Chapter Two

Stephen

Two days have passed since I last saw her. It feels like an eternity.

Stephen - Hi

Trinity - Hi

I move closer to my wife, my arm wrapping around her waist. We share a loving smile.

Stephen - Let's go get our little ones, momma.

She nods in agreement, and I turn to Benji.

Stephen - Everything okay? Do they need anything else?

Benji - All good, mate. Mia and Clint are waiting outside. I reminded them, not so politely, that Mia is pregnant, so they expedited her.

We both share a smile with him.

Benji - Head outside to them. I'll finish up here and then get you home to your kids.

Trinity - Are they okay?

Benji - They're having a blast. I stopped by to see them this morning with Maddie and last night.

Stephen - Thanks, mate.

Benji - Luke, Todd, Dave, and Flick have everything under control. Clint's parents have been dropping by with meals to help out.

Trinity - Baby, we need to get them a thank you gift.

Stephen - Of course, doll.

Benji - Get out of here. I won't be long.

I take my wife's hand and lead her out to where Clint and Mia are waiting. Just before we step outside, I pull her close and hold her.

I lean down and whisper softly to her.

Stephen - I love you.

Trinity - I love you, Stephen. Let's go home, baby.

Stephen - Let's go, momma.

We head out and quickly spot Clint and Mia waiting by Benji's car. We make our way over to them.

Clint - You okay, bro?

He hugs me, then Trinity, as the girls check on each other.

Stephen - Quite the fucking ride, huh, mate?

Clint - You're telling me.

Benji - Ready to go?

We see Benji heading over and unlock his car. We let Mia take the front seat so she isn't cramped and uncomfortable, and Trinity climbs into the middle.

Before long, Benji pulls up at our house.

Stephen - Let us have a quick shower and change, then we'll be over, mate. I want to see my kids.

Trinity - Me too. I miss my babies.

We wave goodbye and head inside to shower and get dressed.

Stephen - Baby, while you finish up, I'm going to get the car out of the garage and warmed up. I can't wait to see our little ones.

Trinity - Okay, sweetheart. I won't be long.

I head downstairs to get the car out and wait for my wife to come out.

Trinity - I forgot how handsome you are, babe.

Stephen - Don't you start. Have you looked in the mirror?

Trinity - What? This old thing?

Stephen - That old thing? That old thing would make me want to put a fourth baby in you if I wasn't missing our kids so much right now.

Trinity - Adorable. You're such a good dad.

She walks up to me and kisses me softly.

Trinity - Come on, daddy. Let's go get your little princess so momma can see her boys.

It doesn't take long to get back to Clint and Mia's. We practically race inside to see our babies.

Stephen - Daddy and Momma are here.

Olivia - Daddy. Momma.

Stephen - My princess. I missed you.

Nathaniel - Mommy.

Trinity - Baby boy.

We scoop up our children, showering them with kisses before swapping and heading to the kitchen where we can hear everyone.

As we enter, Felicity is holding Jay, who is content until he sees his momma and throws a tantrum until she scoops him up.

Trinity - Hi, my baby boy. Mommy missed you.

He immediately settles into his mother's arms as I walk over and gently kiss him on the head.

Stephen - Thanks, guys, for looking after our little ones. We really appreciate it.

Dave - No problem at all, brother.

Luke - We got you, mate. We had fun, didn't we, twins?

Olivia - Yay, cuddles.

I smile as Livy practically launches herself out of my arms to her Uncle Luke, soaking up his attention.

Luke - So what the hell happened? Benji hasn't told us much. He said it was probably better to speak with you.

Stephen - With all due respect, mate, you'll need to ask my wife. I have to respect her wishes, and it's up to her what she wants to say.

Trinity - Luke, why don't you and Todd go wait outside for a minute with the kids, and I'll make some coffees. I just want to talk to my husband, and we'll be out.

Luke - You know you're worrying me right now, don't you?

Clint - Come on, mate. It's all good. We'll explain, promise.

Luke - Okay.

They head outside, and Stephen and I wait until we're alone before heading to the kitchen.

Stephen - I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset him. I just didn't know how much you wanted me to say. I know you didn't want him involved in this.

Trinity - I think it's time we told him everything, babe.

Stephen - Are you sure?

Trinity - I'm sure. If I lose him and he can't accept it, then that's on me. I chose this.

Stephen - Baby, let's just tell him it's to do with my old line of work. I'm okay with telling him what we used to do because since you came along, all that stopped. And it's my past, not my future. But I don't want him knowing about Mike or Daniel, whatever you want to call him, please. I want to protect you. That's still a big part of who I am, and especially you, my wife, I'm always going to want to protect you.

Trinity - That's not fair, baby. That's putting all the blame on you for this mess.

Stephen - Doll, please listen to me. Just let me have this win, please. I want to protect you, okay? I don't want him knowing the rest because that also makes it difficult if he is questioned, okay, baby?

She seems to think about this for a minute before accepting that it makes things difficult for Luke too.

Trinity - Okay, baby.

Stephen - Yeah? We're agreed?

Trinity - We're agreed, baby.

Stephen - Thank you for not fighting me on this, baby.

Trinity - Together, right?

Stephen - Together.

I kiss my wife, reminding her through the dance of our tongues how much I love her.

Stephen - Come on, baby.

I help her carry the coffees out, and we sit down to join everyone. I roll up a few joints and pass one to Luke and Todd.

Luke - So is someone going to tell me what the hell is going on here, please?

Willie - Naughty word.

Luke - Sorry, buddy.

Stephen - Here, mate.

I pass him a spliff.

Luke - What do I want that for?

Stephen - Light up, Luke. You're going to need it for what I'm about to tell you, mate.