Chapter Thirty Four

Trinity

It had been a week since Lachie was contacted by the guys, who had urged the Feds to strike a deal with Detective Grounds. We were all on pins and needles, waiting to hear from Lachie. We didn’t know if the deal was accepted, if it was going to happen, or if we were being fooled again.

Add a new baby to the mix, and everyone living under one roof, and we were all starting to feel a bit cooped up. We decided to take turns going out as couples, to spend time with our significant others away from the crowd. The rest of us would watch the kids. Tonight, it was Benji and Maddie’s turn to go out, so the rest of us were at home, getting our kids settled and anxiously waiting for a call.

Mia and Clint decided to turn in early. They were still exhausted, which was understandable with a newborn. You take any chance you get to sleep. Dave and Felicity hung out with us for a bit before heading upstairs to watch a movie.

Stephen - How about a midnight swim, Mrs. Gotti? We can bring the baby monitor with us in case the kids wake up.

Trinity - Well, if you insist. Spending time with my half-naked, sexy husband is such a hardship.

He grins at me, taking my hand as we head upstairs to change. True to form, Stephen dives straight into the pool without testing the water. I’m more cautious, especially if the water is cold. I’m sitting on the edge, dipping my legs in, when he resurfaces. The sight of my husband hits me like a punch to the gut.

I never tire of looking at the man I call mine. The sexiest thing about him is seeing him with our children. Even now, I sometimes pinch myself, wondering if this is real.

I’m so lost in my thoughts that I jump when he appears in front of me, resting his wet arms and head on my lap. He looks up at me with those captivating eyes.

Stephen - Hi, doll.

Trinity - Hi, handsome.

Stephen - Has anyone told you today how beautiful you are? It’s amazing that you’ve carried three children and still look like that.

Trinity - Only my husband would say that about this mom bod.

Stephen - Are you kidding? Your husband is one lucky bastard. This body, this woman, is incredible.

Trinity - You think you’re so smooth, don’t you?

Stephen - What?

Trinity - Say it.

Stephen - Say what?

I raise an eyebrow at him, and he knows I’ve caught on to his game.

Stephen - Want to make another baby with me?

Trinity - You’re incorrigible.

Stephen - But you love the making them part.

Trinity - I love all of it, not just that. But can I handle any more sleep deprivation? I already have three children under five and a man-child.

Stephen - But baby, you look so sexy pregnant.

Trinity - That’s the worst excuse I’ve ever heard for wanting to have another baby.

Stephen - I can’t put it into words, baby. I just... I don’t know.

I watch as he lowers his head, and I think I understand.

Trinity - Baby, look at me.

He lifts his head slowly.

Trinity - Is this because you never had a real family? I know from loving you how much love you have to give, and you’ve always wanted a family to share that with.

Stephen - It could be that, baby. Like I said, it’s hard for me to understand myself sometimes. But I just long to have a big family with you.

Looking into my husband’s eyes, I can see how much this means to him.

Trinity - Baby, I promise you, once we get through this, I’ll give you another child. Let’s put this part of our lives behind us first, and then I’ll give you whatever you want.

Stephen - Promise?

Trinity - I promise.

The next thing I know, Stephen grabs my ankles and pulls me into the pool. He wraps his arms around me as we float back to the surface. I wipe the hair from my face and slap him on the chest before wrapping my arms around his neck.

Stephen - Payback for Jamaica.

Trinity - Wow! Doesn’t that feel like a lifetime ago?

Stephen - We got old, Mrs. Gotti.

Trinity - Never. My husband is still to die for every day.

We share a soft kiss as we float around the pool, me wrapped in my husband’s arms, my legs around his waist. We enjoy the peace of the night and each other’s company.

Stephen - Of all our dates, which one is your favorite?

Trinity - That’s easy. It will always be our first date. What you did for me that night, lying under the stars... We never get to see stars like that in Chicago. They’re always overshadowed by the city lights.

Stephen - Look up, baby.

I look up, as does my husband, and I see a million bright stars staring back at us. The moon is as bright as a diamond reflecting the sun.

Stephen - This sky, the sea over there... It reminds me of our first night on our honeymoon in Koh Samui. That night, and our wedding night, are two nights I’ll never forget.

Trinity - Why that night?

Stephen - You just glowed under that moonlight. And my emotions were still running high after finally being alone with my wife. I don’t know... It’s just a really special memory for me, baby. That, and the days our kids were born.

Trinity - Ready to get out? You’re getting a bit wrinkly there, husband.

Stephen - But you promised to love me even when I was old and wrinkly and grey.

Trinity - I’m looking forward to this grey you speak of. You’ll definitely be a DILF.

Stephen - Hahaha, a DILF, really?

Trinity - Really. My DILF.

Stephen continues to float to the shallow end. I’m wrapped around him, my face buried in his neck. I can feel him starting to grip my butt. He finally stands up and immediately wraps both his hands around my butt. I start to kiss his cheek, moving to his lips.

Stephen - Fuck, I love you so goddamn much. It just... It drives me crazy how much I need you, Trinity.

I can feel his grip on me tightening. I know these moods of my husband’s, and I know it’s going to be a wild night. I also know not to tease him when he’s like this. He needs to be in control. And I love it when he unleashes that beast on me.

Our kisses grow more intense, and Stephen begins to guide us out of the pool. Suddenly, the shrill ring of his phone cuts through the air. We break apart, and I hop out of his arms just as he sets me down. We both scramble, racing to reach his phone. Stephen snatches it up and answers in a rush.

“Lachie!” Stephen’s voice is urgent on the phone. “Did he take the deal?”