Chapter Seventy

Stephen

We’d just touched down in America, and we were all eager to get home. The kids were worn out and cranky, so it was a blessing that we’d landed at night. We could feed them and tuck them into bed right away.

As we’d planned, Sergio had come with us. It was decided that he and Chad would stay at the old place with Clint and Mia. This way, they’d have their own space and wouldn’t disrupt our lives—especially Chad, who’d already caused enough chaos.

Sergio, and even Phil and Eddie before we left, had made it crystal clear to Chad: if he tried anything, there’d be no more chances. He was under the impression we still had the gun used and we’d plant it perfectly to frame him for murder. I was pretty sure he was scared shitless right now.

Benji was coming over tomorrow afternoon. We’d discuss the plan with him properly, and then he’d set up a meeting with the DA and Chief of Police to see if we could sell it to them. Our plan was solid, but it still depended on the Chief agreeing to it, and us all hoping the corruption didn’t run any deeper.

We finally got home, and I carried the twins in while Trinity took care of Jay.

Trinity - “Babe, I'm just going to feed Jay before I put him down so hopefully he'll sleep for a few hours.”

Stephen - “Ok sweetheart, I'm going to get the twins washed and fed so I can get them in bed. Miss Livy is being a pain in the butt tonight.”

Trinity - “She's your daughter.”

Stephen - “Oh, so when she acts up, she's mine?”

Trinity - “She's always been a daddy's girl. Who are you trying to kid?”

Olivia - “My daddy.”

Nathaniel - “No, my daddy.”

Trinity - “Well, he's my husband, so...”

Trinity stuck her tongue out at the twins.

Olivia - “No, mommy naughty.”

Stephen - “Yeah, mommy is naughty, but don't worry, princess, daddy will sort her out.”

I winked at Trinity.

Trinity - “Like you need an excuse now?”

Stephen - “Hahaha, I'll be back, babe. Just going to wash these two and get them in their PJs.”

Trinity - “Ok, baby.”

I headed upstairs and quickly got the twins washed, then brought them down to their high chairs so I could get their dinner. I watched the twins while they ate, grateful that my wife was so organized. She’d already cooked and frozen some food for them, so I just had to heat it up. I didn’t want to deal with two cranky kids tonight while I tried to sort out dinner. I was exhausted myself and knew we had a few big days ahead.

After getting all the kids fed, Trin got Jay settled in his crib in our room, and then we got the twins settled in bed. Thankfully, the flight had worn them out, and they fell asleep quickly tonight.

Stephen - “You hungry, baby?”

Trinity - “Not really, but if I don't eat before bed, I'll wake up in the middle of the night with the munchies.”

Stephen - “I've got something you can eat if you wake up then.”

Trinity - “Hahaha, I swear you never stop.”

I wrapped her in my arms and gave her a soft kiss.

Stephen - “How about you get us some wine, and I'll whip something up quickly?”

Trinity - “Sounds good, babe.”

I pulled some stuff out of the fridge we could still use—we’d need to go shopping tomorrow. My doll came back with a bottle of red and poured us both a glass.

Trinity - “So what did you settle on, babe?”

Stephen - “Just something simple, doll. Some sourdough, smashed avocado, and poached eggs.”

Trinity - “Sounds good, baby. Thank you.”

While I got everything sorted, she took a seat at the kitchen island, and we started talking about what the next few days would hold for us.

Trinity - “You reckon this will work, babe?”

Stephen - “It's a solid plan you've come up with, doll. Benji is just hoping the corruption doesn't run further up the chain. If it does, then he wants to go federal with it and expose the corruption. He's concerned if he has to go down that avenue, we might all need to relocate permanently for our own protection.”

Stephen - “How do you feel about that, doll?”

Trinity - “I go where you go, baby. As long as our family is safe.”

Stephen - “I love you, momma. Here, eat up.”

We sat at the island and ate. After a few minutes of quiet, Trin spoke up again.

Trinity - “Baby, I've been thinking.”

Stephen - “Oh geez, never start a sentence like that. It can never be good.”

Trinity - “Ha, it's fine, baby. But it's an idea, and I wanted to run it by you first.”

Stephen - “Hit me, baby.”

Trinity - “Never. But I might slap that gorgeous butt once in a while.”

Stephen - “Haha, only if I can return the favor.”

She turned on her stool to face me, so I did the same and softly stroked her legs.

Trinity - “I know I still have maternity leave right now, but if this works—the sting operation—it's going to be hectic on our lives and it's going to be a lot of disruption. I don't want it upsetting or having long-term effects on our kids, babe.”

Stephen - “Agreed. So where's this going?”

Trinity - “We've got enough behind us to live more than comfortably, babe. How would you feel if I quit my job instead of returning after maternity?”

Stephen - “I've got no problem with that, babe.”

Trinity - “I just want to be here for our kids. And with all that going on, I want to make sure they have the support and care they need so it doesn't affect them.”

Stephen - “And I love you for it, baby.”

Trinity - “So you don't mind? I can always pick it back up later once we are through this and the kids are a bit older.”

Stephen - “I think it's a great idea, baby. I know how much you love your job. The fact you would put it aside for our kids at the moment makes me love you even more, and I didn't know that was possible. And if the time comes you decide later you are ready to go back to work, I will support you then too.”

Trinity - “Thank you for supporting me, baby.”

Stephen - “I'll always be your biggest supporter, baby.”

I kissed her softly again and stroked her beautiful face. Still to this day, I could get lost in my wife's eyes and be happy never to return.

Stephen - “Come on, baby. Let me pour us another wine. We'll go outside, have a spliff, and then head to bed.”

Trinity - “Sounds good, love.”

I poured us a glass each and headed outside to meet my wife. I rolled us a spliff, and I sat back, pulling her into my lap. We sat holding each other, enjoying a smoke and our drink. But mostly, I was enjoying just being here with her in the quiet of the night that surrounded us.

After we finished our smoke, I pulled my wife up onto my lap. I held her head in my hands softly, gently brushing the hair from her face. I kissed her forehead, over each of her eyelids, down her cheeks, and finally to her lips, which I sucked softly into my own.

Her hands glide gently up my sides, pulling me closer into our shared embrace. My tongue ventures into her inviting mouth, our souls merging into one as we lose ourselves in each other.

Finally, I pull back, taking one more moment to gaze into her stunning eyes.

“Stephen—I love you with everything I have,” I confess.

“Trinity—I love you too, baby,” she replies.

“Come on, babe. Let’s shower and get some rest. We’ve got a fight on our hands starting tomorrow,” I suggest.

“I’ll always fight for us, baby. Let’s do this,” she agrees.

“And I will always fight for you. I’m completely taken by your love,” I assure her.