Marriage of Necessity

~22~ Come On, Steely Nerves!

Monday morning rolls through harder than high tide, washing away my good mood and bringing seaweed to my soul.

Matthew is leaving

I'm getting some of his things together, and packing him some food, trying hard to keep my emotions nestled safety inside where they belong.

Once I hand him his pack, I can't even look at him. He grabs my chin softly, forcing my green irises to bore into his blue.

"What's troublin' ya?" he asks, his voice husky.

I blink several times and smile, clearing my throat as I shake my head.

"Nothing. You best get on, before Anthony thinks your wife is lazy and can't get you outta here on time."

He stares at me for a long moment, a crease in his brow forming.

"You gonna be ok?" He finally asks, stroking his rough thumb gently against my cheek, causing my tears to try and sneak up without my permission.

I simply bite my lip and nod.

"Answer me, woman," he demands, making his voice velvety soft, removing all trace of true dominance.

"I'm gonna miss you, ya big oaf."

I try to make my tone light and teasing, but he can see right through it. He picks me up and hugs me tight, kissing my lips with so much passion, I immediately feel my senses wake up.

"When I get back, we'll put the kids to bed early. Let's see iffin we can make another youngin', what'd ya say?"

"Hurry home, Mister Olton."

He sharply smacks my bottom, and I take a quick intake of breath. "I thought I told ya it was Matthew," he says, his voice angry, but his face warm and soft.

"Hurry home, Matthew," I say, my tears unable to stay put, and start trickling down my cheeks.

He sees my tears and sighs, bringing me into him. "I'll be back soon, sweetheart."

Sweetheart? Be still my fluttering heart

I nod into his chest, and take the moment to collect myself. When I look back up at him, my face is under control again.

The kids file out of their rooms, about to start their chores. Before they can, Matthew becomes very stern.

"Matthew Frederick, you best pray to the Almighty that ya mind yur mouth. Ya do as yur told, the first time yur told, and ya help her. You'll get the whippin' of a lifetime iffin I hear otherwise. Understand me, boy?"

"Yes pa," he says, looking at his stocking-covered feet.

He ruffles Jamie's hair, and his tone becomes softer. "You mind yur ma, hear me?"

He grins. "Yeah pa"

Matthew kisses the top of his head and then looks at Remi.

"Did ya hear the warnin' I gave yur brother?"

"Yes pa"

"Same applies to you."

"Yes pa."

He nods as he kisses her cheek and hugs her close.

"Pa?" Jamie asks shyly.

"Yeah?"

"I've been super good....."

"Yeah?"

"Well, I've been really super good...."

"What are ya wantin', James Mathias?"