Chapter Sixty Eight

Stephen

We opted for a peaceful day at home with our friends and kids. After the chaos of the past few days, it was just what the doctor ordered.

The kids had been tearing around the yard all morning, their laughter a balm to my soul after the recent stress. Seeing their joy as they raced down the slide was worth more than any amount of money.

We’d just finished lunch when the kids started to get antsy. We decided to let them cool off and hopefully nap in the air-conditioned living room. The women were still outside, my wife nursing Jay.

Soon enough, all the kids were sound asleep.

Clint suggested, “Let’s go for a swim while we have some quiet time before the kids wake up.”

“Sounds good, mate. Babe, can you hand me Jay? I’ll get him in his bouncer while you change,” I offered.

“Thanks, baby,” Trinity replied.

After settling Jay, I joined the others outside while Trin took care of herself.

I noticed Dave watching his wife, and I felt a surge of happiness for him. He’d found the same kind of love Clint and I had. I heard Mia and Clint laughing by the chair, and I chuckled to myself when Clint made a risqué comment about her pregnant belly. It reminded me of all the times I’d teased Trin in the same way.

I’d been in the pool for a while, but Trin still hadn’t come out.

“I’ll be back in a minute, guys. Going to see if my wife got lost on the way out,” I announced.

“If you’re not back in ten minutes, I’m coming looking,” Mia teased.

“Why? You want a show?” I shot back.

“Hahaha, you’re so wrong,” Mia laughed.

“You love it,” I retorted.

“Piss off already,” Mia retorted, and Clint joined in the laughter.

I found Trin in the kitchen, sucking on an ice pop. My heart skipped a beat at the sight.

“Fuck, baby!” I exclaimed.

She looked at me, licking her lips. “Behave, mister! Right now! I know that look! Don’t you even think about it.”

“Why do you have to put your hair in ponytails like that? You’re killing me, momma,” I complained.

“For that reason exactly. Just reminding you who’s boss, baby,” she replied.

“Give me a lick, please,” I requested.

She walked towards me, offering the ice pop. I pulled her close, leaning down to suck on her neck. “Mmm, that’s not what I want to lick.”

She slapped my arm, laughing. “What did we talk about last night, baby?”

“We talked?” I joked.

“Learn to control your actions, Mister,” she admonished.

“Mmm, yes boss. Did I tell you how sexy it is when you control me?” I flirted.

“No, but if you behave today, I might give you another demonstration tonight,” she teased.

“Tease,” I accused.

“You love it,” she retorted.

“Absolutely. Come on, sexy,” I said, taking her hand. We headed back outside, but not before I stole a bite of her ice pop.

“Bad boy! I’ll punish you for that later,” she warned.

“Why do you think I did it?” I winked at her, wrapping my arms around her waist and pressing my hips into her.

“Oh, you’re going to get it when we get back tonight,” she promised.

“Promise? Spank me, momma,” I teased.

“Mmmm, you like that as much as I do, huh?” she smirked, wiggling her butt against me.

“That’s it! Time to cool off,” I declared.

“What?” she asked, but before she could protest, I scooped her up and dove into the pool with her in my arms.

We surfaced, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the look on her face. I swam over to her, wrapping my arms around her waist as she clung to my neck, her legs wrapping around my hips.

“This is nice, you know,” she murmured.

“What’s that, baby?” I asked.

“Just relaxing with you. Not having to constantly look over my shoulder. Enjoying our time together,” she explained.

“Feels like a lifetime ago since we had these days, right?” I agreed.

“It really does. And yet, it’s back to reality tonight when we have to go see Phil and finalize plans to head back,” she sighed.

“Let’s just not think about that right now, okay? Let’s just enjoy. We’ve got some of our closest friends here with us, and—”

“You mean our family, baby,” she corrected.

“Our family here with us, beautiful. Luke and Todd included. Our kids are happy and smiling. Let’s just enjoy the peace, little momma,” I suggested.

“I love you,” she said.

“I love you. Can I make you a promise?” I asked.

“I don’t know, baby. Can you make me a promise?” she teased.

“Cheeky. When this is all done, I want to take you and the kids away, just us five. I want to sit back, relax, and watch our children play. No distractions. No Clint with his cheeky shit, no Mia playing mother hen, no Dave or Felicity or Luke or Todd. I just want my family,” I promised.

“I’ll happily accept that promise, baby. Only if you let me make you one promise in return,” she offered.

“Anything. Not that you have to. The day you promised yourself to me was enough and all I wanted,” I assured her.

“Smooth. Are you just trying to get laid tonight?” she teased.

“Hmmm, I feel like this is a trick question. Is it a trick question?” I asked.

“Always,” she replied.

“So, what’s this promise?” I asked.

“If you promise me that we never have another moment like we have the last few days, or decide to try and make a decision that affects us all without speaking to me first, then I promise when this is done and we are finally free of this mess to live our lives, I will talk with you about it and seriously consider giving you another child like you want,” she promised.

“Really, momma?” I asked.

“Really, baby,” she confirmed.

We kissed lovingly, and I held her tightly, finally learning to appreciate my wife’s strength and the love she gives me.

“Oi, knock it off. I’ve already caught you in the kitchen before. I don’t need to catch you in the pool now,” Clint interrupted.

We both laughed. “Sorry, baby,” Trinity apologized.

“Hahahaha,” Mia laughed.

“You ready to get out and get sorted for tonight, babe?” Trinity asked.

“I’m ready. Let’s do this so we can go home, my love,” I agreed.