Page 74 of Shattered Dreams
“I’m …”
“If you even say sorry next, I will tickle you until you piss yourself.”
“I’m having a great time.”
“Me too.”
“Even though you have blue balls, and my sons decided joining you to shower was the way to go?”
“Jesus. They scared the hell outta’ me.” He laughed. “It taught me to lock the door next time.”
“Don’t forget the naked child with a tick on his nuts.”
Richard laughed so hard I’m pushed aside as he curled up, howling. I joined him and before long I was in tears from laughing so hard.
Once we calmed down, we snuggled back together, and he stroked my back. “Did you have fun with Trish?”
“No. I wanted to be outside and take advantage of the effort you put into this trip for me and the girls. Plus, the girls just enjoyed being outside in the shade until you guys came back. Did you have fun with the boys?”
“I did. They’re great boys.”
“I kinda’ like ‘em,”
“I was thinkin’… what if we look for a place for all of us?” He shrugged. “It’s not like we don’t know each other.”
“You mean move in together?”
“Yeah. Like a family.”
“Johnny is always going to be a part of their lives.”
“I know.” He looked down at me. “Wanna tell me what happened to the sixth baby?”
I sat up as fear pooled in my stomach and I tried to look at him. “Right now?”
“Whenever.” He brushed some stray hair from my face. “I promise not to kill him.”
“Him?”
“Yeah. Johnny.”
I bit my lip and tried to find the words. “It wasn’t his baby.”
“Oh.” He sat up straighter, facing me. “I’m still here to listen.”
“I need to talk about it.” My voice broke on a sob.
“We used to be best friends, Jojo.”
“It feels like we still are.” I wiped snot on my sleeve.
“Okay.” He took my hands in his. “Instead of baby six. Tell me why you really left?”
“Shit.” I wiped the tears away. “Are you sure you want to know?”
“Jolynn, I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. I never got over you. But before we make big plans, I need to know why you left. I can’t fix what I don’t know is broken. And before you get all nervous about the kids and the last ten years. I know those aren’t my kids, but damn if I’m not in love with them as much as I am you. I know it’s a package deal. So those are my kids.”
“You might hate me.” I whispered and tightened my grip on his hands.