Okay. Well…I can stay with her. Tell your mom not to worry about coming over.”

I nod and walk off to text my mom.

Me: hey mom. Rome got home early. Don’t worry about coming over to watch Pop. Thanks anyway.

Mom: okay sweetie. I’ll call you later. Love you.

Me: love you, too mom.

I pocket my phone and go upstairs in search of a ball cap and sunglasses. I changed into my favorite pair of athletic shorts, a loose t-shirt and my favorite Houston Wranglers hat.

I’m sliding my sneakers on when I hear the doorbell ring. I practically fall over myself trying to rush down the stairs before Roman can get to the door.

I don't make it.

“Hey Lane,” Roman greets, cheerily.

“Hello douche canoe,” he says back.

“Lane!” I snap at him.

“It’s okay, Luna. I deserve that.” His voice is low and the shame is written all over his face.

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